FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Self-eSTEM Hosts “The Innovator Showcase: A Celebration of Ingenuity,” Uniting Visionaries to Fuel Tomorrow’s Creators

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Self-eSTEM Hosts “The Innovator Showcase: A Celebration of Ingenuity,” Uniting Visionaries to Fuel Tomorrow’s Creators

OAKLAND, CA – September 3, 2025 – Self-eSTEM, a pioneering nonprofit focused on closing the opportunity gap for girls and women from underrepresented communities, will host its annual fundraiser, The Innovator Showcase: A Celebration of Ingenuity. This high-impact event will convene venture capitalists, industry leaders, philanthropists, and community changemakers to invest strategically in the next generation of untapped talent.

Far more than a traditional fundraiser, this curated gathering offers attendees exclusive insights from leading voices in venture capital and business, along with early opportunities to invest in groundbreaking talent and innovation.

The afternoon will feature a dynamic fireside chat exploring the critical role of diverse talent in shaping the Future of Work. Guests will also experience the Self-eSTEM mission firsthand during the Innovator Showcase, where brilliant young women present their projects and share personal stories of resilience, growth and ambition.

“We are building more than just an organization, we are building a powerful pipeline of future innovators, founders and changemakers,” said Adamaka Ajaelo, Founding Executive Director of Self-eSTEM. “Our goal is to ensure that talent and potential, not background, determine who gets to contribute and lead in the innovation economy. This event is a must-attend for anyone who understands that investing in these girls is a strategic investment in a more equitable and prosperous future.”

“Invest in Innovation” is our call to action, an invitation for attendees to directly shape the trajectory of tomorrow’s workforce. Through its holistic ecosystem and Future of Work–aligned curriculum, Self-eSTEM is cultivating diverse, skilled leaders ready to transform industries and challenge outdated narratives about women in STEM.

Event Details:

Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm PST

Oakstop (1736 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94612)

Tickets & Information: www.selfestem.org 

About Self-eSTEM

Founded in 2014, Self-eSTEM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping girls and women from underrepresented communities with the skills, confidence, and network to thrive in STEM. Through a unique ecosystem of holistic support, cutting-edge curriculum, and strategic mentorship, Self-eSTEM addresses critical challenges in STEM retention, workforce readiness, and the systemic barriers that limit access. The organization is cultivating a generation of innovators and changemakers prepared to lead and transform the innovation economy.

The movement was launched by Adamaka Ajaelo, a Silicon Valley executive with deep expertise in strategic workforce planning and people analytics at leading tech companies like Meta, Visa, Adobe and Cisco. After witnessing firsthand the scarcity of women, especially from marginalized backgrounds, in STEM leadership, she left her corporate career to create pathways for others. For Adamaka, this mission is personal: every Self-eSTEM participant, known as an Innovator, deserves the opportunity to build a future rooted in confidence, community, and career success.

Contact:

Adamaka Ajaelo
Founding Executive Director
[email protected] 
510-927-5571
www.selfestem.org