Top 24 for 2024
Celebrating Global Ethnic Majority trailblazers
This year, we are proud to present the Top 24 Role Models for 2024, celebrating the achievements of Global Ethnic Majorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (GEM in STEM). These extraordinary individuals have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for future generations of engineers, scientists, and innovators.
Through their stories, we aim to provide inspiration, guidance, and encouragement to young minds, showing that success in STEM is attainable for everyone, regardless of background. Explore their journeys, learn from their experiences, and be inspired to embark on your own path to excellence in STEM.
Join us as we celebrate diversity, champion inclusion, and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
Top 24 Role Models for 2024
Click an image to read their full interview.
Dr. Shini Somara
Fluid Dynamicist and Media Broadcaster
"Make a difference through your differences. Diversity is the spice of life!"
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee
Engineering Delivery Lead
"Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities, even if you don’t meet the full criteria yet!"
Navjot Sawhney
Founder, The Washing Machine Project
"We need to address a diverse set of problems that reflect the backgrounds of diverse people, and this is something that global ethnic-majority engineers can pave the way in"
Dr Ozak Ejiofor (née Esu)
Chief Service Owner, Integrated Project Solutions
"Find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. Seek out communities and create networks that support your journey"
Dr Nike Folayan MBE
Technical Director WSP, Co-founder of AFBE-UK
"Never give up. Have the courage to succeed. There will be challenges but just keep going"
Dr Ollie Folayan MBE
Head of Process Engineering Costain, Co-founder of AFBE-UK
"Many of the things that will propel your career happen after 5pm, so spend that time discovering the person you see in the mirror, investing in yourself and knowing that its okay to be that person."
Eneni Bambara-Abban
Robotics Engineer & Creative Technology Relationship Manager - The Techover Foundation & British Council
"Challenge your self-doubt by reframing negative thoughts. Replace 'I don't belong here' with 'I am learning and growing'"
Veena Kumari
Network & Security Engineer
"Helping to shape the future generations of young people either starting out or looking to join the industry has by far got to be my greatest achievement in my career!"
Yewande Akinola MBE
Engineer, Innovator, Consultant and Speaker
"For engineering to truly have impact, it needs to be diverse, and it needs to reflect the diverse community that we serve and so the world needs global majority engineers."
Zainab Adigun
Senior Strucutral Engineer at Carbon Clean
"Your knowledge and experience is your weapon use it but what really propells you is being a change maker."
Joshua Bruce, BEng
Youth Advisory Board Member, Mission 44
"Be relentlessly curious. See problems as gateways to innovation. Ask 'why?' and 'why not?' to push beyond perceived limitations, redefine what's possible and make meaningful change. Remember, you don't know what you don't know."
Ayo Sokale
CEO (Get Coached) & Major Projects and Programme Delivery Business Manager (Environment Agency)
"Believe that you can do anything you want. And then prove it to YOURSELF by letting your every action reflect your values and goals"
Chinwe Odili
Project Manager & Offshore Structural Engineer
"Don't let anyone limit your vision, only you can"
Donna Otchere
PhD student at Loughborough University
"Find your tribe and excel, this field is for everyone."
Dr Abigail Otchere
Medical communications manager and co-founder of SISTEM
"My desire to contribute to human knowledge is what inspires me everyday. There is so many unanswered questions and problems to solve in the world of science"
James Dornor
CEO of Driven By Us
"To anyone I’ve mentored I always say, believe in yourself, work hard and you’ll make your dreams a reality, even if it takes time to get there."
Dr Ama Frimpong
Head of Product Development, 52 North Health Ltd
"Do not be afraid to be the first of a kind! Your dream, your ambition is very attainable."
Stephanie Stella Travers
Impact Manager Project 44, former Deputy Team Principal X44
"Be determined and do not let any negative situation put you down, anything is possible if you put your mind to it."
George Imafidon MBE
CEO & Co-Founder of Motivez and Race Engineer
"Get some skin in the game for anything you are interested in. It's important to show, not just tell, your passion and dedication"
Shrouk El-Attar
Founder and Lead Electronics Engineering Consultant at Shrouk El-Attar Consultancy
"Stay resilient, seek out mentors, and NEVER hesitate to challenge the status quo!"
Jacqueline Chinwe Stephen
Future Energy Leader, World Energy Council t
"Develop the confidence to embrace and own your unique perspective, experiences, and abilities as a future global ethnic-majority engineer."
