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Black History Month 2020 is a time to deconstruct notions that were taken for granted and frame a new story that celebrates the here and now and paves a road for Black, British people’s talent. Every story matters and being a part of a bigger conversation that brings enlightened change into every single household is one that needs to be addressed constantly.

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This year has brought to the surface a new way of thinking; a powerful generation of leaders and entrepreneurs who will no longer be silenced and accept the ‘Status Quo.’ This is time for Status Quo Black’ and we are here to give our platform to the unique voices of black entrepreneurs who have created their desired present, not following any rules.

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For our fourth article during Black History Month, we are focusing on the science, technology, engineering and mathematic field. The STEM discipline is extremely lacking in diverse representation and we are proud to highlight the four MSDUK members who believe in a world of equal representation.

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Using this opportunity, we would like to showcase 4 inspiring business owners who have shown-up and made a difference: Ebenezer Adenmosun, Chartered Civil Engineer and Founder of GeoFirma, a niche geotechnical and civil engineering consultancy firm; Benjamin Amoah, Director of Engineering & Operations at Technical Inspection Solutions, an engineering consultancy business; Ifeyinwa Kanu, Founder and Managing Director at IntelliDigest, a responsible and ethical company on a mission to end food waste, and Rotimi Alabi, Founder and CEO at RAB-Microfluidics, a research and development company developing cutting-edge microfluidic technology to solve oil analysis problems.

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During an interview with Ebenezer Adenmosun, Benjamin Amoah and Ifeyinwa Kanu we delved into what inspired their journey, the advice they would give to anyone who would like to pursue an education in STEM and where they see themselves in 5 years.

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Entering the field of STEM is a decision that requires dedication and commitment. For Benjamin Amoah, it was undeniably his passion that piqued his curiosity to venture into STEM. ‘It came from a passion to innovate solutions and to overcome various life challenges,’ he said. ‘Growing up as a child, I had an inquisitive personality and enjoyed solving basic problems using my creative ability and this directed my path into STEM.’ For Ebenezer Adenmosun it was the same curious nature that dictated his decision to go down this fascinating path. ‘I always had an inquisitive mind, trying to work out how everything worked! It so happened I also loved the sciences, making a career out of trying to solve engineering problems, therefore, seemed like a no-brainer.’

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With a calling to pursue STEM all these individuals immediately noticed that there appeared to be an evident under- representation of black people in the industry. Unfortunately, there still is a limited number of black people in STEM and we asked the interviewees what legacy they would like to leave for the next generation. For Ifeyinwa Kanu, she wants the next generation to be inspired. ‘I want them to believe in themselves and know that whatever they put their minds to achieve and work hard towards it, fate will pull resources in their favour to achieve it,’ she told us. ‘Be diligent, be honest, persevere and be purpose-driven, that is all that it takes to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it may take a while, however, the light will surely shine through.’ For Benjamin Amoah, it’s important to tell anyone interested that it’s time to change their mindset and understand they can do it.  ‘Throughout my 15 plus years career in STEM, I think the biggest problem faced by black people is discrimination and exclusion which are driven by social perceptions and poor corporate culture,’ he said. As a problem solver, this presented an opportunity to create Technical Inspection Solutions. I established TIS because I had the skills and technical knowhow to do so, but the push came because I had been made redundant and felt that it was partly because I was black. Apart from being a living example that anything is achievable, I am also building TIS to be a company that promotes the culture of inclusion and diversity.’

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The incredible work these individuals are doing is certainly to be applauded. We naturally wanted to know what advice they’d give to anyone who would like to pursue a path in STEM. ‘You have to be driven by the greater good and not purely by financial gain,’ Ebenezer Adenmosun said. ‘It’s about deriving pleasure from solving problems and seeing your solutions out there, bettering people’s lives in some form or another. If that motivates you, then a career in STEM is for you.’ Benjamin Amoah also added ‘It isn’t complicated as it’s made to look, so long as you are creative and enjoy problem solving… It’s not about your school grades, or physical capabilities, it’s about your passion and desire to excel in the chosen STEM field and you can start anytime from anywhere. If you are starting a business in STEM it requires patience and consistent work.’

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Believing in your concept and knowing that it can make a difference in many people’s lives is probably a responsibility a lot of people would shy from but for Ifeyinwa Kanu she knew what she was getting herself into and that her idea would do the talking for her. ‘Not only are we deploying cutting edge technology and research in proffering solutions to the global food loss and waste challenge; we are delivering these solutions in a more resource-efficient and holistic manner across the entire food system from farm to fork covering edible and inedible food waste as well as products and services.’ 

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These gifted innovators have inspired us with their journey and passion for what they do and we wanted to know what they have planned down the line. Ifeyinwa Kanu told us that she plans to lead IntelliDigest through a successful IPO. For Benjamin Amoah, in the next 5 years, he sees himself running a successful business that has expanded into international markets and supporting STEM skill transfer or mentoring programmes as well as sharing experiences in diversity and inclusive corporate culture.