Date: September 8, 2025
Location: Simad Town Campus
The Midowga Gabdhaha Injineerada Gobolka Banaadir (Women Engineers Association – Banadir Region) successfully hosted the first session of its “Coffee with an Expert” mentorship series yesterday afternoon — an interactive and inspiring event designed to connect young engineers with industry leaders and innovators.
A Session with Engr. Osman Diriye Hussein
The guest speaker for this inaugural session was Engr. Osman Diriye Hussein, a Telecom Systems Engineer renowned for his expertise in adaptive systems and AI-enhanced signal processing. With more than ten indexed research publications, Engr. Osman brings both academic excellence and real-world engineering experience to the table.
He began his talk by describing his own professional journey—from university to advanced research and industry roles—and how the engineering landscape in Somalia and beyond is rapidly evolving with AI, data-driven networks, and automation. He encouraged students to focus on problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous learning, noting that the best engineers are those who remain curious and adaptable.
“Engineering is not just about circuits and code,” he emphasized. “It’s about using knowledge to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives.”
Key Highlights
During the session, Engr. Osman discussed several important themes:
The importance of mentorship and community, highlighting that learning from peers and professionals can accelerate development far beyond formal education.
Bridging the gap between theory and practice — encouraging students to seek internships, research collaborations, and projects that apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
Emerging opportunities in Telecommunications, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering, particularly in AI integration, signal processing, and smart systems.
Soft skills for engineers, such as communication, leadership, and time management, which are vital for career growth.
Empowering Women in Engineering
A central focus of the event was women’s participation in STEM. Engr. Osman passionately discussed the need to create inclusive spaces for women in technical fields. He encouraged young female engineers to believe in their abilities, take initiative, and continue pushing boundaries.
He also reminded participants that the engineering community thrives on diversity and collaboration, and that women play an essential role in shaping the future of innovation.
“When women design, innovate, and lead in engineering,” he said, “our solutions become smarter, more human-centered, and more impactful.”
Participant Engagement
The audience, composed mainly of university students and early-career engineers, engaged enthusiastically with questions about research paths, postgraduate studies, and entering the telecom industry. Engr. Osman responded with practical advice—recommending online resources, tools, and open-source platforms to help them gain real technical experience.
Participants expressed appreciation for the mentorship and the opportunity to network with professionals who understand their academic and career challenges. The open and interactive nature of the session created a sense of belonging and motivation among attendees.
Appreciation
Midowga Gabdhaha Injineerada GB extends heartfelt thanks to Engr. Osman Diriye Hussein for his time, mentorship, and dedication to inspiring the next generation of Somali engineers.
This successful kickoff marks the beginning of a series of Coffee with an Expert sessions that will bring together accomplished engineers and aspiring students for mentorship, discussion, and collaboration. The initiative reflects the association’s broader mission — to empower Somali women in engineering through professional growth, technical training, and community leadership.
The next sessions will continue to highlight experts across different disciplines, including civil, software, mechanical, and environmental engineering, offering diverse perspectives and guidance to participants.
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