STEM is NOT Gender Based.

Nyamekye Wilson, also known as the "Moses of STEM," is a visionary driven by the transformational power of intersectionality and human-centered design. Her mission is clear: to empower the forgotten to maximize the whole. Her work, whether through Black Sisters in STEM, Candoor, or Defining Moments with Nyamekye, reflects a singular vision to create systems of equity, excellence, and enduring impact across every space she touches.

Her impact spans STEM education, workforce development, and mental health transformation. She has raised over $1.5 million for her ventures, placing her among the less than 1% of Black women entrepreneurs to surpass $1 million in funding, a testament to her strategic vision and relentless pursuit of equity.Recognized as one of Mozilla's Top 25 Humans Changing the Internet for Good, Nyamekye's work has earned acclaim from leaders like Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Marwan Al Maktoum. Her commitment to equity extends to the national stage, where she serves on the National STEM Council in collaboration with the White House.

As the founder of Black Sisters in STEM (Black SiS), Nyamekye leads the only and largest diaspora-wide philanthropic organization dedicated to reversing centuries of inequality Black women face. The first of its kind in the world. Black Sisters in STEM has been recognized as the "Most Impactful Global Initiative" by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Marwan Al Maktoum.

What’s something fun about you that most people don’t know?

I love, love, love history. I enjoy watching documentaries, studying historical events, and learning about Ghana’s history.

Can you tell us about your journey into STEM and what inspired you to pursue this field?

My dad is a mathematician who instilled a love for math in us. It just made sense to me. My siblings and I were all good at math, and struggling with it was never a problem in our household. Since I excelled at it, I was always placed in math-related activities like clubs, which became a natural part of my life. Later, I went to college and studied finance, which aligned with my love for numbers. That’s how I entered the world of STEM.

What challenges did you face as a woman entering a STEM career, and how did you overcome them?

I didn’t face challenges until college. In my household, STEM was normal, and I was always encouraged. But in college, that changed. I attended a predominantly white institution (PWI), where over 60% of the student population was white. In STEM, the percentage was even higher, and there were almost no Black people, especially Black women.

Being one of the only Black women in my classes, I had two ways to look at it:

1. I could see myself as exceptional—one of the few who made it.

2. Or, I could feel like I didn’t belong.

Unfortunately, many Black women, including myself, end up feeling like they don’t belong. When I struggled, even a little, I started doubting myself. I thought, “This is why there are no Black women in STEM—maybe we’re just not meant to be here.”

How do you balance your personal life and professional responsibilities?

My First Lady always says, "There’s no such thing as balance, only prioritization." I think the idea of balance is a false narrative because if balance truly existed, there would be a universal standard for it. But no two lives are the same.

Instead of striving for balance, I focus on planning with the fullness of my life in view. Some people only plan for their careers, so their entire life revolves around work and money. But I plan for everything—my spiritual life, my church events, conferences, the tithes and seeds I want to sow, the weddings I’ll attend, and even the places I want to travel to.

I take the time to map it all out. I already know I’m a bridesmaid twice this year, and I might be for a few more people. I anticipate how much I’ll need to spend, allowing me to live a well-rounded life.

The second part of this is staying in the moment. The Bible says, “Take no thought for tomorrow, for tomorrow has its own worries.” You can’t control tomorrow; only God can. So, while I plan ahead, I don’t let worry consume me. I stay present in whatever I’m doing.

Going to a PWI inspired you to start Black Sisters in STEM. But was there a defining moment that made you realize the need for an organization like this? And how has the journey of building it shaped you?

The defining moment for creating Black Sisters in STEM was when I visited the Elmina Castle in Ghana. I realized how much was stolen during the slave trade, including legacies, destinies, ideas, innovation, and more. This sparked a desire to see restoration for my people, specifically Ghana, and black people worldwide. I felt led to bring restoration, which eventually became Black Sisters in STEM, focusing on women and STEM.

How much does faith play a role in your work, and how does it impact what you do?

My faith impacts everything I do. Everyone has a belief system, whether they acknowledge it or not, and that drives their actions. I can only do things when I know they align with Christ and what He’s telling me. My faith influences how I show up, how I act, and why I do what I do. I’m not perfect, but by God's grace, I recognize when I’m not acting in alignment with His word. Everything I do is rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ.

How do you navigate working in spaces that may not be favorable to women, and what advice would you give to women facing similar challenges?

I’ve been in many unfavorable spaces, but don’t focus on that. You can either dwell on the obstacles or carry yourself in a way that commands favor. Anyone — regardless of gender or race — can enter spaces where they aren’t welcomed. The key is resilience.

For me, I carry the Holy Spirit. That means favor must follow me because it's not about me but God’s purpose in my life. If someone chooses to fight that, they’re fighting God and won’t win. I refuse to be afraid of being a Black woman. God made me this way and designed my success with that in mind. If He created both my identity and my destiny, they can’t be at odds. Something has to give, and it won’t be my purpose.

Who are your role models and mentors, and how have they impacted you?

Mentors are a big deal. I have many, from my mom and grandmother to my first lady and women I’ve never met but admire. Chimamanda Adichie, for example, is a powerful representation of what women can be and how they can advocate for others.

Outside of God, black women have had the biggest impact on my life, teaching me about womanhood, sisterhood, friendship, and giving. They’ve shown me how to support, build, and love people. One of the most important lessons mentors have taught me is humility. Our generation often lacks a deep understanding of true humility. People say they’re humble and grateful, but many don’t live it out.

Mentors remind you that no matter how great you think you are, someone else is doing better, not in a competitive way, but in terms of results. And if you’re wise, you should want those results, too. The key is to stay humble and teachable. There’s always more to learn and room to grow.

How can we encourage more young girls, especially in Africa, to pursue STEM subjects?

I think we overcomplicate this. The issue isn’t inspiring Black women to go into STEM—data shows they already sign up for STEM majors at the same rate as other groups. The real issue is retention. Why do they leave at higher rates than, say, white men? That’s the real question.

It’s not about inspiration. It’s about dismantling the lies they’ve been told. If they’ve learned they can’t do it, that STEM is a man’s field, that they don’t belong, it’s all a lie. We need to break down these falsehoods and replace them with truth: They can do it.

Then, we must provide the necessary resources. The average white person has more financial, social, and knowledge capital than the average Black woman, which keeps them in STEM longer. If we close that gap, more Black women will thrive in STEM.

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? If so, how did you handle it?

Yes, all throughout my life. Everyone experiences it, so preparing your mind for it is key. My pastor always says we should prepare a defense for offense, and it's the same with imposter syndrome.

You need a deep understanding of who you are and why you deserve to be in certain spaces. If your belief system is shaky, you’ll struggle. But you'll always have assurance if it’s built on something solid, like my faith in Christ.

Sometimes, I’m the youngest person in a room, often the only Black woman, and speaking to VPs or C-suite executives. It would be easy to doubt myself, but I remind myself who I am and who made me. Many people struggle because they don’t have Christ; everything else can be moved, but He is the solid rock.

How do you prioritize your mental health while managing a demanding career and work-life balance?

I start with the Bible. Studies show that people who read the Bible four times a week have better mental health. It teaches gratitude, which science has proven improves mental well-being. It promotes meditation. Paul tells us to think about things that are pure and good.

I used to be suicidal, depressed, and anxious. I gained 80 pounds in six months. My anxiety was so chronic that I didn’t even recognize it anymore. But the love of Jesus and following His ways delivered me.

This wasn’t overnight. It took 28 years. But the earlier you start, the better. You can’t fight yourself with yourself. Someone has to help you, and when I let the Holy Ghost help me, my life changed.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about women in STEM?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that women shouldn't be in STEM. STEM technology is not gender-based. Only someone who isn’t a technologist would say something foolish like that. Every technology is built irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, or geography.

Can you share a moment in your career when you felt particularly proud to be a woman in STEM?

I’m proud every day of Black Sisters in STEM. When I see other Black women thriving and becoming, that’s when I feel most proud of this work.

How do you see the future of women in STEM evolving in the next decade?

I see it getting greater and greater. I see us growing to the point where people no longer have to talk about it. I want it to be like nursing. No one discusses "women in nursing" because it’s already a given. That’s the vision.

If you could go back and give your 19-year-old self one piece of advice as she was entering STEM, what would it be?

Get to know yourself for yourself. Don’t be scared. Your life is really in your hands now. You have to understand God for yourself. Otherwise, you’ll be moving through life with a shifting belief system, which leads to inconsistency.

The most successful people in life are those who are consistent. Even if their beliefs are wrong, their consistency makes them effective. Take Hitler, for example; what he did was evil, but he was extremely consistent. He believed in something, acted on it, and had an entire nation following him.

That’s why you must ground yourself in something true and unwavering.

Chatting with Diana was uplifting! We’re sure you’ll find her insights as refreshing and impactful as we do.

What stood out to you in this interview? Tell us in the comments!

To learn more about Black Sisters in Stem, check out their website. You can also connect with Black Sisters in Stem on Instagram.

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