She-EO 29.0

February 13, 2026 Executive Assistant

RISE by She-EO Atlanta

This is not a conference. It’s a room. A room where women gather not to perform, pitch, or posture — but to think, reflect, and rise together. RISE by She-EO Atlanta is an intimate salon experience designed for women who are building, leading, healing, and becoming — often all at once. The conversations are honest. The atmosphere is calm. The connections are intentional. If you’re craving depth over noise, clarity over chaos, and community over crowd size, this space was created with you in mind.

What makes RISE different

A curated room — attendance is intentionally limited
Conversations, not panels
Presence, not pressure
Ideas you carry with you long after the day ends

This is where money, voice, partnership, story, and becoming are explored without rushing, simplifying, or sensationalizing.

What you’ll experience

A grounded opening that sets the tone for the day
A thoughtful conversation on reclaiming financial value and agency
An intimate book-salon conversation with an author on writing, life, and becoming
A candid dialogue on partnership, support, and power
Guided reflection on the stories that shape us
A closing invitation to reclaim your voice — fully and unapologetically

All held in a space designed for connection, beauty, and ease.

Who this is for

RISE Atlanta is for women who:

Are building something meaningful — a career, a business, a life, a community
Want conversations that go beyond inspiration into truth
Value intimacy, intention, and thoughtful community
Are ready to be in the room, not on the sidelines

Why attendance is limited

RISE is designed for depth, not scale.

Every voice matters. Every seat is intentional.

That’s why this salon is capped.

If you’re meant to be in the room, you’ll feel it.

An invitation

Come as you are. Leave clearer, steadier, and more connected to yourself and others.

RISE by She-EO Atlanta - An intimate salon for women ready to rise — together.

Reserve Your Spot!!

Tickets:

1. RISE All Access Pass - Early Bird: $200 (from February 14 - March 20) 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Full-day curated experience including:

Intimate Sisters’ Salon Experience
21-day Access to session recording
Curated Brunch Gathering
Guided Table Circles
Hot Seat Guest Conversations
Premium Seating during Interview Segments
Reflection & Integration Moments
Special Photo Opportunities
$0 Access to tour the National Civil and Human Rights Museum

2. RISE Core Experience Pass - $75 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

An impactful and unforgettable experience, including:

Hot Seat Guest Conversations
Reflection & Integration Moments
Photo Opportunities
$0 Access to tour the National Civil and Human Rights Museum

3. She-EO Members: $175 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Full-day curated experience including:

Intimate Sisters’ Salon Experience
21-day Access to session recording
Curated Brunch Gathering
Guided Table Circles
Hot Seat Guest Conversations
Premium Seating during Interview Segments
Reflection & Integration Moments
Special Photo Opportunities
$0 Access to tour the National Civil and Human Rights Museum

4. Parking: $20 (In the same complex as the Musuem) - Paid at the Venue

Agenda

HOSTS

**Tope Fajingbesi FCA CPA**
Tope Fajingbesi is a social impact entrepreneur, a published author, and an educator. She is the founder and president of The She-EO – a global platform for women of African descent to have important conversations that matter. In addition to being the founder and coordinating trustee of United for Kids Foundation, Tope created and hosted the Impact Africa radio show, which inspired Africans and Africans in the diaspora to participate consciously and actively in African development from 2013 to 2015. Impact Africa earned Tope an invitation to a meeting with Senior White House officials during the planning stage of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2014.
Tope frequently speaks to global audiences with a mission to inspire. She delivered a powerful address at Hillary Clinton’s final presidential campaign rally in Michigan in November 2016, the keynote speech at Grand Rapids City High School’s commencement ceremony in June 2017, and one of the two keynote speeches at the Future Harvest Conference in January 2021. Prior to becoming a full-time social impact entrepreneur, Tope worked for 2 of the “Big Accounting” Firms, a Fortune 100 energy company, and notable nonprofit organizations in Washington D.C. She also taught agricultural business courses at the University of Maryland, College Park until May 2022. She is an alumnus of the University of Lagos in Nigeria, Emory University, Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria, and the University of Oxford. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and a United States of America Certified Public Accountant.
Tope is dedicated to serving her community. She served as the Treasurer of Future Harvest from 2020 to 2022, as the interim chairperson of the Women’s National Democratic Club’s Foreign Policy and National Security Task Force in 2021, and as a member of the Montgomery County Maryland County Executive’s Economic Recovery Advisory Group in 2020.
Tope is married to Niyi Balogun, who she co-owns Dodo Farms, a Certified Naturally Grown produce farm in Montgomery County (Maryland) with.

**Joy Okoronkwo**
Joy is a graduate of the University of Lagos. Prior to joining The She-EO, she added value to leading organizations such as Lakeshore Cancer Center, Makariah Scrubs, and Dennis Ashley Medical Clinic. Her work is rooted in service, structure, and a deep commitment to creating positive impact through effective support systems.

ANCHOR

**Dr. Bilikis Oladimeji**
Dr. Bilikis Oladimeji is an internationally trained physician informaticist who bridges healthcare transformation with clinical insight and cutting-edge technology. She has led innovation in clinical research, decision-making, digital health, and AI adoption/governance. She is a Women’s Health Advocate and passionate about future healthcare professionals.
With experience spanning clinical medicine, genomics, pharma, and health technology - past employers include Optum/UHG, GlaxoSmithKline, Duke Health, a Personalized Medicine Startup, and a few healthcare facilities in Nigeria, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital. She has spoken on multiple stages about Women’s Health, including at ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Women’s Health Innovation Summit, and at MIT Hacking Medicine. She also speaks on various topics in healthcare technology, Artificial Intelligence, and professional careers in healthcare.
She obtained her Medical and Informatics degree from the University of Lagos and Duke University, respectively, and obtained executive education in strategy and digital transformation from Harvard and Stanford University. She is also a writer and poet.

**Aminah Gbajabiamila**
Aminah 'Ginger' Gbajabiamila is a passionate Possibilities Purveyor; who believes in transforming lives with mindset shifts - via impactful experiential interactions, envisioning, affirmations, and wholesome self love. A practicing Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Mentor at Ginger Soul Lifestyle Co; she is committed to SDGs 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals).
Aminah believes her work and play spaces value 'People, Words, and Hospitality'. She is an avid Brand Builder with 2 decades + lifespan in global Corporate Brand Management and Marketing Communications; a consummate foodie, restauranteur, and vibrant lifestyle connoisseur. Aminah is most proud of being a nurturing Mother to her Terrific Trio.

HOTSEAT GUESTS

**Bisi Sobajo**
Bisi Sobajo is a real estate agent and writer whose work is defined by integrity, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to helping people build lives of clarity and intention. She brings a rare blend of strategic insight and human understanding to every space she enters, whether she’s guiding clients through one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives or crafting narratives that illuminate truth and transformation.
In real estate, Bisi approaches each client relationship as a partnership rooted in trust. She listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and navigates every transaction with precision and care. Known for her calm authority and meticulous attention to detail, she ensures her clients feel informed, supported, and empowered from the first conversation to the closing table. Her philosophy is simple: a home is both sanctuary and strategy - a place where story and legacy meet.
As a writer, Bisi explores themes of identity, resilience, and emotional truth. Her work blends memoir, cultural reflection, and transformational storytelling, offering readers language for experiences they’ve lived but never named. She writes with intention, rhythm, and a commitment to clarity, crafting narratives that resonate long after the final sentence.
Across both fields, Bisi’s mission is consistent: to help people step into spaces - literal and emotional - that honor who they are and who they’re becoming.

**Amy Oguntala, CFP®**
Amy Oguntala, CFP® has spent 25 years in financial services, with deep expertise inside wealth management firms during the moments that determine whether they scale or stall: private equity acquisitions, post-merger integration, leadership succession, and rapid growth. She has led a $1.6 billion wealth management platform through acquisition, integration, and successful exit, and held senior leadership roles at SunTrust Bank and Accenture.
She carries a rare fluency across every level of an organization, as effective in the boardroom as on the operations floor, with an ability to make sure what gets decided on Monday actually shows up Tuesday morning. Amy holds an MBA and splits her time between the mountains of North Carolina and Atlanta.

**Olamide Bello**
Olamide Bello is a finance professional with expertise in capital markets. Her industry experience spans more than 20 years, having previously worked at Macquarie, Voya and Accenture. Beyond her professional work, Olamide is passionate about giving back to her community through volunteer eAorts focused on education, children, women, and economic development. She currently serves as Treasurer on the board of Nana Grants.
Olamide plays tennis (quite badly) and hopes to one day revive her dying badminton and volleyball skills. She lives in Georgia with her family. She received a bachelor’s in physics from University of Ibadan and an MBA from Emory University. She is also a CFA charterholder.

**Ifedayo Agoro**
Ifedayo Agoro is the Founder of Dang! Lifestyle, the leading skincare brand in West Africa, known for redefining beauty and wellness standards across the region. With a background in storytelling and community engagement, she has built a brand that goes beyond products, creating safe spaces for women to connect, learn, and thrive. After relocating to the United States to expand her global business, Ifedayo continues to champion women’s empowerment through intentional wellness and authentic community-building.
Her content and public voice weave together the multidimensions of her life, as a founder, a wife, a cultural curator, and a thought leader, sparking conversations on self-care, identity, and the evolving role of women in business and society.

She-EO 28.0

January 15, 2026 Executive Assistant

RISE by She-EO’s Virtual Experience is about inspiring, enabling, and empowering women to rise—wherever they are. Join us (January 29-31) for a transformative virtual experience as women come together to share real stories, exchange powerful ideas, and build meaningful connections across borders. This is your space. This is your moment. This is sisterhood in motion—online and intentional.

HOST

SPEAKERS

**Tola Akinsulire**
Tola Akinsulire is a global real estate executive and commercial strategist with over two decades of leadership experience across Africa and Europe. He is Group Chief Commercial Officer at Mixta Africa, where he leads commercialization, market expansion, and revenue growth across major developments.
His work spans development, investment analysis, and housing finance, including engagements with international Development Finance Institutions. He has led delivery and commercialization for flagship projects such as Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate, and served on the implementation team for Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a PPP mortgage intervention fund that has raised ₦250bn to support affordable mortgages for Nigerians.

**Toyin Kekere-Ekun**
Ms Kekere-Ekun currently oversees the Business Development and Operations of the Lotus Group; and has 24 years’ experience that transverses Financial Strategy, Business Development, Islamic Finance, and Business Process Management. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Lotus Bank Limited.
Ms Kekere-Ekun previously worked at Guaranty Trust Bank’s Corporate Banking Group, where she conducted credit structuring, loan syndication and relationship management for large local Corporates and Multinationals. She also worked in the bank’s Treasury where she headed the ALM Department managing the Balance Sheet Structure and Liquidity to ensure adherence to all CBN treasury regulatory requirements. She also worked at Stanbic IBTC Bank as the Segment Manager for Islamic Banking, where she was responsible for developing strategies to promote business growth, customer acquisition, retention and profitability.
Ms Kekere-Ekun is a Chartered Accountant and holds a BSc in Accounting from the University of Lagos. She also earned an MSc in Finance and Management from Cranfield School of Management in the UK and is certified as a CIFA Sukuk Specialist by the CIFA Academy Board. She is an alumna of the Cambridge Islamic Finance Leadership Program and the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program.

**Dr. Muti'ah Badru**
Dr. Muti'ah Badru, MRCOG is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist with expert interest in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). After over 18 years in clinical medicine, witnessing how a lot of the problems she came across could have been avoided and mitigated with the proper education and support, she started SRHEd. SRHEd is a social enterprise that provides evidence based, culturally sensitive SRH information and support to young people and women from religiously conservative (particularly Muslim) backgrounds.

**Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli**
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is the President/CEO of the ONE Campaign. She has over 25 years of international development experience and has been deeply involved in fostering impactful solutions in the global social innovation landscape, with a focus on Africa. Ndidi started her career at McKinsey & Company’s Chicago office and returned to Nigeria in 2000 to serve as the pioneer Executive Director of the FATE Foundation. She is the founder of LEAP Africa, a non-profit committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders and African Food Changemakers, which provides support for African entrepreneurs to start and scale resilient and sustainable agribusinesses. She is also the co-founder of Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd. and AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd.
Ndidi serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Foundation, Stanbic IBTC Group, the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, and the Bridgespan Group.
Ndidi holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She was a Senior Fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business & Government at the Harvard Kennedy School, a visiting Scholar at Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University, an Aspen Institute New Voices Fellow, and an Eisenhower Fellow.
Ndidi is a TED speaker, and has been recognized internationally for her contributions, including as a Schwab Fellow and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and receiving a National Honor by the Nigerian Government and the Harvard Business School Distinguished Alumni Award. She is also a published author on topics related to entrepreneurship, social innovation, and resilient agriculture businesses in Africa, including “Social Innovation in Africa: A Practical Guide for Scaling Impact,” and “Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses,” and “Walking for God in the Marketplace.”

