Rwanda is proud of its diaspora, many of whom are making incredible achievements abroad and returning to help develop their country. One such inspiring story is that of Lisa Umutoni, a 28-year-old Rwandan civil engineer, who recently received the prestigious Young Civil Engineer Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Lisa’s journey began in Rwanda, where she graduated from the University of Rwanda with a degree in Water and Environmental Engineering in 2018. She then worked with the Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority, focusing on water resource management. Eager to learn more, she pursued further studies at the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, specializing in Hydroinformatics.
After gaining valuable experience in flood management in Rwanda, Lisa moved to the United States to continue her education. She is now pursuing a PhD at Clemson University, focusing on how machine learning can help farmers make better irrigation decisions to tackle the challenges of climate change.
Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, Lisa has pushed herself to excel. Her hard work and determination paid off when she was awarded the ASCE’s Young Civil Engineer Award, which recognizes her outstanding contributions to the profession both in the United States and in Africa.
But Lisa’s ultimate goal remains clear: she wants to return to Rwanda and use her knowledge and experience to make a bigger impact on her home country, especially in managing water resources.
For Rwandans living abroad like Lisa, success is not just about personal achievement but also about giving back to Rwanda. Their expertise and skills are helping to solve the country’s challenges, from water management to infrastructure development. These talented individuals show that Rwandans abroad are not only ambassadors of their country but also key players in its future development.
Lisa’s message to young women is clear: “Do not be afraid. It is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Women can achieve great things in civil engineering and beyond.”
Source: NewTimes
