Celebrating Success: A Brilliant Labs Alumni
Hey everyone! I’m Chinazam Igwe, and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate Brilliant Labs turning 10. It’s wild to think about how far the organization has come! My first interaction with Brilliant Labs was also around this age.
I first got introduced to Brilliant Labs through a makerspace in Fredericton when I was in middle school. At the time, I didn’t see myself in STEM. It felt like a space for other people – male-dominated, techy, and not something I could relate to. But everything changed when I started getting hands-on with tools like 3D printers, coding, and Makey Makeys. It opened my eyes to how creative and impactful technology could be, and from that moment, it planted a seed.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself working at Brilliant Labs during the summer after Grade 9. I like to call it my “accidental job” because I had a different position lined up in Fredericton. But when my family moved to Moncton, the opportunity at Brilliant Labs came through – and it turned into a chance to learn, grow, and become a youth leader. Brilliant Labs gave me the confidence to teach coding to other kids and sparked my passion for using innovation and problem-solving to make an impact.
In May of this year, I received the Future Is Now Award from Children First Canada in the Equitable Education and Opportunities category, which really encapsulates the vision I have for my work. Whether it’s teaching coding at Brilliant Labs, performing spoken word poetry, or working on my nonprofit, YIPE (Youth Innovation and Professional Empowerment), I’m focused on empowering Black and underserved youth to access opportunities, break barriers, and become leaders in their own communities.
Currently, I’m also a student at The Knowledge Society (TKS), a 10-month program where I’m learning to solve global challenges with technology. Did you know that only 22% of AI talent globally is female? As a Black woman, I’ve seen the impact of racial and gender biases in AI, and I’m passionate about creating solutions to combat this. It’s been incredible leveling up my skills, learning about AI, and contributing to meaningful projects.
In five years, I see myself with a degree in computer science or engineering, speaking at global conferences, publishing books, and continuing my hands-on work in the community. I also see myself shaping AI policy, contributing to the fight against systemic bias, and empowering youth on a larger scale.
Thank you, Brilliant Labs, for sparking the fire that drives me to dream big and build better futures! I’m proud to be forever a part of this innovation-driven community
