The rising tech leader talks about breaking barriers, building smarter digital experiences, and why the future of innovation belongs to those who dare to stay curious.
In a field often dominated by men, Somya Singh is forging her own path—combining a passion for problem-solving with cutting-edge work in AI, cybersecurity, and UX design.
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Singh moved to the United States at the age of nine, where her early exposure to coding inspired a lifelong interest in technology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and quickly launched her professional career with roles at Optum and Sparksoft Corp, rising from a computer systems analyst to a lead position overseeing cross-functional tech teams.
Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Information Systems at UMBC with a specialization in AI, data science, and UX/UI, Singh continues to push boundaries outside the classroom. She is actively researching deepfake detection in cybersecurity with the goal of helping protect against one of today’s fastest-growing digital threats. She has also judged prestigious hackathons like HackDuke at Duke University, bringing her real-world expertise and an eye for innovation to the next generation of tech creators.
The Urban Watch sat down for an exclusive interview with Singh to discuss her journey, her proudest accomplishments, and her advice for women looking to break into—and lead—the future of tech.
Could you tell me a little bit about your background and where you grew up?
I was born and raised in New Delhi, India, and moved to the United States when I was nine. My father has a degree in computer science and came here on a work visa, so I’ve been around coding for as long as I can remember. That definitely sparked my interest in tech early on.
In high school, I was part of the career academy program and originally leaned toward computer science. However, I eventually switched to information systems, which combines business management and coding. I liked that it provided a broader perspective—it felt more connected to how technology actually impacts organizations and people.
After graduating from high school, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I started out as a computer systems analyst at Optum and then moved into a lead role at Sparksoft Corp, where I worked for three years. Now I’m back in school, pursuing a master’s in Information Systems with a focus on AI, data science, and UX/UI. I’m really interested in how advanced technologies can improve user experiences and push innovation forward.
With your interest in UX/UI, what trends do you think will dominate this field in the next five years? How are you preparing to meet those changes?
I think we’re going to see a lot of changes in UX over the next few years. I’m currently specializing in UX design as part of my master’s program, and one thing we focus on is evaluating websites to see how they could be improved.
Take sites like Best Buy or Amazon, for example. Sometimes the usability isn’t great — there’s too much clicking or too many steps to get to what you need. In the future, I think there will be a much bigger push to minimize friction and make digital experiences more intuitive and accessible for everyone.
I also think companies will become even more intentional with their designs, thinking carefully about what actions they want users to take and how to guide them toward it without overwhelming them. It’ll be about designing from the user’s perspective first, not just the company’s goals.
To prepare, I’m studying not just design principles but also user behavior, accessibility standards, and how AI and personalization can be integrated into better UX. I want to make sure I’m creating experiences that are easier, smarter, and truly centered on the user.
You’ve had a progressive career in Information Systems, from a Computer Systems Analyst at Optum to a lead role at Sparksoft Corp. Can you share more about your journey and what influenced your career choices?
My journey in Information Systems has been driven by a strong desire to solve complex problems and make an impact. While I was at Optum, I constantly challenged myself to take on complex, time-sensitive projects and find efficient, effective solutions. Over time, this mindset became a habit—and I found myself genuinely enjoying both the challenges and the problem-solving process.
As I gained experience, I developed a deeper understanding of complex systems, strengthened my technical skills, and built the confidence to step into leadership roles. This growth led me to a senior role at Sparksoft Corp, where I took on more responsibility, led cross-functional teams, and worked on innovative solutions aligned with the company’s objectives. I also was never afraid to tackle challenging problems or take initiative by stepping outside my comfort zone.
Each role has been a stepping stone, helping me build a well-rounded skill set and a strategic approach to tackling problems. It’s been a journey of continuous learning and growth, and every step has made me more confident and better equipped to navigate the challenges of the tech industry.
What was the biggest thing you learned over the course of your three years at Sparksoft?
One of the biggest things I learned was time management. It’s very different from college, where you mostly manage your own schedule. In a full-time role, especially in tech, you have constant deadlines, meetings, and deliverables, so I had to really learn how to prioritize and stay organized.
I also developed a lot of people skills. At Sparksoft, I worked directly with clients like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, gave reports, and presented updates regularly. At first, it was intimidating, but over time, I became much more confident communicating clearly and professionally with both clients and my team.
On the technical side, I learned a lot about testing. Our team was responsible for manual and automated testing, finding bugs during new releases each week, and reporting discrepancies. It taught me to be detail-oriented and proactive, skills that are crucial in any tech role.
What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
One of my biggest professional accomplishments has been judging multiple hackathons, including HackDuke, which is hosted at the prestigious Duke University. It was an amazing experience to be part of such a renowned event, surrounded by talented students who are really pushing the boundaries of innovation.
