We recently caught up with our alum, Lesego Ngoasheng, who has completed a Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation engineering degree at the University of Cape Town. She is currently an Engineering Management Trainee at Tiger Brands. Lesego has participated in various programmes over the years, including the aviation day at Lanseria Airport in 2017, the 2018 Girls Camp, a visit to Zwartkop, and the AAD Young Professionals programme in 2024. Lesego discovered the organisation through her school, Rhodesfield Technical High School, which specialises in aviation.
Q & A with Lesego Ngoasheng
- What impact have the programmes had on you, both personally and professionally?
They helped me build a great network at a young age, allowing me to be mentored by leading industry professionals. I gained exposure to the aviation/technical industries, which deepened my passion and significantly influenced the work I put into my studies at the time, as I knew what was required of me to succeed in these fields (e.g., Maths, Science, English, etc.).
- In what ways has your perspective evolved since participating in GFA?
Participating in these programmes showed me that you are never too young to start building your future. I came across very influential industry professionals (like yourself) who did not think I was “too young” to understand complex systems such as aircraft. Instead, chose to impart their knowledge to us. They taught me that my today influences my tomorrow, and the soft skills I have learned, such as accountability, safety, time management, and professional branding, have helped me build my portfolio to date.
- Have you maintained connections with fellow participants or mentors from the programme?
Yes, some peers I have maintained contact with throughout high school, some only through following their social media posts
- What skills or knowledge acquired from GFA do you value the most?
Presentation skills and critical thinking through group activities. Teamwork, technical knowledge of air and spacecraft. Research and development skills through group projects.
- How do you think Girls Fly Africa contributes to the empowerment of young women in Africa?
It provides them with quality information from industry professionals that they otherwise cannot access. Provides mentorship and guidance from women from diverse backgrounds they can relate to and shows them firsthand that it is possible and that they have a network of abundant support. Challenges their mindset and perspectives, and enables the development of both technical and soft skills. Encourages making a positive contribution to your community and paying it forward by sharing knowledge and support with those around you. Provides them with the platform to showcase their abilities, talents and voice their opinions and ideas.
- What advice would you offer to new participants aiming to maximise their experience?
Be open-minded, don’t shy away, fully immerse yourself in the programmes, be curious and ask a lot of questions, don’t be a stranger, and be a sponge (absorb as much knowledge as possible).
