Amanda Obidike announced as Most Influential Person of African Descent (MIPAD) Global top 50 in Philanthropy, Social impact.
Nigerian Amanda Obidike, social entrepreneur and executive director of STEMi Makers of Africa, has been honoured by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) for her philanthropic and social impact work towards nurturing talents in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, creating STEM pathways, and supporting employers in bridging the digital skills gaps.
MIPAD, awarded in honour of World Earth Day, is a global civil society initiative supporting the International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/237, to be observed from 2025 to 2034.
Obidike, according to MIPAD, was described as a “high achiever” making a transformational impact in her community and beyond. Her impact, as the organisers of the honour highlighted, included engagements in advocacy and philanthropy; collaboration with African-descended communities; and involvement in teams that are collectively driving large-scale social change.
MIPAD added that Obidike and the honourees of African descent are at the forefront of philanthropy and social impact globally, and are recognised not only for their vision and leadership, but also for their deep commitment to building a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Jonathan Olufowobi, CEO of MIPAD, stated that the 2025 honourees represented the power of standing up for what is right. Olufowobi further stated that whether as individuals, allies, or dynamic teams, the honourees are reshaping the world through purpose-driven action, adding, “Releasing this list on Earth Day further emphasises the intersection of social impact and sustainability.”
Amanda Obidike, reacting to the MIPAD honour, said, “It is a rewarding experience when you are uniquely singled out in the impact you build.” She said that she was thrilled because it reflected her commitment to building an inclusive and innovative environment for students to learn and develop the skills they need for great careers in STEM.
Further commenting on the honour and its significance to her work, the STEMi boss noted that her collaboration with key actors and governments, and the strategic empowerment of communities with work skills and socio-economic opportunities,won her the MIPAD honour.
She stated that one of her most significant social impact milestones was “developing a first-to-market, teacher-centred learning management solution that allows educators to organise virtual lab sessions, assign project-based work with little or no internet required, and assign research assignments to students as they build, create, and pursue STEM and innovative careers.”
Through this innovation, she revealed, she was named a Falling Walls Berlin Engage Finalist for Breakthrough of the Year in 2020 in the Digital Education category, and the Global 20 Goldman Sachs winner.
Advising Nigerian and African women in her line of work, she stressed that it is important for women and young girls to consciously decide what is important to them in a career, especially in a STEM career, adding that not everyone has the same motivation.
“Some people want to pursue a leadership track in a social enterprise, some people do not. Others want to be able to function at the backend, which is all fine,” he advised.
She encouraged women and young girls to identify the best niche that is suitable for them and develop themselves in such a niche to the point that they can become a brand or household name through it.
“Let people understand your principles and what you are excellent at doing,” she said.
According to MIPAD, Amanda Obidike, and all the other honourees and alumni of the organisation, are invited to attend the Most Influential 100 Recognition Week 2025 (RW2025) from September 25th to 27th, during the opening of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, New York, United States of America.