Ida and I connected on LinkedIn. I was inspired by a STEM post that mentioned her name and ended up on my timeline through mutual connections. Here is our interview about her STEM experience:
Hello Ida, it is wonderful to finally meet you
Thank you, the pleasure is all mine.
Briefly introduce yourself please
My name is Ida Padikuor Na-Tei. I am a Contracts and Tenders Engineer with The Automation Ghana Group
How did you become an engineer?
My journey of life truly started at age 10. I remember vividly in that social studies class when we were learning that Ghana was rich in natural resources, yet poor as a country due to our inability to manage these natural resources and also process them into more valuable goods. Being a top student and also class president, it was easy for me to walk up to the teacher after class to have a discussion on what was earlier taught in class that greatly disturbed me. After class, I remember walking up to my teacher to find out how I could help solve this problem and he mentioned that it was a result of un-progressive industrialization and urged me to study hard so I could become an engineer and bridge the technological gap in my country.
This has been my drive and desire since that day. This same dream got me into the best engineering university in my country to study Electrical/ Electronic Engineering. I am now an engineer with the Automation Ghana Group. I once heard that formal education is an avenue to discover your purpose – how true!
What have you found inspiring and challenging along this journey called life?
Well, I find my chosen field most inspiring and challenging. This is because we are few female Ghanaian engineers. This puts a lot of demand on us but I try my best to give my all when it comes to my work.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Outside of work, I love to interview people in the tech space to inspire young people to also do much more than they have done. My work in this regard can be found here, or through my YouTube Channel.
Tell us about your achievements and awards
I have won several awards and recognitions including the Diana Award, UK in Honour of Princess Diana of Wales, Huawei Seeds for the Future Honorary Award-China, 5000 women in STEM in Ghana, Vlisco Mentee, Winner for the Hult Prize Challenge, Winner for the Trade and Innovation Challenge, nomination for the Mobex Tech Media Program of the year Award, GESA Most Innovative Student and many others.
What is your favourite quote?
My favourite quote is actually scriptural: Mark 9:23, KJV: “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
How would you encourage a young girl aspiring to join STEM?
To anyone who wants to go above and beyond, know that there is no glass ceiling. The only limitation in life is what you place on yourself. So dream big and believe that in this world anything is possible.
Thank you Ida for sharing your story with us, and for the good work you do with CTN Technologies. We wish you more success in life.
