Grace Magny-Fokam

Growing up as a Cameroonian-American, Grace Magny-Fokam balanced two cultures, learning resilience and hard work from her Cameroonian roots and gaining resources through her American upbringing. As an AI researcher, social entrepreneur, and climate advocate, she founded various initiatives to promote technology education and address climate change, aiming to uplift minority youth. Her journey included founding non-profits, conducting research, and advocating for sustainable development goals through AI. As a scientific communicator, she has spoken to over 10,000 people, emphasizing AI’s potential in social and environmental justice.

Her father’s story of perseverance through education in Cameroon inspired Grace to excel academically, committing to her studies, earning a two-year degree in Information Technology while in high school, conducting interdisciplinary AI research at top universities, and graduating as salutatorian. She received numerous accolades, including presenting at MIT and earning a NASA award. These achievements were driven by her father's sacrifices and her desire to make the most of the opportunities he provided.

In high school, Grace made significant impact through leadership roles. As Vice President of the National Honor Society, she coordinated community service projects and fundraising, earning state-wide recognition; she co-founded the National Math Honor Society, increasing female participation in STEM and conducting educational drives; and during the pandemic led a chapter of San Antonio Math Include, offering free STEM tutoring to over 200 students.

Witnessing educational disparities in Cameroon, she founded Teaching Africa to provide educational resources to impoverished African communities, raising over $40,000 for school supplies and promoting African history in curriculums. Grace also worked with organizations like the Hershey Company’s Heartwarming Project and the National Center for Women & Information Technology, advocating for STEM education and diversity. As an advisor for Girls Who Code, she encourages young women to pursue technology careers.

Growing up low-income in Maryland, Grace adapted to self-sufficiency and found creative ways to pursue her interests, funding her dual enrolment in college through summer internships and navigated the complexities of university applications with limited family guidance. Her perseverance led to acceptance into 10 universities and over $1 million in scholarships.

As a black woman in STEM, she strives to make education accessible to low-income minorities and founded Folia Technologies, a youth-led institute developing AI solutions for climate issues. Its flagship project, FoliaNet, detects plant diseases, mitigating crop loss and addressing food insecurity, raising $70,000 and collaborating with major organizations to promote sustainable living through AI. Their educational programs have impacted over 20,000 youths nationwide.

As a climate advocate, she has participated in the UNFCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Working Group, drafting policy recommendations and contributing to youth statements at global conferences, her role expanding to policy research on water and climate, deepening an understanding of global policy-making. At the UN General Assembly, she contributed to the Zero Draft of the Pact of the Future, advocating for youth involvement in decision-making and addressing climate ethics. Her journey is driven by a commitment to education, equity, sustainability, empowering minority youth and fostering a more inclusive and resilient future.