Black Woman in the Energy Sector
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 04/10/20
Khadija was born in Dakar, Senegal and raised in Guinea, Conakry. Since she always had high grades in English, she sought an opportunity to travel to Ghana, where for 10 months she learned English and afterwards moved to France. While in France, she studied international marketing and international business at the American Business School of Paris.
From a tender age, Khadija enjoyed imagining stories and writing. In 2015, she put her creativity to use and published her first mystery novel “La Mission.” At the time, there was a terrorist attack in Paris, so she couldn’t do a book launch. But a few months later, she traveled to Guinea and hosted a successful book launch.
In 2018, Khadija came across a job opening on LinkedIn that offered an opportunity to work in the energy sector. Her friend encouraged her to apply. She thought the position was out of her league. Though she jokingly applied, she took the time to answer the 20 questions (in English) that were part of the application.
The next day, she noticed that the job application on LinkedIn was removed, which meant that the employers found their match. Khadija was their match.
She was flabbergasted and looked forward to working in the field. Khadija believes that her proficiency in English and French, a background education in business, and being from the motherland may have been the reasons why they selected her.
Once Khadija was hired, she communicated with her employer via Skype, then was told that she had to immediately travel to South Africa to assist their annual conference. Her mother was concerned about her safety because she didn't know anyone in South Africa. But Khadija gained her parents’ support, and took a leap of faith. She told herself that if things didn’t work out, at least she got an all-expense-paid trip to South Africa.
She spent a month in Capetown before moving to Dakar to work in the field. The energy company Khadija works for (Africa Oil & Power) has investments in Guinea, South Africa, Senegal, and Angola. She explains that what makes her company different from competitors is that it is 100 percent focused on investing in Africa. Unlike their competitors, who are only in the field 2 or 3 weeks before the conference, Khadija’s company sends their employees to live in the area where they are targeting, which gives an advantage to get to know the people and country.
”I found my perfect job. Everyday you learn something new,” Khadija said cheerfully. Khadija feels that she is a key player in helping small companies connect to ministries. She enjoys everything about International business (e.g. looking for clients, building relationships, and traveling). Being the only black girl in the field, Khadija differentiates herself by using her outgoing personality, and confidence to secure a deal. She considers herself dynamic, bold and not afraid to go after what she wants.
At times, convincing a client to sign the contract can be a challenge. But she breaks the ice by cracking some jokes. This makes the clients more comfortable and open to what she has to say. She also presents a track record of what the company has done in the past in order to gain their trust. Usually, after a client attends one of their conferences, signing a contract can be quicker.
Some of the ways Khadija ensures she continuously puts her best foot forward is by seeking advice from her managers and friendly clients. She also reads books about energy and keeps an eye on current happenings in the energy sector.
Khadija says that many intellectuals are going back to Africa to invest or seek employment. She also says that if people don’t capitalize now, 20 years from now there could be limited opportunities in the mother land.
N’Namary Bangoura says, ‘[Khadija] is one of my best friends. We’ve known each other for over 10 years now. Khadija is a beautiful person who loves people. She is so motivating and inspiring, very brave and courageous. She’s that person you can always count on.“
In the near future, Khadija wants to become an Executive in her field, write a book about energy, and open a publishing company. She dedicates her success to her supportive sisters and parents for never stopping her from dreaming and going after what she wants.
Welcome to Khadija’s World
“Companies are investing in the next tech that helps lessen oil spilling because if oil spills, they are losing money. One small mistake can cost them billions of dollars.”
“Success is reaching the goals that you set for yourself.”
“For me loving the skin i’m in means loving how I look, how I feel about my appearance and being confident about it.”
“A strong woman is someone that does not give up, no matter what society says. She knows what she wants and fights for it.”
Connect with Khadija:
Facebook: Khadija Camara (Author)
Instagram: @khadijafrika
Email: Khadijacamara21@gmail.com
You can buy Khadija’s mystery novel (French Edition) here: https://www.amazon.com/La-Mission/dp/2354856679?fbclid=IwAR0jYiyYEtDh9ipVlGasMiwIeK6QAvUfdWcDX-HJi79es-8rANOzvvP_99w
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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