Born: 1984 (South Africa)
Naadiya Moosajee is a highly accomplished South African engineer, social entrepreneur, and co-founder of Women in Engineering (WomEng), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing engineering talent among girls in multiple African countries. Born in South Africa in 1984, Moosajee has made significant contributions to the field of engineering and has been widely recognized for her inspiring work.
Moosajee’s educational journey began at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Civil Engineering. She excelled in her studies and continued her academic pursuits at UCT, earning a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Transport Engineering in 2009. During her final year as a master’s student, Moosajee embarked on an international exchange program and spent twelve months at the University of Stuttgart in Germany, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in her field.
In 2013, Moosajee’s commitment to continuous learning led her to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the prestigious University of Edinburgh. Armed with a diverse educational background, she was well-equipped to tackle the challenges that lay ahead in her career.
Moosajee’s career trajectory exemplifies her dedication and versatility as an engineer. After completing her first degree, she worked as a Project Engineer at Arcus Gibb Engineering (now GIBB Engineering), a renowned consulting engineering firm based in Cape Town. Her role involved contributing to various engineering projects, further honing her expertise in the field.
Moosajee’s career took an exciting turn when she was appointed as the VIP & Media Transport Coordinator during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Cape Town. She demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and played a vital role in planning, scheduling, and coordinating ground transportation services for VIPs, media personnel, and match officials, ensuring the smooth operations of the prestigious event.
In 2009, Moosajee’s talents were recognized when she was appointed as a Global Leadership Fellow by Youth Action Network, a UK-based non-profit organization. For fourteen months, she dedicated her skills and knowledge to the organization, making a significant impact in empowering young leaders and promoting global development.
From May 2011 to July 2013, Moosajee served as the Engagement Manager at Pegasys Strategy & Development, an advisory group that focuses on the impact of development in emerging economies. During her tenure, she worked as a consultant on large-scale climate change and public transportation projects, demonstrating her commitment to addressing critical global issues.
Moosajee’s contributions extend beyond her professional endeavors. She has played a pivotal role in founding and co-founding several non-profit and for-profit organizations, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating positive change. In 2013, she established Naadiya M, a garment designing, manufacturing, and marketing business that targets women’s business attire and evening wear. Additionally, in 2014, she co-founded JourneyMap Consulting, a talent search and talent acquisition enterprise with offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
One of Moosajee’s most significant achievements is her co-founding of Women in Engineering (WomEng) in 2005. Serving as the CEO since its inception, she has played a crucial role in its growth and success. WomEng focuses on cultivating and nurturing engineering talent among girls and women in South Africa and Kenya. Through various initiatives, mentorship programs, and career development opportunities, WomEng has made a lasting impact in bridging the gender gap in the engineering field and empowering girls to pursue engineering careers.
Moosajee’s contributions have been widely recognized and celebrated. In December 2014, she was named among The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa 2014 by Forbes Magazine, solidifying her status as a trailblazing woman in her field. She also serves on a number of influential boards, including the Regional Advisory Board of Frost & Sullivan for the African region, the board of the International Youth Foundation since January 2012, the board of directors at Pegasys since August 2013, and the Global Future Council at the World Economic Forum since August.
Naadiya Moosajee’s unwavering commitment to engineering, social entrepreneurship, and empowering women has cemented her as a prominent figure in her field. Her determination, leadership, and passion have paved the way for countless girls and women to pursue careers in engineering and make a lasting impact on society. Her outstanding achievements and contributions have left an indelible mark on the history of women in engineering, inspiring future generations to break barriers and strive for excellence.