In this week’s blog, we’re talking to Yvonne Shumba and sharing her insights on what it’s like to be a woman working in a male-dominated field. Yvonne is a strong believer that women hold the power to lead and guide each other through unfamiliar territory, both in and out of the workplace, and we couldn’t agree more. Dive into this week's blog and share your thoughts on our socials, we’d love to hear what you think of Yvonne’s story!  

Tell us everything about who Yvonne Shumba is – What are some of your key accomplishments throughout your career, and what are some milestones that have brought you to where you are today?

I am Yvonne Shumba, an engineer, leader and advocate for diversity in STEM. My journey began in Hwange, Zimbabwe, a town shaped by coal mining and energy production, which ignited my passion for engineering. With a background in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and a master’s degree in engineering, I now serve as a Global Service Excellence Specialist at Epiroc AB, focusing on digital transformation, operational efficiency, and business application enhancements. My contributions to the industry have been recognized globally, where I was honoured as one of the 2024 Pan African Women in Energy Top 50, a McKinsey Forward Champion, and an Impact Leader in the Southern African Lean In Equity and Sustainability Network. Something that I’m passionate about is representation. When young women see someone like them succeeding in engineering, they are more likely to pursue and persist in the field.  

What challenges have you faced and overcome throughout your career?

One of the most profound challenges I faced was returning to work after maternity leave. Balancing motherhood and a demanding engineering career required resilience, adaptability, and a strong support system. This experience deepened my commitment to advocating for policies that support working parents and mentoring young female engineers, ensuring they feel empowered to pursue their ambitions effectively. Beyond my corporate role, I am passionate about paying it forward by collaborating with LauncHER Engineers Hub and the Lean In Equity and Sustainability Network. Through these initiatives, I collaborate to bridge the gap between industry and academia, support women in engineering, and foster inclusive leadership in STEM.

What advice would you give to young professionals just starting in Engineering?

I highly encourage you to:

Develop a strong technical foundation

Engineering is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest technologies and methodologies is crucial.  

Be proactive and seek opportunities

Be open to volunteering for projects, engage in research, and quantify your impact in every role.  

Find mentors and sponsors

Learn from those who have paved the way before you. Their guidance will help you navigate challenges and accelerate your growth.  

Stay resilient and adaptable

This industry is demanding, but challenges are opportunities to innovate and grow. It’s so important to enhance your problem-solving and leadership skills because this industry requires growth. The ability to lead and collaborate is what sets great engineers apart.  

Advocate for yourself and others

Diversity in engineering is an asset. Use your voice to drive change and create inclusive workplaces.