Aramide Kayode is the founder of Talent Mine Academy, a non-profit that provides access to quality education and better opportunities for kids in low-income communities. She works at the Head of Learning at Stutern where she designs engaging and interactive learning experiences for young people who want to transition into tech.

She is a first class graduate of Economics from Covenant University and an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Her work in the education space has been featured on numerous national and international platforms, including Malala Fund, Global Partnership for Education (listed as one of the ten young people transforming education across the globe), CGTN Europe, Global Citizen, The Guardian, amongst others.

In addition to the work that Aramide does in the learning and education space, Aramide has dedicated her time to mentoring teenagers and young women, so that they can avoid the mistakes many adults are prone to and also live a life of meaning and excellence. 

She is an author of two books: 20 lessons I learnt at age 20 and Diary of a 19-year-old teacher (her memoir). She hopes that one day, every child will be able to access quality education irrespective of their socio-economic background.

Leading Ladies Africa: Who is Aramide?

Aramide Kayode: Aramide Kayode is the founder of Talent Mine Academy, a non-profit that provides access to quality education and better opportunities for kids in low-income communities. She works at the Head of Learning at Stutern where she designs engaging and interactive learning experiences for young people who want to transition into tech. 

She is a first class graduate of Economics from Covenant University and an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

Her work in the education space has been featured on numerous national and international platforms, including Malala Fund, Global Partnership for Education (listed as one of the ten young people transforming education across the globe), CGTN Europe, Global Citizen, The Guardian, amongst others.

In addition to the work that Aramide does in the learning and education space, Aramide has dedicated her time to mentoring teenagers and young women, so that they can avoid the mistakes many adults are prone to and also live a life of meaning and excellence. 

She is an author of two books: 20 lessons I learnt at age 20 and Diary of a 19-year-old teacher (her memoir). She hopes that one day, every child will be able to access quality education irrespective of their socio-economic background.

Leading Ladies Africa: Can you share some of your Memorable moments and highlights in the course of your work?

Aramide Kayode: I think one major highlight in the course of my work is learning about how deep and important it is to build a connection with the children that I work with before trying to create a solution for them – so that I can create a solution that is contextual to their everyday life and they are able to connect with it. 

One memorable moment I would never forget was when one of the students that I worked with ran away from home (due to abuse) and came to my house by 4 am. When I took her to school that day, her uncle and aunt were waiting in school, looking so furious, and that was how she was carried back to her village and stopped from coming to school. Occurrences like this take up space in my heart and sometimes, create a different level of emotional burden for me and I am learning to take time out sometimes to prevent any emotional uphill or burnout.

Leading Ladies Africa: With how far you’ve come, and your success, what achievements do you hope for in the next 5 years?

Aramide Kayode: The vision is to reach 3500 kids with access to quality education by 2025. In the next 5 years, I hope to provide quality education and better opportunities to 1000 children in low-income communities so that they can become better versions of themselves and create change in their communities.

Leading Ladies Africa: Can you briefly share some women you consider mentors?

Aramide Kayode: My best friend, Funmilola Oluwalade

My coach, Debola Deji-Kurunmi

Leading Ladies Africa: Do you have a life philosophy, personal mantra perhaps that keeps you steady when the going gets tough?

Aramide Kayode: What keeps me going when the going gets tough is a word God gave to me: “I will always be with you, so you will never have to walk alone”. So whenever I feel like giving up, I remember that I am never alone because God is always with me so I cast my burden and He gives me the strength that I need to keep going.

Dr. Nimi Stephanie Ekere is a Consultant Family Physician. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and a Certified Management Consultant. She is a Certified Management Specialist with distinction in Time Management from the London Graduate School.

Dr Nimi Ekere is a leading Child Advocate, Author, Speaker, Parenting Enthusiast, Coach, Mentor, Teacher and Humanitarian.

Nimi is the founder of Smileandshine Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organisation that is aimed at preventing Child Sexual Abuse, providing the needed help and support, as well as emergency care and treatment with adequate follow up and rehabilitation of victims (children).

She is an author of four best selling books that address the issue of Child Sexual Abuse with practical remedies. This collection of books teaches children,  pre-teenagers, teenagers and parents all they need to know about combating the menace.

Nimi is a strong proponent of effective and intentional parenting and convenes different programmes and conferences that promote child rights and protection. She has also featured in many panels and conferences across the globe.

Leading Ladies Africa: Who is Nimi Ekere? 

Nimi Ekere: Nimi Ekere is a Nigerian. She is a medical doctor specialised in Family Medicine, an author and a child advocate. Dr Ekere is married with amazing children. 

Leading Ladies Africa: Can you share some of your Memorable moments and highlights in the course of your work?

Nimi Ekere: As a medical doctor, I have a plethora of memorable moments. From seeing my patients almost dead to seeing them recover fully and hearing them call to tell me how incredible their journey to recovery has been. The feeling of being a part of their healing process and breakthroughs is something I deeply cherish, especially when they call to thank you and pray for you. Also, hearing your patients tell you that you are a fantastic physician and knowing that they mean it means so much to me. 

As a child advocate, my memorable moments would be when a child going    through trauma from sexual abuse gets stable and fits in appropriately into society. It gives me so much joy  to be able to offer help and succour to vulnerable people especially children. My heart bleeds each time a child is traumatised and being able to help them walk through their journey to healing and rehabilitation is an amazing feat for me, that I do not take for granted. 

Leading Ladies Africa: With how far you have come and your success, what achievements do you hope for in the next five years?

Nimi Ekere: In my career, I hope to be one of the best Family Physicians in the world. In Nigeria, I hope to work with the government to strengthen the weak state of the Primary Health Centres, as the Primary Health Care systems are the gate opener to other higher health care services. In addition, I will ensure that there is better funding for the sector with excellent and competent medical personnel readily available at all times. This will go a long way to increase health sector capacities and ultimately  reduce morbidity and mortality in the country. 

As a child advocate,  I hope to see children be children and live like children. I hope that even the hard-to-reach children would be better empowered to stay safe from sexual abuse in the next five years. I want to see a society safe to raise a child. I believe that this is possible if everyone gets involved knowing that we can all be the voice of the voiceless. I also want to see a society where children’s rights are protected and even respected. The Child Rights Act needs to be domesticated in all states of Nigeria and implemented to the letter.

Leading Ladies Africa: Can you briefly share some women you consider mentors?

Nimi Ekere: Many remarkable women across the globe are doing admirable work in their chosen fields, and I have a deep respect for what we have been able to achieve as a gender. That said, some women have inspired me in many ways to step out and do my bit to make this world better. Some of them are my mum, Mrs Joy Raymond, Dr Ngozi Nwabuoku, Dr Stephanie Oarhe,  Pastor Funke Felix- Adejumo. I also admire Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mrs Ibukun Awosika and Her Excellency Dr Ibijoke Sanwo Olu.

Leading Ladies Africa: Do you have a life philosophy, personal mantra perhaps that keeps you steady when the going gets tough?

 Nimi Ekere: Matthew 19 verse 26;  With God, all things are possible. 

Vimbai Angela Butawu is a Zimbabwean young social entrepreneur. She is an energetic, goal-oriented young lady with a heart for social development especially focusing on child and youth development. She holds 2 degrees from the University of Monash South Africa. She graduated with her first degree in Bachelor of Social Sciences (2017) double majoring in Child and Youth Development and Criminology and holds a Postgraduate Degree (2019) in Business Management specializing in Corporate Governance.

Vimbai’s commitment to service is outstanding and has been internationally recognized. She was one of only 10 students out of more than one million students worldwide in the Laureate Universities network (200 campuses worldwide) who were recognized as honorees of the Here for Good Award—for making a positive social impact in their communities and countries. In the same year, through the MSA LEAD program, she was selected as one of the top 10 social entrepreneurs in South Africa.

She started My Africa Child and Youth Development Organization in 2018. Her dream is to make a positive change in Africa, creating opportunities for young people. She believes that young people are the future leaders and giving them a platform for positive growth will be beneficial to the development of the continent. Her vision is to create an organization that focuses on making a profit for good, thus creating a self-sustainable organization making a positive social impact on the continent.

Thank you for making out time to chat with us — in your own words — who is Vimbai Angela Butawu?

