We were lucky to catch up with Adamaka Ajaelo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adamaka, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being a unique voice in STEM has shaped my journey, teaching me resilience, authenticity, and the power of advocacy. I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve also seen opportunities to carve a path for myself and others. By harnessing my voice, building a strong support network, and committing to lifelong learning, I’ve gained confidence and influence. Self-eSTEM’s mission is to ignite pride, purpose and possibility among girls by providing STEM training that strengthens digital, technical, and leadership skills, reinforcing their STEM identities.
Through Self-eSTEM, I’m extending this mission to empower young women to see themselves as capable leaders and innovators. We provide STEM training, mentorship, and community to help them develop the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed. By creating a space where they belong and thrive, we’re ensuring that the next generation of leaders will have the tools and confidence to make their mark on the world.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My People Analytics and Strategic Workforce Planning expertise, honed at global tech companies, ignited a passion to create equitable STEM opportunities. Witnessing the lack of access for girls and women of color, I saw the need to empower others, especially girls and young women of color.
Self-eSTEM fuels my purpose – sparking curiosity, building confidence, and cultivating BIPOC female leaders in STEM. We go beyond skills, reimagining STEM identities through culturally relevant programs and mentorship. Witnessing girls, once unsure, stepping into Innovator roles is incredibly rewarding.
Our work bridges STEM education, technology, and systemic change. A core strategy for targeted systems change – our Narrative Change initiative – uses stories and training to shift perceptions of BIPOC girls in STEM. This increases visibility, empowers them, and creates lasting impact. It’s engineering equity, building ecosystems to close the gap for underserved communities and drive successful outcomes.
Our Early STEM Immersion Program, designed to engage girls ages 7 to 17 with hands-on robotics, AI, and digital technology projects. We’re more than skills training. We’re a movement redefining STEM identities through culturally relevant programs and mentorship. Witnessing girls transform into confident Innovators is truly inspiring.
We’re expanding our program services to offer alumni support to ensure they stay in STEM. Think of me as an “equity engineer” building systems to bridge the gap and drive impactful change.
Join us! We’re celebrating 10 years of empowering future leaders. Learn more about our mission and how you can contribute at www.selfestem.org/news-and-updates.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Strategic Vision: I’ve always been drawn to the big picture, anticipating the ripple effects of decisions in both corporate and nonprofit settings. This strategic mindset has been essential in aligning long-term goals with day-to-day actions. For aspiring leaders, practice strategic thinking by seeking patterns, asking “why,” and connecting short-term actions to long-term outcomes. Learn from inspiring leaders and build relationships with key players.
2. Resilience and Adaptability: Resilience is my superpower. It’s about thriving, not just surviving, in the face of challenges. To cultivate resilience, reframe failures as learning opportunities, build a strong support network, and practice self-care. Adaptability comes from curiosity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Invest in lifelong learning to stay agile.
3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Data empowers decision-making. In both corporate and nonprofit settings, I’ve leveraged data to measure impact, demonstrate value, and refine programs. For aspiring leaders, invest in data analysis skills and learn to communicate insights effectively. In the nonprofit world, data-driven decision-making is crucial for growth and sustainability.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaboration: Building the Future of STEM Leaders
Self-eSTEM empowers BIPOC girls and young women in STEM. We seek passionate partners (individuals, organizations, and companies) to break barriers and build a more equitable future.
Join us if you:
– Are a STEM company: Offer mentorship, internships, or sponsorships. We value diversity of thought and innovation.
– Work in education: Bring culturally relevant STEM programs to underrepresented communities.
– Tell stories: Amplify our Narrative Change initiative and inspire future leaders.
– Believe in change: Invest and help us scale and reach more girls in STEM.
Let’s collaborate! Contact us at info@selfestem.org or visit www.selfestem.org.
Together, we can create transformative opportunities for the next generation of STEM leaders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selfestem.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfestem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfestemorg
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/self-estem
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/selfestemorg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@selfestem
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selfestem.org
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamakaajaelo/
Personal Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/adamaka/
Image Credits
Photos by Jamie Jaye Fletcher (Trinity & Siara photo only)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