She-EO 27.0

November 11, 2025 Executive Assistant

RISE Lagos is about inspiring, enabling, and empowering women to rise, connect, and lead. Join us for a transformative day where women come together to share real stories, exchange powerful ideas, and build purposeful connections. This is your space. This is your moment. This is sisterhood in motion. Our event pictures.

HOSTS

ANCHORS

**Omodara Adediran**
Omodara Adediran is a results-driven marketing communications expert, helping brands craft strategies that engage their audiences. Passionate about growth and strategic partnerships, she has led initiatives that boost visibility and impact. By day, she serves as Global Team Lead for Marketing Communications and Partnerships at Husna Vacations, driving innovation and collaboration. By night, she leads Beyond Your Title, empowering professionals to find purpose and create community impact. At midnight, she hosts a podcast spotlighting individuals who drive transformative change beyond their job titles.
Previously, as Head of Communications at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), she helped reduce unemployment and supported 5,000+ entrepreneurs. She also recently developed Nigeria’s Wildlife and Forest Crime Sensitization Strategy as a UN consultant. Omodara holds a B.Sc. in Creative Arts (University of Lagos) and certifications in Ethical Storytelling, Design Thinking, and Communication Strategy. A social impact advocate, she has partnered with UNDP, Slum2School Africa, and others on youth empowerment projects.
A proud Nigerian and pan-African optimist, she dreams of becoming a 5-star Michelin home chef—God willing

**Shola Soyele**
Shola Soyele is a lawyer, journalist, and the Deputy News Editor and Judiciary Correspondent at Channels Television. A multiple award-winning journalist, she was named *TV Presenter of the Year* at the 2014 Exquisite Ladies of the Year (ELOY) Awards and has received several honours, including the *Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Award* and *Law Media Personality of the Year* at the ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards (2019, 2021, 2023).
In 2021, she received the *Gani Fawehinmi/HEDA & MacArthur Foundation Outstanding Impact and Integrity Award* and has also been recognized by the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies for her contributions to the legal profession.
A Fellow of the Report Women Leadership Programme of the Wole Soyinka Centre, Shola mentors female law students through her leadership and mentorship initiative at the University of Lagos.
She is a respected moderator at major legal events, known for hosting key Nigerian Bar Association presidential debates and for her program *Law Weekly*, which highlights issues of justice, gender equality, and human rights.

**Osai Ojigho**
Osai Ojigho is a renowned human rights lawyer and gender equality advocate with over 18 years of experience in international development and advocacy. She currently serves as the Director of Policy, Public Affairs, and Campaigns at Christian Aid, a global organisation working to end poverty.
She has led impactful initiatives on good governance, human rights, and women’s political inclusion, working with organisations such as Amnesty International, Oxfam, and the African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel. Osai played a pivotal role in landmark cases, including *Dorothy Njemanze v Nigeria* before the ECOWAS Court, and contributed to the recognition of forced marriage as an international crime before the ICC.
A member of several professional and feminist networks, she also serves on the boards of Alliances for Africa, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, and the National Union of Students (UK). She holds degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Wolverhampton and was honoured with the University of Wolverhampton Alumni Global Impact Award in 2023. Twitter/Instagram: @livingtruely | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/osai-ojigho

**Temitope Yomi-Adeyemi**
Temitope Yomi-Adeyemi is a seasoned finance professional with over 26 years professional experience spanning the energy, banking, and insurance sectors. An advocate for women’s empowerment and special needs, she brings integrity, precision, and empathy to everything she does.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Temitope is a proud mother of three young adults, a rededicated reader, a travel lover, and a home enthusiast who values balance, growth, and connection in all aspects of life.

**Toyin Bashir**
Toyin Bashir is a Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, a top- tier commercial law firm with offices in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. She heads the Firm’s corporate office in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Toyin Bashir is one of the pioneer members of the PEBEC Secretariat where she has provided pro bono services on the ease of doing business initiatives for about 6 years.
She has also acted for the last 9 months as the Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole. Toyin is the Founder of WeSupportHer, a non-governmental organisation advocating for menstrual rights of girls and women. We support Her also advocates for greater participation of women in governance and politics.

HOTSEAT GUESTS

**Dr. Tinuke Adeyi**
Dr. Tinuke Adeyi is a seasoned medical doctor and public health innovator with nearly two decades of experience in preventive healthcare and fertility management. She currently serves as the Chief Medical Director of the Dr. PhysiQ Gobal Health and Wellness, Lagos, where she leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing holistic wellbeing through preventive medicine, lifestyle optimization, and compassionate patient care. At the intersection of health, technology, and social inclusion, Dr. Adeyi has distinguished herself as a thought leader and entrepreneur. As Co-Founder of Black Swan Tech Ltd, she has helped pioneer digital health solutions that reimagine how technology can serve communities across Africa.
Her work on WeMUNIZE, an AI-powered immunization platform in Nigeria, exemplifies her belief that effective healthcare innovation must honor local culture. Through creative strategies—such as robocalls voiced by trusted religious leaders and personalized immunization photo records—her team achieved record-breaking vaccine coverage and improved birth registrations, earning global recognition, including a USAID Digital Development Award. In addition to her work in digital health, Dr. Adeyi co-founded Bloom Health Consultancy Ltd, a public health firm that leverages data and epidemiological insights to inform national health strategies and improve population outcomes.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusion, Dr. Adeyi’s journey reflects both personal resilience and professional excellence. Through her work in fertility care, she has walked closely with women navigating some of life’s most intimate challenges—turning her practice into a space of empathy, healing, and renewed possibility. Dr. Adeyi is also deeply engaged with Africa’s literary and cultural landscape, having served as an editor at Wawa Book Review, where she helped build Nigeria’s largest online repository of African book reviews. A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University with an M.B. ChB in Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Adeyi embodies the spirit of the modern African woman—bold, innovative, and deeply committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable world for all

**Alhaja Fatima Mahmud-Oyekan**
A seasoned educationist and humanitarian, Alhaja Fatima Mahmud-Oyekan holds a B.A. (Ed) from Ahmadu Bello University (1977) and has attended numerous professional courses locally and internationally. With over 35 years of service as a school principal, she is a foundation member of the Muslim Ladies Circle, proprietors of Crescent Schools, Victoria Island, and a founding member of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).
She currently serves as Coordinator of FOMWAN Lagos State Schools, a Board of Governors member at Crescent Schools, and a Trustee of FOMWAN. Alhaja Fatima previously served as Commissioner representing the South West Zone at the National Hajj Commission and as a member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
Passionate about humanitarian work, especially in advancing the welfare of women and children, she also finds joy in gardening — a pastime through which she admires the beauty of Allah’s creation. Married for 52 years, she is blessed with ten children.

**Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatosin Abimbola Dokpesi**
With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, media management, and digital transformation, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatosin Dokpesi is a celebrated media executive and former Managing Director of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Africa’s largest privately-owned TV network—a role she held until her retirement in October 2024.
She began her career at DAAR Communications PLC in 1996, working with RayPower FM before joining AIT as one of its pioneer staff and presenter of the iconic *Kakaki* programme. Her leadership and innovation earned her appointment as AIT’s Managing Director in 2008. Dr. Dokpesi holds a B.Sc. in Zoology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, as well as a Diploma in TV Broadcasting from the USTTI, USA. She has received numerous awards, including an Honorary Doctorate in Public Communications from Wisconsin University, USA, and recognition among Nigeria’s 100 Leading Women and 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism.
She is the founder of **TAD Foundation**, an NGO dedicated to empowering women, children, and youth through education and advocacy. A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), she also serves on several boards promoting social impact.
A passionate Christian, she enjoys singing, cooking, and using her platform to inspire change and advance humanity.

**Kafilat Araoye**
Kafilat Araoye, Managing Director/CEO of LOTUS Bank, is a distinguished banker with over 34 years of experience spanning Human Resources, Operations, Risk Management, and Strategy. She holds a B.A. in History from Obafemi Awolowo University and an M.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos, where she graduated top of her class.
A pioneer staff of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), she rose to the position of General Manager before leaving in 2015. She later led the establishment of LOTUS Bank Limited, a leading non-interest financial institution with over 50 branches nationwide. Under her leadership, LOTUS Bank has received multiple global and national awards, including the Best Financial Inclusion Initiative and Ethical Banking Leadership Award (2024).
Mrs. Araoye has served on several Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) committees and represented Nigeria at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB) and the Institute of Credit Administration, and a member of both the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (UK).
A woman of faith, service, and impact, she is married to Dr. Adekunle Araoye and blessed with children.

**Korede Demola-Adeniyi (KDA)**
Korede Demola-Adeniyi, widely known as KDA, is the Executive Director at The Alternative Bank, overseeing operations across Southern Nigeria. With over 30 years of banking experience, she has extensive expertise in treasury, retail banking, and strategic leadership.
Before joining The Alternative Bank in 2024, Korede spent two decades at Ecobank, where she held senior roles including Head of Treasury, Group ALM Head, and Group Head of Personal Banking. She also served as a Non-Executive Director at Old Mutual Insurance Limited, driving collaboration between banking and insurance sectors. A graduate of the University of Benin (B.Sc.) and the University of Lagos (M.Sc.), Korede is a member of the Chartered Institute of Directors (Nigeria) and has attended executive programs at Harvard, Yale, and Lagos Business School, among others.
Recognized for her strategic insight, people development, and commitment to excellence, KDA continues to shape the growth of non-interest banking in Nigeria. She is also a member of Ikoyi Club and GAIA Africa Club, and enjoys spending quality time with her family.

**Stella Duru**
Stella Duru is a distinguished Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, where she advises on complex, market-defining transactions across the oil and gas, infrastructure, and power sectors. With over 23 years of experience, she is recognized as a leading authority in energy, project development, and corporate commercial law. Born in Lagos but originally from Alike village in Ehime-Mbano, Imo State, Stella had her early education at St. Mary’s Private School and Queen’s College, Yaba. She earned her LL.B from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001. That same year, she began her career at Banwo & Ighodalo, where she rose through the ranks to become Partner in 2012.
Stella serves on several boards and is the current Board Chairman of Zedcrest Wealth, a leading investment and wealth management firm. She is also a member of the Energy Policy Commission Steering Committee of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), where she helps shape policy in the energy, oil and gas, and power sectors. Stella continues to earn international recognition: she is Top Ranked in Chambers Global 2025 for Projects & Energy, acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer and IFLR Woman Leader by IFLR1000, and recognized across multiple categories in the Lexology Index, including Energy, Natural Resources & Mining and Project Finance.
Beyond practice, Stella is a frequent speaker at local and international conferences, including sessions at Harvard Business School and Power Africa. She authors legal articles and is a key contributor to
continuing legal education for young lawyers. Stella is a member of the International Bar Association (Section on Energy and Natural Resources), and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators. She is also affiliated with the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (Aspen Institute) and WIMBIZ (Women in Management, Business & Public Service).
Renowned for her strategic thinking and commitment to mentoring, Stella’s career exemplifies excellence, leadership, and an enduring passion for impact

**Solabomi Oreagba**
Solabomi Oreagba is a seasoned business executive with over 20years progressive experience across different sectors including; Aviation, Gas, Power & Energy, Investment Banking, Insurance, etc., within Nigeria and UK where she worked in various capacities as; General Manager, Consultant/Business Advisor, Controller, Manager, Commercial Financial Planning & Analysis, Manager, Business Planning, Head of Project Management Office, Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Associate Investment Banking and Business Analyst, among other roles.
Solabomi is the current Chief Operation Officer at Casava - a microinsurance and technology company. Prior to this she was the General Manager, Fulfilment and Corporate Services for Viathan Engineering- the pioneer integrated energy services solutions company in Nigeria.
Over the years, she has consulted and acted as trusted advisor to different categories of clients and stakeholders with both local and international affiliations, assisting organizations to implement effective change and continuous improvement activities, fostering business continuity, managing deployment of resources and developing new business opportunities to drive sustainable business growth and market share across different regions and markets. She is a hands-on leader with a commendable history of building companies from ground up, leading start-ups, turnarounds and rapidly growing profitable and competitive companies.
As a thought leader, Solabomi has featured in leading daily newspapers in Nigeria including Business Day and Punch Newspaper sharing her success story as a leading female executive in a male-dominated industry and a thought leadership article on aviation. Solabomi holds an MSc in Corporate Risk Management from University of Salford Manchester, UK and a BSc in Insurance from University of Lagos, Nigeria.

