Benita Mordi

To celebrate International Women's Day we spoke to Aeronautical Engineering graduate Benita Mordi. Whilst Benita works full time at Dell Technologies she also takes the time to share her expertise and knowledge from the industry to those around her when she can. 

Hi Benita! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm currently a a full-time solutions architect at Dell Technologies. In my capacity at Dell Technologies, I work with customers to develop their strategy & implementation of IT infrastructure, Cloud Technologies, & more recently Artificial Intelligence. I started my professional journey with a short role in Public Relations & Branding, before venturing into IT.  I have a BA in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of South Wales, & a MA in Systems Engineering & Management from Texas A&M University. I also have my sights set on a Master’s in Business Administration.

I've been service-oriented most of my life and believe in using my gifts to support meaningful social impact, and as such give much of myself towards doing so.  In my spare time, you’ll find me reading, planning a trip, training for Spartan races, & finding opportunities to expand my comfort zone.

What inspires you to share your knowledge and experience in this industry with others?

There's beauty in shared perspectives and ideas. I often remember very specific things I've learned or heard from others that have shaped either my thinking or factored into critical turning points for me in my career. Had they not shared, I might not have been better off. I hope to leave the same impression on someone who could use my shared knowledge or experience.

What is it like being a woman in STEM and why is being a STEM advocate important?

Being a woman in STEM is exciting & full of so many possibilities to learn, collaborate & drive impact. I think it's important to advocate because STEM fields shape huge parts of the world as we know it today & what it could look like tomorrow, as such it is essential for women to seek spaces in STEM where they can contribute to shaping the future in ways that benefit all people.

What have been some of your proudest moments during your career so far?

One of my proudest moments has been during my time  leading the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)- Chicago Professionals Chapter. In my first year as President, the chapter won an unprecedented 8 awards for our efforts in fulfilling NSBE's mission "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally & positively impact the community." I hadn't expected to step into the role at the time I did, nor have that level of impact in my first year, but I've found that my time as President is one that I will forever honour. 

What would you like your legacy to look like?

The legacy I'd like to leave behind is one of service & impact where it matters most.