NASSAU, BAHAMAS- It is often said that children live what they learn and for 29-year-old Arnisha Bowleg, this adage holds profound significance. Growing up in a family immersed in the telecommunications industry, she was inspired by the work ethic and expertise of her parents, both of whom held prominent positions in engineering. Her father, a technician, and her mother, an engineering administrator, laid the foundation for Bowleg’s own passion for the field.
Today, Bowleg stands as a trailblazer in the male-dominated engineering department at Sandals Royal Bahamian, where she is the lone female on the department’s leadership team. As the Enterprise Asset Manager, she plays an important role in overseeing and maintaining the resort’s vital infrastructure. From generators and heaters to televisions and thermostats, Bowleg is responsible for ensuring that all assets are well-documented, monitored and maintained. In addition, she works as the engineering planner, ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Despite the challenges of working in a male-centric environment, Bowleg exudes confidence and grace, earning the respect of her colleagues and proving that passion, competence and determination transcend gender. She has no qualms getting her hands dirty from time to time.
“There are times when I get into the thick of things too. I have joined in to do a few inspections with the room technicians, looking at switches, air conditioners, lights and so on,” she said.
Bowleg fondly recalls the pivotal moment during her early teenage years when she first discovered her passion for the technical world.
“I was around 12 or 13 years old when I knew I wanted to become an engineer. I would sit in on engineering classes my father taught at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and it sparked something inside me,” she said. “That experience ignited a passion so powerful that I knew pursuing tertiary studies in engineering was the only path for me after high school,” she added.
However, the road to success was not without its obstacles. Despite her enthusiasm and commitment, Bowleg struggled with self-doubt during her studies, particularly when she faced setbacks in math. “I always thought engineering was for ‘smart’ people, not for someone like me,” she expressed. “I considered myself average, especially after struggling to pass my math course, initially. It was a constant battle of self-doubt, wondering if I was truly cut out for this field.”
But Bowleg’s resilience proved stronger than her fears. Through perseverance and hard work, she overcame her challenges and earned her Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of The Bahamas.
Upon completion of her studies, Bowleg’s quest to obtain a job in her desired field was challenging. She worked in several industries until she finally landed a job at Sandals Royal Bahamian.
“I remember when the recruiter asked me if I was sure I wanted to give engineering a shot. She was a little taken aback by my insatiable aspiration for engineering. I assured her I was ready and willing to take on whatever comes with the territory and the rest has been history,” she said proudly.
General Manager at the resort, Kevin Clarke describes her as an inspiration, not just to the team at Sandals, but for those with hopes of venturing down a similar path.
“Arnisha is not just excelling in her field, she inspires those around her to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. She’s paving the way for future generations of women in our company and in engineering and I couldn’t be prouder to have her on our team,” he said.
Bowleg’s story undoubtedly underscores the power of passion. As she continues to make her mark in the engineering field, she hopes to motivate more young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and to challenge the status quo in these male-dominated fields.
