Afua Frimpomaa Adu: The Engineer Inspiring the Next Generation

Be willing to learn something new everyday, even the smallest lesson can shape the biggest transformation

This Woman Crush Wednesday (WCW), we’re celebrating Afua Frimpomaa Adu, an award-winning Electronic and Computer Engineer, AI innovator, and STEM advocate who’s breaking barriers in tech while empowering future innovators. From securing machine learning systems to engaging 900+ students in STEM, Afua’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and passion.

About

Afua isn’t just building tech, she’s fortifying it. At Dell Technologies, she developed security-focused backend APIs and automated tools to eliminate cyber threats in Unix/Linux environments. Her expertise in AI and data analysis earned her the Overall Best Engineering Project Award at Dublin City University (DCU), where she stood out among 290+ final-year projects.

Her work doesn’t stop at code. As a Google Generation Scholar and Huawei Seeds for the Future alum (Top 100 STEM students in Ireland), she’s shaping the future of secure machine learning, one innovation at a time.

Challenges

Imagine explaining AI and engineering to 900+ students, some tech-savvy, some just curious. That was Afua’s challenge as a DCU Student Ambassador, and she nailed it! By blending relatable stories, analogies, and layered technical insights, she kept the audience hooked, proving that great leadership is about connection, not just expertise.

Her public speaking prowess earned her multiple awards, including:

• Engineers Ireland Public Speaking Award

• DCU Public Speaking Award

• Runner-up in Dell’s Blogging Competition (because even her writing captivates!)

Acheivements

Afua’s passion for fostering inclusive tech communities shines through her impactful mentorship and leadership. She has guided 80+ students in Python, robotics, and machine learning, sparking their interest in STEM through hands-on learning. As a dynamic speaker and advocate, she has hosted national STEM quizzes and science events, making complex topics engaging for young minds.

At Dell EMEA, Afua also organized global intern programs, creating networking and growth opportunities for aspiring technologists. Her dedication to uplifting others extends to her roles as an Engineers Ireland Ambassador and DCU Peer Mentor, where she champions diversity, collaboration, and accessibility in tech.

Innovation isn’t just about breakthroughs for our WCW, it’s about empowering the next generation to dream bigger and build smarter, it’s about lifting others up.

Inspiration

She’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to be an engineer, merging technical brilliance with storytelling, leadership, and heart. In a world where tech can feel impersonal, Afua reminds us that the best innovations start with human connection.

Follow her journey on LinkedIn or X (formerly twitter) and let her inspire your next big move!

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Who should we feature next for #WomanCrushWednesday? Drop your suggestions below! 👇🏾