Top 24 for 2024
What is your greatest achievement in your career?
"My greatest career achievement has been launching the Young Engineers Summit 2023 in Ghana. This initiative was born from a simple idea jotted down after a trip to Ghana, where I witnessed the incredible potential of young innovators working with limited resources. The summit brought together nearly 150 talented youth from across the country, some traveling over seven hours to attend, showcasing their remarkable inventions often created from scraps and e-waste. By gathering these bright minds, we created a platform for them to address and solve problems affecting their own communities. The event's success was amplified by powerful collaborations with FTSE 100 companies like RS Group, educational institutions, and governing bodies. We provided participants with access to scholarships, mentors, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and STEMAIDE Africa Ltd. kits. Through workshops, technical projects, and inspirational talks, we advocated for the limitless possibilities of engineering in Africa. This collaborative environment allowed young innovators to share ideas and work together on solutions to local challenges. The impact of the Young Engineers Summit extends far beyond the event itself. We've built a community of future innovators and set in motion a ripple effect as these young people return to support their own communities. This achievement taught me that seemingly far-fetched ideas can become powerful realities with dedication and collaboration. It's a testament to the untapped potential of Africa's youth in STEM fields and the change that can be brought about when we unite for a common cause. As I reflect on this experience, I'm filled with hope for the future and excitement for what these young innovators will accomplish next, particularly in addressing the unique challenges facing their communities."
Who or what inspires you in your work?
“I've always been naturally curious, questioning the world around me and never accepting things at face value. Through the lens of engineering, technology, and roles like my advisory position for Sir Lewis Hamilton's charity, Mission 44, I've come to see a world where real challenges can be overcome through the combination of technology, capital, and human energy, curiosity, and ingenuity. I've realized the immense importance of our perspective - how we view the world shapes our approach to problems. With the right mindset, challenges transform into exciting new adventures that can be solved if approached from different angles. I must credit my parents for creating an environment where I could dream, believe, and witness first-hand the power of hard work and resilience. Equally important is my journey with God, which has instilled in me an attitude of walking by faith, not by sight. These foundations, combined with my innate curiosity, continue to fuel my inspiration and drive to make a positive impact in the world.”
Please provide one piece of advice for future global ethnic-majority engineers.
“Be relentlessly curious and never accept things as they are. Always ask "why?" and challenge the status quo. Instead of focusing solely on what you want to do, concentrate on the problems you want to solve. Remember, engineering is about reimagining possibilities. Your unique perspective and experiences are invaluable assets. By questioning existing systems and approaching challenges with fresh eyes, you have the power to innovate and create solutions that can transform lives and industries. Embrace your curiosity, for it is the spark that ignites true engineering breakthroughs and drives positive change in our world.”