Women of Rubies
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Esther Ijewere

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Financial Literacy Instructor, Vanessa Ideh - Founder of Launch To Wealth
In Career Gems By

I’m Passionate About Helping Women Gain Financial Freedom – Vanessa Ideh Shares Her Story

A popular wealth creator once said: “When money realizes that it is in good hands, it wants to stay and multiply in those hands.” That’s what Vanessa Ideh Adekoya represents in her industry. She understands the power of merging financial Literacy with creativity. Vanessa has managed to turn YouTube into a lucrative business, and she is now teaching other women how to do it.

In April 2020 she joined Youtube and started creating content around trending topics, and in June 2021, the certified financial education instructor (CFEI) and former accountant decided to start from scratch and build a brand-new channel called, Launch To Wealth.

The platform has now evolved into a goldmine, making Vanessa one of the top black Youtubers in the world. In November 2021, she made $23,700 from her YouTube channel in just five months of launching it, and her subscribers increased significantly. The inspiring financial coach has turned her hobby into a career, and she is reaping the fruit of her labour, hard work and tenacity.

In this Interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her passion for gender equity and how she is using her platform to teach women the importance of financial freedom.

Vanessa Ideh Interview with Women of Rubies
Vanessa Ideh

Childhood Influence

Yes, My childhood influenced me in a way. I can look back on my childhood and find patterns of creativity and expression through words.  At the same time, I have always been good with numbers so I knew that whatever I would do as an adult had to allow me to use those skills simultaneously.

Why I Pitched My Tent In the Financial Literacy Sector  

Making a mark in the world of Financial Literacy as a digital creator is me coming full circle with myself. For as long as I have known myself, I have been a confident speaker and creative thinker but growing up in an African household, I thought there was no way for me to express my natural talents and be financially stable at the same time. You were either a broke artist or an educated professional. So, I decided to be an educated professional and it doesn’t get more professional than being an Accountant.

However, after landing a job at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, I quickly realized that I would never feel fulfilled if I did not have room to be creative and to speak often as part of my job. That was when the search for an alternative path began. I had coffee chats with people who worked in Marketing, PR and other communication-heavy fields but it wasn’t until I found a brand called Clever Girl Finance that I felt like someone had created exactly what I wanted to create. I did further research and found that she is a Certified Financial Education Instructor so I became one too. The rest is history.

The Journey So Far

It’s been Amazing. On many days, I feel like I am living in a dream because I recognize how much of a privilege it is to show up as your full self, work in a field that you were naturally designed to work in and make a difference in the lives of many. I see it as God’s goodness and I never want to take God’s goodness for granted.

Challenges I Encounter In My Line Of Work

It depends on what room I am in. In some spaces, the challenge is explaining what exactly I do for a living. In other spaces, the challenge is finding the right people to join my team so we can move the vision forward. However, regardless of the challenges I face, I still find joy in doing what I do.

The Society and Its Support For Content Creators

It is a relatively new field and so people don’t understand it enough to appreciate it. It is only a matter of time, though. I see that changing in the future.

Vanessa Ideh - Founder of Launch To Wealth
Vanessa Ideh – Founder, Launch To Wealth

Other Projects and Activities

I am currently working on a project that would shed light on the creator economy. It is something I am so passionate about because it is the reason why I am able to do what I do in a sustainable way.

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

The level of impact that my work has. People literally pray for me every day because I expose them to opportunities that they otherwise would not be exposed to.

 3 Women Who Inspire Me And Why 

Bola Sokunbi, the CEO of Clever Girl Finance. I love the fact that she was bold enough to build a platform centered around women and money. Those are two subjects that get me fired up and as far as I’m concerned, she is a blueprint.

Tara Durotoye, the CEO of House of Tara. I love her love for life and for people. She wears many hats well and I think that is not easy for anyone to do.

Myleik Teele, the CEO of Curlbox. That’s a woman who believed she could and did. She built a social media community and then turned around to create an amazing company around the needs of the women in her community. That’s remarkable; in my humble opinion.

How I Use My Passion For Financial Literacy and Gender Equality To Create Room For Other Women in Our Industry

I actually have a closed community for black women in the financial literacy and media space. It’s one of my most recent projects and something I am very passionate about. I love to see women thrive and succeed.

One Thing I Wish To Change In The World

I would make room for more black women to thrive. We need more women at the table.

How To Empower Women In The Society

Teach them how money works. I don’t think women can be empowered if we aren’t financially empowered.

