Paulette Watson MBE is Championing Black Women in STEM and AI
“I turned my pain into purpose, ensuring Black women and girls are equipped to lead in the tech revolution.”
Paul Watson MBE; Managing Director at Academy Achievers
Paulette Watson MBE is a trailblazer in STEM, AI, and digital inclusion. As the Founder and Managing Director of Academy Achievers, she leads the #BeMeDigitalInclusion initiative, an ambitious movement to empower one million Black and global majority women and girls to thrive in AI, data science, and emerging technologies by 2035.
Her mission is clear: to break barriers, disrupt the status quo, and ensure Black women are not just included in the tech revolution—but leading it.
Recognised globally for her work, Paulette has been awarded an MBE for her services to STEM and AI education. She is also the recipient of the KPMG Black Entrepreneur Award and the Freedom of the Borough of Newham. Beyond accolades, her impact is tangible—she has built a thriving ecosystem where young Black women gain the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in tech.
“I show up, no matter what,” Paulette states. “Because the future depends on it.”
A Journey Inspired by Role Models and Resilience
Paulette’s journey into STEM and AI was shaped by powerful mentors. One of her greatest inspirations is Dr. Marian Croak, the pioneering engineer behind Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Seeing a Black woman redefine global communication showed Paulette that representation matters.
“My parents were my first mentors,” she shares. “They instilled in me a strong work ethic and the belief that education is the foundation of change.”
Motivated by these influences, Paulette founded Academy Achievers, ensuring that young Black women and girls have the skills, confidence, and access to excel in STEM and AI.
A Moment That Changed Everything
The most defining moment of Paulette’s journey was the loss of her father. It was a time of immense grief, yet she chose to show up, leading her students in a major tech competition. That decision reinforced her purpose—to empower Black women and girls in STEM, no matter the obstacles.
At the same time, she was in Africa, driving the #BeMeDigitalInclusion initiative. Surrounded by a rich history of resilience, she saw firsthand the immense potential of young African women. That moment transformed her mission: it was no longer about just building a programme—it was about building a legacy.
“Our time is limited, but our impact doesn’t have to be,” she says. “I turned my pain into purpose, ensuring Black women and girls are equipped to lead in the tech revolution.”
Creating Tangible Impact: The #BeMeDigitalInclusion Initiative
Through #BeMeDigitalInclusion, Paulette is changing lives. Her mentoring programme has helped both mentors and mentees transform their careers:
Mentors—Many joined the programme without prior AI experience. After training, they gained confidence, pursued careers in AI, and became industry leaders.
Mentees—Young women who once believed STEM was out of reach have now secured apprenticeships, internships, and university placements in AI and tech. Many return as alumni to mentor the next generation, creating a powerful cycle of leadership.
One of the programme’s most rewarding moments was when a group of young participants, who had never considered STEM careers, won a national robotics competition. “With access and support, they proved they could excel,” Paulette beams.
DiNN’s Role in Scaling Impact
The support from Do it Now Now (DiNN) has been instrumental in Paulette’s journey. Through the Innovate Now with City Bridge Foundation programme, she gained mentorship, strategic insight, and an invaluable network of like-minded changemakers.
“The DiNN programme is a must for every Black-led organisation,” she says. “It’s not just a programme—it’s a movement.”
Her mentor, Irene, provided unwavering support, helping her refine strategies and scale Academy Achievers. The training on governance, leadership, and social investment further strengthened her organisation, allowing her to expand her impact.
Navigating Challenges as a Black Entrepreneur
Paulette knows firsthand the barriers Black entrepreneurs face—limited funding, systemic biases, and exclusion from key networks. AI, if unregulated, can even reinforce these barriers through oppressive algorithms. She explores these issues in her best-selling book, She Disrupts: A Black Woman’s Journey in STEM and AI Industries.
“I’ve navigated these challenges by building strong partnerships, leveraging community-driven initiatives like DiNN, and advocating for equity in tech,” she explains. “If you want to disrupt these barriers, get my book—it’s a blueprint for change.”
Advice for Future Leaders
For those starting or growing a business, Paulette offers key lessons:
Secure Your Funding Early – An 18-month financial strategy is crucial for stability and growth.
Develop a Risk Appetite – Be prepared for unpredictability and take calculated risks.
Find Multiple Mentors – Different perspectives will help shape your success.
Network Relentlessly – Build relationships that open doors.
Document Your Journey – Track successes and failures to continuously improve.
Speak Up – Sharing your story inspires others and attracts opportunities.
Ensuring Black Voices Lead the Tech Revolution
Paulette firmly believes that Black voices must be at decision-making tables to drive systemic change. Without representation, policies, technologies, and opportunities are shaped without Black perspectives, leading to bias and exclusion.
Through Academy Achievers and global advocacy, she ensures Black women and girls are equipped to enter boardrooms, influence AI ethics, and shape the tech industry.
“I don’t just advocate for representation—I build the pipeline,” she says. “Real change happens when we don’t just have a seat at the table, but when we lead the conversation.”
Building a Legacy of Leadership
Paulette’s leadership is rooted in service. She believes in creating opportunities for others and raising future leaders.
“As Myles Munroe said, ‘The greatest act of leadership is mentoring,’” she reflects. “Through #BeMeDigitalInclusion, I am building that future—one leader at a time.”
Through resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication, Paulette Watson MBE is not just shaping the future of STEM and AI—she is ensuring that Black women and girls lead it.
