Paulette Watson MBE | Founder & Managing Director, Academy Achievers | Global Digital Transformation Leader | STEM & AI Advocate | Award-Winning Author & SpeakerPaulette Watson is a trailblazing advocate in STEM, AI, and digital inclusion, dedicated to closing the digital skills gap and empowering marginalised communities across Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. As the Founder and Managing Director of Academy Achievers, she has transformed the digital landscape for Black women and girls through innovative programs prioritising education, equity, and sustainable technology. Her work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).Paulette has led groundbreaking projects, including an IoT and Big Data project focusing on Frugal Innovation in Farming, which aims to address food insecurity. By harnessing technology to empower local farmers, her work helps solve critical challenges in agriculture while promoting sustainability and innovation. Her leadership in the Newham Rising Program, an anti-knife crime initiative targeting at-risk youth, further exemplifies her commitment to social impact, providing digital literacy and creative development to empower young people.A finalist in the KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator in Ghana Competition 2023, Paulette's influence spans continents, where she continues to drive inclusive digital transformation. Her voice is a leading one in global conversations around equity and technology, speaking at forums such as AI Africa, Blockchain Africa, and the Westminster Higher Education Forum. Her best-selling book, She Disrupts: A Black Woman’s Journey in STEM and AI Industries, further highlights her passion for breaking barriers and advocating for more excellent representation in the tech industry.Paulette’s work has been recognised through numerous prestigious awards, including the KPMG Black Entrepreneur Award (£25,000 cash prize), the BLE Global Excellence in STEM and Digital Inclusion Award (2024), and the Global Caribbean Award for Best Innovation and Technology (2023). These accolades reflect her outstanding contributions to advancing diversity in tech and closing the digital skills gap.As a global advocate for digital inclusion, Paulette remains dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented groups, particularly women and girls, are equipped to thrive in the digital economy, creating a more equitable and sustainable future.