South Africa’s digital education leadership has just earned another international spotlight moment. Nadine Smith, a trailblazing Coding and Robotics educator at ADvTECH, has been awarded the 2025 EDGE in Tech Athena Award for Early Career Leadership — a prestigious global honour bestowed during a ceremony at the University of California, Berkeley.
Smith is one of only four global recipients of this year’s award, and notably, the only honoree from Africa. Presented by the CITRIS Innovation Hub in collaboration with the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS), the EDGE in Tech Athena Awards celebrate individuals leading the charge to create more inclusive, equitable, and impactful technology ecosystems around the world.
The recognition comes at a time when coding and robotics are revolutionising classrooms and reshaping career paths — and Smith is right at the helm of this transformation.
“I believe every child deserves to see themselves in STEAM,” Smith shared. “Through coding and robotics, I strive to ignite confidence, curiosity, and creativity in learners, especially those who don’t yet realise they belong in tech.”
She continued: “This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive learning spaces where all young minds can dream, build, and lead.”
From Pretoria to global podiums
Currently based at ADvTECH, South Africa’s leading private education provider, Smith’s work in education transformation has drawn widespread admiration for its visionary use of technology. Her role includes teacher training, leading EdTech initiatives, and developing innovative curricula that fuse real-world applications with robotics and coding — making her a beacon for STEM education reform.
Desiree Hugo, Academic Head at ADvTECH Schools, praised Smith’s achievement:
“We are incredibly proud of Nadine’s global recognition and her unwavering commitment to making STEM accessible and inclusive for all,” Hugo said. “Her passion for empowering students is transforming lives and inspiring a new generation of innovators.”
Smith’s accolades include being named TOA’s Teacher of the Year, and she’s currently pursuing her Honours in Education Management, Law, and Policy at the University of Pretoria. Her academic journey also includes degrees in Law, Business Studies, Education, and Media Design — a multidisciplinary background that enriches her holistic approach to learning.
A global honour for a local visionary
The 2025 EDGE in Tech Athena Award places Smith in the same circle as other international thought leaders, including:
- Susan Lyne, Co-founder of BBG Ventures (Executive Leadership)
- Isabel Montañez, Distinguished Professor, UC Davis (Academic Leadership)
- Zhe Fu, Doctoral Student, UC Berkeley (Graduate Student Leadership)
Jill Finlayson, Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub, said the awards spotlight unsung heroes expanding access to tech education:
“Those who champion on-ramps into STEM, fair workplaces and welcoming cultures are critical to the development of innovative technologies,” said Finlayson. “They help ensure new solutions work for everyone.”
This recognition is not just an accolade for Smith, but a proud moment for South Africa as a whole. As she blazes trails globally, her work resonates locally with national efforts to bridge the digital divide and prepare the next generation for the future of work. Through platforms like Samsung’s STEM competition and digital skills sharing initiatives, South Africa continues to shape the global conversation on inclusive and future-ready education.
A win for inclusive education
Smith’s win is more than a personal triumph — it’s a powerful endorsement of inclusive, forward-thinking education. At a time when robotics, coding, and digital literacy are becoming essential life skills, her work ensures that underrepresented learners aren’t left behind.
As South Africa continues to invest in STEM initiatives and digital upskilling, this international recognition positions the country as a leader in education innovation on the global stage. With passionate educators like Smith championing access and equity, the future of African tech talent is looking brighter than ever.
