By Mudenge Hope
Refrigeration Technician, Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES), Rwanda
You do not need to know everything before you begin; you need the courage to take the first step.
My journey into HVACR began in secondary school, where I was studying Electronics Services. At the time, I had no idea that my career path would lead me into the world of refrigeration.
Everything changed during my internship at a company with different technical departments, including electronics, automotive services, HVAC, and refrigeration. While undertaking my electronics internship, I noticed a workshop filled with large machines, fascinating tools, and equipment I had never seen before. I did not know exactly what the machines did, but they certainly caught my attention!
Driven by curiosity, I walked into the workshop and started asking questions. Fortunately, I met someone who was willing to take the time to explain what refrigeration and air conditioning were all about. It was my first real introduction to the field, and I was fascinated.
Although I was officially there to learn electronics, I began joining the refrigeration technicians on site whenever I had the opportunity. After just two site visits, I remember thinking, “This is it! This is what I want to do with my life!” What started as simple curiosity became a passion that would shape my future.
After completing secondary school, I researched where I could pursue an education in HVACR, and I discovered the programme at IPRC Kigali. I applied and was accepted.
When it was time for another internship during my studies, I returned to the same company, the very place where my passion had begun. There, I met Mr Basile Seburikoko, who is now the President of the Rwanda HVACR Society. I introduced myself as an IPRC Kigali student and explained how my earlier experience at the company had inspired me to pursue refrigeration.
His response was incredibly encouraging. He helped me secure an internship, continued guiding me, and later welcomed me into his own HVACR company, where I completed my professional internship. He eventually employed me as a Refrigeration Technician.
His mentorship, trust, and willingness to create opportunities for me played a significant role in my professional growth. Even today, we continue to work closely together. My experience with him as a mentor reminds me that sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in your potential to help you see what is possible.
Today, I am proud to be a woman working in the HVACR industry and currently serving as a Refrigeration Technician at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) in Rwanda.
I am also honoured to have won the Dr. Charity Kpabep competition for best female technician in Africa, organised by U-3ARC—an achievement that reflects not only my commitment but also the encouragement, guidance, and opportunities I have received along the way.
I encourage every girl and woman who is curious about engineering, refrigeration, or any technical field not to be afraid to ask questions, enter the workshop, pick up the tools, and give herself the chance to learn.
You do not need to know everything before you begin; you need the courage to take the first step.
My journey is still unfolding, and I hope that by sharing it, I can inspire more women to see themselves in this industry.
Local voices. Global connections. One HVACR community.
This article was contributed for Global HVACR Women Week 2026, taking place from 25–31 October.
It forms part of our Local Voices series, in which women share their experiences of working in HVACR and the connections that have made a difference along the way. By sharing these stories, we hope to help others find people they can learn from, exchange ideas with and support.
What connection has made a difference to you? We welcome contributions from women across HVACR, wherever you work and whatever stage of your career you have reached. Your story does not need to be long or polished—a simple experience could help someone else take their next step.
To share your story or find ways to take part, visit globalhvacrwomenweek.com.
