For her services to young women in the United Kingdom, with specialty in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics, Nigeria’s Dr. Anne-Marie Osawemwemze Imafidon was yesterday decorated by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, with the prestigious honour of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Anne-Marie, who arrived Buckingham Palace in company of her father, Prof. Chris Imafidon, becomes the youngest scientist ever to get this award, as most young people usually get the Queen’s honour for sports.

After the formal decoration and reception at the Queen’s residence, Annie-Marie, who is Head Stemette’ and Founder of social enterprise Stemettes, headed for a follow up and ice cream party at Kensington Palace.

“I’m ecstatic beyond words as this is divine and simply God-sent. Nobody would have expected this when my journey started with the mathematical and science games at Excellence in Education (EIE) programme a few years ago. This programme equipped me with the unique pedagogical techniques, which makes learning fun and it is radically different from conventional school. It helps anyone tackle educational and even professional challenges with ease,” excited Annie-Maries said.

Stemettes is an award-winning social enterprise inspiring the next generation of females into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) roles via a series of events and opportunities. In three years, 7,000 girls across the UK, Ireland and Europe have had attended Stemette experiences.

As part of the initiative she has also Co-Founded Outbox Incubator: the world’s first tech incubator for teenage girls. She sits on the boards of Redfield Asset Management, Urban Development Music Foundation and Inspirational YOU. She has previously worked at Goldman Sachs, Hewlett-Packard, Deutsche Bank and Lehman Brothers.