Meet Nia Asemota, Creator of "Black Girls Code" a Coloring Teaching Young Black Girls How to Code

By: SemegaChange Inc.

Nia Asemota, a NASA Software Engineer and former Spotify Product Manager, is breaking barriers in STEM. Through Black Girls Code, she mentors young Black girls while her STEM-focused coloring book highlights Black women pioneers. Her journey from pre-med to tech proves that representation matters.

Nia Asemota is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and passion in the field of STEM. A New York University (NYU) alumna and NASA Software Engineer, Nia’s path to success was far from linear. Initially set on a career in medicine, she transitioned from pre-med and biomolecular science to computer science, a move that would ultimately lead her to the tech industry.

Growing up in Yonkers, New York, Nia’s early interests in problem-solving and engineering were present, yet like many young Black women in STEM, she initially followed a more traditional career path—medicine. “I was pre-med, with plans of going into oncology or cardiothoracic surgery,” she shared. But as she navigated her college experience, she found herself drawn to the logic and creativity of computer science.

Her transition wasn’t without challenges. As a Black woman in STEM, she faced the familiar hurdles of microaggressions, isolation, and imposter syndrome. “In a data science class with over 200 students, I looked around and realized—I was the only Black person, let alone a Black woman,” she recalled. Despite the barriers, she pushed forward, carving out space for herself in a field that wasn’t always welcoming.

One of the pivotal moments in Nia’s journey was her first role at NASA, where she worked as a Software Engineer. It was here that she met a Black woman mentor who reassured her that she belonged. “Having someone who looked like me and affirmed that I deserved to be in the room changed everything,” she said.

Nia later transitioned to Spotify as a Product Manager in Financial Engineering, further solidifying her expertise in the tech industry. Her journey underscores the importance of representation and mentorship in STEM fields. “Sometimes you have to be the example—push yourself out there so others can follow,” she emphasized.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nia is passionate about increasing representation in STEM and actively works to uplift young Black girls interested in tech. One of her most impactful contributions is her work with Black Girls Code, an organization dedicated to empowering and educating young Black girls in computer programming, robotics, and other STEM disciplines.

Through Black Girls Code, Nia has mentored and taught coding to girls ages 7 to 13, helping them build confidence, learn programming languages, and develop hands-on projects. Her experience with the organization was instrumental in shaping her understanding of how early exposure to STEM can transform a young girl’s future. “I wanted to make sure these girls didn’t have to question whether they belonged in STEM. I wanted them to know from day one that they do,” she shared.

Her work with Black Girls Code also inspired her STEM-focused coloring book, which combines fun illustrations with key coding concepts and historical Black women pioneers in STEM. “I realized representation wasn’t just about being in the room—it was about making sure young Black girls could see themselves in these roles before they even got there,” she explained.

Her experiences echo the broader challenges that Black women in STEM face—lack of visibility, limited access to resources, and systemic barriers. She emphasizes that organizations like SemegaChange and Black Girls Code are crucial in helping young Black women see themselves in STEM careers.

“If you don’t feel qualified for the role, apply anyway. If you don’t feel like you belong in the room, go in anyway,” Nia advises young women. “Rejection is just redirection. You belong.”

Now, as she continues her journey, Nia remains committed to breaking barriers, paving the way for the next generation, and proving that Black women in STEM don’t just exist—they thrive.