At HackDuke, I judged projects across different categories like sustainability and AI. I was paired with another judge, and together we evaluated four teams. They gave us a judging rubric—things like reviewing their code and making sure they weren’t relying on tools like ChatGPT—but I also brought my own perspective. I always look for creativity: is the project something original, or is it just a variation of something that already exists? Seeing that originality is really important to me.
I’m also really proud of earning a senior role in the tech industry through hard work and perseverance, especially as an immigrant woman. Both experiences have taught me the value of dedication, resilience, and continuing to challenge myself to grow.
Which projects are you the most proud of and why?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is the Stock Trading Behavior Analysis with Machine Learning. It started as a personal project that I worked on with a friend during my spare time earlier this year. We wanted to analyze the behavior of stocks and use machine learning to predict better buying decisions, especially for people who like to trade actively.
The project involved studying trading patterns, identifying mistakes, suggesting smarter strategies, and even simulating alternative outcomes to show traders what could have happened if they made different choices. Even though the stock market has been down recently, it’s been exciting to see how the model could evolve—and I’m already thinking about making some changes to improve it.
I’m especially proud of this project because it combined my passion for data science, AI, and real-world applications. It really reflects my drive to always keep learning, building, and finding ways to create tools that can make a real difference.
What are you currently researching?
Right now, I’m working with my professor on a research project focused on deepfake threat detection within the field of cybersecurity. Our goal is to contribute to the growing efforts to identify and mitigate the risks that deepfake technology poses. We’re aiming to have our work published in an academic journal.
Deepfakes have become a major cybersecurity threat. While the most visible examples are fake celebrity videos, the bigger concern is how deepfake technology is being used for phishing attacks, scam messages, and other types of fraud. For instance, there have been cases where people received text messages that appeared to be from coworkers or trusted sources—and one of my own coworkers fell for it, accidentally giving away personal information like addresses.
That’s why part of my advice is simple: if you ever get a suspicious link from an unknown number, don’t click it. And if an email looks sketchy, it’s better to let it go to the spam folder.
Our research right now is focused on tracking deepfake incidents—where and when they happen—and analyzing patterns. Once we have enough data, we’ll develop tools to help detect and prevent these types of attacks more effectively.
What is your ultimate career goal, and how do you envision reaching it?
My ultimate career goal is to create a groundbreaking solution through research that makes a real impact on technology. I want to develop something that not only solves today’s problems but also helps shape the future.
To get there, I plan to keep expanding my skills in AI, data science, and UX/UI while staying connected to the latest tech trends. I believe collaboration is essential, so I’m excited to work with others who are just as passionate about innovation. By staying curious, open-minded, and dedicated, I hope to create solutions that change the way we experience and interact with technology.
With rapid advancements in AI and Data Science, where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in your field?
I see incredible opportunities for innovation, especially in areas like personalized experiences, predictive analytics, and agentic AIs. I’m particularly excited about how AI can transform UX/UI by creating digital experiences that adapt to individual users in real time, making technology feel more intuitive, responsive, and engaging.
The rise of agentic AI systems—AIs that can autonomously make decisions and take actions—also holds huge potential. These systems could revolutionize industries like healthcare and finance by improving efficiency and enabling more intelligent, human-like interactions. The ability of agentic AI to process complex data and make better decisions without constant human oversight is a game-changer, opening up new possibilities for innovation and smarter, more dynamic solutions.
What has been the most significant personal challenge you’ve ever faced?
One of the most significant personal challenges I’ve faced is navigating life as an immigrant and building a career as a woman in the tech industry. Moving to the United States at a young age meant adapting to a new culture, overcoming language barriers, and finding a sense of belonging—all while trying to stay true to myself.
As I moved into the tech world, I faced the additional challenge of working in a male-dominated field. It’s not just about proving your skills; sometimes it’s having to raise your voice—literally—to be heard in meetings where you might get interrupted or spoken over. There is also the reality that it can be harder for women to secure the same opportunities or leadership roles.
Despite all of that, I’ve stayed determined to break those barriers. These experiences have built my resilience, strengthened my confidence, and fueled my passion for pushing for greater diversity and inclusion in tech.
What advice would you give to other women entering this field?
Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back—just start from wherever you are. What matters most is your passion and your willingness to learn. Focus on the career you truly want, not just what’s available or easy. Don’t settle.
Be genuinely interested in the work you’re doing, because that passion will carry you through the challenges. And most importantly, use your voice. Speak up in meetings, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up the space you need. You belong here.
**
You can follow Somya on LinkedIn and GitHub.
