SARIC Rising Tide

“I t was my uncle’s car that did it,” laughs Zahra Marzook from her home in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. “I mean, I’ve always been competitive, and driven. For example, my brother rode bicycles and so did I. He liked mathematics, and so did I. Wherever he competed, I did too. My mother is a teacher and she has always motivated me; she and my father have both encouraged us. They would always tell me that you have to study and get your own educational qualifications and establish yourself. That is what we can give you: our guidance and support. And you could almost say my uncle helped shape my future direction: he was a civil engineer at the University of Ruhuna, in Galle. I noticed how very respected he was at his job and how people related to him. And then I noticed his really nice and quiet car, and that sold me—I was going to become an engineer. Someone who would be as respected in the community, and earn a good living.” Always challenging herself to climb higher, Zahra fell in love with Electrical Engineering at university in Galle, poetically describing its different fields— such as maintenance—as requiring the careful attention and intense focus of a doctor. 24 25 the enjoyable challenge of climbing higher Now working with the Ceylon Electricity Board in power-line construction, she works hard to ensure the safety of her team and consumers, while establishing systems such as shutdown management. It’s a multi-faceted role; Zahra has also been instrumental in setting up a medical center at the plant, the first of its kind. Over the years, she’s also been encouraged to see more women come into the field, but equally, recognises there’s a gap in leadership that needs to be addressed. The SAR100 program was admittedly, a challenge for her, especially as a single mother. THE ENJOYABLE CHALLENGE OF CLIMBING HIGHER Z AHRA MAR ZOOK S R I L ANKA I’m doing this for more than just myself. I’m also a role model for my son and want him to see strength in all that I do, just as my parents lit the lamp for me.