Today we’d like to introduce you to Umelo Onyejiaka.
Umelo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Transitioning from accounting into tech was far from simple. I had to teach myself, work through setbacks, and navigate a lot of uncertainty just to break into the industry.
And once I found my footing, launching DevOps Detroit became its own demanding journey; one that required vision, resilience, and a willingness to build something from the ground up.
What’s kept me moving is the understanding that I’m still learning. Every project, every challenge, every win teaches me something new. Those experiences built my discipline, sharpened my creativity, and deepened my commitment to community.
They’re also why I’m focused on creating space, opportunity, and support for others—especially those who are just starting their own journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning from accounting into tech pushed me into a world where I had to learn almost everything from scratch. I didn’t have all the answers — and honestly, I still don’t. A lot of my journey has been learning on the fly, seeking guidance, and letting every challenge teach me something new.
Even after breaking into the industry, building DevOps Detroit came with its own set of growing pains. I was figuring out leadership, community building, and consistency all at the same time. I’m still learning how to balance it all.
I don’t look at myself as someone who has “arrived.” I’m a student of this work every day. The struggles along the way have just made me more open to growth and more committed to helping others who are also trying to find their way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my work, I balance two worlds: the technical side of cloud engineering and the community-building side of DevOps Detroit. Professionally, I focus on cloud infrastructure, automation, and helping teams work more efficiently. But just as important is the work I do outside of my day-to-day — organizing workshops, creating opportunities for people in Detroit, and making tech feel more accessible.
I’m also in the early stages of building the DevOps Detroit podcast, which gives our community a platform to share real stories, highlight local talent, and talk openly about the challenges and growth that come with working in tech. It’s been a new learning curve, but it’s helping me grow as a communicator and connector.
I’m still learning and developing in all these areas. Over time, I’ve gained stronger soft skills — leadership, communication, mentorship — skills that are just as important as the technical side of my work. What sets me apart is the blend of both: I understand the tech, but I also understand people. I know what it feels like to start from scratch, and that perspective drives me to create spaces where others can learn and grow too.
What I’m most proud of is seeing DevOps Detroit evolve into a place where people feel welcomed, supported, and motivated to keep learning. It’s still just the beginning, but the impact so far pushes me to keep building and keep improving.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising about me is that even though people often see me as confident and sure of myself, I deal with a lot of internal doubt. On the outside, it may look like I always know exactly what I’m doing, but half the time I’m pushing through feelings of not being qualified enough or not having all the answers.
It’s a real battle some days, but I keep moving anyway. That’s been one of the biggest lessons in my journey — learning to show up even when I’m unsure, and letting consistency teach me what confidence can’t. I think that honesty is important, because a lot of people in tech and community work feel the same way but don’t always say it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DevOpsDetroit.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devopsdetroit313?igsh=MTM1ZnY1YmhqemtuOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
