Three talented students from UNC Pembroke—Ruvimbo Gombera, Sharon Daminabo, and Terry Bongben—have been selected for EVHybridNoire’s inaugural 2024-2025 E-Mobility Fellowship Pipeline Program Cohort.

EVHybridNoire, the nation’s largest network of diverse electric vehicle (EV) drivers, is a non-profit organization dedicated to making EVs and e-mobility solutions accessible to diverse communities. The year-long paid fellowship aims to diversify the STEM and e-mobility workforce through mentorship, hands-on workshops and industry engagement, preparing fellows to be leaders in the creation of equitable and innovative transportation solutions.

Daminabo, a third-year applied physics student, considers it an honor to be selected as an E-Mobility Fellow at UNCP.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and the platform to network with representatives in the EV industry,” Daminabo said. “It has given us great ideas on potential research topics for our capstone project, such as discovering new ways to make EV vehicles more efficient, cost-friendly and accessible to more customers.”

Daminabo is considering a career in aerospace engineering upon graduation in Spring 2026.   

Daminabo, Gombera and Bongben were among 46 students chosen nationwide from various colleges and universities. The demand for skilled talent is skyrocketing, with the automotive industry investing $500 billion in e-mobility—including electric, connected, shared and autonomous vehicles. Projections estimate 2 million new jobs nationwide, but diverse representation in STEM fields remains a significant challenge. To bridge this gap, EVHybridNoire has launched a pioneering, brand-neutral pipeline program that connects students with top e-mobility companies.

Industry Exposure for Future Innovators

The fellowship offers students invaluable exposure to leading organizations in:

• Automotive and E-Mobility Manufacturing

• Utilities and Energy Co-operatives

• Dealerships

• Rideshare and Delivery Network Companies

• Government Agencies

• Transit Agencies

• EV Charging Networks

EVHybridNoire is the first national multicultural non-profit focused on education, environmental public policy advocacy, and providing underserved communities of color with resources for sustainable energy solutions.

A Strategic Partnership for Educational Excellence

UNC Pembroke and EVHybridNoire have formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to expanding educational opportunities and services for students. EVHybridNoire representatives visited UNC Pembroke last fall to mark the MOU’s official signing.

Jimarr Williams, director of Career Services at UNC Pembroke, emphasized the importance of this partnership.

“We are excited to see our students participating in such an innovative and forward-thinking fellowship,” Williams said. “Our partnership with EVHybridNoire not only highlights the talent and ambition of our students but also reinforces the UNCP commitment to equipping students with hands-on experiences that align with emerging industry trends like e-mobility and sustainable energy.”

The initiative aligns with UNC Pembroke’s sustainability goals and supports workforce and economic development by creating opportunities for students in careers, scholarships and internships.