Being  A Woman of Rubies

My audacity. I think it takes a lot of courage to break away from a traditional path, tell yourself the truth about who you are and then find or create a path that allows you to show up as your best self. Many more people would do this too if they had the audacity so I would say audacity makes me unique.

To Young Women Trying To Navigate Their Path In Life

I will probably say 2 things:

Who you are is enough. Find where people like you get paid and go there

Give yourself options. You never want to be in a situation where you feel stuck so ensure you make decisions that open you up to multiple opportunities

Take a look at other related interviews we’ve had in the past:

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Adeola Adefemi Global Teacher Prize
In Career Gems By

Adeola Adefemi: A Beacon Of Excellence In Education

Adeola Adefemi stands as a shining example of unwavering dedication and remarkable achievement. As a public school teacher, Adeola has not only carved a niche for herself but has also become a beacon for the advancement of quality education and the establishment of safe and inclusive learning environments.Adeola Adefemi

A Journey Rooted in Commitment

Adeola commenced her educational journey in 2013, joining the Lagos State Ministry of Education. Over the years, she has tirelessly worked towards the advancement of collaborative education and the establishment of safe and inclusive learning spaces. Currently serving as the Principal Education Officer at Keke Senior High School in Lagos, Adeola has become a trailblazer in the field.

Global Recognition and Advocacy

Beyond national borders, Adeola’s impact is globally recognized. As a Fulbright fellow, Global Teacher Prize Ambassador, Global Partner Exchange fellow, and Distinguished Judge for The Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition, she advocates for quality education on an international scale. Her initiatives, including the Girls Allowed Hub, Every Child Counts Club, and the Secure Your Future Campaign, exemplify her commitment to empowering students globally.

Mentorship and Triumph

Adeola’s mentorship has been a driving force behind the triumphs of numerous students, who have excelled in over 150 local and international competitions. Her dedication to education has earned her prestigious accolades, including the JCI Outstanding Young Person in Nigeria Award, Best Teacher in Lagos and Nigeria Awards, and the coveted title of Best Teacher in Africa (African Union Continental Teachers Award). In 2021, she proudly joined the ranks of the Top 50 Teachers in the World by winning the Global Teacher Prize.

Adeola Adefemi

Literary Pursuits and Academic Contributions

Adeola’s influence extends beyond the classroom into academic discourse. She has presented papers at renowned conferences and summits, showcasing her depth of knowledge and commitment to advancing the field of education. Her passion for literature is evident through her extensive literary pursuits, including scriptwriting and creating over 50 plays and poems, one of which was performed during the Lagos at 50 celebrations.

Continuous Professional Growth

Adeola’s thirst for knowledge is insatiable. With over a hundred international certifications, she exemplifies a commitment to continuous professional growth and expertise in her field. Her dedication to staying abreast of the latest developments underscores her role as a trailblazer in the dynamic landscape of teaching and learning.

In Adeola Adefemi, we find not only a teacher but a visionary leader who has dedicated her career to shaping the future through education. As the Global Teacher Prize winner, her impact on education is not only transformative but also a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and an unyielding belief in the potential of every student.

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Entrepreneurs Awards 2024
In Interviews&profile By

Maryam Muritala: Pioneering Change And Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Canada Vendors

Maryam Muritala is a foreign-trained lawyer whose expertise extends from Business and Technology to Copyright, Trademark Law, and Contract Management. As a seasoned Business Development Consultant, Maryam has successfully guided entrepreneurs across five continents, establishing herself as a driving force in the business world. In this exclusive interview with Esther Ijewere, Maryam shares her inspiring journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to becoming the founder of Canada Vendors and the visionary behind the renowned Brand Expo.

Childhood Influence

Born and raised in Lagos, Maryam’s entrepreneurial roots run deep, shaped by the influence of both her maternal and paternal grandparents. Inspired by her family’s commitment to service, Maryam’s journey into law was further fueled by her aunt’s encouragement. Her childhood laid the foundation for a life dedicated to building connections and providing opportunities.

Career Path

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008, Maryam initially delved into corporate law, working on diverse projects involving contract agreements. Her pivot to business development was a strategic move, opening doors to a realm where she could blend legal expertise with entrepreneurial vision.

