How do you turn a spark into a movement? Donna Otchere talks about being an early-career engineer and wondering where the other Black STEM women were to becoming a PhD researcher exploring gender equity in STEM—with a focus on the power of role models to shape girls’ desire to pursue engineering. We explore the rapid rise of SiSTEM UK (founded with her sister), from a lockdown Instagram page to thousands-strong community, schools outreach across London, and internship pathways that build real experience.

Donna breaks down her research, lessons in leadership, discovering dyslexia mid-thesis, and what’s next—from teaching to taking SiSTEM global and.

The person innovating who has caught Donna's attention is Abi Fafolu, Founder of The Lit Lab - bringing science and cocktails together for some STEM fun for grown-ups.

You can follow SiSTEM UK on Instagram and LinkedIn.

If you know someone who would be a great guest, please email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or send me a message on LinkedIn. 

Podcast recording and editing by me, Rachel Sosin.

Cover art by Danielle Brooks: ⁠https://www.daniellebrooksillustration.co.uk/⁠

Technical support from Abhinav Wadhwa: ⁠https://www.abhinavwadhwa.in/⁠ 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vocalista/strangers-in-the-night-acapella

License code: IP17ENDYVQGNUH6E