Vimbai Angela Butawu is a young 27years old Zimbabwean social entrepreneur. She is the Founder and President of My Africa Child and Youth Development Organization (MACYDO) International and the Chief Executive Officer of MACYDO Zimbabwe. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences (Double Major in Criminology and Child and Youth Development) and Postgraduate Degree in Business Management Specializing in Corporate Governance from Monash University South Africa. She is passionate about Africa’s socio-economic development, the positive development of young people, and their involvement in the development of the continent.

Amazing! Tell us more about the work you do at My Africa Child and Youth Development Organization (MACYDO).

MACYDO is an organization that focuses on the development of young people in Africa. We aim to groom young people to become influential leaders and change-makers in their communities and countries and play a vital role in Africa’s economic and social development. We believe that young people are tomorrow’s leaders; therefore, it is of utmost importance to invest in them positively. 

MACYDO focuses on various sectors that play a role in young people’s lives: education, Entrepreneurship, Health, and Entertainment. MACYDO has been operating since 2018. The organization was found in South Africa and has impacted more than 50 young people through our talent-based Saturday classes. 

In 2020 MACYDO Education launched a scholarship program in Zimbabwe, and we currently have 20 scholars benefiting from the program. The scholarship program focuses not only on providing education funding for the scholars but also on self-development, leadership, and entrepreneurship training for all our scholars. 

In 2021 MACYDO Entrepreneurship pioneered a fellowship program for young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe – MACYDO Leading Entrepreneurs foR African Development Program (LEAD). The program focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with projects that impact the country.

Well done on all the amazing work so far; What’s your motivation? 

God is my primary motivation and the Holy Spirit at work in me. 

In our continent, Africa, there are so many opportunities to exploit. Africa gives me the drive to always be on my feet, thinking of new ideas to explore and be significant.  There is so much that needs to be improved in Africa, and I believe that success is making the world better than you met it. Investing in young people and giving them access opportunities is an opportunity to make the world better than I met it. 

I also get motivated by my mentors that are continually driving me to reach my full potential and to become significant in my continent: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (LoveWorld), Pastor Christian Akhuemokhan (LoveWorld), Ms. Esther Benjamin (CEO – World Education Services, USA), Professor Alywn Louw (Vice-Chancellor – Torrens University, Australia), Dr. Chamu Chiwanza (CEO – Cernic Holdings, Zimbabwe), Mrs. Rose Charehwa (Founder and Managing Director – Surdax, Zimbabwe) to mention just a few.

Not forgetting my mother, my siblings, and friends that continuously support me.

You are committed to empowering young people to reach their full potential, grooming them to become effective leaders and change-makers in their communities and countries; how has that journey been?

The journey has been a success thus far. I can not say it’s an easy road, but it has been a fulfilling journey. Investing in young leaders is investing in the future of our continent.  I can say I have the future of Africa in my hands (laughs). The investments I make today towards young people play a vital role in how our tomorrow becomes. 

In South Africa, through our talent-based program, we have successfully impacted more than 50 students. Most students were at the edge of dropping out of school, and the program motivated them to stay in school and advance their studies as we recognized their talents and used that as a catalyst to keep them in school. 

In Zimbabwe, we have given the opportunity to 20 students to advance their studies. 2020 was quite a challenging year financially for many young people who saw their dreams get shattered with no hope to advance their studies. We had the opportunity and privilege to use our resources to give the young people hope through our scholarship program. I believe this was one of our greatest successes, as we were able to achieve this during a pandemic (Covid 19).

How much impact has MACYDO made; and would you say that it has made a noticeable difference in the lives of children and youth? 

I think we have made a significant impact thus far, but we still have more work to do. What we have done so far is just the beginning, and we are not stopping here. There is so much work that still needs to be done with the organization; more countries to reach, more young people to empower. It is, however, important to recognize the positive ripple effect; when you impact one child, you have impacted the whole community. We have impacted a significant number of young people, and through them, we have indirectly impacted their families and communities. 

As I said earlier, there are so many opportunities in Africa. It’s time for young people to take a stand and become significant in their countries as they play a role in the continent’s economic and social development. We have made a noticeable impact, but it’s just the beginning of more extraordinary things to come.

We imagine that there’ve been highs and lows. What are the significant milestones and challenges you have encountered in your social impact journey?

One of my milestones will be the privilege to be networked with the right people that help me achieve my vision with their continuous support. 

Another high would be how we successfully launched a scholarship program in Zimbabwe during a Covid 19 Pandemic. A lot of companies and individuals were trying to recover from the economic meltdown caused by the pandemic. Still, regardless of this, we successfully launched and raised funds for the scholarship program. In 2021 we move a step further as we launch an entrepreneurship program for young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. 

I have faced a fair share of challenges, but every time I meet a challenge, I am at a point where I get so excited and charged because I know it’s an opportunity for me to come up with a solution and an opportunity to learn. The highs result from your reaction to your lows; if you handle the lows with wisdom, you will produce more remarkable results in the future. 

One of the challenges I have faced is being young with big dreams (laughs). You sometimes get a lot of negative responses from those in the industry for a while. I keep hearing people say, no Vimbai, your dream is too big you won’t be able to achieve it, but unfortunately for them, I love a challenge, so every time I hear those words, I’m so charged and pushed to make sure I make my dream come to pass to its fullest and prove them wrong. 

Being a young female also means you will meet many people that undermine you and try to take advantage of you, so it’s essential to be vigilant, believe in yourself, and know your value.

What do you plan to achieve in the next 5 years?

Wow! I might need a whole book for that one (laughs). To sum it up, in 5 years, we aim to make sure that MACYDO is active in at least 5 Southern African Countries. We also aim to ensure that all our sectors, Education, Entrepreneurship, Entertainment, and Health sectors are fully operating. As a social impact organization, currently, our finances are dependent on donor funding, but in the next 5yrs, we would want to make sure the organization is self-sustainable.

Tell us your favourite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

I don’t know if I should call it a quote; all my guidance comes from the Bible, whether in business or personal life. 

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a constant reminder that quitting is not an option and whatever I set my mind to do is undoubtedly possible.

What are some of your favourite books that you have read?

Bible – I get all the life principles from there. I apply them to my personal and business life. 

Power of your Mind (Pastor Chris Oyakhilome) – I believe it is the best self-development book. It has helped me with mind management, how to think, and to guard my thoughts. As a man thinketh, so is he. 

Act like a lady, think like a man (Steve Harvey) – The funny thing is that it’s a relationship book, but I use some of those principles for business, lol. In a business world dominated by men, I think it’s important to think like them so that you are not behind and use the fact that you are a woman to your advantage. It may sound a bit crazy, but this has been working for me.

What does self-care mean to you, and what three things do you do to unwind?

 You cannot pour from an empty cup, so it’s essential for me to continually renew my mind and refresh my body so that I am well equipped to lead others. 

To unwind, I take time to study and meditate, watch movies, eat ice cream or go for a spa day. Alone and quiet times are my favourite; they help me to relax and think.

The LLA Grassroot Series is a monthly interview series that highlights the achievements and journey of an African female who has demonstrated exemplary initiative at the grassroots level.

The vision is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through impact at the community level.

It is an offshoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things at the grassroots level, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

Sarah Boateng is a winning social entrepreneur and quality education advocate named as a 30 under 30 change-maker in 2020. Through her experience working at the United Nations and other international development organizations, she created IGEA Enterprise which has a mission to support girls in rural communities in Africa achieve their educational potential.

Thank you for making out time to chat with us — in your own words — who is Sarah Boateng? 

I would say Sarah is a determined and passionate person who cares about girls having an equal chance to live to their full potential. 

Amazing! Tell us more about the work you do at Investing in Girls Education in Africa (IGEA).

IGEA is on a mission to support girls in rural communities in Africa to have equal access to quality education. We look at the pressing issues which are barriers for girls to have a quality education, which we found is period poverty. That’s why we launched our first project Menstruate and Educate, aiming to support girls who have the freedom to attend school whilst on their period. 

Well done on all the amazing work so far; What’s your motivation? 

Thank you! I think it’s the fact that the girls we work with remind me of my mother and grandmother, as they experienced period poverty and could not finish their education and became local traders at the age of 12. When I lived in a rural community in Northern Ghana in 2016, I saw the same thing my mother went through, happening in rural contexts and I knew that I wanted to do something that can allow girls to finish their education. 

