Women’s Month cooling spotlight – Ayisat Adama Adamu

Please provide a brief overview of your background, including your name, educational background, home country, and your current position within the energy sector.

My name is Ayisat Adama Adamu, and I'm the CEO and Co-founder of Rekool Ltd., a clean energy startup based in Nigeria. My educational background is in Public Administration, and I'm deeply passionate about leveraging innovative solutions to address global health challenges. Currently, I am actively involved in the energy sector, particularly in advancing clean energy solutions to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

What motivated you to participate in the This is Cool Challenge?

The motivation behind my participation in the This is Cool Challenge stems from my unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in my community and beyond. Recognizing the critical role that access to sustainable energy plays in healthcare delivery, I saw this challenge as an opportunity to showcase our innovative solution, Vacci-Safe, and its potential to provide vaccine storage in rural communities and underserved areas.

How has your experience as a This is Cool Challenge winner contributed to your personal and professional growth? 

Winning the Healthcare category of the This is Cool Challenge has been a transformative experience for both my personal and professional growth. It provided validation for our innovative approach and opened doors to new opportunities for collaboration and scaling our impact. Moreover, it bolstered my confidence as a leader in the energy sector, reaffirming my belief in the power of innovation to drive positive change.

What is one memorable moment or key insight you experienced during your time participating in the This is Cool Challenge? 

One memorable moment during my participation in the This is Cool Challenge was the realization that our solution, Vacci-Safe, had the potential to address not only local healthcare challenges but also contribute to the global effort to improve vaccine access and distribution. This insight fueled our determination to refine and expand our solution, making it accessible to communities worldwide.

How have you used your experience as a This is Cool Challenge winner to contribute to the empowerment of women at the local, national or international levels?

As a This is Cool Challenge winner, I am committed to using my platform to empower women in the energy sector. Through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration with like-minded organizations, I strive to create pathways for women to thrive and lead in this male-dominated industry. By sharing my journey and experiences, I aim to inspire other women to pursue careers in sustainable energy and drive meaningful change in their communities.

What advice would you give to women and youth who aspire to build a career in sustainable energy?

To women and youth aspiring to build a career in sustainable energy, my advice is simple yet profound: believe in yourself and embrace your unique strengths and talents. Seek out mentorship and opportunities for learning and growth, and don't be afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo. Remember that every small step you take towards your goals contributes to a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Follow Ayisat on Instagram (@eeshaadama) and X (@aishatAadamu).