Cleopatra Ogharadukun, having spent most of her career in the financial services sector, reached a point where she longed for a fresh and meaningful endeavour. “I knew I wanted to shift toward a role that creates social impact,” she shared with thebftonline.com. About a year ago, she ventured into the solar industry to fulfil this aspiration, following a less fulfilling experience in a non-profit organisation.
When Cleopatra discovered the opportunity at Stella Futura Africa, she immediately recognised it as the perfect fit—an amalgamation of enterprise and social impact. This allowed her to seek out the right solutions for her clients while also contributing to the global reduction of emissions. “It was a win-win situation,” she excitedly expressed, emphasising the remarkable synergy she found in her new role.
Validation of transition
The 31-year-old business development expert and Head of Business Development at Stella Futura Africa was recently recognised for exceptionally thriving in the solar industry. Her remarkable success, transformative impact, and leadership in the solar energy sector on the continent earned her a slot on the 2023 SolarQuarter Middle East & Africa 40under40 campaign list.
Announcing Cleopatra’s feat in a LinkedIn post, SolarQuarter Africa said: “Their innovative thinking, leadership, and passion for sustainable energy have made a lasting impact on the industry. Let’s honour their extraordinary achievements and inspire others to follow their path to success”!
The 40under40 programme is designed to recognise the accomplishments of the best and most talented trailblazers who are critical team members and prime catalysts as companies navigate the ever-changing solar landscape.
“This recognition serves as validation for the efforts I have put into my profession and personal growth. This recognition not only boosts my confidence, but also opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. It fuels my determination to pursue new challenges and contribute to the growth and success of others,” Cleopatra says.
As Head of Business Development at Stella Futura Africa, her shrewdness has been crucial in expanding the company’s footprint in Africa. She successfully implemented proven market entry methods, leading the company’s expansion into new markets, including Nigeria.
Through her strategic initiatives, Stella Futura has emerged as one of Ghana’s leading solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies, also bagging two awards for Solar Company of the Year – EPC and Best Solar Project of the Year.
This has also earned her the coveted Solar Quarter Grands Masters Award for excellence in sales thought leadership, the pinnacle of industry leadership recognition.
The Nigerian’s impact is not only limited to her professional achievements, but also extends to breaking barriers as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, saying: “Regardless of the industry I work, being the bridge between a problem and the solution, and acting as a catalyst for growth has always driven me to put it my all”.
Advice for ladies who want to be in the solar space
For other women wishing to enter the renewable energy/solar space, Cleopatra admonishes that they should believe that they are meant to be there and to take ownership of that knowledge. “Once one can conquer their mind, they can conquer any challenge. The solar space is for everybody, men and women alike,” she says.