You have contributed towards eliminating all barriers blocking girls in Africa from accessing quality education; how has that journey been?

It has been an interesting journey that I am on, still learning every single day! I think that it is hard, as it is a big mission I am on being a small organisation, but I would not change it and could not imagine spending my life doing anything else. 

How much impact has IGEA made; and would you say that it has made a noticeable difference in the lives of girls?

We did our pilot with 100 girls at the end of 2019. We found that girls monthly attendance was increasing and they reported a higher level of confidence in the classrooms. With our community workshops, there was also a notice of the better reception of the topic of menstruation in communities and parents aware of the importance of their daughter’s attendance at school during their periods. 

Tell us about your ongoing projects.

We are expanding our Menstruate and Educate project to 5 new communities in Northern Ghana, reaching at least 500 girls in 2021. It is something we did not expect to be able to do being around for a little over a year, but we are ready to take on the challenge. 

We imagine that there’ve been highs and lows. What are the significant milestones and challenges you have encountered in your social impact journey?

I think the milestones have to be taking the step to start! That is usually the hardest part and something I tried to talk myself out of a few times especially with receiving so many no’s by organisations I was reaching out to at the beginning, but always glad I pushed through to take the step. 

Tell us your favourite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

It would have to be “ Delay is not denial”. I have realised that even though something does not happen when you want it to happen does not mean it will not happen. It usually does in a better way than you expected, just keep trusting the process and most importantly yourself!

Now for some more personal stuff — what books are you reading now, and what music do you have on your playlist?

Ohh…. the book that I am reading at the moment is “7 Women”. It’s an inspiring story of some women that were mainstream and some that were not and what they were able to achieve in their lives. The music on my playlist has to be “Anything by Nao” on repeat. 

If you had an all-expense-paid trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

It would have to be to the Maldives, it has been somewhere I have always dreamed of travelling to and looks like a very picturesque place to relax.

The LLA Grassroot Series is a monthly interview series that highlights the achievements and journey of an African female who has demonstrated exemplary initiative at the grassroots level.

The vision is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through impact at the community level.

It is an offshoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things at the grassroots level, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

Amarachi Igwe Kalu is a Development Expert and Award Winning Infant Health and Wellbeing Advocate with over 5 years experience in the community development sector focusing on community healthcare interventions. She is the Founder and CEO, Thriving Up Initiative, an NGO working to save newborn lives by providing a holistic approach to ensuring the health, wellbeing and development of newborns and infants in underserved communities. 

Amarachi has worked with international, local and financial institutions including the US Embassy, Vitamin Angels International, S.C.C Nigeria Ltd and Access Bank, to implement high impact interventions that have saved thousands of newborn lives and improved health and development outcomes of babies in underserved communities in Nigeria.

Her high impact intervention projects include the construction of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centers  and provision of life saving prenatal Vitamins, Vitamin A supplements and de-worming tablets, to mother’s and babies up to six months in severely underserved communities. Her interventions have saved the lives of over 1100 newborn babies, improved immunization rates of babies and children under age five (5) by over 80 percent, improved access to antenatal care by 100 percent and continues to provide access to healthcare for over 5000 people, including women and children in  underserved communities.

She is also the executive director, Thriving Up Network, a social impact hub, through which she equips young change makers with the skills, knowledge and resources required to effect social change so that they can sustainably impact their communities and ultimately Africa. She is a Fellow of the President Obama YALI RLC (2017), recipient of the NYSC FCT Honorary Award (2018), and recipient of the prestigious US Embassy Ambassadorial Grant Award (2018).

Amarachi is passionately driven and committed to saving newborn lives and ending preventable newborn deaths in Nigeria and strongly believes that individuals of all ages deserve to thrive and fulfill potential. 

Tell us about, Amarachi Igwe Kalu?

I am an Infant health, well being and development Advocate and Founder, Thriving Up Initiative, an NGO working to save newborn lives in under-served communities in Nigeria. I am passionately driven and committed to the vision of ending preventable newborn deaths and strongly believe that every newborn deserves a chance to survive, thrive and ultimately fulfill potential.

You are a strong advocate for the survival and well being of Newborns. Why and how did you find yourself on this path? 

The birth of my first baby in 2012 sparked an intense passion and desire in me to see newborns and infants provided with an enriched environment that fosters optimal growth and development. 

After my daughter’s birth, I realized that much of the information provided to mothers in the hospitals were centered around pregnancy and safe childbirth but very little was said about how the new mom could ensure the continued survival, health and wellbeing of her baby after she’s been discharged and sent home. I began to read about this and discovered that indeed there was a gap and not much was being said about postnatal care in Nigeria, resulting in thousands of preventable newborn deaths within the early postnatal period in Nigeria and Nigeria being the country with the 3rd highest infant mortality rate in Africa. Deeply saddened by these statistics and the reality of the situation, I became an advocate for newborn health, well being, and survival.

What is “Thriving up” all about and how have you measured your impact and achievements over the years?

Thriving Up is all about imploring a holistic approach to saving newborn lives and improving health and development outcomes of newborns and infants in undeserved communities in Nigeria. Thriving in medical terms indicates proper physical development in babies, but for me, it wasn’t just about physical development but about healthy cognitive and social development of babies as well. So, I came up with a phrase that was more holistic and indicated healthy physical as well as cognitive and social development and that phrase was Thriving Up, (laughs). So a baby is Thriving UP when he/she has an all-round healthy development.

We have a monitoring and evaluation system in place that helps us measure our impact and achievements quarterly and bi-annually. So far, we have made tremendous impact and achieved so much in our quest to save newborn lives in under served communities in Nigeria. We have partnered with well meaning individuals and highly reputable organizations like S.C, C. Nig LTD while serving as a corps member in Abuja and US Embassy, Abuja in 2019  to construct and donate Primary Healthcare centers to Gbaukuchi community in Kuje LGA and Padan Gbaghi community, remote and very hard to reach communities in Bwari LGA respectively. 

The first one built while I was serving as a corps member has now recorded over 2000 safe deliveries with mother and baby doing fine, 80% increase in immunization rates and 100% increase in access to antenatal care in the community where it was constructed and others in its environs. The second which was just commissioned in August 2019 has currently recorded 18 safe deliveries with mother and baby doing fine too.

We currently partner with an international NGO, Vitamin angels international to provide babies and children in underserved communities aged 6 months – 5 years, with vitamin A supplements, and deworming tablets and have provided for 200 babies and children so far. Working with Financial Institutions like Access Bank in Abuja, Nigeria, we have educated and equipped over 3000 expectant mothers in both rural and urban communities with the knowledge, skills and resources with which to provide efficient and effective postnatal car4e. We have donated over 200 infant care packs containing essential newborn care items to expectant and nursing mothers in severely underserved communities. 

It’s been an awesome journey of impact and I can’t be more grateful to GOD who has brought me this far, daily shown me Favor, and given me grace and strength for each new day. 

What is the Motivation and Inspiration behind your interest and success with community impact especially as it concerns mothers? 

I am very passionate about social impact and improving the lives of the severely underserved who clearly cannot  fight back, it invigorates me. Also, I believe that our unique giftings, strengths and passions are not given to us, for us, they are given to us for others and we can by them, contribute our own quota to national development. For me, I’m leveraging my passion for mothers and infants in underserved communities to make a difference in society. 

Mothers play such a pivotal role in the lives of babies and ultimately in society because they are literally shaping the future leaders. However, mothers in underserved communities are disadvantaged by the dismal amount of information and resources available to them, limiting their ability to be the best, give their babies the best and make better informed decisions. This is what I’m working to tackle. My heart goes out to these mothers, I don’t think they should be disadvantaged in their access to information, essential services and resources just because of where they live and as a result of the social determinants of life.

This is why our outreaches and interventions at TUI are focused on hard to reach communities, I want to reach these mothers and empower them with the skills, the knowledge, resources and services they need, to give themselves the best as well as make better informed decisions for their babies, enabling them ensure the health, wellbeing, proper development and survival of their babies regardless of where they live.

Challenges and Lessons learnt on your journey? 

