Queengineers Issue 2 | Page 29

Describe your job.

I am a Coordinator in the area of Donor Compliance and Resource Mobilization. Basically, I ensure that donor funding has been utilized for its intended purpose and when programme/ project objectives are delivered successfully, I use this to leverage the organization for more funding.

What problem does your job help to solve? How does your job make the world a better place?

Our programme works with communities living in poverty to improve livelihoods and food security, to build capacity to challenge governance; demand accountability and to fight against gender based violence through access to justice and awareness creation programmes.

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

I actually wanted to be a pilot but was urged to get a university degree first. Growing up, my dad talked a lot about all things manufacturing. The idea of turning raw materials into consumer products was fascinating. That, coupled with a love for Math and Physics influenced my decision to be an engineer. I worked as an engineer for 5 years before moving to international development programmes.

What are you passionate about?

Poverty elimination in the African context and the rights of women and girls.

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

Put up a rescue center for women and girls. It would be a humbling experience to make a home for victims of violence and support them in rebuilding their lives.

State some of your hobbies.

Traveling, traveling, traveling. Every year, I add a country or two to my wish list, based on sites and adventures to explore but available resources do not quite expand at the same rate as my travel ambitions.

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

Be deliberate about identifying the thing that makes you jump out of bed and once you do, don't let society, culture or norms talk you out of it.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would love to be remembered as a feminist but there’s a certain level of activism that comes with consequences that would cause my family sleepless nights. Even so, I do hope to be remembered for impacting the lives of women and girls living in poverty and exclusion.

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