Social media handle(s): @stemladiessummit (Instagram), @stemladysummit (X)
A few words about me:
I'm Enekole, a Communications Officer at TeenTech Hub, and a girls' education advocate who champions equitable access to the boundless potential of STEM, promoting girls' participation in these transformative fields.
I've founded the STEM Ladies Summit - a non-profit that leverages impactful awareness campaigns, targeted outreach initiatives, and empowering mentorship to bridge the gender gap in STEM.
To unlock their boundless potentials, the summit promotes activities that develop girls' science capital, help them build confidence in their abilities, and introduce them to a wide range of STEM careers.
In my spare time, I indulge a good chat or binge insightful documentaries and Korean drama.
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
Yes. Quite recently, I started to build a career in Corporate Communications and Non-Profit Management. In this role, I am responsible for managing all internals communication among staff, investors and partners as well as external communication materials including websites, newsletters and social media platforms.
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
My educational background is in STEM.
Where did your professional journey start?
My undergraduate degree was in Mechanical Engineering and I am currently doing my masters in Sustainable Engineering.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
As a teenager, I was fascinated about fixing things. For example, whenever our extension got burnt, I'd always be the person to replace the fuse. I've always been fascinated about solving technical problems, but I believe that my motivation for pursing a career in Mechanical Engineering was my father. He also worked as a Mechanical Engineer and during the holidays he would take us to the workshop, take some time to show us around, and explain how some of the machines functioned. And that definitely sparked my interest from a young age!
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
No.
"If you are interested in a STEM career, go for it. The easiest way to do that is with the resources at your disposal ..."
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
This is funny but I wish I knew that there is no finished product. Products will continue undergoing modification to improve user experience.
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
Getting to meet over 10 ecosystem stakeholders in one meeting.
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
I enjoy the flexibility that working in tech offers however, there is high risk of burnt out as there are always going to be deadlines to meet so it is important to also prioritise rest.
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
If you are interested in a STEM career, go for it. The easiest way to do that is with the resources at your disposal (free online courses, your PC, tech communities in your vicinity etc).