When Queen joined Black Sisters in STEM, at the time Yielding Accomplished African Women, she was struggling with low self-esteem. Unfortunately, this is a reality that many Black women face. Read on to see her story:
“My name is Queen Frimpong. I am 6’0 tall and throughout junior high school, I was the tallest girl. I was the tallest person in my class. Actually, even in the whole school. I was teased all the time. This affected my confidence and my self-esteem. I was one of the top students in my school, but whenever I was called ‘Goliath’ (the nickname classmates gave to me), I forgot I was beautiful and powerful. I forgot that God makes everything beautiful and perfect just like Him. Entering into senior high school, a new environment and a new region, I was unprepared for how much I will be expected to grow up. It was an unforgiving place with people who did not care how I or anybody felt.
Fast forward to the beginning of my collegiate career at Ashesi University. I am a Computer Science student and my courses require a lot of engagement and effort. Yet, I never voluntarily answered questions in class, never went for office hours (even when I needed it) and never asked questions in class. I sat at the back of the classroom because I did not want to be seen. I sunk down in my seat because I did not want to be the “Goliath” here too. It never crossed my mind that I was harming myself. Applying to Yielding Accomplished African Women was such a refreshing experience for me. Every question I answered was an example of me deciding to become better. It was an example of me stepping out of the shell, I had created. Getting into the Yaa W. program was just a confirmation from God and man that I was worth more than I thought. I can be that powerful young woman I want to be.
I want to be a globally-successful software entrepreneur but ultimately, I want to stand for women. I want to give young women the opportunity to let out their wings to fly. On the other hand, I want young women to grow new wings. Just like I did when I entered into the Yaa W. program.” -
Queen's story is just one of many stories we see here at Black Sisters in STEM. Black women constitute only 2% of STEM jobs globally. Black SiS is solving this problem by helping Black college women breaking into tech share, learn, and get hired. We want to make sure that Queen's story is the norm for Black women in STEM all around the world. By giving to Black SiS, you help us to empower more Black women like her.