Personal History and Vision for the Future
Early Life and Foundational Values
I was born and raised in Zambia in a family of eight, where my father served as a grade school principal and my mother was a fourth-grade teacher. Education was deeply valued in our household, and despite our modest means, my parents instilled in us a profound appreciation for knowledge, discipline, and perseverance. Alongside academics, we maintained a subsistence farm, growing crops that sustained our family. This experience ingrained in me the lesson that hard work done in the right season leads to a bountiful harvest—an ethos I have carried throughout my life.
From an early age, I faced significant challenges that shaped my resilience and sense of purpose. Surviving a meningitis outbreak as a child, losing my father to cancer during my freshman year in college, and undergoing a life-saving liver transplant at UCSF Medical Center in 2008 were defining moments. Each of these hardships reinforced my resolve, deepened my appreciation for life, and strengthened my commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Academic Journey and Passion for Engineering
Guided by my love for math and science, I found my passion for engineering early on. My involvement with the Junior Engineering and Technical Society (J.E.T.S.) in high school confirmed my desire to innovate and solve complex technical challenges. At 18, I took a bold step, moving from Zambia to Silicon Valley to pursue my engineering education at Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA. This decision was met with emotional and financial challenges, but with unwavering determination and the support of academic scholarships, I persevered.
The transition to the U.S. came with cultural adjustments and financial struggles, further compounded by my father’s passing. However, his belief in me never wavered—he often called me "Professor Sikapizye"—a title that continues to inspire my aspirations.
Overcoming Adversity: A Life-Changing Liver Transplant
In 2008, my life took another turn when I was diagnosed with Acute Liver Failure. Within days, I underwent an emergency liver transplant at UCSF Medical Center. The experience left me uncertain about my future in engineering. Yet, I refused to be defined by my circumstances. Just three months post-surgery, I returned to Cabrillo College and completed my coursework, reaffirming my belief in resilience and purposeful living.
Advancing in Engineering and Research
Determined to reach greater heights, I transferred to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 2009 to study mechanical engineering. Despite financial hardships that temporarily interrupted my studies, I turned setbacks into opportunities. During a leave of absence, I secured an internship at Lin Engineering, where I designed and developed stepper motors, refining my mechanical design skills.
My persistence led to a breakthrough opportunity with NASA's Undergraduate Student Research Program, where I contributed to the Aerocapture Technology Project. I conducted thermal protection system materials testing for spacecraft designed for Mars and Jupiter missions. This experience cemented my commitment to leveraging engineering for groundbreaking technological advancements.
Professional Growth and Industry Leadership
Upon graduating, I embarked on a career that would see me at the forefront of ** Technology:** Developed new validation frameworks, setting industry benchmarks and positioning Intel’s socket solutions for future high-volume manufacturing.
Global CPU Validation Leadership: Spearheaded mechanical design projects, delivering 10,000+ validation tools annually for high-profile clients like Apple, Microsoft, and Google, ensuring seamless integration with next-generation CPU technologies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Risk Mitigation: Established innovative durability testing methodologies, predictive failure analysis frameworks, and vendor qualification strategies, preventing quality excursions and reducing engineering workloads by weeks.
Beyond engineering, I recognized the importance of strategic leadership, business development, and sustainability. My passion for mentoring and cross-functional collaboration grew, allowing me to influence corporate strategy and innovation.
Entrepreneurship and Global Impact
Driven by a deep-seated commitment to societal transformation, I founded Africa International Foundation (AIF), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering sustainable well-being across Africa. Through AIF, I:
Secured a seven-hectare parcel in Zambia for an early childhood development center and healthcare facility.
Established an international board of directors to drive governance, strategy, and funding, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Partnered with governments, NGOs, and stakeholders to promote equitable economic growth across key sectors such as renewable energy, education, and healthcare.
Implemented AI-driven solutions for sustainable business growth and social impact initiatives, fostering economic empowerment in underprivileged communities.
Vision for the Future: Technology, Leadership, and Sustainable Growth
My journey—from growing crops in Zambia to engineering innovations at Intel and leading international nonprofits—has equipped me with a unique perspective on leveraging technology, strategy, and leadership to create sustainable impact. My future goals include:
Scaling Africa International Foundation to drive economic equity, healthcare, and education initiatives across Africa.
Advancing AI integration in high-tech manufacturing and sustainable development initiatives.
Mentoring the next generation of engineers, leaders, and entrepreneurs, fostering a global network of changemakers.
Expanding strategic partnerships to foster sustainable global development and position Africa as a hub for technological and economic innovation.