Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE and How She’s Inspiring Women in Tech

The world of tech has often been male-dominated, but trailblazers like Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE are inspiring women in tech.

Through her groundbreaking initiative, Stemettes, Anne-Marie has been a powerful advocate for girls and young women, inspiring over 50,000 to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

If you’re a career changer, STEM student, or school leaver considering a career in tech, this post will introduce you to the remarkable Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon and her mission to empower women in technology. Plus, we’ll highlight practical steps to jumpstart your own tech career.

Who is Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon?

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon is a British computing and mathematics prodigy whose achievements have shattered stereotypes about who “belongs” in STEM fields. By the age of 11, she had passed her GCSEs in Mathematics and Information Technology. She became one of the youngest people ever to graduate with a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at the age of 20 from the University of Oxford.

Her career has spanned multiple industries, including finance and education, where she worked with major names like Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank. But Anne-Marie’s most significant achievement may be her work as the founder of Stemettes, an organisation dedicated to addressing gender imbalance in STEM careers.

Since its inception in 2013, Stemettes has become a life-changing platform for young women. Through workshops, hackathons, and mentoring, it connects girls and women with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to break into competitive industries like tech.

Anne-Marie’s achievements have earned her global recognition. She was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2017 for services to young women in STEM careers and is also a renowned speaker and author.

Her message is simple but powerful: STEM is for everyone, regardless of gender.

How Stemettes is Inspiring Women into Tech

Stemettes provides a space where stereotypes are challenged, and innovation thrives. Here’s how the organisation is making waves in the STEM landscape.

1. Workshops and Hackathons

Stemettes hosts collaborative sessions where young women can experience what it’s like to solve real-world problems using technology. From coding challenges to app-building, these events spark curiosity and build essential skills.

2. Mentoring for Success

With STEM mentors from diverse backgrounds, Stemettes ensures that participants have role models to look up to. Mentoring helps young women envision themselves in careers they might not have previously considered.

3. Exposure to Female Role Models

Anne-Marie and the Stemettes team showcase the achievements of women working across STEM fields. By amplifying their voices, they prove that success in STEM is an achievable reality for girls.

4. Practical Resources

Resources range from guides on how to learn to code to tips on navigating male-dominated industries. These tools equip girls with knowledge, confidence, and connections.

Through these programmes, Stemettes has empowered over 50,000 girls, helping them discover the opportunities available in fields like data science, AI, and robotics.

Why Women Should Consider a Career in Tech

Tech isn’t just about coding—it’s a dynamic industry where creativity meets problem-solving. Despite its potential, women remain underrepresented. Did you know that only 19% of people working in the UK tech sector are women?

By entering tech, women bring diversity of thought and innovation to the table. Careers in tech also offer competitive salaries, job stability, and ongoing opportunities for growth. Fields like cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing are rapidly expanding, with a high demand for skilled talent.

For young women looking to join the tech sector, it’s crucial to break stereotypes and seek industries that value their contributions. And there’s no better time to explore these opportunities than now.

First Steps into Tech Can Start With an Apprenticeship

For women inspired by Anne-Marie Imafidon’s work, practical steps towards a tech career are accessible. One such option to consider is IT apprenticeships. Apprenticeships allow hands-on learning while earning a wage, making them a fantastic way to gain experience in the field.

At HBTC, we specialise in helping aspiring tech professionals start their careers through apprenticeships. Whether you’re working to build your skills or curious about transitioning into tech for the first time, you can explore opportunities such as:

• Digital Support Technician Apprenticeships.
• Information Communication Technician Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships offer structured training and the chance to work with industry experts, meaning you’ll be prepared to take on roles in IT departments, support roles, or digital services.

Check out our full list of vacancies here.