Hmmm… there are a number of them especially because we work with very remote and hard-to-reach communities. So, we are faced with a number of challenges from inaccessibility of these communities especially when we were building the healthcare centers and having to transport building materials, to the fear of insecurity whenever we were visiting a community for the first time. I mean I always feared that herdsmen or boko haram were going to jump out of those bushes and attack us, hahahaha, but thankfully that never happened. We’ve also been very privileged to work with reputable organizations on this journey but we can do so much more if we had more, so there’s also the challenge of funding.

One major lesson I have learned is the reward of courage, of moving and doing in spite of the fear. 

Most of my courage came from the fact that I knew that GOD was with me on this journey of impact and HE called me into it and equipped me for it. So, I knew that if he sent me, he will never put me in harms way and that was my confidence every time we embarked on these journeys.

I learned that the more you lean into your fears and move towards your challenges, the more fulfilling the rewards that will come your way. This is evident in the high-impact interventions we have implemented in these communities. What’s on the other side of fear is and will always be a great opportunity to become and do more and this is a lesson I’ll carry with me forever. Fear has nothing on me now or ever…

Care to share any memorable moments and highlight in the course of your work?

The smiles, sheer joy and happiness on the faces of these mothers whenever we commission a healthcare center in their community is priceless, it’s soul-lifting, it’s just everything. The children too, their laughter when we have our outreaches is fulfilling.

One moment that has stood out for me till date was holding a seven-hours old baby that had just been delivered in one of the healthcare centers we built. I was at the center on that day on a monitoring and evaluation visit when I was told that the baby had been delivered early that morning. When I held that baby in my hands, I knew that I had made a difference in her life. That was a moment for me and in that moment, I felt fulfilled. it was all worth it.

Oh, and another highlight is that I have a land that was given to me by the community head in the community where I built the first center as a corps member. Even though I haven’t claimed the land, it was definitely a highlight for me because I was just a corps member.

What is most fulfilling about the impact you make?

It’s the fact that we are giving these babies the opportunity to survive, thrive and fulfil potential, ultimately contributing positively to society. We don’t know what innovations or potentials they carry, that have the potential to solve a major problem in Nigeria or even the world at large in years to come.

I like to look at it this way, what if Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandela had died as infants? These are people who brought about tremendous revolution to Africa; imagine we lost them as babies.

This is what’s most fulfilling for me, the destinies we are saving and giving the opportunity to survive, thrive and serve humanity with the gift they come with. Every baby deserves this chance and giving it to them, is what’s most fulfilling for me.

With how far you’ve come, and your success, what achievements do you hope for in the next 5 years?

Providing Solar energy as a source of electricity for healthcare centers across the federation. 

We are also looking at providing equipment and training for health workers on essential newborn care to make their job a lot easier.

Also looking at leveraging technology to reach more mothers and babies.

 Can you share briefly, some women you consider mentors?

I consider them more like role models than mentors, Mrs Jumoke Adenowo, Mrs Ibukun Awosika and Mrs Tara Durotoye. The common denominator with them that I deeply admire and respect is that they have built highly reputable brands while being wives and mothers. This is something I am very passionate about, in fact I have just launched an online platform in that regard, to inspire young women to be more while being amazing wives and mothers. 

They have shown that it is absolutely possible to wear so many hats as women in line with our vision. Passion and potential and wear them excellently too. I believe that women can fully maximize potential while being amazing wives and mothers and these women are our awesome modern-day proof of that.

Do you have a life philosophy, personal mantra perhaps that keeps you steady when the going gets tough? 

Yes, and that is Everything works together for my good.

The vision is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through impact at the community level.The LLA Grassroot Series is a monthly interview series that highlights the achievements and journey of African female who has demonstrated exemplary initiative at the grassroots level.

It is an off shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things at the grassroots level, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

Who is Violet Kitundu?

Violet Kitundu is an entrepreneurship expert, content producer, author, philanthropist and managing director at Mwanamke Simama, an organization aiming at providing social, health and economic empowerment to women that will have an impact to their quality of life as well as co-operating and co-align with other agencies and NGO for the achievement of specific goals.a

Violet Kitundu is a 29 years old woman advocating in women empowerment, and provision of entrepreneurial education to the community. Due to the big rising number of women entrepreneurs in my community, I realized that there are more truths that small and medium enterprises women need to know and understand so that their business flourish. 

Empowering women is not all about financial support as it is mostly known, financial support is one among many categories of women empowerment but there are many different areas that undermine women performance in different sectors that are vital to their development and it is high time that any woman that may have access, will and space to stand for other women should take the lead.

 Background Story to founding “Mwanamkesimama?”

“Mwanamke Simama’ was not a coincidence, my desire for serving my community was a dream come true, the desire kept burning inside me ever since I was taking my secondary school, and at that time I was taking few steps to serve my community through writing. I took my ample time to write different articles on various social issues that were of impact to readers who were advocating change in different ways. 

In 2018 I finally decided to focus on women, and it is because I noticed that I need change in different areas so that I can attain my life goals, and because I need change, other women need it too. It was then I decided to register an NGO called ‘Mwanamke Simama” a Swahili word which means “WOMAN ARISE”. “Mwanamke Simama” is an NGO that believes that through acquired skills, experience and modern technology we can work together to the best of our abilities to fight against poverty and engage women in Tanzania to help them improve their development status in all aspects of their lives. 

The origin of The Alumni of Mwanamke Simama comes from a commitment, governed and managed with vision and leadership made with an agenda to fight against low development status of women in my community. Our community can have greater impact when its members are able to act together, in coalition and partnership with others, at all levels from local, national to global.

Motivation and Inspiration behind your organization and what you do. 

Traditionally founded, Mwanamke Simama aims at producing positive outcomes at local levels, this is certainly not sufficient to eradicate poverty, and ensure that human rights of the poor and excluded people are sustainable. Most NGOs have not been able to address the causes of massive and increasing low level in development status to women. The solution lies in women ‘s movement, with inclusion of the poor and excluded people, for action against poverty and injustice that cut across national boundaries. I was resolved to form this organization as a basic tool to improve the wellbeing of women  development status in Tanzania.

Measured impact and achievements with Mwanamkesimama

Since its origin we have been able to reach more than 3000 women through different projects and campaigns, “Simamia Lengo” (stand for your goal) was a project that aimed at providing rural women groups with entrepreneurial education and how to raise business and manage them successfully, the project was a result of simple research on the impact of government loans that are given to community groups for the aim of supporting their business and development processes.

But unfortunately I observed that some women groups used their loans for their own personal unproductive reasons like traditional ceremonies and buying themselves luxuries. This miss allocation of government loans made them loose their important assets like land when they had to return interest for their loans because the did not use their loans profitably.

For that reason “Simamia Lengo” gathered women groups and provided with financial education on how to utilize well government loans as well as other loans from credible sources, as well as providing them with entrepreneurial education that helped then in starting businesses as well as managing them.

Challenges and Lessons Learnt.

Among the challenges that many women face is proper understanding of their rights, “Mwanamke Simama” uses its credibility to organize events and trainings that offer women skills and education in different areas, and “Women rights are human rights” was among one successful event that aimed at giving women proper understanding of rights that touch women in their roles in the society. “The land act” “ penal code cap 16” “the marriage act” “the probate and administration act” and “employment and labor relation act” these laws govern women rights in these areas and we chose to highlight these acts because women rights in these areas are mostly denied knowingly or unknowingly. Women in all parts of Africa should have a keen understanding of these rights. With a successful collaboration with legal entities we managed to offer women these educational content that will support their day to day development.

I am mostly motivated with how women themselves are raising up in wanting to attain their rights and stop all oppressive acts against them, women now have seen the importance of making their voices heard, that is a very big step to attain a world where women will be respected, given equal opportunities as men in all areas necessarily. It’s a huge inspiration to work and stand for people who want to help themselves, this is because there will always be a positive response in anything that you raise for their interest because their hearts and minds are ready to receive change.

What led to the establishment of Boresha Radio? Plus, what do you do?

Everyday I take my time to think of ways on how I can reach women, and that’s why I came up with a radio program called “Woman UP” as a producer and presenter of the program aired through an online radio called “Boresha Radio” www.boresha.online I basically highlight different challenges that women face in their day to day development processes and I invite professionals who gives us possible solutions of these challenges, it’s because I have realized women face a lot of challenges in which makes some of them quit their development process.