Canada Vendors and Navigating Challenges

Witnessing the evolution of the digital marketing space post-COVID-19, Maryam founded Canada Vendors to empower businesses with structured online visibility. The challenges faced, from business registration hurdles to integrating digital marketing, prompted the Canada Vendors Team to host virtual info-session events, offering crucial support during the pandemic.

Brand Expo and its Purpose

Brand Expo, an annual business networking event initiated by Maryam, serves as a platform for businesses to showcase products, services, and brand image. More than a networking opportunity, the expo facilitates workshops, exhibitions, presentations, and networking events, fostering brand awareness, visibility, and valuable business connections.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Against the backdrop of the pandemic’s impact on small businesses, Maryam launched ‘The Entrepreneurial Journey,’ a YouTube mini-series spotlighting the Canadian small business community. Emphasizing the benefits of technology integration and digital marketing, the series aimed to empower businesses with the tools for growth in the digital landscape.

Being a Woman of Rubies

For Maryam, being a Woman of Rubies means creating opportunities wherever she goes, wearing her crown proudly and tall. Her unique ability to seize opportunities aligns with the essence of resilience and strength that defines a Woman of Rubies.

Inspirational Figures

Michelle Obama, Ibukun Awosika, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg stand as women who inspire Maryam on her journey, reflecting values of leadership, empowerment, and advocacy.

Maryam Muitala, Esther Ijewere and others with Hon. Abike Dabiri during her visit to the City of Brampton

Nigerian Community in Canada

Maryam acknowledges the significant contributions of the Nigerian community to Canada‘s vibrant multicultural society. From business and politics to healthcare and technology, Nigerian trailblazers continue to positively impact various sectors, embodying the spirit of excellence in diverse communities.

Maryam Muritala’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of combining legal expertise with a passion for entrepreneurship. Her commitment to empowering others, evident in initiatives like Canada Vendors and Brand Expo, showcases the potential for positive change within the business landscape. As a Woman of Rubies, Maryam stands as an inspiration, embodying resilience, vision, and a dedication to creating opportunities in every endeavour.

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Media visibility bootcamp
In Interviews&profile By

Sola Adesakin: Empowering Financial Transformation And Simplifying Money Management

Sola Adesakin’s story is one of transformation, dedication, and the power of personal experience. As a renowned finance coach, author, and mentor, she has made it her mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower individuals to achieve their financial goals.

A Passion for Financial Empowerment

Sola Adesakin’s journey was inspired by her deep passion for helping people understand the “make-manage-multiply money” message. Her specialization lies in maximizing resources, guiding individuals to reach crucial financial milestones, and building true wealth through financial planning. Her dedication to this mission has earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected finance coaches.

From Financial Stress to Wealth

Throughout her career, Sola has played a pivotal role in helping both men and women bounce back from financial stress and debt, ultimately guiding them toward financial prosperity. Her expertise as an author, trained coach, and mentor has transformed countless lives, providing the knowledge and guidance needed to secure a more stable financial future.

A Portfolio of Recognition

Sola Adesakin’s remarkable contributions to the field of finance have not gone unnoticed. She was accepted into the Forbes Coaches Council, a testament to her expertise and influence in the financial industry. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women, showcasing the impact of her work on women’s empowerment. Additionally, she received the Women X Scholarship, a World Bank and Pan Atlantic University initiative supporting female entrepreneurs.

Educational Background and Certification

Sola’s journey into financial coaching and empowerment was fortified by her educational pursuits. She earned an HND from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro in 2000 and later obtained a BSc degree from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom in 2006. Her academic journey culminated in an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School in Scotland, making her well-equipped to guide others in their financial endeavors. Sola is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CGA CPA), a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants of the United Kingdom (ACCA).

A Vision Realized

Sola’s journey with finances, including debt and financial mismanagement, served as a driving force behind her commitment to teaching financial literacy to others. She recognized that formal education often falls short in equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to manage and multiply their money. After discovering a book that simplified money management, she adopted financial literacy, discipline, and budgeting, enabling her to save and earn seven-digit returns on her investments. Her journey taught her that personal responsibility is the key to breaking free from financial struggles.

An Author and Advocate

Sola Adesakin’s commitment to financial empowerment extends to her writing. She has authored eight books and numerous articles, sharing her insights and expertise on financial literacy with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her work has been featured in local and global publications, further expanding her influence.

