Najuma Nelson has spent 15 years building a career across science, manufacturing, engineering, and project management. Nelson is the Project Services Manager within the Asset Engineering Services Department at Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI). She shared her professional journey for the STEM special edition of Energy Magazine.
At GYSBI, Nelson helps oversee the delivery of construction projects in Guyana. Her responsibilities cover quality, scheduling, cost, and safety.
“My job is to ensure all the key elements of our construction projects are running cohesively and smoothly so as to achieve client satisfaction,” she said.
Nelson’s interest in science began at an early age. After completing secondary school, she enrolled at the University of Guyana and pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. She later completed a master’s degree in engineering.
Her career began in quality control before expanding into process improvement, production management, and project management. The progression allowed her to apply her technical knowledge across different STEM-related industries. Before entering Guyana’s oil and gas sector, Nelson spent more than a decade in the food manufacturing industry.
She transitioned to GYSBI two years ago. Her first role involved leading the company’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control Department. Nelson described the move into the energy sector as one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
Her journey has also included challenges associated with working in a male-dominated field. She said she has sometimes been underestimated or viewed as indecisive and easily influenced.
“I’ve shown that women can be resolute, that we can be firm and principled while also being empathetic,” Nelson said.
She believes subject knowledge alone is not enough to sustain a successful STEM career. Analytical thinking, collaboration, and a willingness to learn are also important.
“Knowledge of the subject matter can only take you so far,” she said.
Nelson is particularly interested in encouraging more women and girls to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and related fields.
