Anna Mbengam was born and raised in Cameroon. She spent most of those years in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating High School, she simultaneously signed up for the Army Reserve as well as enrolling in her first year of college. She was recruited to run track and field at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts where she studied Political Science and Criminal Justice. Upon her return from Basic Training, she was introduced to the game of rugby, and it became her new-found love. She immediately turned her attention to playing rugby and maintaining a balanced student-athlete life. It was during this time that she fully came to understand the importance of focus, commitment and courage.
Anna realized the complexities and benefits of collaboration when dealing with complicated circumstances on the field.
The rugby scrum is a microcosm for the development of a cohesive team, with all players bringing their particular abilities and working together to achieve a common objective against strong competition. Anna recognized that the same method could be used in any team activity, whether in sports, business, or the workplace.
She was introduced to the Scrum Master role after she graduated college while pondering what she wanted to do. Despite the fact that she recalled chuckling at the Scrum Master name, she was curious to learn more.
She did her own research and joined the Agile community of practice where she networked and got her first Scrum Master position. She was both delighted and anxious to begin on the journey, due to her timid nature.
The 30-60-90-day strategic guide for getting up to speed seamlessly was inspired by her process of coaching new and transitioning Scrum Masters in the industry. She has always wanted to share with others the information she wished she had received while breaking into the field.
She believed in the power of sharing. Her desire to help others stems from the idea that ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ This resonated with her because she was raised by a community, and part of giving back is to support others in their journey.