Ayanna is an Aerospace Engineer, Technology Policy Specialist, Gender Advocate and International Development Professional. She has run a consultancy practice for over 17 years specializing in a) the intersection of International Development, Gender, ICT and STEM policy b) the use of ICTs and Technology Policy as enablers of access to basic human rights, socio-economic empowerment and poverty eradication, c) gender equity in STEM and d) the role Space Technology can play in realizing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and bridging the digital divide. She is also a Health and Wellness Consultant, Motivational Speaker and determined Athlete.
Ms. Samuels holds three degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology comprising two M.Sc. degrees in Technology Policy and Aerospace Engineering respectively, and a B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering with Information Technology. In 2005, Ayanna broke ground by being the first black woman since 1972 to earn an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from MIT. Ayanna has worked with various international development multilaterals, international industry leaders in Tech and innovative startups. Ms. Samuels has become internationally renowned for her work at the intersection of ICT for Development (ICT4D), Gender Equity and STEM and is published in these arenas. She has pursued further education in ICT and Technology Policy for Development, Gender and Human Development since graduating from MIT.
Years in Tech
Industry Focus
Country