Biography:
Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga is a Congolese engineer, professor of electrical engineering technology, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and government official. She has made significant contributions to the field of renewable energy, and she is a leading figure in promoting electrification initiatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Born in Kinshasa, Mubenga grew up in various countries due to her father’s role as a United Nations diplomat. Her multicultural upbringing exposed her to diverse perspectives and instilled in her a global mindset. At the age of seventeen, Mubenga had a life-changing experience that shaped her career path. She fell critically ill with appendicitis and needed immediate surgery, but the hospital lacked electricity. This harrowing incident inspired her to dedicate her life to becoming an electrical engineer and solving the energy access issues in her home country.
Mubenga pursued her passion for electrical engineering at the University of Toledo, where she earned her degree in 2005. During her studies, she focused on areas such as renewable energy, solar power, electric vehicles, and battery management. Her determination and academic excellence earned her a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from the same institution.
Throughout her academic journey, Mubenga’s research focused on sustainable energy and developing technologies to improve battery life and equality in energy distribution. Her doctoral research led to the development of a bilevel equalizer, which combines active and low-cost passive equalization methods to extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. This innovation has significant implications for energy storage applications and contributes to the advancement of renewable energy systems.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Mubenga is an entrepreneur and the founder of the SMIN Power Group LLC. The company specializes in designing and installing renewable energy devices. Its primary mission is to bring access to electricity to communities, schools, and hospitals in the DRC. Mubenga’s commitment to social impact is further demonstrated through her philanthropic efforts.
As a philanthropist, Mubenga has become a thought leader and socio-economic influencer in the DRC. In 2018, she founded the STEM DRC Initiative, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The initiative aims to promote STEM education and provides college scholarships to over 100 Congolese students studying in STEM fields. By nurturing interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Mubenga seeks to stimulate social and economic development in the DRC and empower the next generation of innovators.
Mubenga’s dedication to electrification and sustainable development led her to serve as a Director on the Board of Directors of Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL) from 2017. In 2020, she was appointed as the Director General of the Electricity Regulatory Agency in the DRC by President Felix Tshisekedi. In her role, she leads regulatory initiatives to promote electrification as a means to spur social and economic development in one of the world’s poorest nations.
Ngalula Mubenga’s achievements as an engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and government official have had a profound impact on society. She has made remarkable contributions to renewable energy research, education, and policy in the DRC. Her dedication to bringing electricity to communities and empowering future generations through STEM education is an inspiration to women everywhere. Mubenga’s unwavering determination and commitment to improving the lives of others have cemented her as a prominent figure in women’s history.