Shakira Nyiratuza and Zani Gichuki

2019 fellows Shakira Nyiratuza and Zani Gichuki were featured in a video from MASS Design Group in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, observed annually on June 23. Shakira and Zani both work as structural engineers at MASS, a U.S.-based architecture firm that leads purpose-driven projects, focuses on using sustainable materials and promotes local economies. In the video feature, Zani speaks about the importance of inclusivity in their field: “We need way more women in engineering in general,” she says. “We can’t expect people to build things the way we want them to be built if we don’t have a say in it.” Shakira shares that although the path to engineering is difficult, it is worth it: “Being an engineer is not an easy journey. However, it requires you to be focused, determined and never give up,” she says.