**Mahmudat Yussuf**
Mahmudat Yussuf is the Managing Partner at Mondial Solicitors, a law firm with a global outlook and international best practices. She is a professional negotiator and a broad-based corporate finance lawyer with extensive experience in diverse areas, including corporate governance, commercial transactions, Islamic finance and trust, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory, as well as litigation.
Mahmudat was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007 and earned her Master of Laws degree from the University of Ibadan in 2010. She is a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC). Additionally, she serves on the panel of neutrals at the Oyo State Multidoor Courthouse, where she has mediated on complex commercial disputes. 
Her leadership credentials include being the Publicity Secretary of NBA Ibadan Branch (2020 – 2022) and the first female to occupy that office in 68 years of NBA Ibadan Branch. She is the first Ibadan Branch Facilitator of the NBA Women Forum (2022 – 2024) and currently serves as the Oyo State Lead of the NBA Women Forum.
Outside her lawyerly role, Mahmudat is the convener of Ibadan Eidfest, the largest annual gathering of Muslim families in Ibadan, which offers a community-focused park experience for attendees that she has been hosting since 2017. Passionate about social impact, the environment, and good governance, Mahmudat likes to volunteer for worthy causes. She is married and blessed with 4 boys.

**Kafayat Shafau**
Known to the world as Kaffy, is a transformational force in the global creative economy. From breaking the Guinness World Record for the Longest Dance Party to pioneering Africa’s first structured and registered dance company and academy, Kaffy’s journey has been one of mastery, innovation, and impact. As a choreographer, creative director, filmmaker, wellness educator, and transformation coach, Kaffy has dedicated her life to proving that movement is more than art—it is a tool for healing, empowerment, and social change.
Over two decades, she has evolved from an individual performer into a creative entrepreneur, founding Kaffy Incorporated—a company encompassing five powerful brands: Kaffy Kreative Agency, IJODA Wellness, Kaffy Boss Academy, Yanga Activewear, and the Kaffy Foundation. Today, she stands not only as a legend in African dance but as a leading voice for personal development, creative empowerment, and the redefinition of African excellence on a global stage

**Bukola Konkwo**
Bukola Konkwo (MCIPM) is an HR professional with over 20 years of experience and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. Her experience extends to various industries where she has held transformative roles in multinational organisations and has both led and executed many strategic projects
She holds a Master's degree in Global Human Resources Management and is a Certified Clinical Coumellar. She is passionate about people and expresses this by volunteering for social work and participating in women's advocacy programs. Bukola is the founder of Pink Haven, an initiative in which she supports women in various stages of their cancer treatment and advocates for their personal wellbeing. She is a published author of "An Escape into the Calm, an inspirational book that can be purchased on Amazon.

**Dr. Chief (Mrs.) Aminat Ige**
Dr. Chief (Mrs.) Aminat Ige is a distinguished Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Lagos State University (LASU) and a revered grass-roots personality from Akesan, Lagos State, holding two unique chieftaincy titles. She earned her B.Sc. from LASU and her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Her academic excellence was nationally recognized when she won the Overall Best Ph.D. Thesis Award across all faculties at UNILAG for the 2022/2023 Academic Session.
Dr. Ige is deeply committed to youth and STEM advocacy, notably as the organizer of the annual YOA Mathematics Competition, which encourages the girl-child to pursue STEM careers. She currently serves LASU as the Assistant Director (Alumni Relations) and is the Public Relations Officer for OWSD (LASU branch). Her professional background includes prior roles at Sterling Bank Nigeria Plc and Lagos State Polytechnic.
An influential figure in her community, she is a global Ambassador for Awori affairs and a key political stakeholder, serving as the Director of Orientation & Public Awareness for the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027. Through the Yeye Oge Aminat (YOA) Foundation and Brave Hearts Mentoring Hub, Dr. Ige dedicates herself to motivational speaking, mentoring, and ensuring her life leaves a lasting impact.

**Silifat Yinusa**
Silifat Yinusa is a certified health and wellness coach with an academic background that includes a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Ahmadu Bello University and an MSC in Pharmaceutical Technology from College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Additionally, she has earned certification as an integrative Nutrition Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition In New York

WE-MEN ON BOARD

**Ayo Salami**
Ayo Salami is one of the Partners in the Tax, Regulatory & People Services (TRPS) practice of KPMG in West Africa and doubles as the Head of the Energy & Natural Resources (ENR) business. He has over 30 years of experience in advising various clients on tax and regulatory issues, proffering solutions with industry leading practices.
Ayo has had varied opportunities of managing tax affairs of clients in the Nigerian oil and gas sector (upstream, midstream, downstream and oilfield services), power and utilities industry, consumer/industrial market and manufacturing/industrial sector of the economy. In his role as the Firm’s ENR Sector head for West Africa, he has supervised various projects beyond Tax for key clients in the energy ecosystem. He has built strong relationships with regulators, including with policy makers and directors in the relevant ministries and institutions that regulate the energy industry.
Ayo also served as lead instructor on major training and capacity building programs in Nigeria and outside the country (including training programs on petroleum taxation for senior management of the FIRS). He leads the initiative on the review of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act in KPMG Nigeria and was the Firm’s Lead on the Federal Ministry of Finance’ Team on the sensitization of the nation regarding the Federal Government of Nigeria’s tax amnesty program – Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS). He has published articles/presentations on topical tax and regulatory issues in foreign and local journals, and a regular speaker on fiscal, regulatory and business issues at seminars (locally and globally) and with media houses. Ayo has served as panelist on KPMG Global ENRich program in India, where he shared his perspectives on the global energy transition, with focus on Africa.

**James Chiedu Ezeilo**
CEO, Greening Youth Foundation Africa | CEO Ejoma Africa Ltd | Conservation Strategist | Youth Empowerment Advocate. James Ezeilo is an internationally recognized leader in environmental equity and youth development. As CEO of Greening Youth Foundation Africa, he spearheads initiatives that connect young people of color to careers in conservation and natural resource management across Africa and the diaspora.
A political refugee of the 1967 Nigerian civil war, James immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up navigating both cultural isolation and the restorative power of nature—experiences that shaped his lifelong mission to expand access to environmental opportunity and belonging. In 2005 James co-founded Greening Youth Foundation North America alongside his wife Angelou Ezeilo. Greening Youth Foundation North America (GYF) grew into one of the largest environmental NGOs recruiting and distance managing people of color under contract with the United States Government.
Over the past two decades, he has designed and led transformative programs from Denver to Lagos, partnering with governments, communities, and institutions to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards. In 2017, James founded EJOMA Africa Limited , a pioneering renewable energy enterprise dedicated to advancing solar technologies across Nigeria. Through EJOMA Africa, he has championed education, capacity building, and the implementation of sustainable energy systems in underserved communities. Today, under his leadership, the company is integrating machine learning - artificial intelligence to design smarter, more efficient solar solutions for homes and small communities, bridging innovation and impact across the continent.
James holds a B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration from Florida A&M University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with his wife of 31 years, Angelou Ezeilo, and is a proud father of two adult sons who live in the United Kingdom.

**Mohammed N. Mijindadi**
Mohammed N. Mijindadi is the President of GE Nigeria & Managing Director of GE Gas Power Systems (GPS)/GE VERNOVA for Anglophone & Francophone Africa, responsible for executive oversight and strengthening GE’s impact in region while building strong stakeholder relationships across GE’s Gas Power, Digital and Renewable energy sectors. With GE’s strong presence in the African Power Market, Mohammed has led the development and support on several heavy duty IPP and distributed power plants in Nigeria and the region, leading to significant MW’s added for grid and off grid applications.
Prior to his appointment, Mohammed was the Regional Sales Director for GE Power Generation Products (PGP) in Africa and began his career with GE in the Transportation business as the Nigeria Country Leader. He has held several positions including Commercial Excellence Leader, Strategic Sourcing Leader and in Business Development, driving growth globally. Prior to joining GE, Mohammed worked in several US multinationals in the Transportation, Services, Construction and Entertainment industries. Mohammed earned a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.) in Civil Engineering from Temple University in Philadelphia and an M.B.A in Marketing and Strategic Leadership from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in State College, PA.
He was inducted into the Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI) in October 2011, Institute of Directors in January 2014 and serves on the Board of Directors for GE International Operations Nigeria, Norrenberger Investment Company Management Limited (NICML), United Nations Development Program JFP Initiative and the ‘Kid for Kid’ foundation. In his spare time, Mohammed enjoys travelling, watching sports, and spending time with his Wife, Children & Dogs.

She-EO 26.0

September 24, 2025 Executive Assistant

Sisters carry stories of strength—of journeys walked, lessons learned, and communities built. Through the laughter, the challenges, and the vision for what lies ahead, we rise stronger together.

At our Final Sister’s Circle on October 11, 2025 | 2–4pm ET, we’ll gather for a time to bond and reflect on our journey, share progress on HERfrica mentoring, preview RISE Lagos and the Retreat, and unveil the 2026 calendar as we step boldly into the future.

This is more than a gathering—it’s a circle of truth, legacy, and sisterhood. Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, and dream of what’s still to come—together. 💜

HOST

**Tope Fajingbesi FCA CPA**
She is a social impact entrepreneur, a published author, and an educator. She is the founder and president of The She-EO – a global platform for women of African descent to have important conversations that matter. In addition to being the founder and coordinating trustee of United for Kids Foundation, Tope created and hosted the Impact Africa radio show, which inspired Africans and Africans in the diaspora to participate consciously and actively in African development from 2013 to 2015. Impact Africa earned Tope an invitation to a meeting with Senior White House officials during the planning stage of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2014.
Tope frequently speaks to global audiences with a mission to inspire. She delivered a powerful address at Hillary Clinton’s final presidential campaign rally in Michigan in November 2016, the keynote speech at Grand Rapids City High School’s commencement ceremony in June 2017, and one of the two keynote speeches at the Future Harvest Conference in January 2021. Prior to becoming a full-time social impact entrepreneur, Tope worked for 2 of the “Big Accounting” Firms, a Fortune 100 energy company, and notable nonprofit organizations in Washington D.C. She also taught agricultural business courses at the University of Maryland, College Park until May 2022.
She is an alumnus of the University of Lagos in Nigeria, Emory University, Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria, and the University of Oxford. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and a United States of America Certified Public Accountant.
Tope is dedicated to serving her community. She served as the Treasurer of Future Harvest from 2020 to 2022, as the interim chairperson of the Women’s National Democratic Club’s Foreign Policy and National Security Task Force in 2021, and as a member of the Montgomery County Maryland County Executive’s Economic Recovery Advisory Group in 2020.
Tope is married to Niyi Balogun, who she co-owns Dodo Farms, a Certified Naturally Grown produce farm in Montgomery County (Maryland) with.

HERfrica Class of 2025

July 22, 2025 Executive Assistant

HERfrica Fellows, led by purpose, are continuously transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into enterprises. With every bold step, they are breaking barriers and blazing trails—building a world where women are rising, leading, and leaving a legacy for generations to come.

MEET OUR FELLOWS

**Kikelomo Adisa**
Kikelomo is the founder of Steer for Change and creator of Kayplan, a locally produced cereal combating infant malnutrition. Through medical outreaches, nutrition interventions, and economic empowerment for mothers, she is building a holistic model that reduces maternal and child mortality. Kayplan now powers her foundation’s sustainability, proving that local solutions can drive scalable impact across health and nutrition in Nigeria.

**Aishah Sulaiman**
Aishah is the founder of Royal Pearls Resources Ltd, a CAC-registered and FDA-approved agro-processing company producing gluten-free flours sourced directly from women smallholder farmers in Edo and Rivers States. With a deep commitment to sustainability, food security, and clean energy, she is creating women-led supply chains that feed families, reduce post-harvest loss, and foster rural economic growth. A certified trainer and solar PV installer, Aishah brings grit and innovation to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

**Chinyere Agha**
Chinyere is the founder of JollyFresh Agrofoods Ltd, makers of preservative-free tomato mix using ultra-high temperature tech and aseptic packaging. Her products redefine healthy convenience while tackling food waste, low farmer incomes, and women’s underrepresentation in agro-processing. By sourcing directly from female farmers and empowering women across her value chain, Chinyere is building a business that feeds families, uplifts communities, and transforms Nigeria’s food landscape.

**Folake Kofo-Idowu**
Dr. Folake is the founder of Iyewo Health, a woman-centered digital health platform offering healthcare access to underserved women in markets and rural communities. Through telemedicine, maternal care, and savings wallets, she is reshaping how low-income women access healthcare—on their terms. A firm believer in dignity and innovation, she’s building a movement that closes health gaps and places African women at the center of care systems.

**Lois Auta**
Lois is the founder of Lois Auta Farms Ltd, an inclusive agribusiness creating safe, empowering spaces for women and persons with disabilities. Despite the systemic barriers she has faced, Lois leads with compassion and courage—offering training, employment, and a sense of belonging to those often excluded. Her farm is more than a business—it is a statement of resilience, inclusion, and possibility in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

**Edidiong Ekanem**
Edidiong is the founder of Edibls & More Limited, a plant-based nutrition company tackling childhood malnutrition in underserved communities. By creating accessible, culturally relevant food solutions, she’s championing sustainable, affordable nutrition for vulnerable populations. Her mission blends profit with purpose, offering children a healthier start while advancing environmental and social impact across Nigeria.

She-EO 25.0

May 30, 2025 Executive Assistant

RISE by She-EO is not just an event. It’s a movement. Through powerful storytelling, healing, and honest conversations, we’ll journey through love, loss, motherhood, business, burnout, and becoming.
This is your space. This is your moment. This is sisterhood in motion. Our event pictures.

