This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Associate Professor Mathabatha Evodia Setati, Co-Director of the African Microbiome Institute and a leading researcher at the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute at Stellenbosch University. From her roots in the township of Seshego in Limpopo to leading global microbiome research, Prof. Setati shares a compelling journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for learning. Growing up in a household where her mother was constantly pursuing education sparked a lifelong drive in her to outstudy, outwork, and outlast. She reflects on how being the only Black woman in many academic spaces fuelled her commitment to excellence and mentorship. We delve into the invisible but powerful world of microbes—how they impact everything from winemaking to soil health to human digestion—and hear how her groundbreaking research is reshaping agriculture and sustainability across the continent. This episode is a celebration of tenacity, scientific discovery, and the importance of visibility, representation, and early exposure to STEM careers for young girls in under-resourced communities. Prof. Setati leaves listeners with a heartfelt message: "Never underestimate your potential. If you want it—go after it."