We all understand that challenges are inevitable in any development processes but we may use any space we get to always remind ourselves that challenges are there to make us stronger and to make us quit. I use this platform and opportunities to reach thousand women and provide them with possible solutions to our day to day challenges.

I have never done any issues concerning broadcasting, so at beginning of my radio program it was not easy but because I knew what I want and what I am aiming at I did not let that fear take over my dreams, my failure would have proven to a thousand women behind me, I would not let that happen, so i used my time to learn and make sure that I present what I have to the community. Through this process I have learned that do not choose to quit, because you never know how many people are saved with your steps, and recommend this to be a lesson to other women too in Africa.

My journey is a success, and it is because I set plans and I don’t quit until I achieve them, challenges make me stronger and prove to me that I can possibly aim higher than I think I can. I work hard, I know we need a world of women who are aware of what is good for them and stand for them, I believe in changes, and for I need change another woman needs them too.

With how far you’ve come, and your success, what achievements do you hope for in the next 5 years?

In the coming five years I am looking forward to having impacted more women locally and internationally, I have great plans to achieve this and I am praying that God stand by me to let this happen because without him we can not take a step. With support from agencies and organizations that aim at providing better room for women we can achieve this, and I am open to any agency that would wish to collaborate with me in supporting women in Africa. 

Some women you consider mentors?

I am inspired by Oprah Winfrey though I don’t know if I should consider her as my mentor, but her work and dedication to her community inspires me, and in Africa Dr Omotolla J. Ekeinde is a definition of a hard working woman, among many other African women she inspires me by her devotion and self respect, as women we can not go anywhere if we do not set grounds for self respect.

Do you have a life philosophy or personal mantra that keeps you steady when the going gets tough?

Everything is possible only if you work hard on it, and everything happens for a reason, so when an idea comes to your mind remember that it did not get there accidentally its because you have the power and will to let it happen so stand and collect yourself to action. That is my life philosophy and it helps me to attain most of my goals. I advise other women to use them too. I believe it will bring positive change to your goals.

The LLA Grassroot Series is a monthly interview series that highlights the achievements and journey of African female who has demonstrated exemplary initiative at the grassroots level.

The vision is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through impact at the community level.

It is an off shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things at the grassroots level, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

Photo Credit: Aisha Dirisu

Aisha is a trained Development Economist from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom, an M&E consultant with a government Parastatal in Nigeria and experience in Institutional Management spanning over six years. She has a certification in Non–Profit Leadership and Management from the prestigious Lagos Business School Nigeria.

She is currently the Executive Director of Peniel Foundation – a Non-Governmental Organization that inspires, empowers, and advocates for youth living with disabilities to attain their full potential. Recently, in response to the COVID -19 pandemic, she launched the Peniel Live Series on Instagram, this is to inspire the youths with disabilities to aspire for greatness by inviting successful persons with disabilities from around the globe to show what’s possible and how they attained their success. 

Aisha envisions an inclusive African continent where youths living with disabilities attain their full potential and can contribute to nation building. 

Tell us about, Aisha Dirisu, what’s your story?

For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about solving the problems of others in any way I can. I believe this undying resolve to change the world around me led me to Economics in the University of Abuja, where I obtained my first degree. I believed that with the right principles and strategies, I could effect a positive change in my society.

This unwavering desire to make an impact led me to my next role at The British High Commission where I spent 5 years. At the end of my time with the British High Commission, I took a short career break and during that period, I finally discovered myself and gained clarity on my life’s vision and purpose which birthed Peniel Foundation.

In addition to the above, I am passionate about fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. In my spare time, I create smoothie recipes and juices.

You are a strong advocate for youths living with disabilities, how you find yourself on this path?

After the successful completion of my undergraduate degree, I set off to the United Kingdom for my master’s degree. During the course of my master’s degree at the university of East Anglia, I volunteered to care for autistic children. This was the first time I had ever come in contact with any physically or mentally disability. In the course of my training, I realized just how skilled and talented each child was under the right circumstances.

On my return to Nigeria, I witnessed and heard a lot of horrid stories on the plight of persons living with disabilities. For instance, a young lawyer posted for his court attachment in a law firm, got there and was called an imbecile and sent out by the MD, because he was being helped by others to manoeuvre his way into the building that had stairs and no ramps. A deaf pregnant woman died due to complications because no sign language interpreter to interpret what was wrong with her.

The injustice and compassion led me to become a strong advocate. I wanted to be the voice for change. I knew how important it was to have a disability inclusive society for the betterment of the lives of people living with disabilities as I had witnessed firsthand just how much power the society had in shaping them.

As ED of Peniel Foundation, can you share with us what Peniel Foundation does and what the impact has been like since it was founded?

Peniel Foundation seeks to inspire, empower, and advocate for people living with disabilities to contribute to nation building. Our major focus is to connect youths living with disabilities to jobs & opportunities and equipping them with all the tools required to succeed. At Peniel Foundation we envision a world where every youth living with disability is financially independent and capable of catering to his/her own needs without any external assistance.

Since our launch in 2018, we have made significant impact in our community and the society at large.

• We had a free 2-day workshop & training tagged Peniel Empowers for youths living with disabilities where they were trained on Digital marketing and entrepreneurship skills. A year after, one of the attendees got a grant to upscale her business from Disability Rights Advocacy Centre (DRAC).
• We partnered with British High Commission & CBM to increase representation of persons with disabilities as beneficiaries of the scholarship. On 20th July 2020, an attendee was awarded the Chevening Scholarship.
• We launched an E-mentorship program to connect youths with disabilities in Africa with successful Mentors around the world for their personal and professional development. 3 of our mentees have gotten internship opportunities, 1 about to be employed by a radio house.
• We provided mental and emotional support to youths with disabilities during the Covid lock-down by inviting successful persons with disabilities to share their stories to inspire them. We received over 25 positive feedback on how the series helped them overcome their anxiety and also gave them hope.

You actively advocate for the inclusion of women living with disabilities, What is the Motivation and Inspiration behind your projects, what drives you?

Women with disabilities face triple jeopardy; firstly, because they are women and secondly because they have a disability. Women and girls with disabilities are at risk of sickness, injury, negligence, maltreatment and exploitation. Stories abound of women and girls with disabilities who fall victims to ritual killings. Notwithstanding their skills, knowledge and experiences, they are marginalised from formal decision-making and the contributions they make often ignored. They continue to be seen as victims alone rather than as resources for community resilience to insecurity.

Our motivation and inspiration behind our project is to see women with disabilities having a voice and being empowered enough to become leaders in their field which will eventually have a ripple effect in the disability community.

What Challenges and Lessons have you learnt on your journey?

• Peniel foundation was borne out of my passion to empower youths with disabilities. I quickly realized that passion alone wasn’t enough, proper planning, structure and system is needed to run a sustainable non-profit. I immediately signed up for Donors for Africa inner cycle membership & then enrolled in Lagos Business School for certification in a Non-profit, leadership & management course
• I also struggled with getting skilled personnel as volunteers. This made us more rigorous in our selection processes
• I also realized that having a vision to empower youths with disabilities was only the first part, I had to find people who were willing and ready to put in the work to get the desired results. This made me narrow down the selection process and remove inactive members from the program.

Care to share any memorable moments and highlight in the course of your work?

In October 2019, I wrote to the Chevening Scholarship Board to propose a formal training to increase the representation of youths living with disabilities on their scholarship program. The highlight was when we got a positive feedback from them and an invitation to partner with them and Christoffel Blinden Mission. On the 20^th of July, 2020, one of our participants got selected as a scholar.

Do you have a life philosophy, personal mantra perhaps that keeps you steady when the going gets tough?

My life’s philosophy is to live a life where I can positively impact as many lives that come in contact with me.

Are there upcoming projects that you’d like to hint us on?

Peniel Foundation is developing an accessible career network platform that connects youths with disabilities looking for jobs to employers by training, coaching and e-mentoring to get them job ready with E-rating badges for disability employers.

Tell us about the Social Innovators Bootcamp for which you recently qualified as a winner and its impact on your journey?

The Social Innovators Bootcamp is a once in a lifetime experience organized by Donors for Africa Foundation to strengthen the capacity of impact driven leaders to create change on the African continent.  it was an intensive 12 week of learning and building necessary skills required to be an impactful non-profit leader.  I met and built great relationships with like minded individuals.