HOSTS

ANCHORS

**Abiola Johnson**
Abiola Johnson has been working in the non-profit world for more than 20 years. She is a professional writer and editor with experience working across multiple formats to offer a wide range of services to help teams to convey their messages and narratives. She has worked in various organizations, including Management Sciences for Health, the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank, and United Nations agencies. She is the Principal Writer and Editor at TerraCotta Editorial Services, a firm that provides creative solutions for the editorial needs of businesses. Abiola is also an Adjunct Professor of English at Towson University and has a creative writing career using Jola Naibi as her *nom de plume*. Her short stories have been published in various literary journals.

**Lydia Nylander**
Ms. Lydia Nylander currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a $65 billion federal agency dedicated to humanitarian assistance, sustainability, and country ownership. Prior to this role, she led a team of over 25 professionals in Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control, offering technical and policy guidance on development projects in more than 25 countries.
Ms. Nylander previously held senior roles at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. Earlier in her career, she was Director of Grants and Resource Development at the National Association of Consumer Advocates, where she oversaw the $15 million Institute for Foreclosure Legal Assistance, providing legal support to families impacted by predatory subprime lending.
She is a former Commissioner for the DC Mayor’s Office on African Affairs and a founding board member of Trade plus Impact, a global platform empowering African women entrepreneurs in the craft and natural cosmetics sectors. Ms. Nylander earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of London and a Master’s in International and Comparative Law from The George Washington University Law School. She is a 2018 Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s International Career Advancement Program and made the Center for Strategic and International Studies 2023 List of National Security Leaders to watch.
Ms. Nylander currently consults on enterprise risk management and crisis communications with global clients and runs @*Nice and Creative*, a visual storytelling studio she co-runs with her husband, producing films, documentaries, and social impact content.

WE-MEN ON BOARD

**Patrick O. Okigbo III**
Patrick O. Okigbo III, Founding Partner at Nextier, has 28 years of experience providing policy, strategic, and financial advisory services. Earlier in his career, he was a Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria, Chief Financial Officer at Transcorp Plc., Vice President at Citigroup in New York and Washington DC, and a Consultant with Accenture.
Patrick has a Bachelor of Agriculture degree from the University of Nigeria, a Master of Business Administration degree from Emory University (Atlanta), and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the London School of Economics and Public Policy. He was a Senior Fellow of the Mossavar-Rahmani Centre for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Patrick sits on several boards, including technology and real estate development firms. He is a Global Adviser to Energy for Growth Hub, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, and a member of several committees of the federal and state governments in Nigeria. He was recently appointed a Member of Nigeria's Presidential Economic Coordination Council.

**TosIn OkojIe**
Strategic Finance and Operations Executive | Growth Investor | Global Builder of People, Businesses & Processes | Tech Catalyst.

**Rotimi Raji**
Senior Vice President/ Head of Retail Banking Division at Presidential Bank.

JUNE 20TH - HOTSEAT GUESTS

**Olubunmi (Bunmi) Darlington**
Olubunmi (Bunmi) Darlington is a project manager, ASD support coach, and author passionate about mentoring young people and supporting survivors of domestic abuse. A proud wife and mother of three, she finds joy in gardening, traveling, and empowering others through my work and lived experiences.

**Dr. Aishah Adams**
Dr. Aishah Adams—widely known as The Mind Doctor—is a Nigerian psychotherapist, public health professional (MPH), and Executive Director of the Siddiqah Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity, well-being, and opportunity to underserved communities through mental health support, trauma recovery, and empowerment initiatives.
With over a decade of work at the intersection of global mental health, trauma healing, and public health equity, she champions community-driven solutions rooted in compassion, Islamic values, and sustainable development. Her work centers particularly on women and youth across West Africa.
Aishah has led mental wellness interventions, psychosocial programs, and public awareness campaigns that align with SDG 3 and health justice priorities. As a speaker and educator, she helps reframe healing as a public health imperative.
“We’re not just feeding stomachs or minds—we’re restoring dignity. We do the hard work of healing from the inside out, and that’s the foundation of lasting change.” — Dr. Aishah Adams

**Dr. Funmi Aiyegbo-Ohadike**
Dr. Funmi Aiyegbo-Ohadike was born in Nigeria, raised in the US. She is a family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of advanced practice experience. She is currently the Vice President of Clinical Initiatives, Learning & Development and Employee Wellness at Optum and has been with the organization for 18 years.
Dr. Aiyegbo began her healthcare career in 1995 after completing her BSN at Rutgers University. She went on to complete an MS FNP at Columbia University and entered primary care - providing care to various populations of underserved patients, including those residing in homeless shelters. Dr. Aiyegbo continued her education to complete her DNP from Rutgers University in 2010. She has also served as a member of the faculty at several academic institutions. She is on the Advisory Board at Capella University and Stockton University’s MBA program.
Dr. Aiyegbo is passionate about promoting a patient centered health care system and elevating leadership development for underrepresented groups. She is married to her husband Emeka, and they have 2 sons Chima 24 and Luka 20.

**Osai Ojigho**
Osai Ojigho is a distinguished human rights expert, lawyer, and gender equality advocate with extensive experience in international development and advocacy. She has over 18 years of experience working with various organisations, including Amnesty International, Oxfam, and the African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel. She is the Director of Policy, Public Affairs, and Campaigns at Christian Aid, a development, humanitarian relief and advocacy organization working to eradicate poverty.
She has successfully led initiatives on good governance, electoral observation, youth mobilization, policy and legislative change, law reform, and human rights protection. She has also promoted women’s inclusion in politics and decision-making. She has published widely and is well-travelled. She has played a key role in landmark legal cases, including leading a team to victory in a gender discrimination case, Dorothy Njemanze v Nigeria, before the ECOWAS court and submitting an amicus curiae brief to the International Court (ICC) arguing that forced marriage in war is an international crime in the case of Prosecutor v Ongwen. She received the University of Wolverhampton Alumni Global Impact Award in 2023. She was named one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Influential Civil Society Leaders in 2021. She was featured in the film Voices Uprising, which encapsulates her role in demanding justice for the voiceless. She was named one of 25 women in law who inspire in 2025 by the Institute for African Women in Law.
She holds an LLB from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, an LLM from the University of Wolverhampton, UK, and a practice diploma in International Human Rights from the College of Law, England and Wales, UK. Twitter/Instagram: @livingtruely; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/osai-ojigho

**Osime Saibu**
Osime Saibu is the Founder & Creative Director of SIMEOGIEME, a luxury fashion brand that blends simplicity, sensuality and sophistication. She is a fashion enthusiast with a passion for designing clothing and accessories, as well as painting art and creating patterns, with which the fabrics for her clothes are created.
She has a B.Sc in Accounting from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, amongst other professional qualifications in IT and Project Management. She has also spent over 20 years working in the corporate world in London and Lagos for companies like Experian, Stanbic Pension Managers, Coca Cola and currently Brita UK. She runs her fashion business while working a 9-to-5 job in the UK. Her brand, Simeogieme has participated in multiple fashion shows in London in 2013, 2023 and 2024.
Osime loves to travel, explore great cuisine, enjoys diverse music genres, and she loves to dance. She is a woman of faith and a cancer survivor

JUNE 21ST - HOTSEAT GUESTS

**Dr. Chizoba Wonodi**
Dr. Chizoba Wonodi, MBBS (Benin), MPH (Hopkins), DrPH (Hopkins), is an Associate Scientist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with nearly three decades of experience as a public health physician and implementation science researcher. A recognized leader in the immunization field, Dr Wonodi oversees projects that support the deployment and evaluation of childhood, adolescent, and adult vaccines in multiple countries, including Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Zambia, Haiti, and India. Dr. Wonodi has helped to shape global immunization policies in her previous roles on the Immunization Agenda 2030 coordinating group and the Gavi CSO Constituency Steering Committee. Through her work as the founder and convener of the vaccine coalition called Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA), Dr. Wonodi continues to promote national and global efforts to strengthen the meaningful inclusion of Civil Society in decision-making and delivery of immunization and primary healthcare services, to drive equity and impact.

**Funlayo Alabi**
Funlayo Alabi Co-Founder and CEO, Shea Radiance Funlayo Alabi is a passionate builder of beauty, business, and community. As Co-Founder and CEO of Shea Radiance, she turned a kitchen-table mission into a global movement—creating clean, effective skincare that nourishes women’s skin and their spirits. Through Shea Radiance, she uplifts women by sourcing shea butter directly from women-led cooperatives in West Africa, helping fuel economic empowerment and generational change. Today, Shea Radiance products are proudly sold at Whole Foods Market, Wegmans, MOM’s Organic Market, and online at shearadiance.com. Her leadership has earned national recognition in Essence, Oprah Daily, and Forbes. Funlayo holds a BA in International Business from Howard University and an MBA from Regent University. She is deeply committed to mentoring women, championing pro-aging beauty, and inspiring others to rise with authenticity and joy. When she's not leading or speaking, Funlayo finds joy in family, faith, and the beautiful work of helping women thrive.

**Abi Agidee-Adekunle (MBA, FCCA, FISBL)**
Education Leadership Consultant | Financial Transformation Expert | Corporate Governance Specialist
Abi is a distinguished leader in education finance and governance, renowned for her expertise in financial transformations and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities. As a Fellow of the Institute for School Business Leadership and an adviser to the Department for Education since 2017, she has played a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies for schools across the UK.
Supported over 100 schools, local authorities, charities, and professional service providers with financial transformation, mergers and integration, strategic planning, and integrated financial curriculum planning. With a background spanning banking, accounting, and education leadership, Abi has successfully led mergers, academisations, and financial turnarounds, ensuring long-term sustainability for educational institutions. Her consultancy, Àshę Business Consulting Ltd, empowers schools and SMEs with strategic financial solutions that drive sustainable efficiency and growth.

**Danyell T. Miller**
Danyell T. Miller is a tech executive, behavioral change strategist, and fierce advocate for working mothers and women-led businesses. After a high-achieving career nearly cost her everything—literally landing her in the hospital from burnout—she transformed that wake-up call into a mission: helping other women break the burnout cycle and reclaim their peace.
Danyell is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Bend The Twig, a data-driven health and well-being company focused on transforming maternal mental and emotional health through AI-powered tools, behavioral science, and emotional data. Her flagship product, PeaceFULL, is a digital wellness companion designed to support overwhelmed moms with micro-dose interventions, personalized insights, and scalable self-care systems. Through this work, Danyell blends cutting-edge technology with human-centered care to create tools for sustainable, holistic health.
Previously, she served as Vice President of Product and Engineering at S&P Global, and held the same role at The Climate Service, where she scaled the flagship analytics platform by 20X and helped lead a multimillion-dollar acquisition. Her early career includes product and engineering leadership at Fortune 500 companies including IBM, USAA, and Harris Corporation.
A second-time founder, Danyell also led Nterspec Technologies, delivering over a decade of digital transformation for high-stakes clients like the U.S. Army, Air Force, NASA, and global energy leaders.
Beyond the boardroom, Danyell is a passionate advocate for maternal health, mental wellness, and early literacy. She is a sought-after speaker on burnout-proof leadership, self-care as strategy, and the intersection of tech and well-being, regularly speaking at women’s conferences and wellness summits across the country.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, Danyell integrates her professional pursuits with the joys of raising two thriving teenagers, co-parenting with her husband, and keeping up with their inquisitive Airedale Terrier.

**Hafeezah Muhammad**
Hafeezah Muhammad is an extraordinary mompreneur, passionate about leveraging technology to address critical societal issues. With an extensive background in leadership and a profound understanding of the transformative power of A.I. and technology, she embarked on a mission to revolutionize mental health support for children. Her visionary leadership has catapulted her company to the forefront of the industry, setting new standards and paving the way for a more accessible and inclusive approach to mental wellness.
Hafeezah’s leadership extends beyond the realms of technological innovation. She has cultivated a company culture of empathy, collaboration, and personal growth. By prioritizing her team’s well-being and professional development, she has fostered a collective spirit of excellence and unwavering dedication. Hafeezah understands that authentic leadership is not just about creating groundbreaking products but also about inspiring others to achieve their full potential.

**Jamie Green**
Jamie Green is the founder of Sunshine Soul Vibes, a powerful space dedicated to helping men and women heal from past trauma, release limiting beliefs, and step boldly into their power. As a Trauma Release Specialist and Organizational Wellness Facilitator, and a proud veteran, she is passionate about helping others heal from the inside out—releasing stored trauma, emotional blocks, and patterns that no longer serve. In the workplace, she brings that same transformational energy—eliminating stress and turning toxic environments into spaces of harmony, balance, and productivity.
With expertise in NLP and Time Line Therapy®, she doesn’t just talk about change—she creates lasting transformation.

