She Gets It Done: Meet Editor-in-Chief of Fems4STEM Magazine, Aisha Martin
Aisha Martin is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Fem4STEM Magazine and the founder of The STEMinist brand. Her mission is to empower, inspire, and equip females with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be global STEM leaders.
How do you prepare (mentally, physically, spiritually) to achieve your goals?
Every goal that I make and plan to accomplish starts with a prayer asking God to give me clarity and to guide my decisions and actions. I ensure that I am well rested, free of distractions, and that I have nourished my body in preparation to “put in the work.” I research the information needed to help me achieve my goal before starting the process and throughout so that I can create a strategic game plan.
What do you do when challenges and obstacles interrupt your plans?
God has a sense of humor. He lets me know that MY plans may or may not be HIS plans and to refer back to Jeremiah 29:11. So, when challenges and/or obstacles arise I don’t get upset, I don’t get discouraged. I just pause to regroup and prepare to pivot. I try not to question why something didn’t go as I planned, because in the end I know that God’s got my back!
Tell us about an accomplishment that you’re especially proud of and why.
As a scientist, I meet so many girls who love STEM (science/tech/engineering/math), but many of them are girls of color who don’t see themselves represented. I also meet women in the industry, like myself who typically don’t get the recognition they deserve when it comes to their innovation and the trails they have blazed. This was one of the motivations behind my decision to create Fems4STEM Magazine which launched in 2022, the FIRST and ONLY STEM magazine to exclusively celebrate and feature Black females in the STEM/STEM adjacent industry. I’m so proud of this magazine and what my team has been able to accomplish. We are shining a light on amazing STEM professionals and the stories that impact our community, providing early exposure to STEM education, and paying homage to STEM trailblazers.
What practices have helped you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
It has taken some practice, but I have learned that it’s ok to say no. No is a complete sentence that does not require an explanation. I don’t have to say yes to every opportunity or attend every event. I am more selective when it comes to what projects or initiatives I take on or participate in. Quality family time, my mental health and self-care are the top priorities for me.
What is next for you and how can readers connect with you online?
My company, The STEMinist Brand, is expanding and there are some exciting things coming! Fems4STEM Magazine has also made a few changes, and we look forward to dropping new print issues in 2025. I am @mrs.aishanicole on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn and @fems4stemmag on the same platforms.
