Nour Attafi
Nour El Houda Attafi is a data and business intelligence specialist dedicated to transforming complex information into meaningful insights that drive strategic decisions and measurable impact. Currently working at Appvion, she collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to design data visualizations, build predictive analytics models, and communicate performance trends through clear and compelling storytelling. Her work reflects a strong commitment to using technology and analytics to optimize business processes while contributing to broader societal progress.
With a foundation in data analytics from Fox Valley Technical College, Nour began her journey in technology through early internships, student leadership programs, and hands-on community initiatives. Her curiosity and passion for innovation led her to become a student ambassador for Microsoft, where she organized workshops and helped learners develop essential digital skills. These experiences strengthened her expertise in data tools, cross-cultural collaboration, and technical problem-solving, shaping her purpose-driven approach to both professional and community work.
Beyond her corporate role, Nour is deeply engaged in empowering the next generation of innovators through her leadership involvement with Technovation. Having first participated in its programs as a student and later as a mentor, she now contributes to strategic planning, judging global tech projects, and advancing opportunities for girls in STEM and entrepreneurship. Guided by authenticity, curiosity, and a desire to connect creativity with technology, Nour continues to build a career that bridges data science, social impact, and inclusive innovation.
• Unity ( 2D game development )
• Build real world applications with Python
• Foundations of Business Intelligence
• Fox Valley Technical College- A.S.
• Microsoft Student Ambassador (2023)
• 2nd National prize for 2D game development
• Technovation Leadership Board
• Africa coding Week
• Feeding America
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say the support of my family played a big role. They were encouraging me, they were always on my side, and even though my life was a little bit unconventional because I had schools and I also was doing these things on the side, they always supported me. They never felt like my school has to come first. They let me explore whatever I want. And even when I wanted to come study abroad here in the U.S., they also supported my decision. I feel like their support gave me a lot of confidence, and I also knew that I have a support system. My friends as well.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always stay authentic—bring your true self to your work and let your passion guide your path.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to follow their curiosity and creativity without worrying about how things “should” be and see where their passions take them.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the most important for me. When I'm working on something that means something to me, I feel like I'm putting my heart in it, whether it's a technical project or art, it doesn't matter. In our society right now, we tend to put things in boxes, like if you're a creative person, you probably should pursue an art degree or Bachelor of Arts instead of a Bachelor of Science, but it's not like that for me. For example, my capstone was a data project about female leaders, a statistical project about female leaders using data sets from the World Bank, so I was able to use my technical skills and the cause that means something to me. I never felt like I should differentiate between things, whether it's nonprofit work and corporate, or art and technology, there's always cross paths.