**Rahama Wright**
Rahama Wright is a social entrepreneur driving change at the intersection of beauty, policy, and international development. After serving as a Peace Corps, she founded Shea Yeleen, a social impact beauty brand that creates living-wage jobs for women in Ghana through the production of shea butter based skincare products. Her brand has secured distribution with Whole Foods Market, MGM Resorts, and Macy’s and has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Washington Business Journal, MSNBC, and BET.
Recognizing the manufacturing and supply chain challenges faced by BIPOC beauty founders, Wright launched Yeleen Beauty Makerspace, the first shared manufacturing facility in the U.S. beauty industry. This pioneering space provides early-stage entrepreneurs—particularly women of color—with the resources and infrastructure needed to scale their businesses.
Beyond the beauty industry, Wright is a champion for economic empowerment and inclusive entrepreneurship. She co-chairs the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa and serves on the U.S. Trade Representative Trade Advisory Committee on Africa, advocating for policies that foster equitable business opportunities. With expertise spanning supply chain management, retail distribution, and sustainable development, she is a leader in bridging international markets to support women entrepreneurs worldwide.
In Washington, DC, Wright founded the DC Pop-Up, a retail collective showcasing women- and minority-owned businesses across diverse categories, including art, jewelry, apparel, home goods, and specialty foods. The initiative creates inclusive economic opportunities while addressing gender and racial disparities in business.
A sought-after speaker on African women’s economic development, Wright has delivered over 200 speeches and panels globally, including at the United Nations, World Bank, and Global Entrepreneurship Summit. An avid traveler, she has visited and worked in 38 countries. She earned a BA in International Relations and Political Science from SUNY Geneseo.

She-EO 24.0

May 9, 2025 Executive Assistant

Women evolve through seasons—each one sacred, each one powerful.
Menopause is not an ending, but a transition—a shift into wisdom, grounding, and new becoming. And yet, for too long, it has been wrapped in silence, shame, or confusion.

So too is weight and wellness—deeply personal and often misunderstood. As hormones shift and bodies change, many women struggle silently with obesity, self-image, and health challenges. But your body deserves care, not criticism.

At our Sisters Circle on May 31st, we’re holding space for open, honest conversations about menopause and obesity—the physical, emotional, and cultural layers we carry. Together, we’ll break the silence, share truths, and explore healing paths with clarity and compassion.

This is a space to learn. To unlearn. To feel seen.
Because no woman should walk this journey alone.
This is sisterhood in its truest form.

HOST

GUESTS

**Omolade Ogun**
**Omolade Ogun, MD, FAAFP**, is a board-certified Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine physician with over 20 years of experience specializing in preventive care, lifestyle medicine, and women’s health. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr. Ogun’s passion for healing began early as a member of the Nigerian Junior Red Cross Society in elementary school. She earned her medical degree from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria, and completed her residency training at the USC Family Medicine Program at California Hospital in Los Angeles.
Currently practicing at Cedars-Sinai Medical Group in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Ogun provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and families. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and recently completed *The Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine: Treating Obesity* at Harvard Medical School. Additionally, Dr. Ogun serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles.
Her clinical expertise spans chronic disease management, obesity medicine, and women's health. Dr. Ogun is particularly passionate about empowering women to make informed health choices and adopt healthier lifestyles through evidence-based strategies. Known for her collaborative and culturally sensitive approach to patient care, Dr. Ogun brings a global perspective to her practice. Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling, meditating, swimming, and spending time with her family.

**Omolara Funmilayo**
Omolara Funmilayo is a certified Nutrition and Health Coach specializing in women's wellness. With a background in holistic health and years of coaching experience, she empowers women to take control of their well-being through practical nutrition strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and mindset support. Her compassionate, evidence-informed approach helps women navigate hormonal changes with confidence, clarity, and vitality.

She-EO 23.0

April 22, 2025 Executive Assistant

Women carry untold strength—in their bodies, their journeys, and their stories. Through the silent struggles, the victories, and the longing for life and legacy, they rise. With each shared truth about infertility, conception, childbirth, and women’s health, we break the silence and build community.

At Our Community Gathering on April 26th, we’ll hold space for these tender conversations. Together, we’ll listen, share, and uplift one another—reminding every woman that she is seen, her story matters, and she is never alone.

Let’s journey together through truth, healing, and hope—one story, one sister, and one heart at a time. 💛

HOST

GUEST

**Taiwo Agbaje**
With over two decades of experience in accounting and financial strategy, Taiwo Agbaje is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) dedicated to empowering business owners, medical professionals, and real estate investors to optimize their financial outcomes. As the founder of Tra CPA LLC, Taiwo specializes in personalized tax planning, accounting solutions, and CFO services tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses and high-income professionals.
Taiwo’s career journey began in the banking sector in Nigeria, where a strong foundation in financial management was forged. After relocating to the United States in 2010, she completed her master's in economics and spent 14 years making her impact in the finance and accounting world before she transitioned into full time entrepreneurship in 2022. She’s worked with multinational companies in the US and serves on the board of a few non-profit organizations.
Today, Taiwo is renowned for providing actionable insights that drive tax savings and support long-term financial growth. She works mainly with medical practitioners, real estate investors, and service-based businesses. Taiwo’s comprehensive approach ensures clients minimize tax liabilities while maximizing wealth potential.
Outside of the office, Taiwo advocates financial literacy and is committed to helping others achieve financial freedom and sustainable success. She loves to travel.
She is a wife and a mother of three.

She-EO 22.0

February 7, 2025 Executive Assistant

Women, united by vision and purpose, ignite powerful conversations that spark change. On February 22nd, our She-EO 2025 Hot Seat Guests will share their journeys—breaking barriers, building legacies, and inspiring action. Every story told, every lesson shared, is a catalyst for transformation. Join us and be part of the movement. 🚀✨

HOST

HOT SEAT GUESTS

**Jennifer Ogunyemi**
She is the Founder & CEO of Sisters In Business the 10x award winning largest organisation that helps muslim women start and grow their businesses. She is a Business coach, International speaker, TEDx event licensee and mentor.

**Kemi Saliu**
She is a seasoned marketing professional focused on brands that typically help women live their lives better. With over two decades of experience, her passion for brand building and helping women thrive is evident.
Kemi Saliu holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Advanced Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London. She has worked with some of the largest consumer goods companies in the world including Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark, and General Mills Inc. She is the Co-Founder of The Wellness Track Limited.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kemi Saliu is on the board of Cameras for Girls, a non-profit that enhances the lives of women in Africa, by upskilling them in photojournalism. She is also a trustee for a community charity – Bubu’s – which strives to bring community understanding amongst diverse groups. She resides in Chelmsford, Essex, with her husband and two children.
Empowering individuals to live healthier lives, Kemi Saliu blends compassion with expertise, making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.

**Lolade George**
She is an entrepreneur who owns and manages Lolars Fabrics. A well-established fabric company offering a diverse range of fabrics, from couture and high-end embellished materials to more affordable options, catering to a broad customer base. Since its founding in 2015 with just a small selection of fabrics, the business has gained global recognition, even supplying fabrics for notable clients such as the family of Nigeria's former Head of State, General Gowon, at his recent 90th birthday celebration.
Lolade George is a dedicated advocate for those in need, embodying a spirit of compassion as an organizer of the annual "Food Angels" initiative, which provides essential food supplies to families in the UK and Nigeria during Christmas. With over two decades of experience in the UK banking industry, she has held esteemed roles as a bank manager and project manager in renowned institutions such as HSBC, UBS Asset Management, M&G Investment and Asset Management, and Citi Bank, among others.
In addition, Lola has recently introduced a faith-based business training program designed to support individuals seeking new business opportunities, as well as startups needing guidance to get established. Alongside her professional endeavors, Lolade is a devoted wife and mother of two

**Bim Adegbite**
She is a seasoned professional and adaptive leader with extensive experience in Customer Service, Resource Management and Receivables. She currently works as the Global Accounts Receivable Manager for Catalina Marketing Corporation a performance marketing company and leader in shopper intelligence.

She is also the Founder and Lead Convener of Apinke Girls Initiative originally a Giving Circle created to provide mentoring and create safe spaces for teen and young adult girls especially in under-resourced communities of Africa with a current focus in Lagos State, Nigeria. A wife and mother of two young adult Ladies, she is a curious and multi-passionate student of life and is unapologetically vocal about issues that affect marginalized young girls and is dedicated to supporting the next generation of women.

It is her goal to see every young lady in her care and in the communities she serves have meaningful, nurturing and supportive adult relationships by doing life with them. A natural storyteller with a gift for writing, she provides essay writing support to students for college and scholarship applications, personal essays and bios. She is very versatile and continues to embrace every twist and turn; every high & low that leads her on a journey of continuous self discovery and purpose.

She-EO 21.0

January 22, 2025 Executive Assistant

Women, led by reflection and shared wisdom, weave the tapestry of a stronger tomorrow. With every lesson learned and every truth embraced, they transform challenges into stepping stones. Guided by growth and community, they stand taller, united in purpose and vision.

As we embark on a new year, join us for She-EO's first Sisters Circle of 2025—a space to reflect on our collective journeys, set the tone for the year ahead, and build connections that inspire action.

Together, we’ll discuss our goals, share insights, and craft the roadmap for a brighter, bolder future—one conversation, one connection, and one dream at a time. ✨

Let’s begin this chapter empowered, inspired, and ready to shape 2025!

HOST

**Tope Fajingbesi FCA CPA**
She is the Chief Financial Officer of Ashoka. She is a social impact entrepreneur, a published author, and an educator. She is the founder and president of The She-EO – a global platform for women of African descent to have important conversations that matter. In addition to being the founder and coordinating trustee of United for Kids Foundation, Tope created and hosted the Impact Africa radio show, which inspired Africans and Africans in the diaspora to participate consciously and actively in African development from 2013 to 2015. Impact Africa earned Tope an invitation to a meeting with Senior White House officials during the planning stage of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2014.
Tope frequently speaks to global audiences with a mission to inspire. She delivered a powerful address at Hillary Clinton’s final presidential campaign rally in Michigan in November 2016, the keynote speech at Grand Rapids City High School’s commencement ceremony in June 2017, and one of the two keynote speeches at the Future Harvest Conference in January 2021. Prior to becoming a full-time social impact entrepreneur, Tope worked for 2 of the “Big Accounting” Firms, a Fortune 100 energy company, and notable nonprofit organizations in Washington D.C. She also taught agricultural business courses at the University of Maryland, College Park until May 2022.
Tope is set to commence a Doctoral degree program in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University in the Fall of 2022 where she plans to focus on lifelong learning and leadership issues and opportunities for women of African descent globally. She is an alumnus of the University of Lagos in Nigeria, Emory University, Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria, and the University of Oxford. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and a United States of America Certified Public Accountant.
Tope is dedicated to serving her community. She served as the Treasurer of Future Harvest from 2020 to 2022, as the interim chairperson of the Women’s National Democratic Club’s Foreign Policy and National Security Task Force in 2021, and as a member of the Montgomery County Maryland County Executive’s Economic Recovery Advisory Group in 2020.
Tope is married to Niyi Balogun, who she co-owns Dodo Farms, a Certified Naturally Grown produce farm in Montgomery County (Maryland) with.

SHE-EO 2025 CALENDAR

January 22, 2025 Executive Assistant

Dear Sister,

Get Ready for an Incredible Year: The 2025 Calendar is Here! 📅

We're so excited to welcome you to another year of opportunities, growth, and milestones. As we step into 2025, it's time to set our sights on the amazing journey ahead. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the official She-EO 2025 Calendar with you!

Stay connected, mark your dates, and plan ahead. This calendar is your ultimate guide to an empowering year filled with inspiring events, impactful conversations, and moments you won’t want to miss.

Let’s make 2025 unforgettable—together!

She-EO 20.0

November 30, 2024 Executive Assistant

At Our Community Gathering, our final gathering of 2024, we honor the voices that shaped this year. Together, we’ll reflect on our journeys, celebrate our triumphs, and envision a brighter, bolder future—one conversation, one connection, and one dream at a time. ✨

Let’s close this chapter and begin a new one—empowered, inspired, and ready for what’s next.

HOST

She-EO 19.0

November 7, 2024 Executive Assistant

Women, led by their stories and shared heritage, shape the fabric of a powerful tomorrow. With each word spoken and each truth revealed, they build bridges, breaking silence and stereotypes alike. Fueled by resilience, they chart paths that uplift, inspire, and illuminate—paving the way for future generations to stand tall and speak freely.

At African Voices, we honor this strength, celebrating the voices crafting a legacy of courage and unity for all.

