Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from the SWIS Africa Awards 2025

The Shaping African Women in STEM Africa Awards 2025 was successfully held on December 22nd from 4 PM, bringing together an inspiring community of leaders, innovators, students, professionals, and supporters committed to advancing women in STEM. The event created a powerful space to celebrate excellence, recognize impact, and amplify the voices of African women and allies driving change across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Event Overview

The awards ceremony reflected the core mission of SWIS Africa to inspire, celebrate, and empower African women at every stage of their STEM journey. From emerging talents to established professionals, the evening highlighted stories of resilience, innovation, service, and purpose.

The program featured engaging panel discussions, award presentations, and moments of reflection that emphasized the importance of representation, mentorship, and community in building sustainable and inclusive STEM ecosystems.

Panel Conversations and Community Engagement

A major highlight of the event was the panel session, where panelists and the moderator shared valuable insights on leadership, career growth, innovation, community engagement, and navigating challenges within STEM pathways. The discussions encouraged participants to embrace purpose driven careers, collaboration, and resilience while remaining committed to uplifting others along their journey.

These conversations reinforced the importance of creating supportive environments where women can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

Award Categories and Winners

The SWIS Africa Awards 2025 recognized outstanding individuals across five categories, each reflecting excellence, leadership, and impact.

Research and Innovation Award

The Research and Innovation Award was presented to Dr. Ayooluwa Bolaji in recognition of her outstanding contributions to scientific research, public health innovation, and capacity building. Her work continues to bridge advanced research with real world health impact, strengthening innovation and preparedness within the STEM ecosystem.

Emerging STEM Category High School

The Emerging STEM Category High School Award was awarded to Treasure Oluwadebi for her exceptional promise, curiosity, and early achievements in STEM. Her passion for learning and commitment to growth represent the future of innovation and scientific excellence.

Emerging STEM Category College and Professional

The Emerging STEM Category College and Professional Award was presented to Fareedah Ibitoye in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing in STEM. Her journey reflects resilience, ambition, and a strong commitment to service and community impact.

Leadership and Community Engagement Award

The Leadership and Community Engagement Award was awarded to Faith Akinyemi for her remarkable leadership and dedication to empowering communities. Through her work, she continues to foster inclusion, collaboration, and meaningful engagement within STEM spaces.

Entrepreneurship Award

The Entrepreneurship Award was presented to Jacinta Ifeyinwa Eze in recognition of her visionary leadership and innovative approach to business and community empowerment. Her work demonstrates how entrepreneurship can drive sustainable impact and create opportunities for underserved communities.

Prestigious Award: Long-Term STEM Career Professional

One of the most distinguished recognitions of the evening was awarded to Dr. Anju Bajaj, an internationally recognized STEM educator, researcher, and community leader.

With over two decades of transformative impact, Dr. Bajaj has played a pivotal role in advancing innovative and inclusive STEM education in Canada and globally. A recipient of numerous national honours, including the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and royal commemorative medals, she has empowered thousands of young people, particularly girls and underrepresented learners, to pursue STEM with confidence and purpose.

Her recognition underscored the importance of sustained commitment, visionary leadership, and service-driven excellence in STEM education.

Supporters and Partners

The success of the SWIS Africa Awards 2025 was made possible through the generous support of key partners. The event was proudly supported by the Rady Faculty of Health Science and the University of Manitoba Black Flourishing Funds. Beatitudes Hair also provided valued support, reinforcing the importance of community driven partnerships in advancing women in STEM.

Represented Organizations

The awards ceremony welcomed representation from a diverse range of organizations committed to leadership, education, advocacy, and impact. Organizations represented included Prommas Consults, Throne of Grace Publishing, Mary Empowers, Raising Future Generations of Impacts, the Health Science Students Association, the African Student Association of University of Manitoba, and the University of Manitoba Graduate Student Association.

Their presence highlighted the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in building inclusive pathways for women and youth across STEM fields.

Looking Ahead

As the evening came to a close, participants left with renewed inspiration, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to advancing equity and excellence in STEM. The SWIS Africa Awards 2025 was not only a celebration of achievement, but also a reaffirmation of purpose, community, and collective action.

SWIS Africa extends heartfelt gratitude to all nominees, winners, panelists, supporters, partners, volunteers, and attendees who made the event a success. Together, we continue to shape a future where African women are seen, supported, and celebrated in STEM and beyond.

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