Growing up, Charlene Nagawa was fascinated with everything electrical. From assembling new appliances to attempting solving mysteries and puzzles around electrical wiring, she was enthralled! “Every time a gentleman from the distributor company would come to fix something home, I would follow him around, stand and observe until he gets done.”
A few electric shocks down the road and a professional degree in engineering in hand, Charlene’s endeavors are paying off. The design engineer by profession landed her dream job with Equatorial Power, a Ugandan based renewable energy company driving productive energy use in rural Africa.
“When I was doing my Bachelor in Electrical Engineering, I had a passion for renewable energies, specifically in rural areas. So I was always looking out for opportunities and I was strategically looking out for a company that sets up mini-grids, pushing for clean energy and enhancing operational activities in a community.”
Charlene served as the head engineer for the company’s recently launched pilot integrated mini-grid project dubbed the ‘Utility 2’ in Kiwumu, Mukono District that is currently serving over 300 households.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love working closely with the community members, understanding their energy needs and how they perceive energy. This has helped me design better systems for different projects, hospitals, and schools because it’s not just about giving them something that we think will fit because it worked for another rural area or another community, we give them something that actually fits and works with them.
What’s your greatest asset/ tool as an engineer?
A persistent mind that cannot let anything go until we find a solution. I also enjoy using different design software tools that make desk work much easier. On the field, I am fascinated by a tool box and what it can offer to solve any particular issue. Also, confidence. If you actually walk in a room and confidently gather your adjectives, people will listen. I like to say, Jumping off a cliff and praying God will catch you.
How do you ensure continuous growth in your engineering career?
Reading, doing extensive research on the Internet and generally being inquisitive about tools that could advance and help me to design better systems has helped me grow. I am always reading to find out solutions to design issues. I try to find out the different solutions that other engineers have done and integrate them with my own.
What are some of the career achievements or milestones you’ve achieved as an engineer?
I would say our mini-grid site in Kiwumu. when I first came to this site it was actually a bush, there was nothing going on here. So walking step by step through surveying the land, construction, implementation of the plant with the whole team of Equatorial Power and then, commissioning the plant and then seeing the impact it has had on the lives of the people in the community. Also, attaining both my Bachelor’s degree and MSc in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship, I am thankful to God for, and thankful to my family for the support.
I am also glad I have had an opportunity to write articles in the field I am currently working.
What are some of the challenges you face in your profession?
The difference between desk work and field work. When designing a system, it seems easy and the project management plan states a specific timeline. You reach site and you are literally involved in community issues through the lifespan of the project. Most of these issues cause delays but then again, they allow me to appreciate the impact of the project.
Also, working as a young female engineer in rural areas is sometimes challenging because they don’t get to see that a lot. The people are sometimes unresponsive and hesitant but adapt with time. The more you hold community engagements they begin to acknowledge you and what you do.
Who do you look up to?
My parents; they are the most God-fearing and hard-working people I know. They have instilled that in my siblings and I. Also, they always remind us to be kind. One can have all the skill-set needed for a job but to make it through the experience it requires kindness.
Do you have mentors?
Yes, I do. I am mentored at my workplace, in my family and in my church as well.
What role has mentorship played in your career growth?
I always had a structured way of doing things, but mentorship has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I have been challenged to do better, to think better and also want to grow.
In what ways are you paying it forward to other young girls?
I am currently mentoring an internee at Equatorial Power who is doing Electrical Engineering as well. We have similar passions and I am passing on to her what I have learned from my mentorship and career journey. Also, we are intentionally seeking young professionals to take up internship roles at the company. I feel like university students and graduands need to know a lot about what is actually on the ground and the opportunities that exist because we are so limited to structured engineering where everyone thinks you should do power systems, heavy engineering and machinery. So, I want to give them an opportunity to align their career path.
What is the one quote or phrase you swear and live by?
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding, He will direct your path’. Everyday I wake up and remind myself to trust God for everything and pray about everything that I do.
What advice do you give to other young female engineers out there?
Society mostly perceives engineering as a man’s world but it depends on who you work with. I have worked with people that made it seem like a man’s world and then worked with some that prove it is not. For example, that’s not the case with Equatorial Power. They let me head a project and authorize it in my docket. So I would tell the females out there that no one should put you down. Just pursue your career without fear. There is no stigma in engineering. The truth is you hear of it but it’s actually nonexistent. It feels good to actually make a difference in what you want to do whether it’s core engineering or coding in the background. The other thing that I would tell them, is never go for a meeting or get into a room and not speak. Say something, contribute, or at least say you didn’t hear, ‘could you please elaborate more.’ Never dim your light.
What does the future hold for Charlene?
I want to become a mini-grid design expert with a consultancy, where I can advise other developers on what they can do to utilize their capacity, minimize their cost and maximize efficiency. It wasn’t something I was looking at before, but after working for Equatorial Power I feel empowered and in a better place to understand and grow more in those areas.
How do you like to unwind?
I’m a foodie. I love any plot that has food and great kaboozi (conversations). Also, I love children and love to attend their parties. So, if I see kids’ bouncing castles and trampolines, for me it’s a happy place. I love a good quality time.
