She grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Senegal and the United States.

At age 17, she was hospitalized with appendicitis, and needed surgery, but the city had run out of power, nearly causing her death.

Her master's research considered hybrid vehicles that included hydrogen fuel cells.

[1] Mubenga founded the SMIN Power Group in 2011, which develops renewable energy solutions for people in Africa.

[3] Mubenga launched the STEM DRC initiative, which looks to encourage African young people to become inspired by science and engineering.