In a tech landscape often dominated by complex algorithms and enterprise software, Maria Saeed has carved a niche where code meets cause. A Computer Science gold medalist from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Maria represents a growing wave of Pakistani women in tech who are not just building applications—they are building impact.
Shortly after her academic journey, Maria joined DPL, one of Pakistan’s most progressive software houses known for its innovation-first philosophy. There, she found herself contributing to a project that would touch the lives of millions: the Taleem Do! App, launched in partnership with Alif Ailaan, a campaign aimed at transforming education in Pakistan.
The Taleem Do! App, launched in mid-2018, was a digital platform built to empower citizens to raise their voices about the state of education in their localities. Available in both Urdu and English and designed to run efficiently even on low-end smartphones, the app allowed users to report school issues, endorse pledges, and engage with educational reform at the grassroots level.
Maria played a vital role in the development and optimization of the app—working behind the scenes to ensure that its features were not only functional but also user-centric. Her focus was on ensuring bilingual accessibility, a simplified interface, and optimized data flows to work reliably in both rural and urban environments.
“This wasn’t just about an app—it was about giving people the power to improve their own communities,” she reflects. The impact was real. The app received widespread media attention and was appreciated by educationists and civic activists for bridging the gap between public concerns and policy stakeholders. It became a tool of accountability in a sector where nearly 23 million Pakistani children remain out of school.
A Holistic Technologist
Maria’s passion for tech isn’t limited to software engineering. Alongside her professional journey, she’s committed to broadening her skillset to ensure she can lead technical projects from every angle—whether that’s through learning data analytics, UI/UX principles, cloud infrastructure, or emerging frameworks.
“I believe in staying adaptable. Each new skill I learn allows me to contribute better to the future I want to help build,” she says.
This growth mindset has made her stand out in cross-functional teams, where she’s not only known for her strong coding sense but also her collaborative, helpful nature. Colleagues consistently describe her as approachable, deeply dependable, and someone who brings warmth and positivity even during tight deadlines.
Championing Women in Tech Maria’s journey is especially inspirational in a context where women remain underrepresented in technology fields. Her achievements and professional presence stand as living proof that women in Pakistan can, and do, lead complex, socially transformative technology projects.
Through her work on projects like Taleem Do! and others in the health and community sectors, Maria is committed to building platforms that drive real-world progress—whether in education, social care, or digital accessibility. Her ultimate vision? To represent Pakistan in the global technology arena, and to ensure that her voice—and the voices of many women like her—are heard.
With a portfolio filled with impactful work, multiple certifications, and a heart committed to public service through tech, Maria Saeed is not just climbing the professional ladder—she’s reshaping what that ladder can look like for women in Pakistan.
