Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon Honored for Championing Girls in STEAM

TOKYO, JAPAN – March 12, 2026 – In a move that highlights the growing intersection of corporate philanthropy and educational advocacy, luxury brand Clé de Peau Beauté has named Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon as the 2026 recipient of its prestigious Power of Radiance Award. Dr. Imafidon, a pioneering computer scientist and the co-founder of the influential social enterprise Stemettes, is being celebrated for her transformative work in empowering girls and non-binary young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

The award, now in its eighth year, recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing girls' education. It is a cornerstone of Clé de Peau Beauté's long-term global commitment to leveraging education as a tool for unlocking potential and fostering brighter futures. Dr. Imafidon's selection underscores a global recognition of the urgent need to diversify the talent pipeline in fields that will define the 21st century.

A Prodigy with a Purpose

Dr. Imafidon's journey into becoming one of the UK's most influential voices in technology was anything but conventional. A child prodigy born in London to Nigerian parents, her academic prowess was evident early on. She passed two GCSEs at the age of ten and, at eleven, became the youngest girl ever to pass an A-level in computing. Her accelerated path led her to the University of Oxford, where she became one of the youngest women to earn a Master's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science.

After working in technical roles at major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, Dr. Imafidon observed a stark reality: the rooms where technological and financial futures were being built were overwhelmingly male. This experience became the catalyst for action. In 2013, she co-founded Stemettes to dismantle the barriers—both visible and invisible—that steer girls and non-binary individuals away from technical fields. Her mission was not just to open doors, but to create a vibrant, welcoming space where a new generation could thrive.

Remaking STEAM with Joy and Belonging

Through Stemettes, Dr. Imafidon has engineered a new paradigm for STEAM education, one centered on joy, visibility, and a profound sense of belonging. The organization has reached more than 70,000 young people across the world with a unique blend of hands-on hackathons, industry-linked certification programs, mentorship circles, and encounters with inspiring role models. The approach is deliberately designed to be fun, food-filled, and free, removing common barriers to access.

Her philosophy is clear: to change the face of the industry, you must first change the experience of entering it. By focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive ecosystem, Stemettes has become a turning point for many participants, boosting their confidence and expanding their aspirations.

"Girls deserve the chance not only to learn, but to lead," said Dr. Imafidon upon receiving the award. "When they are given the space to be curious, creative, and unapologetically themselves, we see extraordinary things happen. It is a privilege to support this next generation as they discover their power, and I am grateful to Clé de Peau Beauté for recognizing the importance of creating these opportunities."

Confronting a Persistent Gap

The work of advocates like Dr. Imafidon is critically important given the persistent gender disparities in STEAM. Global statistics reveal a troubling landscape: women constitute only around 22% of professionals in artificial intelligence and 21% of engineering graduates. Even when women earn STEM degrees, a phenomenon known as the "leaky pipeline" sees many leave the profession within the first decade of their careers at higher rates than men, often due to workplace culture and a lack of advancement opportunities.

This underrepresentation is not merely a question of equity; it is a significant handicap for innovation. Diverse teams are proven to be more creative, effective, and better at problem-solving. By failing to include women and non-binary people, the STEAM fields risk designing a future that perpetuates existing biases and fails to meet the needs of half the population. Initiatives like Stemettes provide a direct and effective intervention, nurturing the talent needed to build a more equitable and innovative world.

Corporate Philanthropy as a Catalyst

Clé de Peau Beauté's Power of Radiance Awards program is a prime example of how corporate entities can act as catalysts for social change. The initiative is part of the brand's broader global partnership with UNICEF, which has already helped over 12.4 million girls gain access to STEM education and skills training. The brand has committed a portion of the global sales of its iconic product, The Serum, to fund these educational initiatives.

"The Power of Radiance Awards honors women who light the way for others through their contributions to girls' empowerment in STEAM fields, and Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon is an exceptional example of this spirit," said Naomi Kawanishi, Global Brand President of Clé de Peau Beauté. "Her work with Stemettes is reshaping what young people see as possible for themselves. Her confidence, her clarity, and her commitment inspire us to continue supporting the limitless potential within every girl."

The grant associated with the 2026 award will provide crucial support for Dr. Imafidon and Stemettes to expand their programs. This funding will enable them to offer more enriching learning opportunities, experiential workshops, and guided mentorship, fostering the curiosity and resilience that are essential for paving the way to a radiant future for countless young innovators.