Meet Aisha Martin

We recently connected with Aisha Martin and have shared our conversation below.

Aisha, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
How have I learned to be effective/successful even when I am the only one in the room that looks like me? Great question! According to a Gladstone Institutes report, women only make up 27% of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) industry. Nearly 14% of the US population identifies as Black and represent 11% of the overall workforce in the country, but only represent 9% of STEM workers. As a Black woman in STEM, with stats like these it’s very easy to feel isolated and experience imposter syndrome because you’re often the only Black woman in the room.

I was raised to believe that I could accomplish anything and that I wasn’t in competition with anyone other than myself. So it doesn’t matter what room I walk into, that’s always my mindset. This is how I approach tasks, endeavors, and business. I’m a scientist, so I am also very analytical. I analyze people and environments to get a feel for who is in the room and the vibe of the room so that I know how to maneuver. I do my research beforehand and meticulously prepare for meetings, events, networking opportunities, etc.

Growing up overseas in Europe and frequently visiting my parents in Korea when they moved there, definitely prepared me to be the unicorn in the room, be effective and achieve success. In those international environments most people didn’t look like me. I was immersed in different cultures and languages everyday which has enabled me to speak more than one language, be well versed in global culture, various countries, traditions, history, and have a very diverse palate. Therefore, I can sit with anyone, talk about anything, be comfortable and feel like I belong in any room that I enter.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As I mentioned earlier, I am a scientist. My background is in biology and forensic science specifically. After about a decade of working in various labs, I decided to become a science teacher and teach middle school and high school students. I have always been a mentor and I wanted to have more access to students so that I could share my wisdom and knowledge to help usher in the next generation of global STEM leaders. While I’m no longer teaching, I still mentor and share knowledge through my STEM organization, Fems4STEM and my entrepreneurship. I am the Founder/CEO of the STEMinist Brand LLC which includes a STEM themed e-commerce store also called the STEMinist Brand, and the FIRST and only STEM publication to exclusively feature and celebrate the “hidden figures” in STEM, Black women. My magazine is called Fems4STEM Magazine. My mantra is girls can’t be what they don’t see, so representation matters! My magazine exposes girls and women to Black females in the STEM/STEM-adjacent industry who are accomplishing or have accomplished some amazing things in their career, such as suiting up the first Black woman to go into space, Dr. Mae Jemison. My features have discovered new marine species, been the first and only Black person to dive to Challenger Deep, the deepest point of the seabed of Earth and become the first and only Black crime lab director in the state of Florida who also happens to be a ballerina. These women are military vets, pilots, doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, authors, scientists, artists, engineers and more. Fem4STEM Magazine also exposes them to all of the possibilities in the STEM industry. I am in the process of expanding my reach and my brand. I will be launching a YouTube channel and a podcast very soon.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
What qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were most impactful in my journey? I would have to say faith, perseverance, and consistency. If I could sneak one more in, it would definitely be preparation. My parents taught me to document everything, which I did. I kept meticulous notes and records, so I was always prepared for anything. What advice do I have? First and foremost trust the process and be confident in your skills, knowledge and abilities. Everyday won’t be a good day, but have faith that better days are ahead and remain steadfast in your journey. Early in my career, I had a manager tell me that I’d never make it in this industry, I would never be a scientist and I should look into being a secretary because I was organized and worked well with people. I told her, respectfully, that she didn’t know me well or my abilities and that she would see me again whether it was in person, in a book or some other form of media. Here we are 16 years later and I’ve proved her wrong. I persevered through that part of my journey and others like it, attempts to steal my intellectual property, naysayers who thought my magazine concept would fail and so much more. Through it all, I have remained consistent and unwavering in my pursuit of success and excellence, my integrity, beliefs and in the way I conduct business. Last but not least, I never stop learning! I implore everyone who reads this to do the same.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Honestly, the number one obstacle or challenge that I’m currently facing is a lack of capital to do a lot of the things that I’m trying to accomplish as it pertains to my STEM brand. I have so many goals that I’m trying to accomplish, but it takes money, sponsorships, partnerships and community support. All of which are a work in progress. What am I doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge? I am increasing my visibility any chance I get so that people see me and what I’m doing. This will help them understand and appreciate the value of what I’m doing and what I’m trying to accomplish. Children are our future and they need and deserve our support. Early exposure to STEM is the key to helping us be competitive innovators and game changers! This requires all hands on deck. I am applying for grants, and creating a sponsorship proposal as we speak. My parents were very instrumental in helping me get things off the ground and they’re always the first to support my entrepreneurial goals. Even going as far as manning my vendor table at a STEM event so that I could facilitate a workshop. They have never laughed at my ideas or dismissed them. They’re usually the first to sow a seed, pray for me and with me and offer wisdom and encouragement when I feel overwhelmed or become discouraged. One thing I’ve learned over the years is to strive for excellence, not perfection and that if God gives you the vision then he will provide the provision. So, I’m just waiting for him to connect me to the capital that I need, and the mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations that I seek. All of these will enlarge my territory and reach so that I can empower more future STEM leaders globally. So, tech companies, biomedical companies, scientific companies, local companies and businesses, engineering companies, universities, camps, foundations, organizations and fellow entrepreneurs, leaders, government officials, etc. who are STEM supporters, I’m looking for you! Connect with me and let’s make some things happen.

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Image Credits
Kevin Goolsby Photography Camden Lane Creative Agency

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