Describe your job.
My current job title is Technical Support Electrical Engineer-in-Training at SaskPower, Saskatchewan, Canada. As a Technical support Engineer, my role is to provide support to maintenance and operations personnel in keeping the power plant up and running on a daily basis.
What problem does your job help to solve? How does your job make the world a better place?
My job enables me to use innovation to provide reliable power to my immediate community. I work at a coal power plant that uses a proprietary process to reclaim carbon and sulphur dioxide from the exhaust fumes produced during power production. It is the first carbon capture plant of its kind in the world. Coal is not an ideal source of energy as it has a high carbon footprint. The clean-coal initiative is therefore a great example of how ingenuity can be used to provide a solution to a problem while sustainable strategies are being developed on how to transition to renewable energy sources.
Why did you choose a career in Engineering? What was your greatest influence in making the decision?
I initially wanted to study Biomedical Engineering with a focus on radiation and imaging for cancer treatment. Growing up in a time when cancer was increasingly becoming a leading cause of death in Kenya, I wanted to play a part in ensuring that diagnostic and treatment equipment was made available to most Kenyans who needed it. Once I joined University, I realized that Biomedical Engineering is heavily research-based, which wasn't my cup of tea. I opted for power systems instead and I'm quite happy with the path my career has taken.
What are you passionate about?
I'm a huge proponent of personal growth/health and wellness. Having struggled through my pubescent years and early twenties, it has become very important for me to invest in my well-being and focus on creating a life that I want for myself. Having a balanced life and a healthy relationship with self creates a great foundation for one to live free and influence others positively.
What would you enjoy doing even if you were not paid to do it?
On a very light note, I would be a chef for free... any day.
State some of your hobbies.
I'm a very adventurous person- constantly trying out new activities and I absolutely love to travel and experience different ways of life. I work out at least four times a week and have recently become obsessed with listening to podcasts.
What advice would you give your 16 year old self?
If you're winning in your head, you're winning in life. Trust your abilities and know that you have the power to create a great life for yourself. Accept your body/personality and be your authentic self. No-one thinks you are unattractive as much as you do. Ease up on yourself. On Dating: Make a list of all the things you want in a partner. Become all these things to yourself. The rest will take care of itself. Finally, it takes work to be happy. Make the choice to enjoy your life!
What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to leave a legacy of positivity and excellence. I want to be that girl that people think of and feel warm and fuzzy, but also inspired and challenged to live large.
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