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In today's interconnected world, discovering inspiring individuals who are making a tangible difference in their communities is a remarkable experience.
We published a blog last week all about breaking the glass ceiling (click here to read that), so this week we wanted to highlight someone who is the epitome of that.
Who Is Paulette Watson?
It was during the lockdown in late 2020 that I first stumbled upon the work of Paulette Watson.
During my quest to learn about empowering initiatives for women and girls, I discovered the extraordinary work she did as the Founder and Managing Director of Academy Achievers and the #BeMe digital inclusion project.
Her involvement with both those projects immediately caught my attention and left me eager to explore further.
Curiosity drove me to dig deeper into the #BeMe project, a movement focused on amplifying the voices and experiences of the global majority of women and girls.
With Paulette at the helm, I was captivated by her commitment to empowering these individuals, particularly within the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and sustainability (STEMS). Her dedication to helping young girls establish themselves in these industries truly impressed me.
As I delved into Paulette's work, it became apparent that she was not only focused on local impact but also had a broader vision for global outreach. Her efforts extended beyond her home in the UK to Ghana, reaching out to uplift women and girls worldwide.
The inclusivity and holistic approach of her outreach initiatives fascinated me, and I found myself contemplating ways to collaborate and shine a spotlight on the remarkable work she is doing.
In this interview, I wanted to shed some light on Paulette's journey, the transformative impact of the #BeMe project and Academy Achievers, and the invaluable insights shared by the global majority of women and girls involved in these projects.
What motivated you to establish an organisation focusing on young girls entering the STEM field?
Several reasons motivated me, establishing Academy Achievers and the #BeMeDigitalinclusion program to raise one million black women and girls' aspirations in STEM / Web 3-related careers.
Firstly, to challenge stereotypes and biases that hinder the participation of black girls in STEM. I saw the underrepresentation of black girls and women in the STEM fields.
I wanted to address this disparity and create opportunities for young black girls to explore and pursue STEM | Web 3 careers.
I liaised with young black women as co-designers, I provided tech resources, #BeMeDigitalinclusion and support that helped them to combat negative stereotypes and promoted the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can excel in STEM fields.
For me, diversity and inclusion are crucial for innovation and the advancement of society. Having diverse perspectives and experiences can lead to more creative problem-solving and a broader range of solutions.
I wanted to focus on young black girls from underrepresented communities so that I could foster diversity within the STEM workforce. I want to empower the next generation by giving young black girls the tools, skills, and opportunities to pursue STEM careers | Web 3.
By providing #BeMeDigitalinclusion mentorship, educational programs, workshops, and access to resources, these young black girls can inspire and equip them to be future leaders in STEM.
I have seen first-hand that socioeconomic factors and limited resource access can create an opportunity gap for underrepresented communities. I aim to bridge this gap by offering #BeMeDigitalinclusion scholarships, internships, and programs that provide financial support, educational opportunities, and exposure to STEM fields that these young black girls might not otherwise have access to.
The above motivations drives me and my desire to create a more inclusive and equitable future for these young black girls in STEM / Web 3.
Could you share the personal experiences or inspiration that led you to become a "powerhouse leader" in this area?
This passion comes from wanting the best for my child. I saw the challenges I experienced as a black woman and wanted her to have a good starting point. My parents wanted the same for me too.
They exposed me to the sciences, maths, and computing. They kept supporting me in every single way that they could.
I used the same approach to push forward and being resilient is critical for me. I'm inspired by those who made way for me and the challenges that they had to endure so that we could have a better life.
Without my past, I cannot learn from those lessons; my present helps me to be in the now and live; my future is what I did in my past to make my world a better place to live and enjoy. I want this for everybody.
What do you believe are the main benefits for young girls who venture into STEM as a careers?
There are so many benefits for young girls to venture into STEM careers:
Having access to STEM career opportunities, young girls are exposed to various professions such as engineering, computer science, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science and more. These fields often demand skilled professionals, providing young girls with diverse and promising career paths.
Securing a career in STEM, you are more likely to receive a higher pay compared to many other fields. They will attain financial stability and independence, contributing to their long-term economic empowerment and will be able to support their families and communities.
Another benefit is that entering the STEM discipline fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. That's why engaging in STEM activities and careers over the last five years can enhance young black girls' analytical skills, creativity, and ability to develop solutions for complex challenges. These skills are valuable not only in the STEM fields but also in various other aspects of life.
Recently I was a volunteer at the UN Women's Commission on the Status of Women (CWS) UK – their themes – align fully with the Global #BeMeDigitalinclusion program, where STEM careers provide young girls with the opportunity to contribute to societal progress and make a positive impact on the world.
Whether developing new technologies, conducting scientific research, or addressing global challenges, young girls in STEM can be at the forefront of innovation and contribute to advancements in healthcare, Agri, sustainability, technology and more.
Young black girls must get involved with STEM because they will be able to challenge and break down gender stereotypes. They can serve as role models and inspire future generations of other black girls to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations or gender norms.
Increasing Black women's representation in STEM also promotes diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality in these fields.
Engaging in STEM careers can allow young black girls to build networks, collaborate with experts, and engage in multidisciplinary projects. These connections can open doors to #BeMeDigitalinclusion mentorship, partnerships, and future career opportunities.
Lastly, pursuing a career in STEM can be intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. It allows young black girls to continuously learn, grow, and contribute their skills to meaningful work. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in their achievements, boosting their self-confidence and overall well-being.
