Nde Nkimbeng ‘18
In 2022, Nde Nkimbeng ’18 was recognized as a WPI Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) “10 Under 10” winner. Below, he discusses his WPI experience, his passion for volunteering, and advice for current students and recent graduates.
Q: What are you proudest of in your life after WPI? What are you doing now?
A: I have continued to stay connected with the Worcester community. Last year I raised over $8,000 for Worcester African Community Education (ACE) by partaking in the David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge. In this challenge I ran 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours.
I now work in management at McMaster-Carr and help busy professionals passively invest in multifamily real estate through my company Propertunity Partners.
Q: Who made an impact on your WPI experience?
A: Bonnie Walker [then Director of Multicultural Affairs] and the Black Student Union (BSU) organization had the greatest impact on my WPI experience. I always felt like I had someone advocating for me. Whether that was socially, educationally or professionally I had someone that had my back. The summer of my freshman year I had the opportunity to go to South Africa for a research project. This project was technically for Sophomores and up but Bonnie was able to help me apply and get my foot in the door. I am forever grateful.
Q: Looking back, what was the most valuable experience or lesson learned at WPI that continues to shape your life today?
A: The importance of community and giving back. While at WPI I was part of student leadership through BSU, as a resident assistant (RA), and Engineering Ambassadors to name a few. Being part of these organizations brought me happiness. It was great to see how I could make people smile by starting the BSU fashion show, and teaching students about engineering or helping one of my residents deal with being away from home. I have continued this passion of being involved by volunteering at work and in the community.
Q: What advice would you share with students today? With recent graduates?
A: Make yourself a well-rounded person. Consider all four dimensions of life as you strive to educate yourself – physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. Also, set high goals and strive to meet them. While in college, it is extremely important to focus on relationships with peers, staff and in the community. These are the things that will take you far. Focus on how you can help others and you will never lack. Lastly, be open to different opportunities and build skills outside of your major. The world is dynamic and you never know where it may lead you. I studied engineering but now I manage a finance team and invest in real estate!
Q: What are the ways you’ve stayed connected to/involved with WPI and the people you met here? Why would you encourage others to stay connected?
A: I have been able to leverage social groups I was part of and just making the effort to reach out to people. We are all busy but reaching out and checking in on someone at least once a quarter makes a big difference. Also, social media is a great way to stay connected! You have built about a 4 year reputation at WPI; don't let those relationships go to waste. I have attended classmates' weddings, MC'd their weddings, and one of my partners in Propertunity Partners was my classmate at WPI! WPI is a family and the benefits of community are endless.