My interaction with Donors for Africa not only helped me gained clarity about our work at Peniel Foundation but also created new opportunities for my organization. Thanks to their support, I was selected to attend the World Youth Forum in Egypt, became an African Change maker fellow and now winner of the 2019/2020 Social Innovators Pitch Competition.

I was pushed beyond my comfort zone and for this, I can boldly say I am a better leader.

Contact Details

@penielfoundation (Instagram)

The LLA Grassroot Series is a monthly interview series that highlights the achievements and journey of African female who has demonstrated exemplary initiative at the grassroots level.

The vision is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through impact at the community level.

It is an off shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things at the grassroots level, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

Photo Credit: Chidi Koldsweat

Chidi Koldsweat is the Founder, Acting CEO, Donors for Africa, where she works to break cycles of poverty by strengthening the capacity of African social innovators, non-profits, impact led businesses and social enterprises to access funds, achieve their vision towards the SDG’s and build sustainable organizations. In this role, she has trained 315 non-profits, raised thousands of dollars in funds through grant writing and income generating activities, provided technical support to over 40 women led organizations and reached over 12 thousand people weekly via the organization’s learning platform. Chidi Koldsweat has over twelve years of experience in the development space, working across sectors such as health, gender (women and girls in leadership, business, and politics), organizational management and sustainability strategy.

In 2011, she was selected amongst Africa’s 25 most outstanding emerging women leader under the Moremi Initiative for Leadership (MILEAD). In 2013, she became a Vital Voices Lead Fellow and was also nominated amongst the 100 unseen women changing her world. In 2014, CEO Global gave Chidi an award as a Finalist, Africa’s most influential woman in management, business & public service (civil society category). In the same year, she was nominated by the Chinese Embassy to participate in the 3 weeks cultural exchange program under The Chinese Association for International Understanding. In 2019 she flew the Nigerian flag at the launch of the Arab-African Youth Platform, was selected to pitch her organizations work at the World Bank during the World Bank Youth Summit.

She continues to focus on creating long-term solutions that improves the lives of Africans through policy formulation and implementation, actively working with governments and leading organizations to implement change at the grassroots. 

Who is Chidi Koldsweat?

Chidi Koldsweat is an International Development Professional and the Founder of Donors for Africa Foundation with a passion to help African non-profits run profitable and more sustainable organizations. She achieves this by working with Governments, donor agencies, local and international NGOs, public and private organizations, and a growing team of experts to break cycles of poverty. We strengthen the capacity of these non-profits and innovative enterprises to access funds, achieve their vision towards the Sustainable Development Goals and most importantly build sustainable organizations.

Chidi has over twelve years’ experience in the non-profit sector, working across sectors such as health, gender (women and girls in leadership, business, and politics), organizational management and sustainability strategy, she is intentionally changing the narrative about non-profits and how they work towards achieving the SDGs. For a long time, there has been a narrative that non-profits are designed to consistently beg for funds to run their programs; however once we can understand the important role everyone plays including businesses and key stakeholders, we can accelerate the achievement of the goals and increase impact in local communities.

Background story to founding “Donors For Africa.

I have been in the non-profit sector for over 12 years and I have watched increasingly the rise and fall of non-profits. One minute you have a skilled technical partner doing well and the next minute they are no longer in existence due to funds, wrong internal processes and skillsets I knew I was very efficient at, fast forward a few years later, I worked with a pan-African organization and  I saw first-hand how a combination of the right processes can help an indigenous organization thrive.

After a combination of experiences, I decided that rather than launch another non-profit struggling for the same funds; I would work in a largely uncommon area which is building partnerships for the goals that are all-encompassing, allows me to utilize my skills and support other non-profits working in a specific area.

I strongly believe that there is so much more I could do for the sector. One increasing difficulty I witnessed was the huge difference between non-profits that were effectively run, the results they achieved vs smaller non-profits that struggled so I decided to bridge this gap by helping more non-profit achieve the results they need to achieve the SDG’s but most importantly build sustainable solutions that are centered on the peculiarity of the African market.

A lot of people believe that funds are core issues, yes it is but our internal research has shown that over $5billion is pumped into the system annually and what is lacking is not funding but well-developed ideas in the hands of competent leaders.

To ramp up achieving the SDG’s we strongly believe in increased investment in Africa. Thus our solution is to call for increased investment in the human capital especially for development professionals working at the grassroots. If these grassroots organizations are well assisted, many of them will survive and in return help other upcoming start-ups to be successful.

Measured impact and achievements with Donors for Africa

Oh, we have done quite a bit.

To commemorate International Women’s Day, we launched the premier award announcement announcing and celebrating 50 African women in development. These are women we refuse to refer to as unseen, but rather the invisible thread that holds the tapestry of development together.

Last year, we also launched our Social Innovators Boot Camp where 30 innovators were selected from over 232 applications received. They are currently going through a 12 weeks immersive training where they will receive support and from different professionals. After this training, they will pitch their projects before sponsors and the shortlisted candidates will receive funds to implement their programs.

We have also trained over 400 non-profits, provided direct technical support to over 40 women-led development organizations, raised thousands of dollars in funds and continue to reach over 12,000 people weekly on our learning platform where we share information on global development trends as well as the knowledge that can catalyse the impact of their work.

Within the time we have launched, we have helped non-profit leaders go from confusion to clarity and then impact. We have helped them generate funds for their organizations and most importantly teach them how to. We are designing solutions that allow African non-profit leaders to build sustainable organizations for the long term. Ones that do not rely totally on external funding to do all their work. If we empower non-profit leaders and organizations, then they can be around for more years and in turn, their solutions are more lasting and impactful in the communities.

Motivation and Inspiration behind Donors for Africa

Our motivation and inspiration behind Donors for Africa are to provide a long-lasting solution to global challenges on the African continent by strengthening the capacity of mission-driven African Social Innovators to access funds, achieve ground-breaking results and build sustainable organizations.

We are building empowered institutions with the right internal structures and processes armed with a clear road map for action.

We are raising transformational non-profit leaders who are skilled and competent. These leaders access training through a blend of virtual and onsite training and funding opportunities.

Our motivation is to raise organizations that generate own funds as well as access available opportunities

We advocate for increased partnerships with donors to not only amend the stringent rules that come with funding but also increase their trust working with development organizations. We support their work internally by helping them implement indigenous programs and campaigns.

We are also motivated by research, fundraising and all forms of impact investment.

These areas are extremely important because there is a gap that we believe we must bridge if we truly intend to achieve the 2030 agenda. Our solutions are designed for Africans with intent to impact indigenous communities and we are passionate about helping to find long term solutions to ensure equal opportunity for individuals on the African continent.

 Challenges and Lessons learned

You have to believe hard enough in our dreams to keep going. It is important that you constantly evaluate your processes, what works, what doesn’t? What do my beneficiaries need and what don’t they need? More so when you are working in an unpopular sector and solutions not as common; you must invest in seeking information either from local or international coaches. If you will not invest in your dreams, why should anyone invest in you or your organization?

You must fight FEAR! Fear hinders you from achieving all that you ought to achieve, think of the millions of people who will never gain clarity or achieve purpose simply because you were/ are afraid to pursue the dream In your heart.

Then you must see money as a tool. A very important tool that you can send on errands. It is not an end because you can never have enough of it but you can multiply it by being willing to re-invest it in areas that can increase your brand visibility, marketing, learning and whatever needs to be done.

There is always the challenge of having a team when you start. In addition to working long hours, we worked with volunteers in our first year who provided their expertise and technical support which helped us achieve a key milestone.

Then you have to be authentic. To own your truth, to find your voice and use it. You must understand your unique journey, and pace your self. It would be wrong for you to compare someone else’s chapter 7 with your chapter 1. Learn from others as much as you can but realize that ultimately there is a path that you have to go through and lessons you must learn along the way that is uniquely yours. Always remember that success requires a high level of discipline, consistency, boldness, and focus.

Memorable moments and highlights in the course of your work?

We have had quite a few highlights, but you always remember your first.  The launch of our first Social Innovators Bootcamp was truly remarkable as we had spent so much time working in the background and finally held a physical event that brought together over 200 people. We spent time discussing the challenges in the sector as well as mapping out actionable solutions.

From the selection process to the final launch; it was truly a highlight for us.

