For our January ‘25 Xchange Community Spotlight, we're featuring @Racheal Aye, who works as a Presales Engineer in Kampala, Uganda. Growing up, she was always curious about electronics, especially the TV and radio in her house, often wondering how they worked.

“In primary school, I had the privilege of visiting a radio station. During this visit, I realized that the voices I heard on the radio weren’t coming from the radio itself but from people far away, which piqued my curiosity even further. One thing led to another, and I ended up studying Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering at university. It felt like a dream come true as I finally got answers to how phones, TVs, radios, and microwaves worked,” said Racheal.

While in school, she was still unfamiliar with the AV industry. But that all changed after she graduated and applied for a job that required an electrical engineer with knowledge of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and networks.

“I was trained on various AV products and earned OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) certifications. It was during this time that I realized the AV industry was truly my calling, something I had unknowingly been drawn to since childhood. The AV industry is an exciting and dynamic field with something for everyone,” said Racheal.

She now works as a Presales Engineer for Audio-Visual Solutions at Blue Crane Communications (U) Ltd, a systems integrator in Uganda. In her home country, the demand for AV products and services has been increasing. And with it, the need for more trained professionals and reliable AV products has been growing too.

“The AV industry in Uganda is still relatively new,” explained Racheal. “During the pandemic, as remote work, virtual meetings, and online learning became the norm, the need for reliable AV systems became increasingly clear. The potential for growth in Uganda’s AV sector is high, and as the industry matures, it presents exciting opportunities for both local and international players.”

Racheal believes the most important development in the AV industry right now is the integration of AI, which is significantly transforming AV systems and how people interact with technology.

“It’s clear that AI is here to stay, and its role in the AV industry is only going to grow. By integrating AI into meeting rooms, educational settings, and immersive experiences, we can enhance how we work, learn, and engage with technology, making our daily interactions more efficient, interactive, and enjoyable. The potential for AI to improve our day-to-day lives is vast, and as the technology continues to evolve, we’ll only see more innovative uses emerge,” she expressed.

During her journey in AV, she’s had the pleasure of being the Lead AV Specialist in the Renovation project of the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, visiting AV factories in China, attaining the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification, and becoming an AVIXA Xchange Advocate.

On Xchange, she often touches on informational topics like the difference between Public Address (PA) and Voice Alarm (Evac) Systems while sharing information about her AV work in Uganda and more.

“My favorite aspect of Xchange is the incredibly friendly and supportive community,” Racheal said about AVIXA’s Xchange. “The posts are not only highly informative but also entertaining, making it a great place to stay updated on industry trends and innovations. It’s a platform where I can continuously learn, share insights, and connect with a network of amazing professionals who are passionate about AV technology. The exchange of knowledge and experiences makes it a valuable resource for personal and professional growth.”

Thank you @Racheal Aye! You can check out previous spotlights by clicking on the badge labeled Community Spotlight. And make sure to follow the Xchange Community Spotlight page to stay updated on members of our growing community.