Awards and Recognitions

Sola’s contributions to the field of finance have earned her several awards and recognitions, underscoring her impact:

  • Recipient of the Women X Scholarship, an initiative by the World Bank and Pan Atlantic University for female entrepreneurs.
  • Recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in 2020 by The Guardian Nigeria News.
  • Acknowledged as one of the 100 Power Women of 2021 by the Power Woman Network.
  • Participant in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, a U.S. Government Initiative.
  • Listed in the Phenomity 40 List of 2021 on International Women’s Day.
  • Accepted into the Forbes Coaches Council.

Sola Adesakin’s journey is a testament to the power of personal experience, education, and determination. Her work in simplifying money management and empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals continues to make a profound impact, not only in Nigeria but also on a global scale. Sola’s story serves as an inspiring example of how one individual’s commitment to financial education can transform lives and open doors to greater financial empowerment.

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Media Visibility Bootcamp 2.0
In Editor's Choice By

Highlights From The Women Of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 2.0

The  Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 2.0  transcended digital boundaries, hosted on Zoom on the 9th and 10th of December, 2023. This groundbreaking event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panellists who shared their expertise on personal branding, financial empowerment, media navigation, mental health, and more. This edition brought together industry leaders like Toun Okewale ( Co-founder, WFM917), thought experts, and dynamic speakers for two days of transformative learning.

Click this link to get your copy and unlock the secrets to enhancing your media visibility today.

Unlocking Key Insights:

Day 1 – Building the Foundation: The journey kicked off with Esther Ijewere’s profound insights into establishing a robust online presence, setting the stage for Adeola Osideko’s exploration of crafting a personal brand tailored for leadership in the digital era. Participants were captivated as these luminaries shared their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Day 2 – Diving into Expertise: The second day unfolded with a series of Fireside Chats that delved into diverse topics. Chinaza Favour, Wendy Nwajiufor, Azeezat Adejare, and Rinret Gofwan illuminated the audience with discussions on content creation, building sustainable brands, and intentional visibility.

Women of rubies fireside chat speakers

Additionally, the day featured expert masterclasses from Funmi Ajala, exploring the art of shaping narratives and driving change, Sola Adesakin, uncovering the power of leveraging financial literacy for enhanced media visibility, and Mayowa Adegoke, providing invaluable tips for mastering the vital skill of public speaking.

Media Bootcamp speakers

Why Acquiring the Recording is a Must:

  1. Expert Guidance: Access the insights of industry leaders and experts who have mastered the intricacies of online presence, personal branding, and strategic communication.
  2. Practical Strategies: Each session offers actionable strategies ready for immediate implementation, empowering participants to elevate their media visibility.
  3. Diverse Perspectives: Benefit from a diverse range of topics and speakers, ensuring a holistic approach to personal and professional development.
  4. Invest in Yourself: The Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp recording is an enduring resource, offering continual returns on the commitment to personal and professional growth.

Participants expressed their satisfaction with the event, praising the diverse range of topics covered and the high-quality insights shared by the esteemed speakers. The Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp left attendees equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their personal and professional lives.

Media Visibility Bootcamp 2.0 Media Visibility Bootcamp 2.0

As we reflect on the success of the second edition, the Women of Rubies team extends gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to making this event a beacon of empowerment. For further inquiries or to share your experience, please feel free to email us at info@womenofrubies.com.

Here’s to empowerment, success, and the unwavering pursuit of visibility!

Don’t Miss Out! Purchase the Recording on Selar Now!

Grab our free PR guide E-book here for enhanced visibility!

Free PR Guidebook

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Canadian based lawyer - Omoshalewa Onayemi T
In Interviews&profile By

Omoshalewa Onayemi: Mum, Lawyer And Entrepreneur Inspiring Women in Canada

Omoshalewa Onayemi is a Tri-qualified lawyer licensed to practice in Alberta, Ontario and Nigeria.

She currently works at a global recruitment firm and handles all the commercial and legal operations of the business Canada-wide.

Apart from being a career woman, she is a serial entrepreneur, a blogger, and an influencer.

She channeled her passion for fashion and food into businesses. She established, @kz_by_shally, a one-stop hub for all things fashion and accessories.  Omoshalewa Onayemi also launched @the_yum_cuisine, a food blogging page where she also sells e-meal plans and e-recipes.

Meet the founder of Naijapreneur Canada
Canadian-based lawyer – Omoshalewa Onayemi T, Founder, Naijapreneur Canada

A mom to 2 princesses, she blogs about all things motherhood from bump to birth and beyond, on her page @mumsaffair_ng

Shally O” as she is fondly called by many, is also a community personality who dedicates her time to promoting and creating visibility for Nigerian businesses in Canada through her platform @naijapreneurcanada.