Also, our biggest surprise was achieving a 3-year plan in 1. From 2018, training over 400 non-profits and see their faces when they achieve clarity, get a sense of direction, get that grant or close that partnership. This means everything to us.

Your work spans across different sectors, health, women in leadership, public service, etc. what is most fulfilling about the impact you make?

The fact that we get to create new solutions for diverse problems either in the government or public/private sector. From mentoring programs to interventions, designing media campaigns and much more. To me that’s impact! That we get to design solutions, strategies that shape policies and the impact it has on the lives of people from indigenous communities.

At DFA, I am fulfilled when I see people who we have supported achieve new things, get new loans and grants, access global opportunities, build in the required structures and generally become more excited about their projects. This is extremely fulfilling on all levels. It has become the fuel that keeps you going.

With how far you’ve come, and your success, what achievements do you hope for in the next 5 years?

Quite a lot, we plan to open offices in other parts of the world especially Africa. Run training schools that are certified, become key technical influencers working closely with funders, donors, governments and becoming leading technical experts that influence government when they make decisions around the SDG or any key development issues. So many other things we cannot share at this time.

Can you share briefly, some women you consider mentors?

There are quite a number of them that I look up to for different reasons:

Halimatou Hima, Hajara Pitan, My mum, Saran Kaba Jones, Ini Abimbola, Osayi Alile, Ndidi Nwuneli, Detoun Ogwo, Ibukun Awosika and many other African women on the continent.

These are women that have owned their journey in their respective careers.

Do you have a life philosophy, personal mantra perhaps that keeps you steady when the going gets tough?

Treat every opportunity as the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t sit around and wait for things to happen to you, go out and create them. Embrace your lessons.

Find the courage to be more, to do more so you can have more and become more

This too shall pass.

When faced with a tough situation that’s beyond my capability, I simply pray about it and hold on to my favourite scripture verse Philippians 4:6.

The Leading Ladies Africa weekly interview series focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.

Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to lead@leadingladiesafrica.org and we just might feature her.

Photo Credit: Tolulope Tunde- Ajiboye

Tolulope Tunde – Ajiboye is a dynamic speaker and Founder of Blooming Amazons  Ministry (BLAM), a for-purpose ministry that is focused on supporting women to  discover and live in the reality of being ALL that God has called them to be. With the Platform BLAM, she organizes conferences and seminars for young women particularly between the ages of 22 and 40 for knowledge impartation and spiritual nourishment with the aim of challenging them to live up to their full potential and contribute their quota to transforming the societies and the world at large. 

In June 2018, Tolulope Tunde-Ajiboye was named Next Generation Female Leader by African women in leadership organization amongst several awards, recognition, and feature on National dailies. Her recently published book “Undaunted” has been christened the testament of God’s love and His redemptive ability to wield our pains, mistakes, betrayals and build a masterpiece out of it. Her life’s goal is to stir up an awakening in women, both young and old to live at their best. 

Tell us about, Tolulope Tunde – Ajiboye?

First of all, I’m a Jesus Girl. Wife, Mother, Banker, Entrepreneur (Events Planner). I’m also the founder of Blooming Amazons BLAM.

Can you share with us what Blooming Amazons Ministry (BLAM) is all about? 

Blooming Amazons is a Faith based Non- Profit that encourages young women to live their best lives inspite of their past, present or the odds that might be against them. We achieve this by organizing conferences and seminars, where we have inspiring women who have walked the path share their own journey to becoming the “success” they are today. It’s also a platform for purposeful networking, support and community engagement.

Photo Credit: Tolulope Tunde- Ajiboye

Motivation and Inspiration behind founding BLAM?

I would like to say BLAM is a call, without sounding spooky, I believe It’s an assignment God has given me. There’s a need for the right kind of mentorship in my Generation and I have been raised to be bridge that gap at a time such as this.

Measured impact and achievements since BLAM was founded?

We have been able to touch thousands of lives through our conferences both online and offline, many of whom are walking in purpose now, we also have a community where they can fall back to for encourage and mentorship.

Photo Credit: Tolulope Tunde- Ajiboye

Challenges and Lessons learnt

One major Challenge was Fear. How was it going to be, what if I don’t get the desired response, so many “what ifs” , but I have learnt that courage is not the absent fear, it’s taking necessary actions inspite of what we feel. The courageous might not live forever but the fearful don’t live at all. We all need some degree of courage to live a purposeful life.

There are also the naysayers and those who literally want to just tear you down, but this is where focus comes in. I see naysayers as distractions and we need not pay too much attention to them. We should be so consumed in living a full life that we don’t have the luxury of time to whine over them.

I look back today and wonder what would have happened if I didn’t step out in obedience walking on water; that’s the thing, you never know what is on the other side of your obedience and the so many other lives tied to it until you obey.

Memorable moments and highlight in the course of your journey with BLAM?

The most memorable moments and highlights of this journey would have to be the very first conference. I was obviously trembling, like if you came close to me, you would have seen me shaking, but I still forged ahead. We had it at Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre, one of the most sort after event centres here in Abuja, Hall was full to capacity and running over, the support, the good-will was overwhelming and most importantly the feedbacks. I was so thankful I didn’t let fear stop me.

Another highlight was hosting Mrs Ibukun Awosika, I mean, she’s one woman I admire so much and when I had the nudge to ask her to speak at our conference, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Especially because I had quite a number of older platforms say they had tried to get her speak on their platform but her schedule hasn’t been able to accommodate it, then we lived in different cities, but then again, I reached out anyway.

You can imagine the joy when I got a call from her office to say she had received my letter and would be glad to be a part of the work we are doing.

Photo Credit: Tolulope Tunde- Ajiboye

What is most fulfilling about the impact you make and your thoughts about fears and giving up?

For me fulfillment is seeing that other women are able to launch out because I gave them the courage to. We must never ever, I will say that again in CAPS, WE MUST NEVER EVER GIVE UP. Nothing worthwhile comes easy, ask anyone who is doing anything significant in any sector at all, they will tell you they had several reasons to give up, but chose not to.

Our lives are truly not ours, but a gift from God and what we do with it is our gift back to Him.

With how far you’ve come, and your success, what achievements do you hope for in the next 5 years?

Hmmmm, as unconventional as this might sound, I honest don’t have a five-year plan. My life is totally surrendered to the one who owns it and I will have do what He will have me do with it. Off course, I can trust that His plans for me are of good and not evil to  bring me to an expected end.

Photo Credit: Tolulope Tunde- Ajiboye

Can you share briefly, some women you consider mentors?

I love Michelle Obama, Ibukun Awosika, Tara Durotoye to mention a few. I’m purposeful about living a life of balance, and these women represent that for me.

Do you have a life philosophy, personal mantra perhaps that keeps you steady when the going gets tough?

Yes I have 2; one my husband schooled me on, which is never toll the path of least resistance. This is to say don’t back off at the face of opposition.

The other is: Undaunted which happens to be the title of my book. Living the life you were created to live in spite of the challenges and set-backs against you.

Photo Credit: Tolulope Tunde- Ajiboye

Your thoughts on the importance of community impact?

No community can really thrive depending only of government. It’s easy to criticize, but we all have to contribute our quota to making our community what we want it to be. We can’t keep passing the ball. We have to take ownership. A light bulb in gross darkness can’t do much but when we all bring our light bulbs together, there is no darkness we can’t overcome. We are not called to shine differently but collectively.

The LLA Grassroot Series is a monthly interview series that highlights the achievements and journey of African female who has demonstrated exemplary initiative at the grassroots level.

The vision is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through impact at the community level.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things at the grassroots level, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

Blessing Akpan is a 22-year old Google certified educator, and social entrepreneur acting and advocating for quality education, for every child.  

Passionate about Programming and coding, Blessing acts as a Scratch educator and Technovation student mentor, introducing and coaching children and teenagers to leverage technology to solve real world problems. 

As a youth advocate for Quality Education, Blessing is renowned for championing online and offline campaigns around themes of educational development such as Inclusive Education and literacy to positively Impact our community and wider world. Through her initiative, The Innovative Child Network, Blessing ensures that quality learning is accessible to every child by offering skill-based learning opportunities to tackle the global learning crisis and the learning poverty.  

