Chiderah Okoye was raised in a world of science through the love and legacy of her family. She was always inspired and encouraged to improve the lives of others through science and technology. She grew up in Maryland, surrounded by empowered women in healthcare. Chiderah naturally developed a stronghold in STEM early on. 

Chiderah’s Early Years

In middle school, Chiderah decided to become a biomedical engineer, gaining instant encouragement from loved ones to ensure her success. In high school, her mother connected her with a doctor from Case Western Reserve University - renowned for its biomedical program. Her mother, who never drove long distances, left her apprehension in the backseat when she personally escorted her daughter from Maryland to Cleveland for the program. Chiderah’s family paved her way in gold, gifting her a beautifully planned roadmap, sealed with love. Look at how far she’s come! 

Early in her career, she spent much of her time sharing her resources and expertise in her community while deepening her involvement in STEM programs with a tangible social impact. Through the National Black Society of Engineers  (NBSE)  conference, she connected with Rockwell Automation where she would go on to shift career paths again. There she saw how the company solved business problems for companies of all sizes by designing and deploying systems for manufacturing and information operations. While this emerged as a passion, the NBSE’s call to “positively impact the community” led her to find ways that she could identify and solve business and community needs as well.

In her early college studies and beyond, Chiderah has remained an avid student. She actively learns from and appreciates the perspectives of her peers, mentors, and the world around her. 

Transform Power Systems

Today, Chiderah has shifted her focus by creating solutions for business and community challenges in the clean energy sector. Transform Power Systems (TPS) is Chiderah’s latest venture. On one end, the organization designs and deploys power distribution and renewable energy systems to help businesses and communities meet their sustainability objectives. More recently, TPS has launched its Workforce Hub, rooted in training and placing emerging leaders in clean energy careers. 

With rising concerns about the climate crisis, the TPS Workforce Hub programming allows adults across different educational, skill, and career experiences to join the frontlines of creating a sustainable future. Not only will selected participants grow and transfer their skills, but they also earn generous stipends while they learn! 

The TPS Workforce Hub offers two core programs:

TPS Clean Energy Fellowship 

This program is for professionals with degrees looking to apply their skills in the clean energy sector. Our program helps fellows: 

• Transition their expertise into clean energy
• Expand their networks
• Establish themselves as thought leaders in the sector. 

The intensive upskilling curriculum grants fellows the opportunity to:

• Engage with industry leaders
• Explore applied environmental justice principles
• Contribute to real-world projects that enhance their professional portfolios.

Adult Mobilization Program (AMP) 

This program is for individuals with prior work experience who have not obtained a college degree. Participants receive several opportunities for training and growth through; 

• Foundational training in energy fundamentals
• Individualized career guidance to identify viable roles that align with their skills and aspirations
• Support in obtaining industry-recognized certifications

Chiderah and her team have a huge vision for the impact the TPS Workforce Hub can have in advancing Massachusetts's sustainable future. In this startup phase, TPS continues to garner the support needed to bring this program to its full potential. 

As Chiderah’s World Turns

In the spare time that she has between family life, work, research, community service, and studying, Chiderah has had to prioritize her wellness to maintain all that she is navigating. She has gone from regularly teetering on the edge of burnout to becoming a vocal advocate for her restoration. Her work days incorporate daily walks and “silent/screenless meals” to make sure she stays grounded. Chiderah prides herself on the strides she’s made to compartmentalize her work and home life, making for a more fulfilling experience for herself and her loved ones. 

We need clean energy for a brighter future. Everything we do requires energy to function; from the water we drink to the phone charging by the bed. Transform Power Systems (TPS) plays a unique role in creating greater job retention and sustainability for an up-and-coming generation of professionals. From expanding the program to spreading the word about clean energy initiatives to local communities, we look forward to seeing all that TPS has to offer.