She-EO 17.0
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
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.
HOT SEAT GUEST
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.