ATII Founder, Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Ph.D., was honoured as the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Fremont Fourth of July Parade in California, a prestigious recognition of her outstanding contributions to engineering education, innovation, and community leadership.
The honour came during a landmark celebration as the United States marked its 250th anniversary of independence while the City of Fremont celebrated the 70th edition of its annual Fourth of July Parade.
A Landmark Celebration in Fremont
The Fremont Fourth of July Parade is one of the city’s most anticipated annual celebrations, bringing together residents, families, civic leaders, and community organisations in a vibrant display of patriotism and community spirit.
This year’s parade featured 70 entries, including five marching bands, antique and military vehicles, drill teams, nine colourful floats, and five giant helium balloons.
As Grand Marshal, Prof. Ekeng-Itua led the parade, joining city leaders and thousands of residents in commemorating this historic milestone for both the nation and the Fremont community.
Recognised for Advancing Engineering Education
Prof. Ekeng-Itua received the honour in recognition of her outstanding contributions to engineering education, workforce development, and innovation.
An engineering professor at Ohlone College, she founded the college’s Smart Manufacturing Technology Program, helping prepare students with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing and emerging technology industries.
Her dedication to expanding access to engineering education and developing future-ready talent has earned recognition across academia and industry, including recognition by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.
The day’s celebrations began with the national anthem at 9:45 a.m., followed by the parade at 10:00 a.m., before concluding with a community afterparty hosted by the Fremont Education Foundation.
A Proud Moment for ATII
For the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII), this recognition represents more than an individual achievement. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing engineering, technology, innovation, and workforce development through education, research, and industry collaboration.
Prof. Ekeng-Itua’s work through Ohlone College’s Smart Manufacturing Technology Program closely aligns with ATII’s mission of equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, tools, and mindset needed to solve real-world challenges and drive sustainable development.
Through flagship initiatives such as Skill Up, Workforce Imperative, and She Innovates Africa, ATII continues to empower young people, professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to become creators of technology rather than simply consumers of it.
As Prof. Ekeng-Itua continues to bridge research, education, and industry across Africa and beyond, this international recognition reflects the growing global impact of her leadership and ATII’s vision of building inclusive, innovation-driven communities.
This honour is a proud milestone for the ATII community and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers, innovators, researchers, and technology leaders who will shape Africa’s future and contribute meaningfully to the global innovation ecosystem.