This evening, we were privileged to attend the “Celebrating Black Girls and Women in STEM” event, organized by Command Add Girls, a remarkable Canadian nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women and girls of color to explore careers in technology. This event was not merely a gathering; it was a testament to the resilience, ambition, and potential of Black girls and women in the STEM fields. Command Add Girls’ mission to stimulate interest in information technology and boost confidence among underrepresented groups in the tech industry resonates deeply with the values we hold at Omanye Royal Kingdom—empowerment through education and fostering opportunities for success.

The evening unfolded with a captivating address from Marilyn Karmen Tchana, a product manager whose extraordinary journey captivated all in attendance. Born in Cameroon, Marilyn graduated from high school at just 14 years old—a remarkable achievement that served as a powerful introduction to her narrative. Throughout her speech, she emphasized the importance of recognizing the value one brings to any team, regardless of the challenges one may face. Marilyn courageously spoke about the persistence required to overcome adversity—whether through lack of diversity, failed job applications, or imposter syndrome. Her wisdom, backed by research, highlighted that diversity in the workplace is not just a noble goal but a proven factor in increasing creativity and productivity. Marilyn further urged the audience to understand that job titles often do not reflect the full scope of a position, advising them to do thorough
research to uncover the true nature of roles in the STEM field.

Florette Rushike, Executive Director of Command Add Girls, also shared her profound insights, encouraging the audience to remain open to opportunities that may not align with their ideal career but could provide invaluable experiences and connections. Her advice to students to embrace volunteering was particularly poignant, as such opportunities often lead to career-defining moments.

The second speaker, Edheen Ndenzako, offered an inspiring narrative of how she entered the STEM and IT world despite not having any formal background in the field. Her journey underscored a vital message: STEM is a world open to anyone, regardless of their academic history. It was a compelling reminder that exposure to the vast possibilities within STEM is essential, as many young girls and women are not aware of the opportunities that lie before them.

As an organization that values the importance of education and mentorship, we found ourselves deeply moved by the spirit of community fostered at the event. The sight of young professionals sharing their knowledge, offering guidance, and encouraging students was nothing short of heartwarming. The shared messages of self-confidence, perseverance, and the understanding that rejection should not be taken personally were key takeaways that resonated with all present.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Florette Rushike shared: ‘’The stories shared today were deeply personal to me. I remember my own journey from computer science to various roles in the industry, wishing I had a community to exchange ideas and brainstorm. Tonight, we created that space, and I hope it was beneficial to someone with similar aspirations. There is real power in community and storytelling—it truly impacts lives.” As a web designer, software developer, and founder of Rushike Design Lab, Florette’s own journey from computer sciences to her various professional accomplishments underscores the transformative power of mentorship, collaboration, and community. Her reflections highlighted how shared experiences can inspire, uplift, and empower women and girls, helping them realize their full potential and navigate their paths with confidence.

On this significant International Day of Girls and Women in STEM, we are reminded of the bright young minds we encountered last fall at the Youth Fair we attended in Ghana. High school students presented their innovations — water purifiers, generators, and even small planes—demonstrating the immense talent and potential within our future leaders. We are excited to continue our support for these exceptional young minds, guiding them to refine their skills, define their aspirations and reach new heights throughthe Omanye Youth Hatchery. As a key initiative of the Omanye Center of Excellence, the Youth Hatchery is dedicated to providing mentorship, advanced resources, and strategic opportunities to help students refine their skills and expand their potential. With 85 students registering on the spot, we are inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by these future leaders, and delighted to sense the same exciting effervescence in this great event tonight.

Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of women and girls in STEM. The continued success of these young innovators is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that community, mentorship, and empowerment can have in unlocking their full potential. As they break barriers and push the boundaries of what’s possible, we are inspired by their resilience, ambition, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future. The journey of these bright minds is only just beginning, and the possibilities ahead are limitless.

#WomenInSTEM #GirlsInSTEM #STEMInspiration #DiversityInTech #Empowerment
#TechCommunity #BlackGirlsInSTEM #STEMOpportunities
#WomenEmpoweringWomen #CommandAddGirls #OmanyeCenter #FutureLeaders
#GirlPower #WomenInTech #STEMEducation #InternationalDayOfGirlsInSTEM

Contact: Omanye Royal Kingdom Media Relations
Email: omanyeroyalhouse@gmail.com