The meaning of MacGyver has grown beyond the TV hero we all know and love – now anyone can be a MacGyver by exemplifying Mac’s traits of resourcefulness, bravery, and philanthropy. As we wrap up Women’s History Month – here are some women who’ve caught our eye – through making innovative contributions or using resourcefulness to overcome challenges and become MacGyvers in their own right.
➤ Duro-Aina, Akindele, Faleke, and Bello: The four Nigerian teenage girls who invented a urine-powered generator
Image Source: rfi.fr/en/africa/20121125-nigerian-students-solve-power-shortages-urine
Four Nigerian teenage girls – Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola, Faleke Oluwatoyin, and Bello Eniola – debuted their urine-powered generator at Maker Faire Africa in Lagos, Nigeria. Their invention takes urine and uses urea electrolysis to generate hydrogen, which can then be used to power a generator. This technology could potentially be used in remote or off-grid locations, providing an eco-friendly, sustainable power source.
MacGyver was known for his ability to make use of whatever materials were available to solve complex problems. This urine-powered generator embodies that same spirit of creativity and resourcefulness. It’s a prime example of how, with enough ingenuity, even the most unlikely materials can be turned into life-saving tools. Like MacGyver, who could craft weapons, machines, or devices out of everyday items, this generator demonstrates how something as simple as urine can be transformed into a practical, innovative solution for energy production.
➤ Camryn Collette: The UBC researcher who developed sustainable bamboo containers free of forever chemicals that break down in six months
Image Source: vancouversun.com/news/ubc-researcher-develops-containers-free-of-forever-chemicals
Camryn Collette, a graduate student at the University of British Columbia, was inspired by her environmental studies to develop an alternative to single-use plastic containers, which contribute significantly to plastic pollution and contain harmful chemicals. Her solution is a sustainable bamboo container free of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS are toxic chemicals found in many products, including non-stick cookware, lithium-ion batteries, and water-resistant fabrics. These PFAS pose serious health risks.
Unlike most biodegradable products, which may still contain these harmful chemicals, Collette’s bamboo container is both safe for human health and the environment. Bamboo, a fast-growing and regenerative resource, can be harvested in 3-5 years, much quicker than trees, making it a more sustainable alternative to paper or plastic. Collette’s innovation could replace items like takeout containers and Styrofoam plates used in grocery stores, helping reduce the harmful impact of plastic pollution.
Connection to MacGyver: Environmental justice is a common theme in the MacGyver TV series – such as in episodes The Negotiator, Log Jam, and The Wasteland. Collette’s development of an environmentally safe bamboo container aligns perfectly with the MacGyver ethos of resourcefulness and innovation for a greater good. Like MacGyver, Collette takes a creative approach to solving an urgent problem — in her case, addressing plastic pollution and harmful chemicals with an eco-friendly alternative. Her work exemplifies the MacGyver spirit of using ingenuity to tackle challenges while prioritizing safety and sustainability.
➤ Amanda Barrows: The Park ranger who uses a unique approach to addressing homelessness in San Francisco’s parks
Image Source: https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/08/golden-gate-park-ranger-homelessness/
Park ranger Amanda Barrows patrols Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, focusing on assisting unhoused individuals rather than solely enforcing park regulations. Her approach emphasizes building personal relationships and offering tailored support to each individual’s unique circumstances. For example, she worked closely with Kaine, a long-term park resident, helping him transition from living in the park to finding housing.
This method contrasts with traditional enforcement tactics, highlighting a compassionate, individualized approach to complex social issues. Barrows’ dedication exemplifies the resourcefulness and empathy of MacGyver, who creatively addresses challenges with limited resources and a focus on positive outcomes.
Remember in Season 6, Episode 16 ‘There But for the Grace’ where MacGyver goes undercover in the homeless community? Mac ends up uncovering and thwarting a scam to take advantage of the homeless. This episode humanizes homelessness and brings attention to mental illness. Amanda Barrows is a real-life MacGyver who, just like Mac, is a champion for people down on their luck.
➤ Dr. Amani Ballour: A Syrian-born pediatrician and advocate of women’s and children’s rights
Image Source: abcnews.go.com/International/female-syrian-doctor-talks-challenges-treating-war-victims/story?id=108387568
Dr. Amani Ballour is a Syrian doctor who has dedicated over a decade to treating victims caught in the violent conflict in Syria. She became the first woman to run a wartime hospital in the country, working in extremely challenging conditions. In her memoir, The Cave: A Secret Underground Hospital and One Woman’s Story of Survival in Syria, she recounts her experiences and the stories of those suffering from the violence, particularly the innocent children who were caught in the crossfire.
Ballour’s decision to stay and continue her work in the underground hospital, despite the constant danger from bombings and the trauma she faced daily, was motivated by her deep desire to help those in need, especially children. As a pediatrician, she felt compelled to stay when many others left, providing hope and care amid the destruction. Her dedication highlights her resilience and the importance of offering aid in times of crisis.
In addition to the challenges of working in a war zone, Ballour also faced significant gender-related obstacles. Coming from a conservative community, she was initially met with resistance when she became the hospital manager. Many questioned her ability to lead because she was a woman. Despite this, Ballour used these challenges as motivation, striving to prove that women can lead and excel in any field, including those traditionally dominated by men.
Dr. Ballour’s story shares many parallels with MacGyver. Like MacGyver, she is resourceful, determined, and driven by the need to help others, even in the most dire and high-risk situations. Her ability to lead and manage the hospital in such a dangerous environment showcases her ingenuity and resilience.
➤ Jacqueline Bridgeman: Knoxville woman recognized for years of volunteer work as an emergency responder and managing a relief shelter
Image Source: wate.com/news/local-news/remarkable-women/2025-finalist-jacqueline-bridgeman/
Jacqueline Bridgeman, a finalist in WATE’s “Remarkable Women” series, is celebrated for her selfless volunteer work and community service. She has dedicated countless hours as an emergency responder with the American Red Cross, managing a relief shelter during the Gatlinburg wildfires, and helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. Known for her quiet humility, Bridgeman doesn’t seek attention for her actions, but her impact is undeniable. She works tirelessly for others, volunteering with organizations like Mobile Meals and Links, Incorporated, and supporting local veterans.
Beyond her volunteer efforts, she is also known for assisting individuals in her community, from taking them to appointments to simply providing companionship. Her personal mission is to give back and help others, whether it’s through her advocacy for veterans, or through countless small but meaningful acts of kindness.
Bridgeman’s actions echo the spirit of MacGyver in her resourcefulness and deep commitment to helping others in times of need. MacGyver, often faced with difficult situations, would find creative ways to solve problems and make a positive difference. Similarly, Jacqueline finds ways to support her community, whether it’s through emergency response, offering her time to veterans, or simply showing up for someone in need. Her quiet, selfless dedication embodies the same problem-solving, resourceful spirit that made MacGyver a beloved figure, always seeking to help and make the world a better place.
There’s a MacGyver in everyone, and anyone can be MacGyver!