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She came on board as an electrician. It changed where her career could go.

After graduating in electrical engineering in Cameroon, Denise Ngum struggled to find an opportunity in her field. Then she brought her skills on board the Africa Mercy® and discovered a new path in maritime engineering.

Sector Technical
Location Douala, Cameroun

Video

Video

Finding a place for her skills

Denise graduated in electrical and electronic engineering in Cameroon but faced barriers finding work in a field where women were underrepresented.

When Mercy Ships came to Cameroon, she almost applied for housekeeping instead. Encouraged to apply in her profession, she joined the electrical team and began a journey that would last seven years.

  • Behind the hospital is an entire ship that needs to keep running. Denise's electrical expertise helped maintain the systems that allow medical teams to focus on caring for patients.

Behind the hospital is an entire ship that needs to keep running. Denise's electrical expertise helped maintain the systems that allow medical teams to focus on caring for patients.

From engineer to maritime professional

On board, Denise developed her maritime expertise and qualified as an electro-technical officer. As her experience grew, she began sharing it too, helping other professionals develop their skills.

“When I have the feeling that I’m gaining mastery of it, I get excited that I could pour the same thing back into my country.”

They are open to everyone. Male or female, everyone is equal to them.
Denise Ngum · Electrical Engineer · Cameroon
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Learning, then sharing

As Denise's experience grew, so did her desire to share it, helping train others on board and hoping one day to contribute to STEM education in Cameroon.

“When I have the feeling that I’m gaining mastery of it, I get excited that I could pour the same thing back into my country.”

Could your technical skills take you somewhere new?

You already have skills a hospital ship needs. Where could they take you?

Electricians, engineers and other technical professionals keep the systems behind the hospital safe and operational every day.

For Denise, bringing her engineering skills on board became seven years of service, learning, teaching and a new maritime career.

Your skills could have a place on board.

Volunteer your skills

Meet the Crew Behind the Ship