How this New Graduate and Spotify Creator is Encouraging Girls to Celebrate Diversity in STEM
When I first learned about Nia Asemota she was in the midst of final exams and getting ready to graduate from New York University. Completing her degree in Computer Science and Biomolecular Science while interning at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration as a Software Engineer, this self-taught programmer was already wildly impressive. But when I heard that in her spare time she had created a coloring book to spotlight and celebrate Black women in STEM, I had to know more.
And then I wanted to shout it from the rooftops.
Gathering questions from Être girls also fascinated by STEM, here is an edited version of our interview with this recent grad and new Spotify Associate Product Manager. Get ready to start your week cheering.
Ê: We already love the idea of this book so much. Can you talk about what sparked your love of drawing and coding, and how you knew that the two could be combined?
NA: Ever since I was young, art has always been my way of expressing joy and creativity. It's funny, but I often joke that I've been creating art since I could hold a crayon. I can still vividly remember the endless hours I spent doodling, sketching, and covering my walls with my new pieces. Fast forward to the pandemic when I immersed myself into the world of digital illustration and animation. I especially fell in love with creating pieces that celebrated the beauty and stories of underrepresented communities.
At the same time, I was always a curious kid, fascinated by Legos and the inner workings of electronic devices. My early days of tinkering and experimenting really set the stage for my interest in science and engineering.
“When I joined my high school’s robotics team, I taught myself how to code and was exposed to electrical and mechanical engineering. I took pride in being able to break the norm and being the only woman on the team to lead the programming and electrical departments.”
One day during the pandemic, as I doodled on my iPad, I had a realization about the lack of racial diversity in most coloring books. While you could color the characters' skin black or brown to match your own, their features didn't truly represent the diversity we see in the real world. That epiphany coincided perfectly with my role as a technical instructor at Black Girls CODE where I had the privilege of teaching coding, robotics, and emerging technologies to girls as young as seven. Through these experiences, I saw the potential to merge my passions for drawing and coding to emphasize the importance of representation in STEM fields. Thus, the idea for the Black Girls CODE the Future Coloring Book was born—an initiative aimed at showcasing the diversity and empowering young girls to see themselves as part of the future of technology.
Ê: You've selected certain STEM role models to feature - how has their example influenced your career path, and what else went into your decision about who to spotlight?
NA: Throughout history, women, especially women of color, have made remarkable strides in the advancement of STEM. Unfortunately, their stories often go unnoticed, and many of them don't get the opportunity to see themselves as role models in the tech world.
“With my coloring books, I intended to bring these stories to light and celebrate the narratives of both well-known figures and unsung heroes. It was not just about providing an enjoyable coloring activity but also about offering a unique and important learning experience.”
As I researched these STEM role models, I discovered incredible women I wasn't previously aware of. Their contributions and innovations continue to impact various fields, such as robotics, AI, bioengineering, aerospace engineering, and more. It was a journey of discovery for me, and their achievements and resilience through adversity inspired me greatly.
Interestingly, my own educational journey didn't begin with computer science. Initially, I started as a pre-med student. However, these role models have shown me that breaking barriers in the tech industry is possible and attainable, even for individuals like myself who come from nontraditional paths. They have opened doors and instilled the confidence to believe I belong in these fields. By highlighting these women in my coloring book, I aim to empower others to pursue their passions and forge their own paths, knowing they can make a difference in the world.
Ê: Être is a mentorship platform for girls, and we love to ask leaders for (1) the best mentor advice they've ever received, and (2) a piece of mentor advice they want today's girls to know. What would you say to them?
NA: The best mentor advice I have ever received is to "not be afraid to take up space, let my voice be heard, and show the world what I'm made of."
I believe it's crucial for girls today to understand that they should not fear failure. Instead, they should embrace it as a stepping stone toward success. Failure is not a reflection of incompetence or inadequacy but allows us to push boundaries, explore new opportunities, and develop resilience.
Further, I want to emphasize the power of authenticity and the importance of trusting in their abilities and having the confidence to pursue their passions without holding back.
Ê: This is amazing, thank you so much. One bonus Q: If you are graduating this year, what's next for you? Staying at Spotify or something new?
NA: Yes, I am proud to say that I have officially graduated from New York University, where I studied Computer Science and Biomolecular Science at the Tandon School of Engineering. I absolutely love my job at Spotify, and look forward to seeing where my journey takes me! Additionally, I am incredibly excited to continue creating coloring books, stickers, puzzles, and other educational resources that highlight underrepresented communities in STEM fields!
We are excited too, and cannot wait to see how this inspirational series unfolds. For every new graduate weighing options and considering new avenues, take a page from this self-described non-traditional STEM journey. Anything is possible. And for every young girl intrigued by hackathons, eyeing the next science fair or deciding whether or not to take that advanced math class, cover your summer notebooks with these stickers and get inspired. Because as Nia Asemota and every one of the women on her book's pages would tell you - anything is possible.
Looking forward with admiration,
Illana
ÊXTRA: Three inspiring #Juneteenth moments you will not want to miss today: Social activist and the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" Opal Lee's Walk For Freedom starting this morning in Washington, DC; her epic remarks to the next generation given over the weekend at the White House Juneteenth Concert; and Lee's youth-inspired books breaking down the significance of Juneteenth for readers of every age.
