Ali & Clive return to their old stomping ground of Kingston University and meet with a prominent figure who directly influenced their own journey, namely Dr Baljit Thatti, Head of Department in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Having recently been awarded an impressive grant under the Royal Society of Chemistry's Missing Elements fund, Dr Bal's work takes her right to the heart of the themes that we try to explore on the STEMinism podcast. Our conversation touched on many of the crucial aspects of race and equity. They touched on the limitations to networking imposed by cultural barriers and dove deeply into the importance of role models and allies. Specifically, the importance of having sponsors who are willing to vouch for you when you aren't in the room. We explored the differences in culture and experience between racial groups who are usually lumped into the same category (e.g. BAME) and Dr Bal shared her views on how to create an equitable future through coaching, mentoring, and through nurturing students to achieve success through self-empowerment. This episode was a joy to record. Not only for the sentimental value, but also because we benefitted greatly from the keen insights that Dr Bal had to share. Follow Vanta STEM https://vantastem.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantastem/ https://www.instagram.com/vanta.stem

Clive and Ali are joined by Matt Green to discuss the evolution of the Rapping Science Teacher. We discuss Matt's foundations as an educator, the limitations of working in schools, starting a global tutoring business (with 80+ tutors) and the process of scaling up education to reach the masses by becoming a content creator. Specifically, on teaching the GCSE science curricula through the medium of rap music.

We gained invaluable insight around what it takes to create viral yet accessible educational content, exploring what it means to strive for excellence. We discussed Matt's experience on The Voice UK, his recent TV appearances and his partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry to create equitable STEM education.

Matt's charm and easy-going nature made this an incredibly smooth and funny conversation. Be sure to check it out and comment your favorite part!

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open.spotify.com/artist/56HYUU6uVomUzXKFl8tqc7

jgmtutors.com/mattgreen

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Clive & Ali are joined by Stemettes CEO, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, for a riveting discussion around representation in Tech. We explore the foundations and countless contributions of women in Tech and Engineering, from Gladys West (GPS) to Hedy Lamarr (Wi-Fi), while exploring how power dynamics seek to prevent entry and progression to Black women. Despite there being gatekeepers, Anne-Marie demonstrates the importance of women entering (and building) spaces that support diversity and reminds us to seek out environments where we thrive, instead of just being tolerated.

This episode is full of wisdom and gems garnished through years of experience at the head of companies and in the boardrooms of businesses. Anne-Marie’s charm and humour shine through, making this episode a MUST WATCH.

Ali & Clive are joined by Petroleum & Chemical industry expert and Consultant Scientist, Albert Rwarasika.

Albert migrated to the West, following the end of colonial rule and change in country from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. After fulfilling his childhood desire of “getting on a plane” he arrived in Czechoslovakia, which then underwent the fall of Communism via the Velvet Revolution, gaining independence to become Slovakia. Albert learned the local Slovak language and became a citizen and a student, before migrating the to UK in the early 90’s.

Having seen two political revolutions and travelled across the world to find opportunity, Albert has had to navigate the landscape of clearly being a minority in a non-diverse society. From “sticking out like a sore thumb” to finding commonality through language and culture, Albert demonstrates that although we have differences, globally we are akin in so many ways. From passions such as sport, to ambitions of creating a family, we must remember that our similarities are more pronounced that our differences.

This is an incredibly powerful episode and explores Albert’s humble outlook on life, as well as providing practical guidance to creating connection and finding commonality and finding commonality.

In Memory of Nigel - 2024

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Ali & Clive sit down with Dr Kayisha Payne, a chemical engineer turned business consultant. In this episode, they explore the experience of being a Black woman in STEM and being skipped at the table, growing up in Kent where there were very few people who looked like her, the power of allyship, and the various routes one can take in industry with a Chemical Engineering (or related) degree.

We discuss the founding of her company BBSTEM, an organisation dedicated to supporting Black British individuals reach success in STEM. BBSTEM just celebrated it's 6 year anniversary and is consistently taking on new cohorts of mentors in their flagship programme "Bridge".

BBSTEM: https://bbstem.co.uk/

Access STEM Jobs: https://jobs.bbstem.co.uk/

Bridge Mentoring: https://bbstem.co.uk/about-us/bridge-mentoring-programme/

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Clive and Ali are joined by Professor Robert Mokaya OBE, lecturer in Materials Chemistry and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Nottingham. Robert is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, where he sits on the Board as a Trustee.

We discuss Robert's life growing up in Kenya, the cultural shift in moving to the UK to study a PhD at Cambridge University and the significant drop off in Black Chemists after undergraduate level. We deep dive into the recently published 'Missing Elements' report which concluded that, based on the data, the culture of Chemistry is racist. Finally, we discuss the RSC's action plan, addressing these issues by taking an equitable approach.

Sponsored by: https://www.rsc.org/

Missing Elements Report Launch Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mrl5YEUBWE&ab

Missing Element Report: https://www.rsc.org/globalassets/22-new-perspectives/talent/racial-and-ethnic-inequalities-in-the-chemical-sciences/missing-elements-report.pdf

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Join Clive and Ali as they have candid conversations around race in STEM. In this episode, we discuss Vanta STEM's core values of "Equity" and "Mindset", and how these principles have guided our success. We discuss the reasons why equity is fundamental to our society's progression, and how to develop from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

In this compelling episode, Clive and Ali delve deep into the core values that drive their mission of enhancing representation for Black individuals in STEM fields.

Join us as we unpack the power of 'Self', examining the pivotal role self-control, self-belief, self-love, self-discipline, and self-improvement play in shaping personal and professional growth.

Additionally, we explore different expressions of 'Technical Excellence', exploring the balance between being a versatile Jack of All Trades and mastering a specific technical expertise. Tune in for enlightening insights and actionable strategies that illuminate the path to success in the ever-evolving landscape of STEM.