On Called to Purpose: Faith, Work & the Journey Between
By Marie-Ange Eyoum Tagne
Sitting in a cozy restaurant in Harlem (New York City) Azara Kitchen, with my mother, sister, and young daughter, I felt the weight and wonder of generational purpose. As we shared laughter over plates of food, I was quietly transported to another table, another time. I could see us again in our modest apartment in Cité Verte, Yaoundé the capital city of Cameroon, where I grew up. My mother (single mom) had just returned from a long night shift at the hospital, still in her white coat, eyes heavy with fatigue but spirit unshaken. She would sit us down, my sister and me, and remind us, “You can be anything. The sky is the limit.”
At the time, I couldn’t fully grasp the magnitude of her words. But deep inside, a seed had been planted. I began to dream bold, improbable dreams of becoming a scientist or an engineer, of making a difference, of one day lifting others as I climbed. I didn’t know the exact path, but I knew it had to mean something. Even then, purpose was whispering to me.
My journey from the streets of Yaoundé to Silicon Valley wasn’t linear. It was a winding road that took me through seasons of clarity and seasons of uncertainty, through the excitement of academic milestones at UC Berkeley when I graduated with my PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences and the discouragement of rejection letters from different Research Programs I had applied earlier, through job transitions and moments when my future felt anything but secure. But one thing remained constant: my sense that God was calling me to something greater. Not necessarily grander by the world’s standards, but deeper, truer. And Purposeful.
When I reflect on the years of searching, building, doubting, and believing, I realize that purpose isn’t something we stumble into by accident. It’s something we cultivate with intention and faith. That’s why I developed the PURPOSE framework, not just as a reflection of my story, but as a roadmap for anyone navigating their own.
P is for Preparation. No dream comes to life without diligence. In every season, whether waiting for doors to open or walking through them, we prepare.
U is for Unwavering Faith. When I couldn’t see what was ahead, faith was my anchor. I believed that God had placed me here for a reason, even when I didn’t yet know what that reason was.
R is for Resilience. Life will test you. Resilience is what helped me keep going after setbacks, after no’s, after doubts.
P is for Purpose-Driven Action. Every choice matters. I asked myself often: Is this aligned with what I’m called to do? Am I moving on purpose or just moving?
O is for Others. The journey isn’t just about me. I’ve learned that success without service is empty. We rise by lifting others.
S is for Steadfast Courage. When the path was unclear or intimidating, courage helped me speak up, show up, and take the next step.
E is for Excellence. Not perfection, but excellence—giving my best with consistency and integrity.
For anyone in a season of transition, maybe job searching, pivoting careers, or waiting for clarity, I want to remind you: purpose is not passive. It’s not just something you "find." It’s something you live into. You may not see the full picture yet, but take the next right step. Prepare. Believe. Be resilient. And ask: “What does purpose look like in this season?”
Faith and work were never meant to be separate. Integrating my faith into my leadership journey has brought depth, joy, and conviction. Whether leading product teams, mentoring young women in STEM, or speaking at events, I know my work is an extension of my calling. It is Ministry in motion. My faith doesn’t sit on the sidelines: it fuels how I show up in boardrooms, brainstorming sessions, and difficult decisions.
As we stepped out into the lively Harlem streets that day, my daughter’s small hand nestled in mine, I felt that same sense of possibility I’d felt decades earlier in Cameroon. My mother’s voice echoed again, but now, it was my voice too: “You can reach beyond the stars.” And just like that, the journey continued because purpose is not a destination. It’s a way of life.
What does purpose look like for you in this moment? Maybe it’s not crystal clear, and that’s okay. Maybe it’s being faithful in the small things, showing up with integrity, or trusting that your story still matters even in the waiting. Wherever you are, know this: you were created for such a time as this.
Marie-Ange is a Product Leader with a background at Meta and Roku and a recent author with her debut book For Such a Time As This: For Such A Time As This: From Humble Roots in Africa to Silicon Valley Leadership. She is an Advisory Council Member and Ambassador for Faith, Work & Tech.