She envisions a system where quality education is accessible to every citizen and becomes the ship on which sustainable development is built. Hence, her #1Child1Book campaign in 2019 which has further strengthened her capacity as well as improved literacy ability of over 200 children in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and counting.  

Also passionate about Gender equality and female leadership, She Leads Women Will Uyo, a global Google Brand & Reputation initiative focused on creating economic opportunity for women everywhere, so that they can grow and succeed. Helping women make the most technology to build skills, get inspired and connect with each other through training and thought leadership. 

Blessing is a fellow of the Policy Alert’s Emerging Voices Program, Harmattan Cohort 2018, 2019 Learners’ Voice of World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), African Young Leader (class of 2020) of Teennation and also Scholar at Youth-In-Education Mentoring academy as well as a Telemachus Youth (2020 cohort) of the Global Thinkers Forum. Blessing is passionate about providing solutions to issues in her community through education, leadership and capacity building. The Impact & Community series thrives at spotlighting trailblazers like Blessing Akpan, scroll down to read our chat with her.

A brief introduction about yourself?

My name is Blessing Akpan, a Google Certified Educator and Social entrepreneur acting and advocating for Quality Education, for every child.

I’m a 200level student studying English Education at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Passionate about programming and coding, I enlighten and immerse kids in technology with the Scratch programming platform and Resource tools. I also serve as a student Mentor for Technovation. In this role, I train and support young girls from secondary schools to solve real-world problems in local and global communities using technology.

Consequently, I am the founder of The Innovative Child Network, a platform that provides a skill-based learning opportunity to the next generation of innovative thinkers and creators, providing training, accessibility to mentors and visibility to boost and accelerate their growth.

To add to that, being passionate about gender equality and female leadership, I lead Women Will Uyo, a Google initiative focused on creating economic opportunity for women everywhere, so that they can grow and succeed. Helping women make the most technology to build skills, get inspired and connect with each other through training and thought leadership.

I am a fellow of Emerging Voices of program, Policy Alert, Learners’ Voice of World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), and African Young Leader of Teennation. Also Scholar, Youth-In-Education Mentoring academy as well as a Telemachus Youth of the Global Thinkers Forum.

I am passionate about providing solutions to issues in her community through education, leadership and capacity building.

You’re an advocate for Quality Education for Sustainable Development, Why did you choose this path?  

As a young person born and raised in a typical low-income background in Nigeria with limited learning opportunities, I came to face a lot of educational challenges that have overtime contributed immensely in shaping my academic interests and professional/Community engagements over the last few years.

Knowing well the significance of quality education, especially for disadvantaged children from low-income families and communities, I decided to challenge the status quo. I navigated through my primary and secondary education with the support of my family and teachers who saw potential in me. Putting together these experiences, I realized that there is little or nothing a child who is not adequately educated could do for the community. Not every child would have the support I had. And realizing the power young people have in tackling local and global challenges, I knew my voice was needed and since it’s a cause close to my heart, I had to take it up for every child.

 Measured impact and achievements?

Volunteerism Is what I love, and so this was where I begun working with some notable organizations; such as, Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organization (WEWE) from 2017 to 2018, SMART Gang throughout 2019 and Selfless for Africa from 2018 till date. As a volunteer with WEWE, I learnt so much about child protection and safeguarding and that was where my foundation was laid.

In the past 3 years of my involvement in community service, I have contributed in giving a better life to 2,000 children in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. In 2019, I began the 1Child 1Book campaign which has seen to the provision of educational materials to 250 children from community schools and enrolling 2 kids in school. I also partnered with Save Our Child’s Tomorrow Foundation to organize and donate over 250 books to primary school children in Ebonyi state.

I have also embarked on scratch programming for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years and for 2 years now, I have trained 500 children. In 2019, I founded The Innovative Child network which was birthed with the passion of seeing to it that children gain the necessary skill-based learning they need. For six (6) months now, we have carried out inclusive and quality straining for children in community schools and for our first batch of training, we graduated 54 children who learned different skills which included; photography, Scratch Programming, Sign language, and Public Speaking.

Being recognized as one of the youth-in-education actors in Nigeria, I was selected as a Learners’ Voice a Program of WISE, to attend the 2019 World Innovation Summit for Education which took place in Doha, Qatar.  

Motivation and Inspiration  

My inspiration comes from children I see everywhere, especially in Nigeria doing amazing things. Every day I see and read news about children who are harnessing their potentials, who are receiving encouragement and great coach from their parents to be the best. I am inspired to believe that every child can just want they want to be with the right training and coach. Talk about the 10 years old Tech genius, Joshua Agboola, the 7 years old Ariyike who is the youngest Professional Photographer in Africa, Munachi, who is the 12 years old author, the list is endless. As a matter of fact, The motivation and inspiration derived from the everyday life of a typical African child, Inspired my first published children’s Literature; Tale By The Lagoon, published in May 2019.

Additionally, everyday I find myself strong and breathing, I am reminded that there is so much I still need to do. And every time I get thumbs up from people especially those I consider mentors, it fuels up my passion and creates a headway.

Challenges and Lessons learned

The lessons I have learned over the course of my 3 years in community service and educational development is never to underestimate myself. Over the years, I had prevented myself from doing a lot of things, taking important decisions because I felt I would not get it right. But I came to realize I was wrong. I have learnt to trust my intuition, take responsibility for my actions and be bold enough to do it afraid.

Although I sometimes face challenges like lack of resources, overwhelming moments, juxtaposing my work with studies, etc, but I have to learn to leverage productively on my network and delegate where need be.

Memorable moments and highlights in the course of your work?

Every moment in the course of my work has been a memorable one for me. Seeing the kids excitedly running to welcome myself and my team each day we go for a training, seeing the excitement in the face of a disabled kid who knows that he is not left behind in learning just because he has disabilities but rather included and given the right training to be able to learn with others. All of these give me joy and the happy faces stick in my memory for a very long time.

This brings me to the assurance that making education inclusive, equitable and quality is possible if only all of us take just a step. Being able to give hope to someone is everything and each time I look at the faces of our children and I see the smiles and joy, I see this hope radiate and it is incomparable.

What is most fulfilling about the impact you make?

Each moment I wake up to realize every activity I take part in contributes to reducing the 617 million number of children who lack proficiency worldwide, I feel encouraged. And to know that every child who has been sensitized and empowered is an addition to a brighter future of the country and nation at large is a joy to me.

Another one, I’ve got lots of messages from people I don’t know to tell me how my work has inspired them to take action in their communities. This is more than fulfilling for me.

With how far you’ve come, and your success, what achievements do you hope for in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I would through The Innovative Child Network raise 5,000 children to be well proficient in reading and mathematics as well as equipped with the skills to contribute to sustainable development.

Can you share briefly, some women you consider mentors?

In the course of my journey, I have had a lot of women who have been a great inspiration to me. In no particular order, I would like to share a little about Ms. Mmanti Umoh. Ms. Mmanti is the Executive Director of Teennation and Lead Consultant, The PurplePatch Consult. She is one woman that has refused to allow her physical disabilities to stop her from who she wishes to be and what she wants to achieve. She leverages her network to bring social change to the community.

Ms. Amanda Obidike. She is my mentor at the Global Thinkers Forum, Founder of STEMi Makers Africa and an amazing woman in tech. I have learned so much about resilience from her. And being under her mentorship gives me strength and her belief in me alone is a motivation everyday.

I also want to share about Ms. Grace Ihejiamaizu, Founder of Ikapture Network and opportunity Desk. I met her in 2018 during my fellowship program with Policy Alert where she gifted her book – Going Global with Opportunities. Every opportunity to listen to her talk is a blessing to me. Her life and words propel me everyday to greatness.

And finally Ms. Pukhraj Ranjan. She is an educator and innovator from India but lives in Finland. She works with HundrED organization to share great stories of initiatives promoting k-12 education. She inspires me in a lot of ways when it comes to bringing innovation in the EduTech industry.

Do you have a life philosophy, personal mantra perhaps that keeps you steady when the going gets tough?

Whenever I feel overwhelmed or perhaps run into difficulties capable of making me turn back, I hold firm to the word in Philippians 4: 13, ‘’I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’’.

The LLA Grassroot Series is a monthly interview series that highlights the achievements and journey of African female who has demonstrated exemplary initiative at the grassroots level.

The vision is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through impact at the community level.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things at the grassroots level, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.