Winfred Mutinda, HSC is an award-winning Electrical Engineer, currently working at the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) as a Transmission System Planning Engineer. She holds a BSC in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Nairobi. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow 2019, a Chevening Scholar 2022/2023 and the Founder of Tubariki Foundation Africa. In September 2022, she will start her Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford. Winfred is a proud mother to an amazing young girl, Ashley Ashioya.

She answered our questions on her work and aspirations for the future.

Why did you choose this profession?

All through my academic life, I have been a science-oriented student . In high school, my favourite subjects were Mathematics and Sciences, that is, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. My desire to pursue Engineering began in high school and though many said it was a career best fit for men, I was really curious to know what it really took to be a female engineer.  Additionally, I was always excited to participate in the Mathematics and Science contests. My Physics teacher in high school played an instrumental role towards my career trajectory as he believed in my potential to excel in a male-dominated career.

With dedication and determination, I was able to successfully complete a Bsc. Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Nairobi where I graduated with a First Class Honors in 2013. (Kindly note that I was blessed with my daughter Ashley while in my last year at the university and I was still able to perform well despite having to deal with competing priorities. She is now 9 years old).

Furthermore, I have a great passion for serving others and making a difference in the society in my own little ways. Engineering is a profession that offers solutions to the diverse societal challenges facing humanity.  As an electrical engineer in the energy sector, I get fulfilled when I spearhead the implementation of projects that foster socio-economic development hence contributing towards improved livelihoods.

What is your motivation for working in that field?

My motivation is knowing that I am an inspiration to the many young women and girls who have chosen to follow my path by pursuing STEM related careers. I am confident that by going ahead of them and thriving in my career, I have proven to them that Engineering is a fulfilling, rewarding and exciting career for women. Overcoming the many challenges that women in STEM face has shaped my character and built my resilience. Overcoming barriers is a sure path towards realizing your full potential and the strength inside of you!

Being a women in engineering sets you up for professional success. In my case, my career has been a door opener to great opportunities that have increased my visibility as a woman in STEM.  Looking back, I have accomplished and achieved so much and I remain hopeful that there are greater days ahead. I attribute this to a great support system, having role models & mentors and my dedication to servant leadership.

What are your aspirations?

I want to be remembered for my authenticity and as a great steward for using my God-given gifts and abilities to change the lives of others and to make the world a better place. I want to be celebrated for not letting my gender limit me.

I am an engineer who is passionate about community service. I am a philanthropist and a changemaker and I have developed great interest in humanitarian engineering. I aspire to use my engineering skills and knowledge to improve the wellbeing of the needy in the society. It is for this reason that I founded Tubariki Foundation Africa (TFA), a non profit organization aimed at fostering socio-economic transformation in communities.

I aspire to be a Tri-sector policy expert working for the World Bank Group or the United Nations. Working for these leading international development organizations will give me a global opportunity to serve humanity and to be at the forefront of working with governments to formulate policies aimed at transforming lives.

Working in the energy sector, with is heavily regulated, has sparked my interest in policymaking. Over the years, I have learned that being a changemaker requires a good understanding of the possibilities and limits of policymaking. The realization that the involvement of engineers is lacking in policymaking sparked my interest in public policy. I am proud to say that I have been awarded the Chevening Scholarship to pursue a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford starting September 2022.

My career plan is anchored on promoting Africa’s growth to ensure a better life for the people of Africa.

What can you tell other women who think the STEM sector is for men?

You can be everything you want to be, and being a Woman in STEM is one of them. Science knows no gender. You have what it takes to live the dream inside of you.  When unsure of the path to take towards your career, look around and get inspired by the many women who have demystified the stereotypes and preconceived notions about STEM for women. All you need is focus, determination, dedication and discipline.

Believe in yourself. The greatest enemy of success is self-doubt. Doubt is a killer of dreams. The road to success in STEM careers might be bumpy, but the ride with be worth it!

There are 3Ps of success that have brought me this far in my life. Prayer, Positive thinking and Purposeful living. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. I do not entertain thoughts of defeat and negativity in my mind. I believe that I was created to serve a purpose in this world and each day I work towards fulfilling my purpose.