STEM Elevate Program

Our presence at the 2026 Ghana Neuroscience Society Conference continued beyond the CV and Career Development session.

STEM Elevate was also represented at the Women in Neuroscience session, facilitated by Prof. Priscilla Kolibea Mante.

The session explored a powerful theme: Finding Your Balance — Navigating Conflict, Tension, and Differences.

A key insight was that not all conflicts are problems that need to be solved. Many tensions exist because two opposing views can both be valid. This was illustrated through the concept of polarity — using a practical example of breathing in and out to show that balance requires both sides.

Through interactive discussions, we reflected on everyday examples and deeper life and STEM career tensions such as:
- Individual achievement vs collective impact
- Care for self vs care for others
- Ambition vs rest
- Confidence vs humility

A powerful quote from George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel anchored the session:
“Genuine tragedies are not conflicts between right and wrong. They are conflicts between rights.”

Key takeaway for navigating polarity:
- Name it
- Honor both sides
- Watch for imbalance
- Make small intentional shifts

The session ended with reflections on mentorship, community, and the importance of creating spaces where women in STEM can thrive.

These conversations matter — for growth, community, and the future of women in STEM. At STEM Elevate, we’re committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of African women in science to thrive and lead with confidence.

STEM Elevate was proud to be part of the Day 1 Satellite Workshop at the Ghana Neuroscience Society Conference, where we facilitated an engaging session on CV Development & Career Growth.

Led by Prof. Priscilla Mante, the session gave participants practical, hands-on guidance on transforming routine responsibilities into measurable, results-oriented achievements that make CVs stand out.

We also explored the realities of modern recruitment, including how quickly recruiters screen applications and why tailoring CVs to specific roles is essential in today’s competitive job market.

It was an interactive and insightful session filled with learning, reflection, and practical career-building strategies.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today, we celebrate the strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers everywhere—the women who nurture dreams, inspire resilience, and shape the future in quiet but powerful ways.

To every mother, mentor, and mother figure, thank you for all that you do.

You are truly appreciated.

STEM Lexicon | Term of the Month

This month’s term is .

In STEM, iteration represents the "grind"—the process of testing, learning, and refining ideas over and over again. It’s how breakthroughs happen, how systems improve, and how innovation takes shape.

At STEM Elevate, we encourage women in STEM to embrace this process.

Growth doesn’t happen all at once; it happens through continuous learning, improvement, and persistence.

Keep testing. Keep learning. Keep building.

Progress is built one iteration at a time!

STEM Elevate Fellow Spotlight!

Today, we feature Merlene Achiaa Agyekum, who is making strides in the field of Pharmacy.

She joined the STEM Elevate Career Navigator Program seeking clarity and confidence in defining her career path, while building targeted skills for her future as a pharmacist.

Merlene aspires to grow as a clinical academic, combining teaching and research while advancing into senior academic roles. Her objectives include leading research projects and mentoring future scholars.

She is also working toward specialist recognition, with the goal of becoming a Fellow of the Ghana College of Pharmacists and a leader in her field.

Fun fact: Merlene loves everything about children—their cries and fussiness don’t stress her; they make her love them even more.

We’re excited to support her as she builds a career in pharmacy, academia, and mentorship.

Call for Applications: STEM Elevate Leadership & Advocacy Academy

Are you a woman in STEM ready to move from career growth to leadership and impact?

Join a 6-month program designed to help you:

~ Build leadership and advocacy skills
~ Lead a real-world change project
~ Work with mentors and networks
~ Shape the future of STEM

Open to early-to-mid career women across STEM fields.

Deadline: May 15, 2026

�Apply: https://stemelevate.com/leadership-and-advocacy/

Some of the most valuable things in life don’t come easy—and STEM is no exception.

This powerful reminder from Prof. Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann speaks to the discipline, consistency, and effort required to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In a world that often celebrates quick wins, STEM teaches us a different lesson: growth takes time, and results come from intentional investment.

At STEM Elevate, we are committed to supporting young women to stay the course—building skills, showing up daily, and trusting the process even when the results are not immediate.

Because the future belongs to those willing to put in the work.

STEM Elevate Fellow Spotlight!

We’re excited to feature Esther Dede Norki Kwao, who is elevating the field of Global Health and Non-Communicable Diseases.

She joined the STEM Elevate Career Navigator Program with a clear intention—to grow into a purpose-driven professional. Seeking clarity, guidance, and the right support, Esther is building the confidence, leadership skills, and direction needed to navigate her path in public and global health.

Esther aspires to work with international health organizations and NGOs to design and implement community-based interventions that strengthen health systems and improve equitable access to quality healthcare.

She is also focused on developing strong technical and leadership expertise in global health program management, particularly in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, while empowering young women in STEM through mentorship and leadership.

Fun fact: Esther values quiet, reflective moments—they are her reset button. Beneath her calm exterior is a deeply imaginative and creative thinker.

We’re excited to support her as she builds a career driven by purpose and impact.

Happy International Girls in ICT Day!

Today, we celebrate the power, potential, and promise of girls in technology.

At STEM Elevate, we believe that girls are not just the future of ICT; they are already shaping it. From coding and data science to digital innovation and problem-solving, girls continue to prove that they belong in every corner of the digital world.

This year’s theme, “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” is a strong reminder that when girls are given access, support, and opportunity, they become drivers of innovation and change.

As we mark International Girls in ICT Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering more girls and young women to explore STEM, build digital skills, and pursue careers that will drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

To every girl daring to dream in tech, your ideas matter, your voice matters, and your future is bright.

Here’s to raising more girls who will shape the digital world!

STEM Elevate Fellow Spotlight!

Today, we feature Juliet Gyampoh, who is elevating the field of Water Resources Engineering Management.

She joined the STEM Elevate Career Navigator Program to gain structured guidance and practical skills that will help her make informed career decisions.

Through the program, she hopes to strengthen her professional competencies, expand her network, and learn from experienced mentors as she explores new pathways for growth and impact.

Juliet aspires to build a meaningful career in research, innovation, and sustainable development. She hopes to deepen her expertise, pursue advanced research opportunities, take on leadership roles, and contribute to projects and policies that address environmental and development challenges while inspiring others in her field.

Fun fact: Juliet enjoys listening to music and values quiet moments that help her think clearly and stay focused. She is also deeply committed to seeing every task through to the end once she starts.

We’re excited to support her as she builds a purposeful career in sustainability and development.