Aisha is dedicated to leading organizations focused on technical excellence, the principles of diversity and opportunity, and cultivating the emerging workforce. Under Aisha’s leadership, each organization she has founded embodies her passion for inclusivity, innovation, and social impact. As an SBA Certified 8(a) woman-owned small business, and prime government contractor, STEMBoard is proud to have a workforce comprised of over 50% veterans and 42% women.
Similarly, LINGO, a venture capital-backed enterprise, is comprised of 57% women. STEMBoard and LINGO work in tandem to build Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) capacity in non-affluent, on-the-rise schools in underserved communities. LINGO’s project-based kits help introduce students to basic coding skills with self-paced activities aligned to national learning standards that teach the fundamentals in a fun and accessible way.
The 2023 awards are Virginia Business’ first Black Business Leaders Awards. In the past, they have featured Black business leaders in their February issue, but this is the first time they have opened it to reader nominations. The winners of the 2023 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards were selected by editors from 108 unique nominees, recognizing overall success, excellence and accomplishment in business, as well as factors including leadership, community involvement and mentorship.
“The impact of inclusive leadership is tangible. Studies have shown that diversity leads to better decision-making, higher profitability, and increased employee satisfaction,” said Aisha Bowe, Founder & CEO, STEMBoard and Lingo Solutions. “I am proud to be at the helm of an organization that strives to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on a national scale.”
“Virginia Business is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of some of the commonwealth’s most outstanding Black business leaders with these inaugural awards,” said Bernie Niemeier, President and Publisher, Virginia Business magazine. “My congratulations go to our award winners as well as to our readers who nominated this impressive cohort of executives!”