HOST

HOT SEAT GUESTS

**Bunmi Ajagunna**
As a seasoned Associate Director with over two decades of experience in Human Resources, Bunmi Ajagunna has established herself as a respected leader and expert in the field. With a diverse background that includes HR Technology & Analytics, Learning & Development, Business Partnership, and Portfolio planning, Bunmi brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to every role she takes on.
Bunmi’s passion for leadership is evident in everything she does. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to building and motivating high-performing teams, developing and implementing effective business strategies, and driving growth and profitability. Bunmi has held a variety of senior leadership roles, each of which has contributed to her deep understanding of the field. She has a proven track record of driving growth and profitability, and she is highly regarded for her ability to build and motivate high-performing teams. Bunmi serves as the Associate Director of Human Resources Technology & Analytics at MCAP, where she is responsible for MCAP’s HR Information Systems and People Analytics.
In this role, she develops and implements strategies that result in significant revenue growth and improved profitability. Bunmi holds a Master’s Degree from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, where she graduated with a major in Management and a minor in Human Resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Ondo State University Ado-Ekiti (OSUA). Bunmi has also dedicated significant time and energy to serving on the boards of associations, most notably as the Director of Operations, at Redeemers Leadership Institute (RLI).
Along with her husband, Debola, they pastor the Redeemed Christian Church of God - Christ's Tribe, a multi-cultural and multi-generational Parish located in the heart of Toronto, Canada. She is an author and stemming from her love for kids, she has recently released a book "The Humble Shepherd", the first of 10 books in a "Christian Folktale series. She is blessed with three daughters (Twins + 1) and many non-biological children.

**Yewande Daniel-Ayoade**
Yewande Daniel-Ayoade (Yay-wan-day Daniel Ah-yaw-ah-day) is a management consultant and children’s book author. She has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Ibadan and a master's in business administration from Emory University. After two decades in various consulting roles, including writing communications for technology projects, she decided to pursue writing professionally and self-published her first children’s book in 2019.
Yewande immigrated to the United States in 2003 and then to Canada in 2010. Her writing focuses on introducing all children (including her own) to West African history and culture and draws heavily on her immigrant experience.
Yewande lives in Calgary, Alberta with her family. When she is not writing she cooks, bakes, teaches Sunday School, and coaches her kids for spelling bee, debate, and science fair competitions.
Learn more about her at www.ydaniel-ayoade.com, or connect with her on social media @ydayoade.

**Bunmi Emenanjo**
Bunmi Emenanjo is an attorney, speaker, and entrepreneur. Born in the United States and raised in Nigeria, her childhood and culture inspire her writing. In 2019, she founded Atlas Book Club, a company focused on curating diverse children's books in an intentional manner.
While Bunmi has had a vast legal career that includes nearly a decade-long service within the federal government from the FDA to the White House under the Biden administration, and now working in the private sector, writing is her passion. When she is not practicing law, Bunmi is reading, traveling, and writing stories that fill the heart and move the spirit.
Her debut picture book, I’ll See You in Ijebu, published by Barefoot Books in March 2024, has earned a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, a glowing review from the School Library Journal, a feature in the Guardian as one of the best new picture books this year, was selected for the Read With Jenna Jr. Summer booklist, and as one of the 100 Outstanding Picture books in the world by dPictus.
Bunmi lives in Maryland with her husband, her three children, and a devoted Black Russian terrier named Shadow. She is represented by Ellen Goff of HG Literary.

She-EO 2024 Cohort

October 15, 2024 Executive Assistant

Mentees, led by purpose, become the architects of extraordinary change. They turn their dreams into reality, and with every courageous stride, they dismantle barriers. Guided by unwavering passion, they carve paths forward, crafting a world where every bold move lights the way for future generations to follow.

MEET OUR MENTEES

**Abeyou Sarah**
Abeyou Sarah is a dedicated aircraft technician with six years of service in the Nigerian Air Force, bringing technical expertise and precision to her work. Born and raised in Abuja, with roots in Cross River State, she is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Management and Toxicology at Benue State University.
In addition to her technical and academic pursuits, she has a strong foundation in data analysis and is the founder of the SustainEarth Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. With a broad skill set that encompasses military aviation, environmental science, and data analytics, she is passionate about developing impactful solutions to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

**Olatubosun Ngozi**
Olatubosun Ngozi is a driven and dedicated individual with a strong passion for corporate law, litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). A law graduate from the University of Lagos, she is always looking for opportunities to grow, gain hands-on experience, and acquire skills that will elevate her in legal practice.
Currently, she is in the final stages of her legal education at the Nigerian Law School, preparing for her final bar exams. When not immersed in legal studies, Ngozi enjoys exploring different worlds and perspectives, one book at a time.

**Nneoma Eneh**
Nneoma Eneh leads the Gender and Clean Cooking portfolio at Clean Technology Hub, where they focus on empowering women and advancing clean energy solutions. Additionally, overseeing content creation and production that highlights gender and climate change issues. Her work includes capacity-building events, community engagement, and storytelling through media to amplify voices and drive impact in the renewable energy sector.

**Mariam Odunayo Nurudeen-Arole**
Mariam Odunayo Nurudeen-Arole a lawyer and academic researcher, is a Legal Officer with the Lagos State Government. She has a law degree from Lagos State University, and graduated from the Nigerian Law school with a first Class. She has a Masters of Law (LL.M) from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Mariam volunteers as the Executive Secretary at the Hijab Rights Advocacy initiative, a non-governmental organisation focused on women and girls right to the use of Hijab and access to education and civic rights.
Mariam is a 2024 recipient of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Mariam is a budding marriage counsellor and matchmaker. Her hobbies are reading, writing, travelling and public speaking.

**Odion O. Ibadin**
Odion O. Ibadin possesses a wealth of expertise in climate change policy, carbon markets, and natural governance. With a law degree from Coventry University, Ms. Ibadin has dedicated her career to spearheading sustainable development and renewable energy initiatives.. Currently serving as an Assistant Manager at Clean Technology Hub, Ms. Ibadin plays a pivotal role in overseeing four essential portfolios: Circular Economy, Interfaith, Health and Migration, Youth and Climate Change, and Climate Finance and Carbon Market.
In this capacity, she takes the lead in conceptualizing and executing innovative projects and initiatives within each area, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability and addressing climate-related challenges.

She-EO 18.0

August 22, 2024 Executive Assistant

Women, led by purpose, become the architects of extraordinary change. They turn dreams into reality, and with every courageous stride, they dismantle barriers. Guided by unwavering passion, they carve paths forward, crafting a world where every bold move lights the way for generations to come.

HOST

HOT SEAT GUESTS

**Dr. Bilikis Oladimeji**

Dr. Bilikis Oladimeji is a physician and healthcare informatics professional with about 15 years of experience across clinical practice, clinical research, genomics and personalized medicine, pharmaceutical and life sciences, global health, and business of healthcare. Her three things are equity, education, and health.

Currently the Senior Director, Clinical Technology Strategy at Optum Health where she uses technology including Clinical Decision Support, AI/ML models, and advanced analytics and insights, to create and support products and models of care that deliver value-based care. Her prior employers include GlaxoSmithKline, Duke Health, and Proove Biosciences, a startup focused on applied genomics.

She has held and currently holds leadership positions, serving on task forces, committees, and boards across education, work, and volunteering capacities in areas of Analytics, Informatics, AI/ML, STEAM, Innovation, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Women’s Health. She currently serves on the Board of Engineering World Health, a non-profit supporting Biomedical Engineering careers. She enjoys and promotes science and the arts - poetry, writing and public speaking, and volunteers/partners for social impact in Education (STEM, Medicine, and Computer Science), Health and Equity.

She has authored multiple scientific publications - some presented at scientific conferences across the US, including recently at AMIA and the HFES (Human Factors and Ergonomics) in 2022. She also co-authored a chapter in a global textbook on Informatics published in 2022 and has received multiple recognitions and awards in education and roles at different organizations. She is frequently a speaker both inside and outside the organization on education/workforce development, health, and equity.

**Dr. Folake Kofo-Idowu**

Dr. Folake Kofo-Idowu is an infectious diseases consultant, Double Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties. She began her career with a medical education from Lagos State University before proceeding to complete a residency in internal medicine at the University of Maryland. Dr. Kofo-Idowu furthered to obtain a fellowship in infectious disease from the Medical College of Georgia and an additional Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. She has almost 2 decades of clinical medicine experience across Nigeria and the United States.
Previously, Dr. Folake worked as an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Georgia and at the NIAID as a Medical Officer in the Division of AIDS (DAIDS), managing groundbreaking HIV and hepatitis research.
Presently, she works as an Infectious diseases physician in the DMV area of the US, She is the Founder/CEO of IYEWO, a health tech start-up in Lagos, and concurrently the Executive Director for Amal Outreach a non-profit that facilitates healthcare access to underserved communities in Nigeria.

**Maryam Oluwakemi Funmilayo**

Maryam Oluwakemi Funmilayo is a Public Health Professional whose areas of research expertise include faith-based nutrition education and health promotion, community-based participatory research with immigrant and refugee women, food literacy, women's health, and global health.
Her lived experiences in Nigeria, Canada, the United States, Egypt, and Ghana, fueled her passion to research on the role that nutrition education and health promotion play in women's health, especially among women of African descent suffering from breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, uterine fibroids, and trauma.
Her passion for cross-cultural engagement and community health led her to apply to Public Health AmeriCorps (PHA), which is a groundbreaking initiative made possible through partnership between AmeriCorps and the CDC.
She currently works as a PHA Community Health Worker and an independent researcher at a nonprofit organization in Dallas, Texas, where she explores the social determinants of health among the elderly population living in specific zip codes
She earned a Master of Public Health degree (with a focus on Health Disparities) from Lamar University in Texas, a Master of Arts degree in Health Education and Promotion from East Carolina University in North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition (with a focus on Public Health Nutrition) from Kansas State University, in Kansas.

**Dr. Otito Okpor**
Dr. Otito Okpor is a multifaceted professional with expertise in pharmacy, science, and organizational psychology. She holds a Ph.D. and leverages her scientific background to study the impact of genetics and environment on human behavior, work, and life satisfaction. Dr. Okpor's diverse skills and interests allow her to excel in multiple areas, blending her deep understanding of healthcare with her knowledge of psychology and human behavior.
As the owner of a boutique editorial communications and career consulting firm, Dr. Okpor assists clients in achieving their goals through the power of effective communication and strategic career guidance. Her passion for helping others shine through in her work, where she uses her expertise to empower individuals to excel in their personal and professional lives.
Dr. Okpor's unique combination of experiences and qualifications allows her to provide valuable insights and support to those she works with. Her dedication to helping others win with words and her commitment to fostering success in her clients make her a trusted resource and guide in her field.

She-EO 17.0

June 26, 2024 Executive Assistant

Women, driven by purpose, create waves of transformative change. They transform aspirations into achievements and overcome obstacles with each determined step. Fueled by passion, they forge ahead, shaping a world where every intentional effort becomes a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

HOST

HOT SEAT GUEST

**Aminat Ige**
Aminat Ige is a multifaceted professional with a diverse range of expertise. As a Functional Analysis Researcher, she delves into the intricate world of mathematical theory, applying her analytical skills to unravel complex problems and discover innovative solutions. Her passion for mathematics extends beyond research, as she also serves as a Mathematics Lecturer, imparting knowledge and inspiring students with her expertise.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Aminat is a Motivational Speaker, harnessing the power of words to uplift and empower others on their personal and professional journeys. Her ability to connect with audiences and ignite positive change makes her a sought-after speaker at various events and conferences.
With a keen eye for detail and a knack for deciphering patterns, Aminat excels as a Data Analyst, leveraging data-driven insights to drive informed decision-making and strategic planning across various domains. Her proficiency in data analysis allows her to extract valuable information from complex datasets, guiding organizations towards greater efficiency and success.
As a Mentor and Public Speaker, Aminat is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, sharing her knowledge and experiences to guide others towards their goals. Her dedication to mentorship and advocacy for personal development has earned her recognition, including the esteemed title of Winner of the Best PhD Thesis at the University of Lagos in 2023.
Driven by a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference, Aminat Ige continues to leave a lasting impact in academia, research, and beyond.

She-EO 16.0

April 22, 2024 Executive Assistant

Women, motivated by purpose, create ripples of transformative change. They turn aspirations into achievements and break down obstacles with each determined move. With passion as their fuel, they drive forward, molding a world where every intentional endeavor serves as a beacon of inspiration for the generations to come.

**Jennie Nwokoye**
Jennie Nwokoye is an accomplished Systems Engineer with over seven years of experience in technical consulting and project management across various industries. Her natural aptitude for tactical leadership and innovative initiatives has contributed to company growth and expansion throughout her career, earning her recognition for her process optimization skills.
As an entrepreneur and mentor, Jennie has made a significant impact in helping young entrepreneurs develop solutions to tackle some of society's toughest challenges. Her efforts have enabled over a dozen young entrepreneurs to raise more than $100,000 in the past two years, showcasing her commitment to driving social change and fostering emerging talent.
Jennie is also the visionary founder of Clafiya, a platform that revolutionizes how Africans pay, access, and receive health and wellness services through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Her dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability continues to inspire progress and innovation in the sector.

