Alberton’s voice in finance and energy
Cikida’s number one goal in life is to successfully open the doors to financial and economic development to those who can’t do it for themselves.
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THERE is no stopping this young woman and she is a firm believer that there is no dream too big to fulfill your destiny. The RECORD interviewed Cikida Gcali on August 30. She is a chemical engineer, has a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering and is a Fulbright scholar. On top of this, she is also the founder of a digital publication for ambitious millennials called The Money Fam.
Cikida (25) was born in Johannesburg but now resides in Alberton. She is a single millennial (millennial referring to a person reaching young adulthood in the early 21st century), the youngest of two sisters and has a passion for economic development and education. She explained: “I have a passion for education because of the vital role it plays in the development of a country or society.”
Strong work ethics
As previously mentioned, Cikida has achieved something incredible when she got accepted as a Fulbright scholar. The Fulbright Programme is an American scholarship programme of competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.
However, this opportunity did not just fall into her lap. Cikida explained what she believes lead her through her journey of success: “Plenty of hard work, perseverance, tenacity, humility and a really strong work ethic.”
Only female engineer
Realising the need for innovative technologies to provide sustainable energy to the South African economy, Cikida conducted research based on optimising the production of natural gas using artificial lift methods. Artificial lift refers to the use of artificial means to increase the flow of liquids, such as crude oil or water, from a production well.
Her research contributing to this body of work won second place at the Society of Petroleum Engineer’s highly competitive Mid-Content Regional Paper Contest, making her the only female engineer to win an award in the masters and doctorate divisions combined.
What’s more, her keen interest in finance led her to be accepted as a financial analyst at her University’s Investment Fund which is currently valued at close to $5-million (R64 867 914).
Here she used her financial acumen, developed over the years as a finance writer to make key decisions regarding the growth of the fund. She created The Money Fam for ambitious millennials to learn how to master their finances as they master their careers. It was judged as one of the top five new ventures by a renowned competition for upcoming entrepreneurs called the Tulsa Startup Series.
Nothing is impossible
“There are a lot of challenges that I face, especially stress and the fact that I am the only female in my field – it’s all very male-dominated and I sometimes just need a ‘sister’ to confide in,” said Cikida. “Despite the intense stress that comes with what I do, the fulfillment of achieving these big, inspiring things is what makes it worth it for me. I am most thankful for, and couldn’t be more proud of having a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering.”
Cikida’s number one goal in life is to successfully open the doors to financial and economic development to those who can’t do it for themselves. When asked whether this dream can actually be realised, she said: “Of course. Nothing is impossible. No dream is too big. We should all rather choke on greatness than nibble on mediocracy.”
