Hi, I’m Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba!
This platform is designed to give you an intimate look into her journey, showcasing her impressive aerospace industry accomplishments, exceptional academic background, and deep-rooted commitment to community service!
About
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba stands out as an inspiring figure in the world of aerospace. She possesses a unique blend of visionary leadership, technical expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a robust academic foundation in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she has persistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to her field. Her competencies span a broad spectrum:
- Engineering Project Management
- Flight Operations (Aviation and Space)
- Airworthiness and Certification Engineering
Beyond her professional achievements, Wanjiku is an active community volunteer and a staunch advocate of STEM education.
Education
An alumna of the renowned Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Wanjiku boasts a solid educational background. Beyond her professional achievements, Wanjiku is an active community volunteer and a staunch advocate of STEM education. Her journey includes:
Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida USA
Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida USA
Minor in Spaceflight Operations
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida USA
Professional Experience
Wanjiku's professional journey is a testament to her dedication and skill. From managing flight operations to coordinating with globally recognized powerplant manufacturers, she has gained and given value at every step:
European Space Agency
Citizen Scientist
Gulfstream Aerospace
Functional Lead | Airworthiness Engineer | Certification Engineer
Vicillion
Co-Founder | CEO | Chairwoman
Project PoSSUM
Scientist-Astronaut Candidate Graduate
Switched Source
Aerospace Controls Engineer
SPARC (K)
Director | Engineer | Assistant Head of Strategy & Communications
Birds Eye Aerial Drones
Flight Operations Intern (UAS Project Manager)
Southwest Airlines
Powerplant and Aircraft Performance Engineering Intern
Tata Group
Mechanical Assembler
Awards & Honors
Wanjiku’s outstanding achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and memberships in prestigious honor societies.
Awards
Scientist-Astronaut Candidacy at Project PoSSUM;
Best Collaborative Aerospace Infrastructure R&D Partner 2023;
Most Collaborative Aerospace R&D Partner 2023 – USA;
Graduate Student of the Year 2020-2021 Award;
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Professional Development Award;
2020-2021 Resident Advisor of the Year Award;
and Tau Beta Pi Scholar Award.
Honors
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics;
Tau Beta Pi;
Sigma Gamma Tau;
Omicron Delta Kappa;
Kappa Mu Epsilon;
National Society of Collegiate Scholars;
Riddle Chapter;
and Phi Beta Delta member.
Leadership Roles
Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairwoman
VicillionAt Vicillion, Wanjiku holds the dual role of CEO and Chairwoman. She acts as a project manager, leads strategic direction, oversees operations, and fosters a culture of innovation and ingenuity. Under her leadership, the company has consistently grown, embracing change, and leveraging technology for efficient operations. Her mission through Vicillion is to enhance human ingenuity in technology, make history, and make a positive, unforgettable impact.
Functional Lead
Gulfstream AerospaceWanjiku coordinates and manages a completions certification group by streamlining processes (planning, coordination, performance of design, analysis, and liaison engineering) and working on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals for aircraft delivery. She demonstrates continuous teamwork by working with outfitting organizations such as electrical, mechanical, operations, structures, quality, and other certification teams as required.
Senior Resident Advisor
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityWanjiku demonstrated her leadership and conflict management capabilities as a Senior Resident Advisor. Here, she provided support to other Resident Advisors in areas of programming, community development, and overall leadership development. She served as a role model and leader among Resident Advisors and her residents by demonstrating initiative, character, and commitment. Her knack for conflict management was honed during this time, resolving issues among residents, and even participating in the interviewing process for new applicants for the Resident Advisor position.
Treasurer and Co-Founder
Riddle Chapter (National Residential Honor Society) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityAs a co-founder and treasurer, she had the opportunity to shape the society's direction from the ground up, building up the foundation. She was responsible for financial planning and oversight, and under her fiscal stewardship, the society managed its funds effectively to support various initiatives.
Design Skill
PHOTOSHOT
FIGMA
ADOBE XD.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
DESIGN
Development Skill
HTML
CSS
JAVASCRIPT
SOFTWARE
PLUGIN
Championing Diversity in STEM
Wanjiku is a tireless advocate for diversity in STEM. As a woman originally from Africa in a largely traditional male-dominated field, she understands the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering innovation and creativity.
Role Model
Through her work and accomplishments, she serves as a role model for young women considering careers in STEM fields. She is proof that with passion, dedication, and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals in the STEM fields, regardless of gender or national origin.
Promoting STEM Education
Wanjiku actively promotes STEM education among young students from across the world. She has coordinated, planned, and assisted in STEM functions, and held talks and seminars for middle and high school students from around the world, nurturing their interest in STEM-related fields as well as space research.
Mentorship
As a mentor, she offers valuable guidance to young people interested in STEM fields from around the world. She provides insight into her experiences, offering advice, encouragement, and sharing her knowledge.
Through these roles and initiatives, Wanjiku Kanjumba continues to pave the way for future generations in the aerospace sector and beyond, encouraging diversity and equal opportunities in STEM to help increase human ingenuity and make a positive, unforgettable impact.
Community Engagement
Wanjiku has a heart for service. Her community involvement reflects her dedication to giving back and inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts: