Newsletter STEM Demystified
This section is dedicated to share the interviews published on the LinkedIn Newsletter STEM Demystified, allowing everyone, to read about incredible women conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.

Cecilia Abegunde
Hydrographic Surveyor | Online Surveyor | Offshore Surveyor
Cecilia Abegunde
Nigeria
Born in Nigeria, Cecilia has always been drawn to problem-solving, excelling in mathematics and physics during high school. This early passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Surveying and Geoinformatics, graduating with First Class Honours.

Sweta Upadhyay
UX Design Specialization at Google
Sweta Upadhyay
India
Born in India, she’s a UX Designer with a deep passion for creating intuitive and impactful user experiences. With over 2 years of experience, her journey began from a fascination with art and crafts, leading her to the dynamic field of UX (User Experience) design.

Bonnie Tsim
Principal Consultant at Turner & Townsend
Bonnie Tsim
United Kingdom
Born in the United Kingdom, she is a digital consultant with a passion for translating complex concepts into engaging narratives and currently works for Turner & Townsend.

Shonny Lehane
Operations Manager at iCRAG
Shonny Lehane
United Kingdom
Born in the United Kingdom, her academic background is in Applied Geology (mineral exploration), and she is the current Operations Manager at iCRAG (the SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences hosted by University College Dublin).

Luci-Anne Anson
Junior Consultant in Infrastructure Digital
Luci-Anne Anson
United Kingdom
Born in the United Kingdom, Luci-Anne grew up with a deep-rooted interest in science and technology, inspired by watching her parents work in STEM-related fields. As a child, she once dreamed of becoming an airline pilot.

Liege Rhodes
Software Support Liaison at NASA/Shearwater
Liege Rhodes
Brazil
Born in Brazil, she had a great interest in mathematics and physics from an early age. Liege was first introduced to Geophysics by her dad, and the lack of women in the Geosciences inspired her to pursue and attain a BSc in Geophysics.

Angelica Arra Fernandez
Multimedia Designer at Women in Data
Angelica Arra Fernandez
Philippines
Born in the Philippines, curiosity has always been one of her driving forces. She grew up watching Japanese animes, and this hobby has highly influenced her professional journey.

Elissama Menezes
Director of Equal Routes
Elissama Menezes
Brazil
Born and raised in the state of Bahia, Brazil, she grew up in a poor neighbourhood. Her fascination for encyclopaedias and the support from her hard- working mother led her to pursue a career in STEM, and this has changed her life. Today she is a Climate and Shipping expert and the Director of Equal Routes.

Jayati Jain Aggarwal
Executive Director at Fluid AI
Jayati Jain Aggarwal
India
Born in India, she had an aptitude for science and a curious mind from an early age. When growing up, she read a lot about the growing biotech space in India and Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the founder of Biocon, who ended up being a role model and a great mentor for her. Currently works as the Executive Director at Fluid AI, based in Mumbai, where she lives with her family.

Anastasiia Tsarenko
Project Manager at Accenture
Anastasiia Tsarenko
Ukraine
Born in Ukraine, Anastasiia is a creative problem solver and an enthusiastic ambassador for Agile ways of working and Design Thinking. Her career journey has not been linear or straightforward. In 2021, after navigating through different fields, she completed a master’s degree in Applied IT in Sweden where she currently lives and works as a Project Manager at Accenture. She is passionate about digital transformation as well as emerging technologies like Gen AI and XR.

Fabiola Amorim
Senior Researcher at CIIMAR
Fabiola Amorim
Brazil
Born in Brazil, she developed an interest in STEM disciplines from an early age. Fabiola attained a BSc in Civil Engineering, and her passion for environmental sciences shaped her career. Since 2002, she has been working with meteorological and oceanographic data. In 2011, she earned a DSc degree in Physical Oceanography from the Oceanographic Institute of São Paulo, Brazil. She currently works as a Research Assistant at CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research in Portugal.

Ayse Yaman
Senior Data Scientist at Extra360
Ayse Yaman
Türkiye
Born in Türkiye, at school she was a curious explorer. Her passion for Mathematics and admiration for Grace Hopper highly influenced her journey in STEM. Ayse attained a BSc in Statistics and her passion for uncovering insights from complex datasets led her to specialise in advanced analytics, machine learning, and data visualisation. Ayse has extensive experience in both the retail and healthcare sectors and currently works as a Senior Data Scientist.

Kat Greenbrook
Data Storyteller and Founder at Rogue Penguin
Kat Greenbrook
New Zealand
Born in New Zealand, Kat initially aspired to become a veterinarian, diligently studying a range of STEM subjects in high school. However, her path took a few unexpected turns, leading her to earn a degree in Genetics. Kat diversified her expertise by attaining a second degree in Design. This unique combination of science, business, and design led her to author The Data Storyteller’s Handbook and found the innovative data storytelling company, Rogue Penguin. Through her work, Kat empowers data professionals to communicate complex data effectively through the art of storytelling.

Jennifer Myers
Software Engineer at IBM
Jennifer Myers
United Kingdom
Born in England, Jennifer developed a passion for mathematics and space from an early age. Despite facing several challenges, she achieved a BSc in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and later completed an MSc in Digital and Technology Solutions. Jennifer currently works as a Software Engineer at IBM, where she excels at solving complex challenges and leveraging data analysis to drive innovation and efficiency.

Sanya Mathura
Author and Founder of Strategic Reliability Solutions Ltd
Sanya Mathura
Trinidad & Tobago
Sanya attained a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an MSc in Engineering Asset Management, becoming the first person in the Caribbean to become an ICML certified MLE (Machinery Lubrication Engineer). She is the Founder of Strategic Reliability Solutions Ltd based in Trinidad & Tobago.
When not writing or managing the business, you can find her supporting projects advocating for women in STEM.

Wagner Magalhaes
Full Professor at Universidade Federal da Bahia
Wagner Magalhaes
Brazil
Allyship in Action – Special Edition
In this interview, Wagner shares his journey as an ally, the personal experiences that have shaped his dedication, and his thoughts on how men can play a pivotal role in advancing gender equity in STEM. Join me as I explore what true allyship looks like through the lens of someone who has made a lasting impact.
Hello,
I’m Juliana

The creator behind Smart Frames UI, a space where storytelling meets strategy, and dashboards do more than just display numbers. For over 15 years, I’ve been driven by a passion for uncovering the stories hidden within data. I specialise in transforming complex project data into clear, actionable insights that empower stakeholders to make informed decisions with confidence. Through Power BI, I not only visualise data but also ensure it’s accessible to everyone, following WCAG guidelines to remove barriers and make informed decision-making truly inclusive.
Let’s connect
Join the fun!
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Salma Sultana
Founder of Huemmingbirds
Salma Sultana
UAE / Canada
Salma developed a passion for Maths and Physics from an early age, making a career in STEM a natural path for her. During college, she was inspired by a female teacher in a non-STEM subject who thrived in a male-dominated environment. This inspiration led Salma to boldly pursue a career in STEM. Salma earned a BSc in Information Technology followed by an MSc in Software Engineering. She is now the founder and Lead Consultant of Huemmingbirds in Canada, where she currently resides

Dr. Susan Van Dyke, MD
Founder of Van Dyke Laser & Skin Care, LTD
Dr. Susan Van Dyke, MD
United States of America
Dr Van Dyke enjoyed mathematics and chemistry at school and taking inspiration from her mother, a Registered Nurse, she pursued a career in STEM. She attained a BA in Molecular Biology from Wellesley College and an MD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and is a pioneering figure in cosmetic dermatology with a distinguished career spanning four decades. As founder of Van Dyke Laser & Skin Care, LTD, she has led the way in advancing the field for nearly 30 years.

Special Edition
Note: The image is for illustration purposes only and does not represent the girl interviewed.
Ronalda L. 11 years old
Trinidad and Tobago
Empowering the Future: Girls and their Perspectives on STEM
This special edition was release to mark the International Day of the Girl, shining the spotlight on young girls and their aspirations in STEM! In “Empowering the Future: Girls and their Perspectives on STEM,”. I’m thrilled to feature Ronalda, an 11-year-old girl from Trinidad and Tobago who dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
Read the full special edition and join the conversation on how we can inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators!

Neriane Pinho Querino
Nurse, Diputacion Foral de Bizkaia
Neriane Pinho Querino
Brazil/Spain
Originally from Brazil, Neriane’s passion for healthcare took her to Spain, where she overcame language barriers and cultural challenges to establish herself as a respected nurse and educator.
With a rich background that blends theoretical knowledge and practical experience, Neriane has become
a prominent role model for women in STEM. She continues to inspire others by demonstrating that determination and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

Emily Vodovnik
Associate Data Scientist, DNT
Emily Vodovnik
United States of America
Emily found her passion for computing at an early age and confidently embraced it. Today, as an Associate Data Scientist at DNT she channels that passion into analysing weather data to help businesses prepare for storms – combining her love of data with a fascination for the weather.
A big part of Emily’s success comes from the support of her family, especially her grandparents, who nurtured her curiosity and love of learning. Her story reminds us how embracing our uniqueness can lead to great achievements.

Kefilwe Mmutle
Senior Manager: Network Solutions Architecture, BCX
Kefilwe Mmutle
South Africa
Meet Kefilwe Mmutle, an inspiring leader hailing from the vibrant streets of Soweto, South Africa. From a young age, Kefilwe was captivated by technology, driven by a curiosity about how things worked. Her determination to make a difference in the world through technology led her to pursue a path in engineering – a route less travelled by women at the time.
Today, she holds a degree in Electrical Engineering, specialising in Telecommunications, and serves as a Senior Manager in Network Solutions Architecture at BCX, Africa’s premier ICT solutions provider.

Vanda Franco
Associate Manager of Onshore Operations, Petrotec
Vanda Franco
Portugal
Starting in Portugal with dreams of becoming a Nurse, Vanda’s journey took a remarkable twist towards Chemistry. Her passion led to an impressive 20-year career across Marine Chemistry, Pharma, Petrochemical and Oil & Gas. Vanda is also an advocate for women in STEM and authored the chapter “From Portugal to Qatar – Exploring different careers in STEM” in the book “Empowering Women in STEM – Personal Stories and Career Journeys from Around the World”. Now, as Associate Manager at Petrotec in Qatar, she’s reshaping lubrication standards onshore and offshore.

Janini Pereira
Associate Professor, Federal University of Bahia
Janini Pereira
Brazil
Meet Janini Pereira, Physical Oceanographer and Associate Professor. Growing up in Itajaí, Brazil, Janini’s passion for the ocean was sparked at a young age, ultimately driving her to earn her MSc and PhD in Physical Oceanography. Along the way, she faced gender disparities, relocated for her studies, and learned to balance career with motherhood. Now, as an Associate Professor, she’s dedicated to inspiring the next generation, especially women, to dive into oceanography and STEM.

Sanskriti Sahu
Student at Lakshmi Narain College of Technology and Science
Sanskriti Sahu
India
Meet Sanskriti Sahu, a brilliant young mind in STEM! Born in India, Sanskriti grew up in a community where women’s education was often undervalued. But with unwavering support from her family, she defied societal norms and pursued her dreams. A pivotal moment came when she attended a career’s fair in school, sparking her passion for technology. Today, Sanskriti is studying for a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science, specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, at Lakshmi Narain College of Technology and Science.

Furkan Karayel
Author of the Best Selling book “Inclusive Intelligence” , founder of Diversein.com, Board Member for Women For Election, and Lecturer at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art
Furkan Karayel
Türkiye & Ireland
Meet the brilliant Furkan Karayel! Born in Türkiye, Furkan is a multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion speaker and author of the best-selling book Inclusive Intelligence.
Furkan developed an interest in technology from an early age, leading her to earn a BSc and MSc in Software Engineering from the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus, in Ireland, where she currently lives. Today, she lectures in the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Master’s program at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

Liliana Duarte
Material Scientist, PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
Liliana Duarte
Portugal
Meet Liliana Duarte, a trailblazer in STEM. Born in Portugal, Liliana’s curiosity for science began early, propelling her to study Materials Science at Universidade do Porto and complete a PhD at ETH Zürich. Today, she’s breaking new ground at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, researching the effects of hydrogen in nuclear materials, while also teaching and inspiring the next generation of scientists at ETH Zurich.
Liliana’s path has been anything but conventional, marked by courage, adaptability, and a deep love for learning.

Dr Shalini Sankar
PhD in Cancer Research, Newcastle University
Dr Shalini Sankar
United Kingdom
Meet Dr. Sankar, whose inspiring journey from India to the UK as a first-generation immigrant has led to remarkable achievements in cancer research and beyond. With a PhD from Newcastle University specialising in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, and ground-breaking work in CRISPR gene-editing, she has significantly contributed to Haemato-Oncology. Her transition from academia to industry saw her excel at Sygnature Discovery, working on diverse projects in Oncology and Neuroscience.

Ifeoluwa (Ojelabi) Oshodi
MBChB MSc Fellow, University if the Witwatersrand
Ifeoluwa (Ojelabi) Oshodi
Nigeria
Meet Ifeoluwa (Ojelabi) Oshodi, born in Nigeria, Ifeoluwa developed an early passion for mathematics and problem-solving, which set the stage for her illustrious career in STEM. Her journey from a young girl fascinated by numbers to a leading figure in Laboratory/ Metabolic medicine is a testament to her perseverance, faith, and dedication.

Monica Hernandez
CEO Infinity Growth Corporation
Monica Hernandez
Colombia/Canada
Join me as I delve into the incredible story of Monica Hernandez, a trailblazing entrepreneur who has transformed her passion for STEM into a powerhouse of innovation and empowerment. As the founder, CEO, and Senior Engineer of Infinity Growth, Monica’s 20-year journey is marked by resilience and determination.
In this latest edition of STEM Demystified, Monica shares her experiences of navigating a male-dominated industry as an immigrant woman and her drive to empower the next generation of women in STEM. From overcoming discrimination and health challenges to founding a company where everyone’s value is recognised, Monica’s story is a truly inspiring.

Sue Bayes
Director of Databayes Ltd
Sue Bayes
United Kingdom
Meet Sue Bayes, Director of Databayes Ltd and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. With over 20 years of experience in data analytics and business reporting, Sue has built a successful consultancy that empowers businesses through the Microsoft Platforms (Power BI, Excel, Power Apps, Power Automate and Report Builder).
In this interview, Sue shares her path to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced along the way, and her advice for women considering a career in STEM. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity in tech and believes in the power of community and resilience to drive success.

Christina Lovelock
Business Analysis Leader | Author | Speaker | Coach
Christina Lovelock
United Kingdom
Meet Christina Lovelock, an incredible leader, consultant, and advocate for a more diverse tech workforce. Christina’s journey started with a unique mix of A-levels in maths, physics, and history—showing us that creativity and STEM go hand in hand!
With over 20 years of experience in the public sector, Christina has built and led tech teams, championed apprenticeships with impressive gender parity, and co-authored two influential books. Her work is shaping the future of tech, data, and digital careers—and inspiring many along the way.

Joanne Santos
Team Leader – CSM and DBAM at Intercity Technology Ltd
Joanne Santos
USA/Poland
Meet Joanne Elizabeth Santos – a powerhouse in tech who’s transforming industries and challenging the status quo. From semi-pro volleyball to a thriving career in STEM, Joanne’s journey is all about resilience, leadership, and creating opportunities for future generations of women in tech.
After overcoming personal setbacks, Joanne turned her passion for customer service into a career in technology, earning awards and recognition from companies like EE, Vaioni, and Intercity Technology. Additionally, she was honoured with the WeAreTheCity’s TechWomen 100 Award in 2024

Zulaikha Jabbar
BI Consultant at Bupa Arabia
Zulaikha Jabbar
Pakistan
Meet Zulaikha Jabbar, a brilliant BI Consultant at Bupa Arabia whose inspiring journey highlights the power of curiosity, passion, and resilience.
Starting with an MBA in Finance and an MS in Project Management, Zulaikha’s love for technology led her to make a bold career switch to the tech industry, where she now thrives, using data-driven solutions to tackle complex problems.

Ria Kinsley
Principal Consultant at Accenture
Ria Kinsley
United Kingdom
Meet Ria Kinsley – Her journey from India to the UK and her remarkable shift from finance to technology is truly inspiring. Ria began her career in the banking sector, and she is now a Principal Consultant at Accenture, specialising in Agile Delivery and Product Management.
Her career is marked by continuous growth and a passion for solving critical problems. Ria leads with humility and empathy, excelling in forging strategic relationships, engaging and inspiring her clients, and building digital products that deliver exceptional results. Her story is one of relentless dedication, impactful leadership, and a love for crafting ideal solutions.

Mahnoor Salman
AI Engineer at atomcamp
Mahnoor Salman
Pakistan
Meet Mahnoor Salman– an inspiring AI professional from Pakistan. From her early exposure to STEM in a supportive household to overcoming challenges in her career, Mahnoor’s journey showcases her resilience, curiosity, and dedication to lifelong learning.
Currently a senior AI engineer at atomcamp and an AI trainer in international bootcamps, Mahnoor is making waves in the world of AI and data science. Her story highlights the importance of early STEM education, mentorship, and addressing gender stereotypes to encourage more women to enter these fields

Helisha Patel
Graduate Endpoint Engineer at Logicalis Australia
Helisha Patel
India/Australia
Meet Helisha Patel a highly accomplished young professional and role model. From an introverted student in India to a confident professional in Australia, Helisha Patel’s journey showcases the transformative power of stepping out of her comfort zone. With a passion for both technology and business, she’s on a mission to build a community of driven individuals learning and growing together.
Recently, Helisha completed her Master’s in Information Systems. In her interview, she offers valuable insights into attracting more women to STEM and how to kickstart your own journey today! Check out Helisha’s full story here and be inspired by her empowering words.

Naziha S.
Clinical Research Associate at Bangladesh Clinical Trials Limited
Naziha S.
Bangladesh
Meet Naziha Shoaib, an inspiring figure in pharmaceutical sciences and science communication. Originally from Bangladesh, she attained a bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a master’s in Advanced Drug Delivery (ADD).
Naziha’s curiosity and communication skills have been at the forefront of her work. Her commitment to applying both technical expertise and communication has led her to diverse roles, culminating in her current position as a Clinical Research Associate.

Julia Freer
Founder of JLFG Communications
Julia Freer
United States of America
Meet Julia Freer Goldstein. Born in
the United States and raised in a family with strong STEM roots, Julia’s passion
for math and science ignited at a young age. With a BS in General Engineering
from Harvey Mudd College and advanced degrees in Materials Science from both
Stanford and UC Berkeley, Julia’s academic achievements are only the beginning
of her remarkable journey.
As an author of four books, including the award-winning Material Value: More
Sustainable, Less Wasteful Manufacturing of Everything from Cell Phones to
Cleaning Products, Julia is using her platform to reshape how we think about
materials and sustainability.

Dr. Cordelia Mattuvarkuzhali Ezhilarasu
Senior AI Research Scientist at SLB Cambridge Research
Dr. Cordelia Mattuvarkuzhali Ezhilarasu
India
Meet Dr. Cordelia Mattuvarkuzhali Ezhilarasu, an inspiring leader in the field of AI and Prognostics and Health Management (PHM). Currently a Senior AI Research Scientist at SLB Cambridge Research, Cordelia’s academic and professional journey spans continents, industries, and disciplines. With a PhD in Aircraft Health Reasoning, sponsored by Boeing, and extensive research in Machine Consciousness, Cordelia’s expertise bridges aerospace, industrial engineering, AI, and health monitoring.

Dr Sarah Mitchell
Founder and CEO, Anadyne IQ
Dr Sarah Mitchell
New Zealand
Meet Dr Sarah Mitchell, Founder of Anadyne IQ. Growing up in New Zealand in a family of engineers, Sarah’s fascination with understanding how things work led her to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. With a Fulbright Scholarship in hand, she earned her PhD at the prestigious Caltech and discovered her passion for data science.
Today, as the founder of Anadyne IQ, Sarah empowers businesses to thrive through artificial intelligence and automation. Her journey is a powerful reminder that curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt can lead to remarkable success.

Dr Clara Cheung
Head of Internationalisation and Group Lead of Engineering Management at University of Manchester
Dr Clara Cheung
China/United Kingdom
Meet Dr Clara Cheung, a visionary STEM professional whose interdisciplinary journey exemplifies innovation and resilience. Born in Hong Kong and initially pursuing a career in business, Dr Cheun transitioned into the manufacturing industry, where her expertise in data analytics and process optimisation uncovered critical links between workplace safety and design flaws.
Now an award-winning academic and industry leader, Dr Cheung holds dual roles as Group Lead in Engineering Management at the University of Manchester and Platform Lead Safety Digital at the Thomas Ashton Institute.

Dr. Sophie Jablonski
Founder of Dr Sophie Coaching and Co-Creator of Flourish Financially Programme.
Dr. Sophie Jablonski
France/Luxembourg
Meet Dr. Sophie Jablonski, a scientist, energy expert, and entrepreneur who blends technical expertise with psychology to empower individuals in their personal and professional growth. With over 20 years of experience in energy and infrastructure, she has worked on major global projects before transitioning into coaching, leadership development, and financial empowerment.
As the Founder of Dr Sophie Coaching, she helps individuals navigate change, develop confidence, and unlock their full potential through psychological education, leadership training, and financial well-being strategies.

Kate Ainley-Zoll
Author, Public Speaker and Cornell Mechanical Engineering student
Kate Ainley-Zoll
United States of America
Kate Ainley-Zoll is an inspiring author, dynamic public speaker, and a first-year student at Cornell University, where she is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Born and raised in Northern California, United States of America, her journey began as a Girl Scout, where she developed a deep passion for advocating for women, children, justice, and the environment.
At just 16 years old, Kate published her book, Portraits of Perseverance: The BIG BOOK of Two Hundred Women in STEM. This monumental achievement not only showcased the stories of courage, resilience, and innovation of extraordinary women but also solidified her commitment to driving change through a career in STEM.

Saba Khan
Co-Founder of Northwest Women in STEM | Scientific Consultant Biotech Startups
Saba Khan
United Kingdom
Meet Saba Khan, a trailblazer dedicated to empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Saba is the co-founder of NorthWest Women in STEM, a non-profit community interest group that has been instrumental in engaging, educating, and elevating local women through webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities.
With nearly 20 years of laboratory experience, Saba has made remarkable contributions to public health, particularly through her leadership in expanding COVID-19 testing labs both nationally and internationally.

Juliana Smith
Creator of STEM Demystified,
Founder of Smart Frames UI
Juliana Smith
Brazil
Today, I’m proud (and a little emotional) to share the final edition of STEM Demystified. When I started this project, my mission was simple: to shine a light on the diverse, real-life journeys of women in STEM. What unfolded has been extraordinary.
As we close this chapter, I’m excited to share that these stories will live on, I’ll be compiling them into a free booklet for schools and libraries to inspire even more young people.
