Meet Amanda Obidike
Amanda Obidike graduated with a Master of Data Science from the International Business Institute in Berlin, Germany. She currently works as a Strategic Lead,and Founder of STEMi Makers Africa. In her spare time, Amanda likes to read, teach, and write.
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love for STEM began when I was given an opportunity by the IBM to learn Business Intelligence and Data Science. As at that time, the meaningful and lucrative jobs in West Africa required technology and scientific skills to excel. STEM has always existed, but as of 2017-2018, STEM skills were known to tackle youth unemployment, gender gap and poverty. Aside from Data Science, I began to research and explore other opportunities, besides technology, that young people could embrace.
This journey has been wonderful because it birthed STEMi Makers Africa where I took the initiative to build a community of young Africans to inspire, and provide them with modernized skills, hands-on experience, and STEM opportunities to meet the changing demands of the labor market, allowing Africa to start competing on a global level.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
One of the best moments is seeing young girls and women get inspired to take up STEM opportunities and pathways. Women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM fields, so when I see them begin to excel, it gives me an inner fulfillment.
I am passionate about fostering an inclusive workforce for Africa...and the best way to advance this goal is to offer them the resource tools, skills, opportunities and mentorship to ensure they are on the right path.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Be your own champion. No one can love or celebrate you more than you do. Please embrace STEM because it is an exciting pathway in life that all women should play a strong role in.
As women; we nurture, we build and we impact.
Be free to excel, be free to dream and be free to succeed.
Seek women who can serve as mentors, or colleagues who can offer the support, encouragement and strength you need as you accelerate.