**Sophia Aluko**
Sophia Aluko is a visionary leader serving as the Customer and Digital Transformation Director at Barclays, where she spearheads the bank's digitization agenda. With a track record of success in driving change and transformation within large, complex organizations, Sophia is recognized as an award-winning senior leader in her field.
Drawing from her extensive experience across diverse sectors such as FMCG, Technology, Telecoms, and Banking, Sophia brings a commercial-focused approach to her leadership role. Throughout her career, she has led teams across Africa, Europe, the UK, and Asia, consistently delivering outstanding business results.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sophia is deeply committed to supporting gender equality initiatives and empowering others to reach their full potential. She is the founder of The Steer Network, a renowned career coaching and mentoring organization dedicated to enabling individuals to excel and achieve their career aspirations.
Sophia holds a global management-chartered accountant qualification and earned her MBA from Imperial College London. She resides in London with her family, where she continues to make a positive impact both personally and professionally.

**Abby Adeoye**
Abby Adeoye is a visionary leader and seasoned multi-business owner with over two decades of experience in the finance industry. Her dedication to leveraging financial metrics to make informed decisions and create positive impact has established her as a respected authority in the field. As a passionate financial literacy expert, Abby empowers business owners to understand their financials, enabling them to focus on their unique talents and strengths.
Abby's educational journey began at Howard University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting. She furthered her studies at the University of Maryland, obtaining a Master's degree in Accounting and Financial Management. Her academic background, coupled with her extensive industry experience, allows Abby to navigate the complexities of finance with precision and expertise.
In addition to her professional achievements, Abby's love for exploration takes her on travel adventures with her family. Her curiosity extends to discovering different cuisines, adding zest to her life and broadening her horizons. Abby's belief in living the life you desire through intentional actions inspired her to establish Happily Ever Finance. Through this venture, Abby and her team advocate for financial success through strategic financial practices.
Abby's commitment to financial education, passion for exploration, and dedication to intentional living make her a driving force in the finance industry. She inspires others to pursue their dreams and financial goals with confidence, determination, and a sense of adventure.

**Dr. Olayemi O. Dawodu**
Dr. Olayemi O. Dawodu is an Anatomic and Molecular Pathologist with a distinguished career spanning over 19 years in clinical and administrative roles. She holds an M.B.B.S from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and fellowships in Anatomic and Molecular Pathology and Laboratory Medicine from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African College of Physicians, respectively, allowing her to practice across Nigeria and the West African region. Additionally, she is an alumna of Said Business School, University of Oxford Executive Education.
Dr. Dawodu's extensive experience includes training at the Department of Pathology, Indiana University, and Purdue University in the United States. She specializes in Gynecologic and Endocrine Pathology, with a particular emphasis on the thyroid gland and environmental pathology.
Currently, Dr. Dawodu serves as the MD/CEO of Clina-Lancet Laboratories, a renowned name in healthcare and part of the Cerba-Lancet Healthcare group. Since joining the organization in 2015 as a country Histopathologist, she quickly ascended to her current position in 2016. In her role, she provides strategic leadership, manages daily business operations, and oversees the growth and development of the organization.
Passionate about improving the healthcare sector, Dr. Dawodu is dedicated to delivering excellent pathology services, administrative expertise, and leadership. An avid researcher, she has published articles in local and international journals and serves as a reviewer for a leading national pathology journal. She is also a Senior Lecturer in Anatomic Pathology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
Dr. Dawodu contributes her expertise to various advisory roles and boards across different sectors, including her role as a member of the Accreditation Advisory Committee for the Nigerian National Accreditation System and her involvement in the "Health as a Business" Committee of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group. She is a member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria, a WimBiz Mentor, and one of the first 50 founding members of Gaia Africa, a C-suite women-only business club in Africa. Moreover, she is part of the prestigious female-only "Angel Investors" club in Africa called "Rising Tide Africa," promoting female entrepreneurs with seed investments.
Her outstanding work has garnered notable awards, such as the "Medical Personality Leadership Prize Winner 2016" and the "Best Female CEO in the West African Region" at the 2017 ECOWAS Quality Awards.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Dawodu fosters a team-based approach and values capacity-building to achieve organizational goals. She is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare, particularly pathology and diagnostic services, in Nigeria and Africa.
In her spare time, Dr. Dawodu enjoys reading, dancing, and traveling. She believes in always presenting the best version of oneself in every opportunity. She is married and a loving mother to three children.

SHE-EO 15.0

February 21, 2024 Executive Assistant

Women, empowered and driven by purpose, generate waves of positive change. They transform dreams into reality and shatter barriers with each resolute step. Fueled by passion, our progress is propelled, shaping a world where every purposeful pursuit becomes a guiding light of inspiration for future generations.

Ozavize Winful

She is an accomplished and innovative professional with demonstrable functional and technical competence in Public Sector reform and administration. She has over 30 years of experience in public administration, sixteen of which have been in the directorate cadre, specifically in Service Delivery, Tax Administration and Compliance Monitoring, Human Capital Management and Capacity Development.

She was nominated for and completed the Senior Executive Course 44, 2022 of the National Institute for Policy. and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) where she was recently conferred with the award of Member National Institute (mni). At the Institute she researched and submitted a thesis on Digital Economy and Taxation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.

She was appointed the first Director SERVICOM, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in September 2020 with the responsibility to ensure that the FIRS delivers quality service to taxpayers in partnership with stakeholders and operates a transparent and efficient tax system that optimises tax revenue collection and voluntary compliance. This includes preparing the Service for the annual Ministerial/Parastatal SERVICOM evaluation exercise conducted by SERVICOM National Headquarters. She held this position till her nomination by the Executive Chairman to attend the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute.

Since becoming the Director of SERVICOM, the Federal Inland Revenue Service has consistently received Annual Awards for service improvement as the overall best parastatal in the Financial Sector Team by SERVICOM with letters of commendations to the Executive Chairman of the Service which has greatly enhanced its customer- centric focus.

She has represented the FIRS Executive Management on several committee assignments, induding the Secretariat of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Stamp Duties, the VAT Implementation Committee for the Finance Act 2020, the TADAT (IMF/World Bank Project) Reform Plan Implementation Committee and the Ministerial Technical Committee on the Implementation of the Oransaye Report for Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies by the Federal Ministry of Finance

Ozavize is adept at leading initiatives that address organisational and national issues in the interest of transformation and growth. Her motivational management style has recorded a proven record of building, guiding and retaining high-performance teams to develop and implement strategies for accelerated and sustained growth. Her work experience and engagements cut-across Federal Government Ministries and International Government Organizations in areas such as Tax Compliance and Risk Management, Human Resource Management, Manpower Planning and Implementation, Capacity Enhancement, Corporate Planning and Governance, Policy Implementation and Analysis, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, and Censuses and Demographic Surveys

Ozavize Winful holds an MPA (Public Administration), Post Graduate Diploma (Population and Sustainable Development) and BSc. Sociology and Anthropology. She has vast training in Tax Administration, Use of TADAT, Inspector of Tax courses, Taxpayer Service Delivery, Compliance Management, Strategic Thinking, Planning and Execution, Policy Making and Implementation, Population and Demographic Studies, Population Statistical Techniques and Project Management.

Her professional affiliations include Associate Member Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI) Member of the Institute of Directors (mIoD), a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administratie of Nigeria (FCPA), the Compliance Institute Southem Africa (CISA), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and the Chartered Mediator and Concillator (ICMC),

She believes strongly in personal accountability, excellence, delivering the impossible, harnessing capabilities and giving back to society. Her greatest motivation is steering initiatives that solve organisational and national issues for transformation and growth. The experience of participating in the Senior Executive Course of the

National Institute has further strengthened her resolve to contribute to nation-building through the strengthening of institutions of governance for successful national growth and development. She enjoys life to the full through golfing, travelling and experiencing exotic cuisines.

Maryam Aliko Mohammed

Maryam Aliko Mohammed, management consultant and coach, has been in private practice since 2007, offering her expertise as a published author, public speaker, facilitator, and School Lead. Maryam's professional journey encompasses a spectrum of roles, including Executive Director of Modalali, School Lead at Kaduna International School, and Independent Non-Executive Director at Nestle PLC.

Specializing in coaching and training for Executives, Leaders of Organizations, Businesses, and Teams, Maryam focuses on key areas such as Leadership, Management of Agreements, Performance Management, Business Development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her credentials include membership in the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), Fellowship with the Chartered Institute of Corporate Management Nigeria (CICMN), and the Chartered Institute of Administration. She holds an MBA in Human Resource and Marketing Management, a Diploma in Coaching from ICS, and a Certificate in Coaching from the University of Cambridge.

With a background rooted in team building, talent management, and action planning, Maryam brings a wealth of experience to her development endeavours. Her niche spans individuals and diverse industries, including manufacturing, education, banking, retail, and government organisations. Her coaching specialities encompass CEO/board-level coaching, cultural transformation, change management, start-ups, action planning, succession planning, performance development, and team development.

Her commitment to understanding human behaviour and development is evident in her impactful interventions, making her a trusted guide for individuals and organisations seeking continuous improvement and excellence.

SHE-EO 14.0

January 8, 2024 Executive Assistant

She-EO is proud to present our inaugural event in the city of Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. She-EO Abuja 2024, which is the 14th in the series will take place from 11a.m. to 7:00p.m. on Saturday, January 27th, 2024.

She-EO is a uniquely designed talk-show-styled learning event for women of African descent to have tough but important conversations for growth and development purposes. She-EO does not include lectures, classes, sermons, or workshops; instead, participants can expect to listen to, and be moved by authentic and powerful stories shared with authenticity and vulnerability by our hot-seat guests (women and men we admire).

Like all She-EO events, She-EO Abuja is a private event open to 70 women attendees only. A limited number of tickets are available.

She-EO Inc. is a section 501c3 tax-exempt organization registered in the State of Maryland, USA and represented in Nigeria by House of Ganiyah Nigeria Limited.

Reserve a Seat

HOST

HOT SEAT GUESTS’

**Dr Amina Aminu Dorayi**
She is a public health physician with about two decades of extensive experience in leading the planning, implementation and monitoring of interventions targeted at improving access to quality health services, especially for women, girls, and underserved communities in Nigeria. She is currently the **Nigeria Country Director at Pathfinder International** where she leads the delivery of multiple programs to accomplish the organization’s mission of building lasting and trusted local partnerships to strengthen health systems across Nigeria.
She served as the Technical Director for the USAID-funded Sustaining Health Outcomes through the Private Sector Plus project in Nigeria and a Senior Technical Advisor with the International Development Division of Abt Associates. Dr Amina was also the Associate Deputy National Program Manager and Director of Service Delivery for the DFID funded £148million Partnership for Transforming Health Systems (PATHS2) project in Nigeria. She is a Co-Chair and Steering Committee Member at Women in Global Health Nigeria Chapter and serves on the Advisory Board of Family Empowerment Media. Dr Amina is an advocate for gender equity and women empowerment. She is committed to creating pathways for young women to take on leadership roles in public health.
Dr Amina holds a Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Liverpool, UK. She is a Fellow of the African Institute of Public Health Professionals and West African Institute of Public Health.

**Dr Samiah Oyekan-Ahmed**
She is a Medical Doctor turned entrepreneur in the business of satisfying gaps in specific markets. She is the founder of Fusion Lifestyle Limited, a company that suports entrepreneurship by providing a platform for business owners to showcase their services since it's inception in 2009.
She founded The Gift Source in 2013 after recognizing a need for qualitative, functional and aesthetically pleasing gifts and novelties and the company has continued to grow and thrive doing precisely what it set out to do out of it's store in Abuja FCT and a fully e-commerce enabled website.
From The Gift Source stemmed Pop Kids Gifts in 2019, a company dedicated to providing the best gift and party pack options for children aged 0-10years.
Salam Gift Company was founded in 2021 when she recognized a need for qualitative and contemporary Islamic gifts and novelties and began designing and creating products to meet this need.
A social and business impacter, Samiah has taught over 500 aspiring and established business owners, is an independent business consultant, as well as "Jannah Hustler' at The Pearl Muslimah Network, a network of Muslim women aiming for success in this world and the next
She was appointed as a non-executive board member of Hanovia Limited in 2021, a leading data collation, surveys and project management company in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
She is a twice published Islamic fiction author and a podcaster at 'Dr Sam's Musings'
Samiah is happily married with two children and loves to travel and read in her spare time.

**Maryam Aliko Mohammed**
Maryam Aliko Mohammed, management consultant and coach, has been in private practice since 2007, offering her expertise as a published author, public speaker, facilitator, and School Lead. Maryam's professional journey encompasses a spectrum of roles, including Executive Director of Modalali, School Lead at Kaduna International School, and Independent Non-Executive Director at Nestle PLC.
Specializing in coaching and training for Executives, Leaders of Organizations, Businesses, and Teams, Maryam focuses on key areas such as Leadership, Management of Agreements, Performance Management, Business Development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her credentials include membership in the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), Fellowship with the Chartered Institute of Corporate Management Nigeria (CICMN), and the Chartered Institute of Administration. She holds an MBA in Human Resource and Marketing Management, a Diploma in Coaching from ICS, and a Certificate in Coaching from the University of Cambridge.
With a background rooted in team building, talent management, and action planning, Maryam brings a wealth of experience to her development endeavours. Her niche spans individuals and diverse industries, including manufacturing, education, banking, retail, and government organisations. Her coaching specialities encompass CEO/board-level coaching, cultural transformation, change management, start-ups, action planning, succession planning, performance development, and team development.
Her commitment to understanding human behaviour and development is evident in her impactful interventions, making her a trusted guide for individuals and organisations seeking continuous improvement and excellence.

