Honoring #IconsOfQuality: Ijeoma Okereafor, Tech Mahindra

To celebrate the relentless passion of testers, BrowserStack is honoring some of the icons in the testing space—those who push the industry forward by sharing their knowledge with the community at large through their thought leadership.

The most insightful testers often possess a unique ability to see the bigger picture, bridging the gap between deep technical systems and the people who use them. Ijeoma Okereafor exemplifies this quality. With a hybrid background that spans network engineering, client management, and data analytics, she brings a holistic, user-centric perspective to her specialty in API testing. Ijeoma is a passionate advocate for understanding the "why" behind every test, focusing on the invisible backbone of applications to ensure a seamless user experience. Her commitment to sharing her journey and demystifying technology for the community makes her a true Icon of Quality.

We spoke with Ijeoma about the purpose she finds in software testing, why a tester's intuition is irreplaceable, and the power of asking questions.

What are the most exciting aspects of your role as the Software Test Engineer at Tech Mahindra?

What excites me most is knowing that the work I do directly affects how smoothly everything connects behind the scenes. As an API tester, I get to dig deep into the logic, performance, and reliability of the services that power applications. Every time I catch a broken endpoint, fix an integration gap, or validate a complex workflow, I know I’ve prevented a major issue from reaching the end user. APIs may be invisible to most people, but they’re the backbone of modern systems, and making sure they’re solid gives me a real sense of purpose.

It’s the little details, like shaving seconds off response times or ensuring data flows without error, that excite me because they translate into a better, seamless experience for the customer.

What’s a testing trend/innovation that’s got you excited these days?

I’m fascinated by test automation frameworks evolving to be more user-friendly and adaptable. Tools that allow integration across CI/CD pipelines and give real-time feedback are exciting because they make quality assurance less of a bottleneck and more of a partner in development. I love how testing is moving closer to development, almost blending in, which means testers are becoming enablers, not gatekeepers. Seeing how automation is reducing manual effort while increasing test coverage gives me hope for faster, higher-quality releases.

What's your hot take on AI in testing?

AI is here to stay, but I don’t see it replacing testers; I see it enhancing us. My hot take: AI can speed up repetitive tasks like test case generation, log analysis, and regression testing, but it can’t replace a tester’s intuition, empathy, and creativity. Software isn’t just code; it’s about people using it. AI doesn’t feel frustration the way a real user does when something doesn’t work.

That’s why I think testers will always be needed to bring that human perspective and connect the dots. Finally, I see it as a way to make my work faster, not replace it.

What's one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their career in testing?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions; the “why” is your best tool. It’s easy to get caught up in tools and technical skills, but understanding the business logic and the user’s perspective is what makes a tester stand out. Also, start documenting your learning journey early; it helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps your confidence up when challenges hit. Most importantly, focus on understanding the system, not just the tools. Anyone can run a test script, but the real skill is knowing why you’re testing something and what impact it has if it fails. For API testers especially, learn how data flows, how services talk to each other, and how users depend on those connections. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. “Why” is your best friend in testing.

How do you keep up with all the new trends and tools in software testing?

For me, it’s a mix of practice and community. I like to experiment with tools on side projects so I can learn by doing, not just reading. I also stay plugged into the QA community through LinkedIn, webinars, and podcasts. Testing is a space where you learn a lot just by sharing knowledge, and hearing how others approach problems gives me a fresh perspective and keeps me motivated.

What are the things you wish you knew about testing when you started your career?

I wish I knew that testing is more than just “finding bugs.” It’s about being a problem-solver, a communicator, and a collaborator. Early on, I thought my job stopped at reporting issues, but now I know the real value comes from how you explain those issues, suggest solutions, and work with developers and stakeholders to make the product better and prevent the issues in the first place. As an API tester, I’ve learned that the conversations I have with developers about data flows or system design can sometimes prevent bigger issues than any bug report ever could.

Outside of the tech world, what's a hobby or activity you're really passionate about?

Outside of tech, I’m really passionate about public service and giving back. Whether it’s through charity work, volunteering, or supporting community projects, I find real joy in helping people. For me, it’s not just about my own growth, it’s about lifting others, creating opportunities, and being part of something that makes a positive difference. That balance of serving others and building in tech is what keeps me grounded.

(Responses may have been edited for clarity.)