Queengineers Issue 1 | Page 17

Describe your job.

Currently I am undertaking a gap year before beginning a postgraduate degree. A gap year is an academic break that might include travel, work, study, volunteering, or research. It is a time to explore and learn valuable life skills to better oneself.

I have already utilized this time to create The Mekatilili Program, which is an educational program aimed to improve representation of women in engineering by conducting design and engineering workshops in girls high schools in Kenya to encourage young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).

Why did you choose a career in Engineering? What was your greatest influence in making the decision?

The 'engineering bug' had always been in me. From a very young age, I would tinker with anything and everything in the house. I disassembled all the electronics in the house because I was curious to know how they worked. At that time I had never heard the term engineering before. But that innate passion led me to choose engineering, and I got to discover that as an engineer, I had the power to design and build the things that would make a difference in someone’s life.

What are you passionate about?

Renewable energy, Human-Centered Design, Manufacturing and Education

What would you enjoy doing even if you were not paid to do it?

Being the ultimate adrenaline junkie, I would probably do anything from traveling to various locations to participating in extreme sports.

State some of your hobbies.

1. Traveling

2. Hiking

3. Photography

4. Going on adventures!

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

I would tell my 16 year old self to stop being too hard on herself and that it’s okay to fail. Everything happens at its own time!

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for living my life authentically.

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