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Overcoming setbacks
In Inspiration By

Esther Ijewere: 8 Simple Ways To Make People Attracted To You

Law of attraction is one of the easiest ways to manifest good connections. Ever wondered why some people are just loved and admired? If you want to radiate in that kind of energy then this article is for you.

If you are looking for a long-term partner, job, or more friends, you will have to make them attracted to you. Here are the 8 simple ways to make people attracted to you without turning them off.

1. Be Confident, But Not Arrogant – Major Law of Attraction

First, it is important that you are confident about yourself. Being proud of who you are and liking your characteristics is one of the keys to make people like you. This also includes being sociable, being able to go along with the conversation and being smart when talking. Confidence is attractive, but you have to remember not to be conceited or arrogant as you might only push people away from you.

2.Sense of Humor

People who are funny are known to be intelligent and sociable. Most people are looking for this characteristic when searching for romance or friends. Even if someone is not interested in you, you can grab their attention by making them laugh.

3. Ask Deep Questions

Cut the unnecessary conversations and start asking them deeper questions. This can make them personally connected to you and you can tell them something deep as well.

4. Don’t Forget to Smile

You can easily make someone comfortable talking or having long conversations with you when you smile often. Of course, smiling is the easiest way to tell other people, “hey, don’t hesitate to talk to me, I’m friendly.”

5. Eye Contact

Making eye contact to a person makes you appear to be dominant and confident. This also makes you appear clever. You can also pair it with a strong handshake and you would totally nail it!

6.Dress Properly

When trying to make people attracted to you, it is important that you give attention to how you dress. Most people give definition to the clothes a person wears. It can be a definition associated to success or personality so if you want to make people notice you or attracted to you, make sure that you dress well.

7. Have Many People Around You

People who are in groups tend to be more attractive. This is because it shows you that you are sociable and you can easily connect to other people. Having many people around you makes you look more attractive.

Try this magical law of attraction to build your confidence,  and let us know how it goes in the comment.

 

 

About the Writer

Esther ijewere Is a multi-award winning Social Activist, Journalist, Writer, Best-selling Author,  Host of the Youtube syndicated show;  #GettalkingwithEsther  and a certified PR expert with over 10 years of experience. Esther has spotlighted over 1000 women across the globe, Interviewed First ladies, A-list celebrities and giants of different industries.  She is the Editor-In-Chief of  Women of Rubies, and other development initiatives recognized globally. Follow her  on Linkedin,  Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Esther Ijewere- Women of Rubies
Esther Ijewere

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Yewande Jinadu
In Career Gems By

Yewande Jinadu: 5 Things You Need To Know When Negotiating A New Salary

Salary is very important in the life of an employee. In fact, that is the reason why people leave their houses every day to go to work. A lot of people have made mistakes in the area of negotiation, and I can totally relate to it. This is for those thinking of making the next move in their career, but don’t want to later regret their salary due to lack of information.

1. Know the difference between Net Pay and Gross Pay and ensure you negotiate based on Net pay

Gross pay is the total amount an employer pays to an employee. Gross pay includes the breakdown of what an employee is entitled to, and it is from the gross pay that deductions are made, while net pay, which is also known as take-home pay, is the amount you receive after all the deductions, like tax, pension, etc., have been made. It is preferable to state your salary expectation in terms of net pay because you may not know the basis for which deductions are made in the new company.

When you negotiate on the net, it ensures that you’re not on the losing end, and HR will do some calculations before making you an offer, which will be more than what you negotiated. This is to leave room for deductions. E.g., your letter may carry ₦150,000 as pay, but by the time you receive your first alert, you will be getting  ₦120,000.

2. Ask about other benefits that the company offers during a negotiation

Some companies have variable pay, based on certain conditions like the performance of the individual or the company. Some benefits may be in kind and not be cash; this should be noted when you want to mentally calculate your pay. What I’m trying to say is that do not reject an offer because it doesn’t really meet your expectation; find out if they have other perks, which can be considered. Also, if you’re coming from a place that has a lot of office perks, don’t take an offer just because it pays higher. E.g. if you’re coming from a place that pays for membership of professional bodies as well as subscriptions, cars, performance bonuses, higher HMO packages, etc.

It’s best you put a cost to the benefits you were enjoying before and ask if it exists or if it would be more, then weigh your options.

