LIFE Academy is proud to announce that Eng. Fiona Magomere from Kenya is selected as Change Agent of the Year 2025. Fiona was nominated by Dr. Ing. Matthew Matimbwi for her inspiring work in mentoring young women and girls, empowering them to pursue careers in the renewable energy sector.

Fiona exemplifies the role of a Change Agent by turning knowledge into action and inspiring others to work for a more sustainable future. Through her dedicated work to advance renewable energy, she has intentionally empowered women and girls to take active roles in the sector. She has led and contributed to training programmes that equip women with technical skills in renewable energy, provided mentorship to young professionals, and actively encouraged girls to pursue studies and careers in engineering and clean energy while helping them attaining scholarships to overcome the challenge of financing female training. By sharing knowledge, opening doors to opportunities, and advocating for greater gender inclusion, Fiona addresses social and economic barriers alongside environmental challenges. Her work demonstrates how sustainable development is strengthened when women and girls are empowered as leaders and changemakers, making her an inspiring role model within the LIFE Academy network and beyond.

We congratulate Fiona Magomere for her continuous work in promoting sustainable development and for successfully spreading sustainable ideas and concepts to others, not only inside her own organization. By replicating the knowledge of mentorship, one of the methodologies which was used for her training at LIFE Academy, she has shown that it is possible to change the mindset of others to make sustainability happen.

The Change Agent of the Year is rewarded for acting as a role model who inspires others to develop and drive sustainable solutions. The awardee will get 1000 US dollars to be used for any sustainability activity of choice and to inspire others in their work for a sustainable future.

We took the opportunity to ask Fiona a few questions when delivering the news about her selection, see below.

Congratulations Fiona! How does it feel to receive this award?

Thank you. To be honest, I am stunned that I actually won this award especially knowing the history of previous winners like Dr. Ing. Mathew Matimbwi who was my mentor and a truly inspiring role model. I am also truly humbled with this recognition and award as it affirms my work as a STEM mentor as well as an advocate for access to clean energy and sustainability.

Could you tell us about your work in the renewable energy sector as well as your current position and organisation?

I am an advocate for access to clean energy, sustainability and a mentor for young women in energy as well as students interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy.

I work as a Power System Control Engineer with the Kenyan utility; Kenya Power & Lighting Company. My role involves ensuring supply of quality power to over 9 million customers connected to the grid with a focus on Kenya’s high percentage of Renewables in its energy mix. I also use my skill of storytelling to demystify renewable energy and energy as a whole.

You have recently been devoted to the empowerment of women and girls in renewable energy. Could you tell us a bit more about these initiatives?

This week we just concluded a mentorship program by AWEDI (African Women in Energy Development Initiative) through which I mentored a young up and coming engineer whose interest is in renewable energy to pursue her goals and how to standout in the energy space. I am also part of a women’s group within my organization called Gamma Energy which actively participates in empowering women through peer-to-peer mentorship for career advancement, youth mentorship and advancing women’s leadership in Africa’s Energy sector. The work we do through Gamma Energy recently won us the Women Group Award 2025 by African Queen of Energy Awards. I also encourage women in the energy space to harness the power of visibility through personal branding both in their organizations and beyond to help them stand-out as leaders in this sector.

What motivates and drives you the most in your work life?

The fact that I get to play a role in ensuring millions of Kenyans have access to clean, reliable and sustainable energy drives my passion for my work. I recently got recognized by Green Climate Network as one of the Influential Women in Kenya’s Energy Sector 2025 and this reminded me that I play an important role in inspiring young girls to rise and lead in spaces traditionally meant for men. My daughter also makes me work harder to leave a legacy she will be proud of when she grows up.

You were a participant of LIFE Academy training programme REP4. What knowledge and experience did you bring from this programme?

REP4 gave me a wholesome experience and important knowledge that has shaped who I am and even elevated my career in the Energy Sector. I was honoured to lead the Kenyan team and this role stretched my leadership skills and taught me the power of collaboration not just with my team members but with other parties in the energy sector. I gained knowledge on renewable energy especially on alternative sources of fuel for clean cooking, access to clean energy for communities far flung from the grid through options like Solar microgrids. My passion for mentorship was elevated after my experience going through the programme and my mentorship reach has grown. After the programme, I was intentional about contributing to meaningful conversations that shape our energy sector, an initiative that saw me be part of panels and supporting other women like me to take part in shaping energy conversations.

You will be awarded with 1 000 USD. Do you have any idea what the money will be used for?

This award has come at an opportune moment in my mentorship work. I intend to use the money to print copies of the four issues of “Queengineers” an online publication showcasing inspiring African female engineers and their career motivations then circulate these printed copies to high schools as a real-life motivation for young girls intending to pursue STEM courses and careers in STEM including engineering and renewable energy. Here’s a link to one of the issues.

General Information about Change Agents

A Change Agent is a person, trained by LIFE Academy to act for a sustainable development in their organisation and country. There are around 2 000 LIFE Academy Change Agents in 80 countries all over the world that are part of the LIFE Academy global network.

The Change Agents create true value for their organisations and they have their focus on making changes that are sustainable, with a holistic approach taking both the environment, social and economic issues in consideration.

In the work for our common sustainable future it is very important with role models that can inspire more people to take action for sustainable solutions. To encourage our role models, the Change Agents in our network, we award a Change Agent of the Year.

Previous Change Agents of the Year:

2015 – Ms. Fasika Minde from Ethiopia

2016 – Dr. P. Kanagavel from India

2018 – Ms. Jackie Namakula from Uganda

2019 – Ms. Margaret Mutsamvi from Zimbabwe

2020 – Ms. Lucia Marroquín Mendoza from Mexico

2021 – Dr. Matthew Matimbwi from Tanzania

2022 – Mr. Noy Shoung from Cambodia

2023 – Alexandr Matrohin from Moldova

2024 – Mr. Peter Musinguzi Mwesiga from Ugana