Kenkoh Mesei Dilys Nfumse

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

All ten regions of Cameroon are naturally blessed with different types of Eco-friendly construction materials, with the most commonly used being wood and laterite soil. As an expert in innovation and use of laterite soil for construction works, I will bring my knowledge on the manufacture and use of Dry Stacking Interlocking Compressed Earth Brick (DSICEB), and Compressed Stablized Earth Bricks (CSEB). I will demonstrate how using these technologies reduces cost (by making cost of housing more affordable) and pollution (by reducing buildings' Global Warming Potential, or GWP), resulting in sustainable building systems and consequently gradually achieving SDG 11.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Understand the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and how to use it
2. Learn how to merge green building technology with renewable energy, and how to make a building energy efficient by incorporating technology
3. Learn and understand a global approach to conflict resolution among team members in order to maintain a positive work environment and optimum performance

Mentorship Characteristic

• Participate in a skills-building course, either provided by my mentor’s company or identify a free resource online
• Identify workshops or certificate programs to further my learning after the program has ended
• Focus on leadership skills building
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms

Ideal Company Type

My ideal company would be of any size in the green building construction industry that provides eco-friendly buildings by use of alternative construction materials, aims to reduce environmental pollution and impact caused by highly industrialized construction materials and strives to reduce housing inaffordability. Its work environment would be friendly, promoting respect for all cultures, races, religion and individuals.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Creative
2. Diligent
3. Empathetic

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

By working with a seasoned mentor, I hope for career progression and to learn more about latest innovations in alternative construction materials for application in my home country. By tapping from my mentor's wealth of experience, I will learn industry insights and practical tips, increasing the value of my knowledge in a shorter timespan than through trial and error or e-learning alone. By networking with my mentor and their colleagues, I will expand my professional network, improve my confidence and be exposed to different perspectives.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

Through the professional mentorship I will receive from the TechWomen program, I will improve my knowledge of different green building technologies and innovations in alternative construction materials found in the USA and Cameroon. I will train my team in these technologies and innovations so we can improve our building designs to be more eco-friendly. I will prioritize creating a functional, national green building council. I will also have created a network and connections with other emerging leaders and industry professionals that I can look to for future project guidance.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

7

Primary Professional Focus

• Educational technology
• Energy, renewable technology or green technology

Education History