Our SHE-CAN Scholar:

Lucky “Courage” Ughweri

SHE-CAN Scholar: Lucky “Courage” Ughweri

Courage Ughweri is a Civil Engineering major at the University of Portland, inspired by her upbringing as the youngest of seven girls with a younger brother in a low-income family in Liberia. Her passion for civil engineering is driven by a desire to improve lives through innovative infrastructure while serving as a role model for women in STEM.

During high school, Courage demonstrated strong leadership as Class President, Advisor to the School’s President, and Captain of the Girls’ Basketball Team. Her commitment to community development led her to co-found Youth Action for Progressive Initiative (YAPI), supporting individuals in low-income areas struggling with substance addiction. She also volunteered with Courageous Ladies Initiatives (COLI), providing sanitary materials, clothing, and scholarships to underprivileged children. Recognizing urgent infrastructure needs in her community, she led the construction of a concrete footpath bridge and reconditioned a well, ensuring safer drinking water and reducing the spread of waterborne diseases.

At the University of Portland, Courage is a Campus Safety Student Assistant, a math grader, and serves as Secretary of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) UP chapter. In Summer 2024, she interned at KPFF Consulting Engineers, contributing to Civil 3D designs and site visits. Previously, she interned at Vega Civil Engineering, LLC, where she supported engineering projects. Before UP, Courage studied Civil Engineering at Stella Maris Polytechnic University (SMPU), where she excelled academically, tutored aspiring women engineers, and held leadership positions. She continues her advocacy for women in STEM through CADGIRLS, an initiative dedicated to empowering women in engineering design.

Courage’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community impact reflects her unwavering commitment to transforming infrastructure and inspiring the next generation of women engineers.

Lucky “Courage” Ughweri
Attending

Academic Major

Civil Engineering
Class of 2026

Mentor Team

Oruba Anthony, Dean of Special Education, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy
Haley Brown, Assistant Director of Inclusive Education, Kent School District
Angela Dolginow
Christa Wittenberg, Director, Retail Sales & Channel Marketing, Meta