From Ghana to the UK: The Inspiring Journey of Christabel Ofori-Atta

Welcome to The Immigrant Story, where we share powerful narratives of individuals who have crossed borders in pursuit of their dreams. In this episode, we spotlight Miss Christabel Ofori-Atta, an inspiring engineer and rising leader in the global energy sector.

Introduction: Meet Christabel Ofori-Atta

Christabel is a resilient, ambitious, and forward-thinking engineer with a passion for sustainability and innovation. She holds:

An MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures from Imperial College London (UK)
A BSc in Petrochemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana)

With over 7 years of experience in the energy sector—including roles at Halliburton and Schlumberger across Ghana, Nigeria, and West Africa—she now serves as a Senior Modelling Analyst at Energy Systems Catapult in the UK.

Her work focuses on whole energy systems modelling, supporting UK energy planning while advocating for sustainability, next-gen tech, and solutions to global energy poverty.

Beyond her technical expertise, Christabel is a mentor, advocate for diversity in STEM, and a firm believer in the power of representation.

Early Life in Ghana: Laying the Foundation

Christabel grew up in Accra, Ghana, attending top-tier institutions:

Wesley Girls’ High School – One of Ghana’s most prestigious secondary schools.
KNUST – Where she honed her engineering skills.

After graduation, she completed her national service (a mandatory one-year government work program) before embarking on a dynamic career in oil and gas.

The Turning Point: Pursuing a Master’s in the UK

Christabel never initially planned to leave Ghana—she was thriving in her career. However, the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for change:

“I thought, What am I doing here? It’s time to step up.”

She applied to top universities, ultimately choosing Imperial College London for her MSc. A scholarship from the Ghana Education Trust Fund made this dream possible.

Navigating the UK Energy Sector: Breaking Barriers

Thriving in a Competitive Industry

Christabel’s career journey—from Rolls-Royce to Energy Systems Catapult—has been marked by:

Resilience: Overcoming imposter syndrome in male-dominated spaces.
Authenticity: Refusing to downplay her Ghanaian identity.
Visibility: Proactively contributing to energy discussions and policy.

Standing Out During Black History Month

During her first Black History Month in the UK, Christabel shared a powerful poem celebrating Africa’s contributions to global innovation. It went viral internally, earning recognition from her company’s leadership.

“That was me showing up unapologetically African—and it opened doors.”

Challenges & Triumphs: The Immigrant Experience

Key Struggles

Academic Transition – Adjusting to a new education system after years in industry.
Job Market Competition – Facing rejections before landing her role at Energy Systems Catapult.
Imposter Syndrome – Leading high-stakes energy projects without prior UK experience.

Lessons Learned

“Mindset is everything.” – Confidence and self-belief are non-negotiable.
“Never shrink to fit in.” – Her Ghanaian perspective became her superpower.
“Mentorship changes lives.” – She credits her mother, former managers, and industry leaders like Mavin Aeta for guidance.

Advice for Aspiring Immigrants & STEM Professionals

Be Intentional – Focus on one or two career goals rather than spreading yourself thin.
Build Visibility – Network, speak up in meetings, and let your expertise shine.
Own Your Uniqueness – “Your background is an asset, not a weakness.”
Pay It Forward – Mentor others to create more opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Fun Icebreaker: Getting to Know Christabel

Say something in Twi (Ghanaian language): “Wo ye fɛ” (You are beautiful/handsome).
Two Truths & a Lie:
- “I have a crush on Kevin De Bruyne.” (Lie! He’s a footballer, not a basketballer.)
- “My middle name is Akosua.” (True! A Ghanaian day name for Sunday-born girls.)
- “My favorite sport is basketball.” (True!)
Must-try Ghanaian dish: Waakye (a flavorful rice and beans dish).

Final Words: A Vision for the Future

Christabel’s journey embodies resilience, excellence, and authenticity. She lives by the motto:

“The goal is not to live forever. The goal is to create something that will.” — Chuck Palahniuk

Her mission? To advance sustainable energy solutions while empowering the next generation of African STEM leaders.

Follow Christabel’s journey and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!