Women Champions in the Energy Sector

Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga is a renowned figure in the energy sector, serving as the Director General of the Electricity Regulatory Authority in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Her career trajectory is marked by a strong foundation in engineering, with a specialization in renewable energy. Dr. Mubenga's academic pursuits began at the University of Toledo, where she earned a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2000. During her time at the university, she completed three internships with General Electric and Advanced Distributed Generation, gaining valuable experience in distributed generation and solar system integration. Following her graduation, Dr. Mubenga joined First Energy, where she worked on planning for the future of a distribution system. Her experience in the industry led her to pursue a master's degree in engineering, also at the University of Toledo. Her research focused on designing a hybrid vehicle using hydrogen, which won the 2008 University of Toledo EECS Department Most Outstanding Thesis Award. Dr. Mubenga's academic achievements and industry experience have been recognized through various awards, including the 2018 IEEE National Aerospace and Electronics Conference Best Poster Award. Dr. Mubenga's professional career has been marked by a series of leadership positions. In 2012, she was appointed to manage the electrical engineering department at the University of Toledo, overseeing a $65 million budget. During her tenure, she helped the university save $5 million in utility bills. Dr. Mubenga has also been involved in entrepreneurial ventures, founding SMIN Power Group in 2011, a company that designs and installs solar systems in communities, mainly in schools. The company has a portfolio of 30 projects to date. As Director General of the DRC's Electricity Regulatory Agency, Dr. Mubenga is responsible for overseeing the country's energy sector. The DRC has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world, with 20% of the population without access to power. However, the country also has tremendous potential, particularly in hydroelectric power, with an estimated 100,000 megawatts that could be developed. Dr. Mubenga's leadership and expertise are crucial in unlocking this potential and promoting sustainable energy development in the DRC. Dr. Mubenga is also a passionate advocate for promoting careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) among girls and boys. In 2018, she founded the STEM DRC Initiative, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to students in the Congo to pursue higher education in STEM fields. Since its inception, the organization has awarded scholarships to over 60 students, and this year, it plans to give out 100 scholarships. Dr. Mubenga's advice to women who want to pursue a career in energy/STEM is to "just go for it," emphasizing the rewarding nature of these careers and the impact that individuals can have on the world.