Meet the Team
Colette Affaya
Founder & Managing Director
Colette Affaya is a STEM education leader and business development professional with over a decade of experience delivering impactful programmes that connect education and industry. As Founder and CEO of Synergy STEM Partners, she focuses on creating innovative STEM initiatives that build skills, inspire learners, and support workforce development.
Her background spans strategic leadership, curriculum design, and stakeholder engagement. During her time at Airbus, she played a key role in shaping the company’s STEM strategy, leading large-scale outreach programmes and building partnerships across schools, colleges, and industry.
Colette’s experience also includes roles in education and student support, including work with Coleg Cambria, alongside managing early years provision. She is recognised for her ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions, earning the Outstanding Personal Contribution Award at the Careers Wales #SchoolValuedPartners event at the Senedd.
She holds a PgCTL Level 6 in Teaching & Learning, along with qualifications in business administration and SEND, and is trained in mental health, safeguarding, and mentoring. An author of Arkam, Numero and Numbers, Colette combines analytical thinking with creativity, driven by a clear mission to empower learners, support educators, and strengthen links between education and industry.
Otman Affaya -
Curriculum Development & Training
Otman Affaya is an experienced STEM educator, leader, and curriculum innovator with over 23 years of global teaching experience. As a Director at Synergy STEM Partners, Otman is committed to bridging the gap between education and industry by developing dynamic STEM programmes that equip students with the skills needed for future careers.
His extensive international teaching background spans the USA, Kazakhstan, and Dubai, where he has taught Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Environmental Science, Earth-Space Science, and Mathematics. Otman has held leadership roles, including Head of AP Physics & Environmental Science at GEMS United School in Dubai, Head Physics Teacher for the IB Programme at Victoria International School, and Team Leader at Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Kazakhstan. His experience designing and delivering diverse curricula—including A-Level, IB, AP, and Cambridge International—demonstrates his ability to integrate global best practices into STEM education.
Beyond the classroom, Otman has a strong track record in curriculum development, student mentorship, and technology integration. He is passionate about making STEM education accessible and engaging by using hands-on learning, digital tools, and real-world applications. His multilingual skills (English, French, Arabic, and conversational Spanish) further enable him to connect with diverse learners and professionals.
Otman’s leadership at Synergy STEM Partners focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for students, fostering industry collaborations, and driving innovation in STEM education.
Who we are
At Synergy STEM Partners, we operate at the intersection of education and industry, delivering practical solutions that connect learning to real-world opportunity.
Our team brings together experience across education, STEM engagement, workforce development and industry collaboration, enabling us to design programmes that are both impactful and relevant. We work with schools, educators and employers to develop the skills, confidence and pathways needed for future success.
Founded on the belief that education should lead to meaningful outcomes, we support the development of talent pipelines that bridge the gap between classroom learning and employment. Our work spans curriculum development, teacher training, student engagement, financial capability and employer partnerships—ensuring learners are prepared not just academically, but for the demands of the modern workforce.
We are committed to creating a connected ecosystem where students, educators and businesses work together, driving innovation, opportunity and long-term impact.
Our focus is simple: to equip individuals with the skills to succeed, support organisations to develop talent, and create pathways that lead to sustainable careers.
