Aeronautical engineering sits at the intersection of science, precision, and innovation, but for Elizabeth, it is also a pathway to creating broader opportunities for others. In this interview, she explains how she has used her expertise in materials and aviation safety to build a career grounded in real-world engineering design:
Hi Elizabeth. We are excited to have you as our guest during this period of celebrating both world engineering day and international women’s day. Thank you for choosing to share your STEM journey with us
Thank you so much for having me, and for the opportunity to share my story on Words That Count. I’m honored to be featured, and I love the work you’re doing to amplify African women in STEM through storytelling.
Please introduce yourself to the audience
My name is Elizabeth Ameke. I am originally from Ghana but currently based in Troy, New York, USA. I am an aeronautical engineer with a focus on materials and structures, advanced manufacturing, and real-world engineering design. I’ve also worked in aviation safety and airworthiness.
Beyond engineering, I’m the co-founder of Ed Emporia (EdTech) and the GleeChild Initiative (non-profit), both of which focus on helping children and young people access opportunities through education and support.
Walk us through your journey into aeronautical engineering. How did you choose this career path?
I grew up in Ghana in a home where hard work and perseverance were the foundation of everything. I’m from a family of girls, and my dad has been our greatest cheerleader. We were raised to be very confident and independent, and always reminded that a woman should never be confined to the kitchen. We were constantly told we had so much to offer the world and should think big to do big things.
That notwithstanding, my parents made sure we were good cooks because they love good food. Honestly, I don’t know how they did it all because they were VERY intentional. My dad would even rate our dishes and give us a score for how we did!
But beyond that, good education and aiming for excellence were non-negotiable hallmarks for his girls. After school, we came home to extra learning. We had subject teachers who came on different days of the week to review our notes with us, and even weekends were not left out. That level of intention and investment shaped me, and it has been a shining line on my path.
As a child, I was very good at science and consistently had excellent grades. My dad and uncle (of blessed memory) initially hoped I would become a medical doctor, but I told them I wanted to be a pilot. Without forcing his preference, he supported me fully, and that kind of belief, especially from a parent, changes a girl’s life.
I recall sitting with him as a little girl watching parliamentary proceedings, the news, and even football, and then having in-depth conversations about life, leadership, and the world around us. Looking back, it’s no wonder I’m comfortable in spaces where big decisions are made today. At one point, I even wanted to be part of the diplomatic corps, because those early conversations taught me to think beyond my immediate environment. Till this day, he gives counsel, encourages us, and lets us grow.
That consistency and curiosity carried me to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where I studied Aerospace Engineering and developed a deep interest in aircraft systems, structures, and what it takes to keep aviation safe.
After graduating, I gained hands-on aviation experience at PassionAir, supporting Safety Management Systems (SMS), hazard reporting and follow-through, and safety communication, alongside exposure to maintenance environments. I also had experience with safety regulations and airworthiness documentation through the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. Those roles shaped the way I think about engineering: it must be reliable, compliant, and centered on protecting people.
I later moved to the United States for graduate school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where I focused on aeronautical engineering with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing, materials, and structures. Alongside my engineering journey, I’ve remained committed to building access through STEM education.
Wow! It is good to know that you received all this support while growing up. Kudos to your parents for doing such an amazing job.
Let’s talk about some of the challenges you have faced while on this aeronautical engineering journey
Along the way, I’ve faced a mix of personal and professional challenges. Growing up with limited resources meant I had to work twice as hard to access opportunities and stay focused. I also had moments of being underestimated, especially as a young African woman in a technical field where I had to keep proving that I belonged.
Academically and professionally, the path hasn’t been linear. I’ve navigated rejections, delayed opportunities, and transitions that required patience and resilience. Moving across different systems and environments also came with a learning curve. New standards, new expectations, and the pressure to adapt quickly while still delivering results.
Lastly, I’ve had to learn how to manage high expectations, both external and the ones I put on myself, while protecting my mental and emotional well-being. That balance has been one of my biggest lessons.
What has been your source of inspiration during these challenging times?
My family. My younger self. And the belief that my story is bigger than me.
Also, my faith. I truly believe that when God plants a dream in your heart, He gives you the Grace to establish it. Even if the journey doesn’t look like what you imagined at first.
Tell us about some of your most prestigious experiences while building this aeronautical engineering career
I’ve learned not to take any moment of recognition lightly, because I know what it took me to get here. Some milestones I’m especially grateful for include being recognized by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) as a Woman Engineer You Should Know, and being featured by platforms like Leading Ladies of Aerospace and Defense. These reminded me that my work and my story matter.
I’ve also had the honor of representing Ghana in spaces I once only dreamt about. For example, being selected by the Queen Elizabeth II Trust as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2025. Also, being inaugurated as a Young Council Leader by the Ghana Consulate General in New York, representing Ghanaian youth. Those moments were deeply humbling because they came with a responsibility bigger than me.
And beyond the recognitions, I’m proud of the work that continues quietly in the background. Being trusted to lead and serve through community initiatives in STEM education, mentorship, and nonprofit work, and building impact through Ed Emporia and GleeChild Initiative. Watching these projects grow has been one of the most meaningful “wins” of my journey.
Who is Elizabeth outside of the aeronautical engineering space?
Outside of work, I’m a creative at heart. I love storytelling, design, and building communities. Those things genuinely light me up. I’m the kind of person who loves meaningful conversations, celebrating other people’s wins, and making sure the people around me feel seen.
I also enjoy mentoring young people and volunteering. Impact has always been part of who I am, not just what I do. When life gets heavy, I reset through cooking and baking (banana bread is my comfort zone), listening to music, and spending quiet time reflecting and praying. I’m passionate about growth, faith, and living a life that stays true to purpose.
What’s your favorite quote?“Dream. God can fund it. When He plants a dream in your heart, He provides” ~ Anonymous.
What are your words of encouragement for a young girl interested in aeronautical engineering?
Be your authentic self and be confident enough to say, “no”. Is there something you really want to achieve? Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start anyway. Ask questions. Build your confidence through action. You will meet people who doubt you. Sometimes loudly. But your job is to stay consistent, keep learning, and keep showing up. Your background does not disqualify you. And you don’t have to be perfect to belong in STEM. You just must be willing.
Thank you very much, Elizabeth, for sharing your aeronautical engineering journey with the world. We appreciate the work you are doing for African youth. We look forward to celebrating you more in the future.
Link to Elizabeth’s website: https://www.elizabethameke.com/
