George Imafidon: Trailblazing Engineer, Social Entrepreneur, and STEM Advocate
George Imafidon is an extraordinary figure in the fields of engineering, social entrepreneurship, and STEM advocacy. Rising from humble beginnings in Peckham, South London, George has established himself as a pioneering engineer and an inspiring leader committed to creating pathways for underserved young people in STEM. With numerous accolades such as the prestigious MBE and the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year award, his story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Early Life and Family Background
Born and raised in Peckham, South London, George Imafidon grew up in a family that deeply valued education and hard work. His mother, originally from Nigeria, worked tirelessly in multiple cleaning jobs to provide for George and his older brother, Dr. Kenny Imafidon MBE, who is also a recognized academic and entrepreneur. This nurturing environment instilled in George a strong sense of determination and a commitment to giving back to his community.
George’s family played a pivotal role in shaping his outlook on life and ambition. His brother Kenny’s achievements as Britain’s top black graduate and his work in social justice inspired George to aim high while staying connected to his roots. The brothers’ story reflects the power of familial support and shared vision, proving that success is achievable through dedication and community.
Education and Academic Excellence
George’s academic journey is marked by exceptional achievement and a focus on engineering and innovation. He attended Kingsdale School, where he was a prefect and actively involved in extracurricular activities. Excelling in STEM subjects, he earned A grades in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry at A-level.
George later received a full-tuition scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering with Programming at University College London (UCL). His studies were distinguished by a First-Class Master’s degree, awarded in 2020, which reflected his outstanding academic dedication. During his time at UCL, George interrupted his studies for a gap year to fundraise £1 million for the Amos Bursary—a scholarship aimed at supporting talented African and Caribbean youth. This commitment to philanthropy and leadership exemplified his broader mission beyond personal success.
At UCL, George also won the Best Dissertation Prize for his research on how the design of fixings affects the aerodynamic efficiency of jet engines. Additionally, he led an engineering project that developed an automatic sorting recycling machine, increasing recycling rates and saving costs, showcasing his innovative mindset.
Honors and Awards
George Imafidon’s contributions to engineering, social impact, and community empowerment have been widely recognized:
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Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): Awarded for services to young people and STEM, this honor acknowledges George’s influential work in expanding opportunities for underserved youth.
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Young Engineer of the Year 2022/23: Presented by the Royal Academy of Engineering, this award celebrates George’s exceptional achievements and promise in engineering.
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The Powerlist Community Award (2021): Recognized for promoting diversity and inclusion within the engineering and STEM sectors.
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Diana Award (2019): Awarded for his impactful social action and community leadership through Motivez.
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Accenture Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Celebrating his innovative work with Motivez.
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Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs in the UK: Highlighting George’s entrepreneurial spirit and influence.
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Engineering Leaders Scholarship: Selected as one of the UK’s most outstanding engineering undergraduates, receiving mentorship and funding.
These honors reflect not only George’s technical skills but also his passion for social change and community upliftment.
Motivez: Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
One of George Imafidon’s most significant contributions is the founding of Motivez, a youth-led organization launched in 2015. Motivez aims to empower underserved young people aged 14 to 25, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, to access entry-level jobs in STEM fields and become changemakers in their communities.
Under George’s leadership as CEO and co-founder, Motivez has grown into an award-winning organization with a profound impact:
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It has directly supported over 11,000 young people across the UK through grassroots programs, employability initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
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Motivez’s mentoring programs connect youth with relatable professionals from industry leaders like Salesforce, Google, PwC, TfL, and Rolls-Royce, fostering valuable networks and skills.
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The organization has gained recognition and support from high-profile figures including Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, Idris Elba OBE, Beyonce, and the Royal Family.
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Media outlets like The Times, Evening Standard, and the BBC have highlighted Motivez’s success and George’s role as a leading voice for youth empowerment.
Motivez is a beacon of hope, bridging the gap for young people who face barriers to entry in STEM careers, helping them realize their potential and transform their communities.
Engineering Career: TEAM X44 and Motorsport Innovation
Beyond his social entrepreneurship, George Imafidon is deeply embedded in the world of engineering and motorsport. He serves as the Race Engineer for TEAM X44, an electric off-road racing team founded by seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton. TEAM X44 competes in the Extreme E championship, which raises awareness about climate change by racing in remote locations severely impacted by environmental issues.
George’s role in the team has evolved over the years:
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Starting as a Performance Engineer in 2020, he contributed to vehicle data analysis, system engineering, and programming.
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In 2023, he was promoted to Race Engineer, taking on critical responsibilities for race strategy, performance optimization, and technical leadership.
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Under George’s engineering leadership, TEAM X44 won the Extreme E World Championship in 2022, making history in sustainable motorsport.
This role not only highlights George’s technical prowess but also aligns with his advocacy for sustainability, diversity, and inclusion in traditionally homogeneous fields like motorsport.
Leadership and Advocacy: Royal Academy of Engineering, The Hamilton Commission, and Co-op Foundation
George’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion extends into strategic leadership roles across influential organizations:
Royal Academy of Engineering
As a member of the Royal Academy of Engineering, George was awarded the Young Engineer of the Year and actively participates in initiatives to inspire and support the next generation of engineers.
The Hamilton Commission
George serves as a board member of The Hamilton Commission, a body established by Sir Lewis Hamilton to investigate and address the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport and STEM sectors. The commission develops actionable recommendations to improve access, representation, and opportunities within these industries.
Co-op Foundation
On the board of the Co-op Foundation, George helps guide charitable initiatives focused on youth empowerment, community development, and environmental sustainability. The Foundation’s projects, such as the Carbon Innovation Fund, aim to engage young people in climate action and build resilient communities.
Interact
George is also a fellow of Interact, a global community of mission-driven technologists and creatives who collaborate to make positive societal impact. This fellowship enables George to connect with like-minded leaders across disciplines to accelerate change.
Conclusion
George Imafidon’s journey from a young boy fixing bikes in Peckham to a globally recognized engineer and social entrepreneur is a testament to talent, hard work, and a commitment to community. Through Motivez, TEAM X44, and his leadership in organizations dedicated to diversity and sustainability, George is reshaping the STEM landscape in the UK and beyond.
His story inspires countless young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their passions and effect change. As George continues to innovate and advocate, his impact will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come, making him a true trailblazer and role model in engineering and social leadership.
