Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon’s name often appears in discussions about women leading in STEM, and rightfully so. From earning the “child genius” tag at a young age to becoming a powerful voice in tech, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. But beyond the accolades and recognition, what stands out the most is her unwavering commitment to using her platform to empower young girls and women in STEM—ensuring they not only find their place in STEM but also know that they belong there.
For our “I AM IN STEM, YOU TOO CAN JOIN” series, which has featured amazing women, our last conversation was with Adora Nwodo. She spoke about why her main focus is on young girls who are yet to get into STEM and the importance of having visible role models in the field to inspire them.
To continue the series on “I AM IN STEM, YOU TOO CAN JOIN” we are sharing the conversation we had with Dr. Anne-Marie. While it wasn’t a traditional sit-down interview, our exchange over email was just as insightful. She spoke passionately about how her journey has evolved, the shifts she has seen in STEM representation, and why advocacy remains at the heart of her mission.
Full interview of Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon with Oluwatoni Peter:
What inspired you to choose this path? What challenges have you faced on this journey, and how did you overcome them?
A mix of curiosity, encouragement, and opportunity. I loved problem-solving and puzzles as a child, and my parents nurtured that interest. My school also encouraged me to push boundaries, and I was lucky to have access to STEM programs that let me explore what I was passionate about. I also love the reliability of maths. Being able to be paid to do these things is the literal ideal for me. I’ve always been fascinated by logic and problem-solving, and technology was a natural extension of that. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong influences—my parents encouraged education, and I had great role models.
One of the biggest challenges has been representation. When you walk into a room and realize you’re the only woman—or the only Black woman—it can feel isolating. Early in my career, I learned that confidence and community are key. Instead of waiting for permission, I built my own table, creating Stemettes to ensure the next generation doesn’t feel as alone.
I also had to navigate assumptions—people assuming I was junior, or not technical. I overcame this by letting my work speak for itself, building a reputation through what I delivered, not just what I said.
2. How has your role evolved over the years, and what are the key lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I started as a technologist—writing code, working on data, AI, and emerging tech. Over time, my role shifted toward leadership and advocacy. I realized that systemic change was just as important as individual success.
A key lesson? You can’t be what you can’t see. Representation matters, and we need to normalize women leading in tech, engineering, and beyond. Another big lesson: progress isn’t linear. There are wins and setbacks, but as long as we’re pushing forward, we’re making an impact.
3. How can our education system better support and nurture the growth of girls interested in STEM careers?
First, exposure matters—girls need to see STEM careers as real, exciting, and achievable. That means more industry engagement, bringing role models into classrooms, and giving students hands-on experience with tech, coding, and engineering.
Second, we need to stop reinforcing gender stereotypes. Girls are just as capable as boys, but from a young age, they’re often discouraged from technical subjects. We need inclusive teaching, better career guidance, and policies that remove unconscious bias.
And lastly, make STEM fun. The best way to get more girls involved is to show them that STEM is creative, collaborative, and world-changing.
What emerging career opportunities do you think young women should be aware of as they consider their future in STEM?
Right now, there’s an explosion of opportunity in fields like:
- AI & Machine Learning – AI is shaping everything, from healthcare to entertainment.
- Cybersecurity – With digital threats growing, skilled professionals are in demand.
- Sustainability & Green Tech – Climate tech and renewables are booming.
- Quantum Computing – It’s the next frontier in computing power.
- Tech Ethics & Policy – As tech evolves, we need diverse voices shaping regulation.
The key thing? STEM isn’t just about coding. You can work in medicine, fashion, gaming, or space exploration—STEM is everywhere.
5. What message do you have for women who feel it might be too late to start a career in STEM?
It’s never too late! Tech moves fast, which means new skills are always in demand. If you’re willing to learn, there’s a place for you.
We’ve seen women transition from law, media, and retail into STEM. Bootcamps, online courses, and apprenticeships make it easier than ever to switch.
My advice? Start with curiosity. Explore different fields, build small projects, and find a community—whether it’s Stemettes, Code First: Girls, or Women in Tech networks. There’s room for you here.
6. How has Stemettes evolved over the years to support girls in STEM?
When we started Stemettes in 2013, it was a small initiative to inspire young girls in tech. Today, it’s a movement. We’ve reached over 60,000 young women and non-binary people through hackathons, mentoring programs, and industry partnerships.
We’re not just about inspiration—we’re about action. Now, we focus on getting girls into actual STEM careers, whether through internships, apprenticeships, or scholarships. One thing I’m proud of is our Academy programs, where we provide real-world skills.
Our “I AM IN STEM, YOU TOO CAN JOIN” series has been ongoing since the beginning of March. We have shared powerful conversations with women like Adora, Toluwani, and Omolara Sanni. Did you miss them? They spoke about their journeys, how they have evolved, how women are making an impact, why every woman can thrive in STEM, and why our advocacy efforts still have a long way to go.