**Maryam Uwais**
She is an accomplished lawyer of over 42 years’ experience, with a rich and diverse career spanning private legal practice, civil society, as well as the private and public sectors. From her law practice, Maryam has worked with the Kano State Government, the Nigerian Law Reform Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Over the years, Maryam continues to advise internationally renowned companies/ establishments and various Governments and Agencies, on legal matters (commercial transactions), as well as around regulatory and compliance issues in government processes, structures, and strategies.
In the private sector, she has served on the Board of Stanbic IBTC Bank, on the Thisday Editorial Board (Leaders & Co) and is currently on the Lagos Business School Advisory Board. She was a member of the African Union Committee of Experts on the Rights & Welfare of the Child for 5 years (2018- 2013) and was subsequently appointed on the (then Acting) President Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Advisory Council. In 2009, she founded the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, an NGO that continues to empower women and children in education, healthcare, and empowerment in Kano State and environs. In 2012, Maryam was a member of the Northern Governor’s Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security, to curb the insecurity challenges then emerging in the Northern region.
She was also a founding and strategy team member of the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ movement upon the tragic and alarming abduction of 276 girls from Chibok Secondary School, Borno State. Maryam has served on the Gender Electoral Memorandum Committee, set up to strategize on how to increase the numbers of female participation in politics, thereby deliberately mainstreaming women into the public service. This experience led to her appointment to the Advisory Board of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund Ltd Gte, a joint initiative by the government and civil society, aimed at bolstering female political aspirants to enhance leadership and foster greater accountability and competence in governance.
She continues to serve on the Board of Directors for ‘Women in Successful Careers’, an organization dedicated to mentoring young professional women to thrive in their careers. 2 More recently, Maryam served as Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments from November 2015 to May 2023, during which period she pioneered 4 broad Federal Government Social Investment programmes, directly impacting on over 13 million vulnerable Nigerians in the first 4 years.
Maryam Chaired the Social Transformation Cluster of the Nigerian Medium- and Long-Term Development Plans (2025 & 2030), which comprised of 9 technical working groups, consisting of the Poverty Alleviation & Social Security Group (which she coordinated, directly), and included issues relating to women, youth, water, education, health, sports, identity and cross-cutting matters. She subsequently initiated and coordinated the At-Risk Children's program, which focused on addressing the challenges of marginalized youth and out-of-school children around the country.
Maryam has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Amongst the many National and International acknowledgments of distinguished service, Maryam was one of the recipients of the Thisday Awards in February 2012. In 2015, she was the National Human Rights Commission Awardee for her Outstanding Contributions in the Advancement of the Rights and Welfare of Women & Children. She was selected as one of the 2014 McNulty Prize Laureates of the Aspen Institute, Colorado, USA for the impact of IWEI in rural communities. In 2019, Maryam was named the ‘Public Social Intrapreneur of the Year’ by the Schwab Foundation (an affiliate of the World Economic Forum).
In May 2022, she was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's ‘Goalkeepers’ not-for-profit. She is the recipient of the National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Having worked as a consultant for prominent institutions such as the World Bank, UNICEF, UNODC, UNDP, USAID, and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, for such a long period, Maryam has garnered the reputation of a professional, and an expert in the humanitarian and development fields.
She has also written extensively on matters, deriving from her vast experience of serving in the legal and social development sectors

**Ifeoma Malo**
Ifeoma is an energy access expert and a climate action champion,. She has over 23 years’ experience, building and directing organisational operations and strategy, supporting start-ups and MSMEs across Africa. In the past 10years she has become a recognized and credible leader in the energy and utility markets, working on the intersection of Energy Transtion, Energy markets, Energy and Climate Financing and Climate Adaptation markets. She is experienced in political economy, energy policy and energy markets, developmental economy, climate and environment, sustainability, dispute resolution, process facilitation and organisational development

**Ozavize Winful MNI**
She is an accomplished and innovative professional with demonstrable functional and technical competence in Public Sector reform and administration. She has over 30 years of experience in public administration, sixteen of which have been in the directorate cadre, specifically in Service Delivery, Tax Administration and Compliance Monitoring, Human Capital Management and Capacity Development.
She was nominated for and completed the Senior Executive Course 44, 2022 of the National Institute for Policy. and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) where she was recently conferred with the award of Member National Institute (mni). At the Institute she researched and submitted a thesis on Digital Economy and Taxation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.
She was appointed the first Director SERVICOM, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in September 2020 with the responsibility to ensure that the FIRS delivers quality service to taxpayers in partnership with stakeholders and operates a transparent and efficient tax system that optimises tax revenue collection and voluntary compliance. This includes preparing the Service for the annual Ministerial/Parastatal SERVICOM evaluation exercise conducted by SERVICOM National Headquarters. She held this position till her nomination by the Executive Chairman to attend the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute.
Since becoming the Director of SERVICOM, the Federal Inland Revenue Service has consistently received Annual Awards for service improvement as the overall best parastatal in the Financial Sector Team by SERVICOM with letters of commendations to the Executive Chairman of the Service which has greatly enhanced its customer- centric focus.
She has represented the FIRS Executive Management on several committee assignments, induding the Secretariat of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Stamp Duties, the VAT Implementation Committee for the Finance Act 2020, the TADAT (IMF/World Bank Project) Reform Plan Implementation Committee and the Ministerial Technical Committee on the Implementation of the Oransaye Report for Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies by the Federal Ministry of Finance
Ozavize is adept at leading initiatives that address organisational and national issues in the interest of transformation and growth. Her motivational management style has recorded a proven record of building, guiding and retaining high-performance teams to develop and implement strategies for accelerated and sustained growth. Her work experience and engagements cut-across Federal Government Ministries and International Government Organizations in areas such as Tax Compliance and Risk Management, Human Resource Management, Manpower Planning and Implementation, Capacity Enhancement, Corporate Planning and Governance, Policy Implementation and Analysis, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, and Censuses and Demographic Surveys
Ozavize Winful holds an MPA (Public Administration), Post Graduate Diploma (Population and Sustainable Development) and BSc. Sociology and Anthropology. She has vast training in Tax Administration, Use of TADAT, Inspector of Tax courses, Taxpayer Service Delivery, Compliance Management, Strategic Thinking, Planning and Execution, Policy Making and Implementation, Population and Demographic Studies, Population Statistical Techniques and Project Management.
Her professional affiliations include Associate Member Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI) Member of the Institute of Directors (mIoD), a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administratie of Nigeria (FCPA), the Compliance Institute Southem Africa (CISA), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and the Chartered Mediator and Concillator (ICMC),
She believes strongly in personal accountability, excellence, delivering the impossible, harnessing capabilities and giving back to society. Her greatest motivation is steering initiatives that solve organisational and national issues for transformation and growth. The experience of participating in the Senior Executive Course of the
National Institute has further strengthened her resolve to contribute to nation-building through the strengthening of institutions of governance for successful national growth and development. She enjoys life to the full through golfing, travelling and experiencing exotic cuisines.

**Maryam Lemu**
She is an international Motivational Speaker, Relationship Coach and an adept seminar and workshop facilitator. She is currently the Head of Administration and Resource Management at New Horizons College Minna, Nigeria, a faith-based school. She is also one of the Directors of ProStart Consultants, a capacity-building consultancy firm based in Nigeria.
Mrs. Lemu has traveled around the world delivering seminars on a wide range of topics including team building, leadership, and personal development. She is passionate about human development and character building and helps her audience identify a sense of purpose and direction in life and the positive impact it exerts on both work and personal life. Also, she delivers engaging public talks on Muslim Identity, Living a life of purpose, and marital and pre-marital topics and particularly enjoys relationship coaching and counseling.
She is a known face with regular television appearances in Nigeria. She is the host of the popular Islamic talk show Sisterly on Alif TV, and Ramadan shows on several networks. She also produces YouTube video series and has a large social media following, as well. Mrs. Lemu has a broad range of expertise including Public Speaking, Mentoring and Coaching, Leadership, Management, Communication, and Negotiation to name a few. She also provides consultancy to Islamic schools based on her strong commitment to character development, social responsibility, and values-driven leadership.

**Dr. Olasunkanmi Sotinwa**
Dr. Olasunkanmi Sotinwa's journey in the field of medicine has been marked by dedication, academic excellence, and a commitment to community well-being.
Dr. Olasunkanmi Sotinwa currently serves as a Family Physician at the Wuse District Hospital in Abuja. She attended Aunty Ayo Preparatory School, Ikoyi, Lagos (1985), Federal Government Girls College Abuloma, Rivers State (1991) and Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State (2003). She is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, Faculty of Family Medicine (2021).
Dr. Sotinwa is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health degree. She is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, Faculty of Family Medicine (2021).
Her impact extends beyond medical practice; she is actively contributing to the health and well-being of the community. Her dedication to ongoing learning and professional development positions her as a valuable asset in the field of family medicine.
Her commitment to community health and well-rounded education makes her a beacon in the field of medicine.
As she continues to excel in her journey, Dr. Olasunkanmi Sotinwa embodies the essence of a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professional, positively influencing the lives she touches.

**Chief Ladi Bala**
Born in the mid-1970s in Kaduna, Kaduna State to the family of late Staff Sergeant Bala Pwanda'a Nzome and Wanga of the royal clan of Nganbale of Demsa, Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa state, LADI BALA obtained her First Leaving School Certificate from the Army Children Primary School, Mongonu, Borno State. She later attended the Sakato Government Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa State and obtained her SSC E in 1995 before proceeding to the University of Maiduguri to study Mass Communications where she obtained her first degree in 2004. Her desire for the acquisition of more knowledge led her to apply and studied for her Masters degree in English for Specific Purposes at the Modibbo Adamawa University in 2021.
Ladi Bala did her one year compulsory National Youth Service Scheme in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue where she won a State Award for outstanding performance in 2006.
Ladi Bala as she is known by her friends, colleagues and admirers, started her journalism career as a News Assistant with the Adamawa Television Corporation. She is an ace broadcaster that has carved a niche for herself in journalism practice.
A gender activist with distinction, who has special interest in uplifting the living standards of the downtrodden, Ladi Bala is a dogged and committed unionist that has distinguished herself through dint of hard work and learning through the ropes until she got to the zenith of her service to humanity with her election as the National President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
Ladi Bala’s passion for activism and promoting the cause of women and the vulnerable members of the society particularly the Girl Child, pushed her to be become an advocate of change that gives hope to girls and women.
While serving as a Youth Corps member back then and as the President of NAWOJ, she remained a strong pillar and voice for women inclusion and participation in governance and gender discrimination.
Most significantly, is the fight against sexual and gender based violence particularly rape takes the centre stage in her activities and activism.
LADI is a firm believer in the pursuit of ensuring that while the men must be respected and given their space, she holds it dear to heart that women and girls should be allowed to take a seat on the decision making table as well as ensures that their voices are heard and captured in the schemes of development. This, she believes will guarantee a safer society for all thus, reflected in most of her postures in development work.
LADI BALA, who holds a degree in Mass Communications from the University of Maiduguri and a Masters Degree in English for Specific Purposes from the MAUTEC, Yola, is presently an Assistant Manager News with the Nigeria Television Authority, Network Headquarters, Abuja.
Ladi Bala is selfless when it comes to adding value to humanity and pursuit of set goals and responsibility with zeal and dedication, a virtue that led her to be the first president of NAWOJ that has recorded uncommon achievements such as acquiring a national Secretariat and land for the building of a permanent Secretariat in the nation’s capital, Abuja as well as partnership with ActionAid and capacity building for women journalists across the country.
Her focus, and doggedness pushed NAWOJ to greater heights thus, became a household name in Nigeria, a feat that is so cherished by members.
Ladi Bala, who is a strong voice that belongs to different bodies and platforms, has received several recognition and awards for her service to humanity.
A humble Lady that was brought up with deep understanding of her culture and tradition, Ladi Bala is above all a devote Christian with a passion to serve God.
She currently holds the prestigious tradition titles of JAKADIYA JALINGO from Taraba state and Nzubyalata Hama Batta, Batta chiefdom of Adamawa state.

SHE-EO 2024 CALENDAR

January 5, 2024 Executive Assistant

Dear sister,

Get Ready for an Exciting Year: The 2024 Calendar is Here! 📅

We're thrilled to welcome you to another year filled with new opportunities, adventures, and milestones. As we step into 2024, it's time to prepare for what's ahead. That's why we're excited to introduce the official 2024 calendar.

Mark Your Calendar and stay connected. You do not want to miss out on any event as the 2024 calendar is your roadmap to an amazing year.