Member Spotlight: May Alavi, Data Engineer, Anumana

Introduce yourself:

Hi, I’m May. I’m a Data Engineer at Anumana, where I’ve been working for a month now. My journey into tech is a bit unconventional, I actually have a Law degree. But I’ve always been drawn to problem solving and building things, so transitioning into data engineering felt like a natural fit. Outside of work, I love staying active. Whether that’s football, running, or just exploring new places.

Career highlight:

One of my proudest achievements has been successfully transitioning from law to engineering. It was a big leap, but I embraced the challenge, upskilled myself, and now I get to work on impactful data solutions every day. It’s proof that with the right mindset, you can pivot your career and thrive.

Name three words that describe your personality:

Passionate, ambitious, and creative.

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

The best thing about pro-manchester is the community. It brings together professionals from diverse industries, creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth. It’s a great platform for making meaningful connections and staying plugged into what’s happening across the city.

What are your priorities for 2025?

Deepening my technical expertise, especially in cloud data architecture and machine learning pipelines. Contributing to open source projects and mentoring others who are transitioning into tech. As well as building stronger connections within the Manchester tech community.

What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

Manchester’s tech scene is thriving, especially in healthtech and AI. There’s a real push toward innovation and digital transformation, which is exciting to be part of. I also think the focus on sustainability and inclusive growth is crucial, making sure the city’s development benefits everyone.

Favourite meeting place in Manchester?

I love meeting at Purezza. it’s stylish, relaxed, and has great artisan pizza. It’s perfect for both casual catch ups and more focused work sessions.

Are their any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

I’d love to connect with businesses in sustainability. I’m especially interested in companies that are using data to solve real world problems and improve lives. Collaborating with mission driven teams is always inspiring.