South Bank Technical College & Race in STEM - Panel Speaker , 6th October
Karen Emelu had the privilege of speaking at South Bank Technical College in partnership with Race in STEM, taking part in an important conversation centred on identity, career development and belonging within the STEM sector. The engagement brought together students to explore not only the pathways into technology and STEM careers, but also the personal experiences, confidence and sense of identity that shape how young people navigate their professional journeys.
Drawing on her own experiences across technology, entrepreneurship and leadership, Karen shared reflections on building a career, navigating professional spaces and learning to trust her voice. She spoke about the realities of entering rooms where representation may be limited, the pressure that can come with feeling the need to prove oneself, and the importance of recognising that belonging is not something that should have to be earned through constantly validating one's worth.
The conversation explored the importance of looking beyond qualifications, technical skills and networking to consider the role that identity and vision play in shaping a person's future. Karen encouraged students to think more intentionally about not only what they want to become professionally, but also who they want to become, the values they want to carry, and the impact they hope to make.
A key message throughout the engagement was the power of representation and self-belief. While seeing people who reflect your own experiences can be incredibly affirming, Karen emphasised that young people must also develop the confidence to recognise their own potential, take up space and pursue opportunities without waiting for permission. She shared how her own journey has required her to embrace her voice, navigate unfamiliar environments and remain confident in the value of the perspective she brings.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can have honest conversations about their experiences, aspirations and the challenges they may face as they pursue careers in STEM. These conversations are essential to building a more inclusive industry where talent is recognised, individuals feel supported, and the next generation is empowered to see themselves represented across the sector.
Karen expressed her gratitude to Steven Fuller AfCGI and Race in STEM for creating spaces that facilitate these meaningful conversations, as well as to the students at South Bank Technical College for their engagement. She also acknowledged fellow panellists Mr Imafidon and Debz Oj for contributing to the discussion.
The session reinforced Karen’s belief that empowering the next generation requires more than providing access to career opportunities. It also means helping young people develop the confidence, self-awareness and vision to navigate their journeys with purpose, knowing that their identity is not a barrier to their ambition, but an important part of the perspective they bring to the world.
