Nafees Norris is a trailblazer in the STEM community, proudly holding the title of the first African American to graduate with a degree in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nafees’s journey is a story of resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to creating change in the scientific world. Today, he serves as the founder and CEO of Nafees Innovations LLC, a company dedicated to transforming STEM education for youth in underrepresented communities, making science not only accessible but also engaging, relatable, and empowering.

With years of experience as a cell culture scientist and a specialization as an ambr250 expert, Nafees has honed a deep technical knowledge of the biopharmaceutical process. His hands-on expertise has seen him design and implement groundbreaking projects, contributing valuable advancements in cell culture techniques. But Nafees’s ambitions go far beyond the lab. He recognized a pressing need for greater diversity and representation in STEM, especially for communities that historically lack access to resources and role models in these fields. This realization drove him to launch Nafees Innovations LLC, with a mission to break down the barriers that prevent young people from pursuing STEM careers.

Through Nafees Innovations, Nafees has built a platform that offers interactive workshops, educational programs, and outreach initiatives that bring STEM to life in meaningful ways. From foundational concepts to advanced biopharmaceutical topics, his workshops are designed to make complex science feel relevant and engaging. By using hands-on activities, real-world analogies, and a bit of fun, Nafees ensures that every young participant can see themselves as a future innovator, scientist, or engineer.

His company doesn’t just aim to teach—it aims to inspire. Nafees Innovations offers career-building opportunities like internships, networking events, and mentorship programs that provide real pathways for students to enter and thrive in STEM fields. Nafees also places a strong emphasis on diversity, resilience, and integrity, values that are embedded in every aspect of his programs and outreach efforts. From after-school sessions to weekend workshops, Nafees Innovations fosters a supportive community where youth can explore, ask questions, and build confidence in their abilities.

As a mentor, educator, and advocate, Nafees is more than a business leader—he is a role model for young people aspiring to careers in science and technology. His vision extends to creating a lasting impact on the STEM field itself, working towards a future where diversity and inclusivity are the norms, not the exceptions. Under his leadership, Nafees Innovations LLC continues to grow, striving to make science simple, exciting, and inclusive for all.

Through his work, Nafees aims to shape a world where every child can see a place for themselves in STEM, regardless of their background. His journey, filled with determination and a steadfast belief in the power of education, stands as an inspiration to those who dream of a future defined by innovation, opportunity, and unity.