Published March 04, 2025
By : Staff Writer
UNESCO and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations celebrate World Engineering Day on March 4. This year’s event was organized under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development umbrella, bringing together policymakers, scientists, engineers, industry representatives, and international organizations to explore engineering’s transformative role.
Stella Uzochukwu founded the Odyssey Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in Nigeria.
She is also a Society of Women Engineers (SWE) member, serves as a competition coach for FIRST LEGO League Robotics in Nigeria, and mentors with The New York Academy of Sciences.
Stella participated in the inaugural online conversations hosted by DiscoverE's Global Marathon. DiscoverE, formerly the National Engineers Week Foundation, aims to unite, mobilize, and support the engineering and technology volunteer communities.
The 2018 Global Marathon, themed "The Future is Now: Inspiring Women in Engineering & Technology," launched on March 7, coincided with International Women's Day.
The event engaged women and their supporters in discussions to receive career advice and connect professionals with college students, allowing them to share challenges and successes virtually. Access to the event was provided through computers, tablets, or mobile phones.
The Global Marathon was a one-of-a-kind series of online conversations that united engineers worldwide. The virtual mentorship and social collaboration opportunities provided lasting connections for participants even after the event.
One of the sessions during the Global Marathon, focusing on career advice, featured Stella.
She shared tips for building confidence, including understanding your opinions through reading, reminding yourself, “I can do it” when doubts arise, leveraging available resources to achieve your goals, maintaining a smile, and always keeping your head high.
Stella also shared a personal story about overcoming gender bias in her workplace: "My boss often thought I wouldn't be able to handle serious work because I am female. However, I proved him wrong and changed his perception."
Stella holds degrees in electrical electronics engineering, physical electronics, and educational technology and a Master's in Telecom Management from Aegis School of Business and Telecom.
She has also been a Nigerian representative at the Technovation World Pitch and served as a Master Educator and Regional Ambassador with Technovation, a platform encouraging girls to address community problems by developing mobile apps.
The Global Marathon’s closing session, "A Day in the Life of Engineers: Making Global Impact," aligned with DiscoverE's Global Day of the Engineer, now celebrated as World Engineering Day.
This global event honors engineers and their significant contributions.
The session provided participants with a virtual journey, offering insights into how engineers across continents dedicate their passions to impactful solutions.
🚀 AI & 3D Training Sneak Peek: "Exciting times! Training educators to integrate AI & 3D tech into classrooms. What’s one innovation you’d love to see in schools? https://t.co/Tj4ShLl3QT #AIforGood"
— Stella Uzochukwu (@ifywayne) February 4, 2025
Engineers take on some of the world’s most pressing issues, from tackling the climate crisis to improving access to clean water & energy.
— United Nations (@UN) March 4, 2025
More from @UNESCO on Tuesday’s #WorldEngineeringDay for Sustainable Development: https://t.co/02BzhzUGm7 pic.twitter.com/hf7Sc3JRVv