From our #BeMe digital inclusion program and the feedback from young women and girls, schools, workplaces, and corporates, we know that venturing into STEM careers can offer young black girls a wide range of benefits.
We have seen increased career opportunities, financial stability, personal growth, societal impact, and the ability to challenge gender stereotypes.
Encouraging young black girls to pursue STEM can help create a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive workforce for the future.
Have you encountered any challenges in promoting STEM education and opportunities for girls? If so, how did you overcome them?
So many challenges I have faced and still dealing with them now.
Limited financial resources have hindered my ability to provide adequate STEM education opportunities, especially during COVID.
I overcame these challenges because of my ability to seek funding from various sources, such as grants, sponsorships, partnerships with tech organisations and crowdfunding.
I prioritised diversity and inclusion in STEM to help secure financial support for the #BeMeDigitalinclusion initiative.
Another challenge in promoting the #BeMeDigitalinclusion initiative was the impact on my mental health. During this time, I was dealing with losing my late father. I needed to prioritise self-care and create my own support systems.
I also won several key awards, like the Global Win Trade category for women in Engineering and the Red Bull Amaphiko Academy mentoring program – this was a game changer.
I benefited from the strong networks and communities, mentoring and the self-care and reflection sessions that they offered.
From this experience, I decided to collaborate with mental health professionals and organisations that specialise in supporting underrepresented groups in STEM; this provided invaluable resources.
Another challenge I am currently dealing with by promoting #BeMeDigitalinclusion is discrimination and bias, both overt and subtle, which has impacted our #BeMeDigitalinclusion initiative.
We actively challenge discriminatory practices and biases within educational institutions, workplaces and society. This is done by building strong networks and alliances with like-minded individuals and organisations that provide support, amplify voices, and advocate for equity and inclusion in STEM education for young black women and girls.
I know that overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted and systemic approach. Our collaboration with stakeholders, allies, and the broader community is crucial.
By fostering partnerships, advocating for change, and addressing barriers at various levels, we are working towards creating more inclusive and equitable environments where these young black girls can thrive.
How do you envision your global projects contributing to the advancement of STEM fields on a broader scale?
I will continue to promote access to quality STEM education; it will continue to empower young black girls to pursue STEM careers, driving innovation and addressing global challenges.
The global #BeMeDigitalinclusion program will provide educational resources, mentorship, and support to the global majority of women and girls worldwide, especially those from underrepresented communities, fostering diversity and inclusion.
Furthermore, they will be able to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange, fostering a global community of STEM professionals working together to advance scientific discovery, technological advancements, and societal progress on a broader scale.
Can you provide examples of specific initiatives or programs you are currently involved in to support young girls in STEM in Ghana?
#BeMeDigitalinclusion mentoring, tech events, networking opportunities, workplace visits and opportunities.
What impact do you hope your work in Ghana will have on the education department and the overall STEM landscape in the country?
The impact is significant; we provide resources, training and support to teachers, coordinators, young women and girls.
Our #BeMeDigitalinclusion initiatives have enhanced the quality of STEM education, empowered teachers with effective teaching methods and promoted curriculum development aligned with industry needs.
I have seen how #BeMe has inspired and engaged students in STEM, increasing their interests, skills, and aspirations. More collective efforts can contribute to a stronger STEM landscape in Ghana, fostering innovation and economic growth and addressing local challenges with homegrown solutions.
In your opinion, how important is it to provide support and resources specifically tailored to young girls in STEM?
For several reasons, providing support and resources tailored to young black girls in STEM is crucial.
Firstly, it helps to address the gender disparity in STEM fields by breaking down societal barriers and stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing these disciplines. Tailored support creates a welcoming environment, boosts girls' confidence, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Secondly, it enables young black girls to explore their interests, develop relevant skills and curiosity, and access black role models who can inspire and guide them. Tailored support empowers young black girls to overcome obstacles, thrive in STEM education, and contribute to diverse perspectives and innovations in the field by addressing their unique needs and challenges.
Ultimately, it promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusive progress in STEM.
What strategies or approaches have you found most effective in encouraging and empowering young girls to pursue STEM education and careers?
Some effective strategies in encouraging and empowering young girls to pursue STEM education and careers include early exposure to STEM, providing role models and mentors, creating inclusive environments, promoting hands-on experiences, and addressing stereotypes and biases.
Collaborative projects and involving parents and communities are also impactful approaches.
What STEM-related volunteer opportunities or community projects can young girls get involved in?
We need mentors and ambassadors to join the Global #BeMeDigitalinclusion program; we need all hands on deck to promote this across our communities.
How can young girls showcase their STEM achievements and projects to gain recognition and inspire others?
You can start with Academy Achievers. Just be intentional and get involved.
What do you anticipate the future holds with the work that you're doing for young girls?
Growth! Sustainability! Impact!
We're so happy that Paulette found the time to sit down with us, especially given how busy she is, so a huge thank you from P45 to her! We're sure will agree that the work she is doing is so important.
You can keep up-to-date with Academy Achievers on their website, their Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages. Their #BeMe project has a separate Twitter account which is @BeMeSTEM
In addition, you can connect with Paulette herself on Twitter, where she's @symnicola.
This the second interview we've done, but if there are any other business leaders with an inspiring story you'd like to hear from, please let us know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed reading this interview with Paulette and would like to show your gratitude by buying a virtual coffee, you can do just that by clicking the button below. We clearly make the perfect blend.
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