Shemaiah Mbetwa, one of nearly 400 graduates at Alabama A&M University’s recent commencement, is heading to Microsoft as a software engineer. The electrical engineering major from Kitwe, Zambia, has built an outstanding record of accomplishments during her time on The Hill.
“My time at Alabama A&M University has been nothing short of excellent and welcoming, especially as an international student,” Mbetwa shared. “I have been involved in many opportunities and programs that have helped shape me professionally and allowed me to explore different fields.”
Since her freshman year, Mbetwa served as a student leader with the Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN). She participated in 21 engineering competitions, earning numerous awards along the way. Most recently, she was part of the team that competed in Black Enterprise’s 9th Annual BE Smart Hackathon. Last year, she was part of the team that secured first place at the Regional Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Southeast Conference.
Mbetwa has also earned several prestigious scholarships and internships. She is an Apple New Silicon Initiative Scholar, a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar, and an HBCU First Scholar, where she led the Mentoring Experience for the Summer 2021 Cohort. Additionally, she served as president of Alabama A&M’s IEEE Chapter and interned as a software engineer at Microsoft in Seattle for two consecutive summers.
“I will be starting my new job in Washington State in February, and I can’t wait,” Mbetwa said. “I’m looking forward to learning new skills and growing my professional career.”
Mbetwa chose Alabama A&M for its generous scholarships and its reputation for excellence in STEM programs among HBCUs. She plans to return to campus next year to celebrate the graduations of friends who will follow in her footsteps.
Reflecting on her time at Alabama A&M University, Mbetwa shared, “I will miss the many opportunities I had to travel and engage with the school, as well as line dancing on the quad during events like Every Sunny Wednesday. I will miss living close to friends on campus. I will miss their support and willingness to make time to help me.”
