Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle women under-representation in STEM. This weekly Newsletter will showcase how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.
Today, we have the privilege of featuring Cecilia Abegunde, as STEM role model. Born in Nigeria, Cecilia has always been drawn to problem-solving, excelling in mathematics and physics during high school. This early passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Surveying and Geoinformatics, graduating with First Class Honours.
Despite navigating a male-dominated industry, Cecilia has emerged as a highly skilled professional, specialising in spatial and geospatial data management and analysis. Currently, she works as a Hydrographic Surveyor for Compass Survey Limited, making significant contributions to the Marine Industry while traveling the world.
Let’s now delve into how she navigated her challenges and emerged as an inspirational professional and role model.
What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally or academically?
Science is an area I loved so much due to the flair I had for Mathematics and Physics back in my high school days. I enjoy solving and relaying complex problems with my colleagues as well as the senior students which had quite improved my analytical skills and broaden my skillsets towards the subjects. I was also very keen about taking exercises that directly relates to maps, their interpretations as well as relating with happenings around me which made me delve into my first-degree course of study.
What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or anyone who inspired you? If so, who?
I have female role models I look up to, but most of them are not in STEM while the few ones I knew were not reachable. I will say it’s a decision I had to make myself. During my first degree, I took courses in Hydrography, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Special Studies in Remote Sensing and other courses relating to Principles of Geographical Information Science. All these courses strengthen my interest in Locational intelligence and how it eases the process of planning and mapping onshore and offshore.
What’s your most important professional/academic achievement?
I will say graduating with a distinction (First class) will be one of the most important academic achievements for me, I still look forward to raising higher bars as I progress. Professionally I started my MTCS certification amidst several other.
I would also like to mention how fulfilling it has been inspiring the younger generation, attracting them to the profession.
Did you face any challenge throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome it?
Yes, I face challenges that range from not seeing a lot of women in the field to emulate to adapting in a male dominated field. I have been able to overcome this hurdle by simply not playing the girl’s card. This one is a continuous endeavour that I am still striving to overcome.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?
I will say sensitizing them early enough and bringing them to the awareness that more women are needed in STEM and showing them that’s possible to excel in STEM and still have a balanced life.
What advice would you give to anyone looking into a career in STEM (or those who do not consider it)?
I will say don’t feel intimidated or feel there is no place for you here, nothing is conclusive as there are gaps in most fields waiting for great minds like yours to fill them.
Cecilia’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. By overcoming challenges and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, she has helped paving the way for future generations of women in STEM. Her success highlights the importance of nurturing a passion for science and mathematics from an early age, as well as the need for more female role models in these fields.
Through her accomplishments, Cecilia not only advances her career but also inspires young women to pursue STEM, demonstrating that it is possible to thrive in these fields. Her advice to potential STEM professionals is clear: do not be intimidated, as there are ample opportunities waiting for innovative minds. Cecilia’s journey reminds us that perseverance and self-belief are key to achieving one’s goals, regardless of the obstacles faced along the way.
I’m on YouTube now!
Check out Accessible BI for practical Power BI tutorials and tips on making data accessible to everyone. Subscribe here: Accessible BI YouTube Channel