3. Do your own research

You may think you have gotten a good offer, but when you get in, you may eventually get disgruntled when you realise that your colleagues who have the same job description as you earn far above what you accepted. Jobberman, Payscale and Glassdoor will help give you insights into relevant data. If you can make calls to people in the industry who will have an idea of the range, it would be helpful (not necessarily the exact figure, though). Some people on Nairaland sometimes disclose pay for some roles, so please dig well.

4. Be open to negotiation

I always advise you to mention something higher than what you expect, then tell them you are open to negotiation. E.g., you earn ₦150,000 and the minimum you can take before considering an offer is ₦220,00. It’s best you say ₦280,000 then tell the recruiter it’s negotiable. This way, they don’t start negotiating from ₦220,000.

5. Negotiate a salary based on what works best for you

I’ve realized that different things matter to different people at various points in their lives. This guides their decision to take an offer or reject it. E.g., I have a friend whom a premium HMO is what mattered most to him (at that point in his life) because his wife needed it. To someone else, he was stupid for taking that pay, but he negotiated an HMO package that saved him millions for the birth of his child. For some people, proximity is more important, for some, it’s staff bus and canteen. Whatever your own case may be, identify it and negotiate with that.

Don’t be pressured unnecessarily. Negotiate with confidence, because you know the value you will be contributing to the organisation. Don’t be scared to have that conversation when it’s time.

Follow  @careerlifeng to know more about Yewande’s work.

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Ariyike Akinbobola
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Ariyike Akinbobola: The Canadian Author Teaching Children Kindness and Diversity

Ariyike Akinbobola has a Certificate in Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice from Harvard X and she also coaches Immigrant families relocating abroad on expectations and how to navigate their new reality and she consults for aspiring authors who want to learn how to self-publish their books on Amazon.

Through her Ariyike Arise Initiative Africa, she has helped to fund the education of Children in disadvantaged communities in Africa.

In 2020, they donated one thousand facemasks to People in disadvantaged communities in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria. She believes the world would be a better place if everyone did more for others.

In 2021, Ariyike Akinbobola became the first winner of the Immigrant Leader award at the Universal Women’s Network Women of Inspiration Award.

Ariyike Akinbobola
Ariyike Akinbobola

As an advocate for Female Genital Mutilation abandonment in Nigeria, she volunteered as a digital advocate for UNFPA / UNICEF and was recognized as the UNFPA / UNICEF Frown Award – Female Genital Mutilation Abandonment Advocate of the year amongst other recognitions.

Ariyike also volunteers as a Literacy Ambassador for Project 99A in Canada and a Mentor with the Canadian Multicultural Group.

Her books, Beautifully Coloured and The Cost of our Lives, both Amazon Bestselling books are available on Amazon. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, dancing, meeting new people and creating content on her YouTube channel. Ariyike is married with Children.

She was recently celebrated as one of the 16 Inspiring Women Making a Difference In Canada by Women of Rubies.

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Tamar Huggins Chatgpt
In Career Gems By

ChatGPT Faces Competition As Tamar Huggins, Founder Of Tech Spark, Launches Spark Plug

Tamar Huggins, the visionary mind behind Tech Spark, is making waves with her latest creation—Spark Plug. In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, this groundbreaking AI platform, positioned as a competitor to ChatGPT, is not just about technology; it’s a step towards equity and inclusivity in the tech world.

A $1.4 Million Game-Changer

Backed by a notable $1.4 million investment, Spark Plug is set to disrupt the AI scene. Huggins, driven by a mission to establish an “equitable alternative” to existing mainstream AI platforms, has garnered support from heavyweight backers such as TD Bank, Salesforce, The Government of Canada, NBA Canada, and the Foundation for Black Communities.

For Huggins, this achievement is more than a financial milestone; it’s a symbol of breaking barriers. In a conversation with AFROTECH, she highlighted the staggering statistic that Black women receive an average of $30,000 throughout the entire life of their business. The $1.4 million investment is a triumph, and Huggins hopes it inspires other women to pursue larger investments and create impactful businesses.

Tech Spark’s Evolution

Tech Spark, founded in 2015, initially aimed to empower K-12 students and educators of color in the education sector. Now, with Spark Plug, the vision expands to impact 100,000 students across the United States and Canada through an inclusive generative AI model. This evolution aligns with Huggins’ commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all.

Drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights movement, Huggins engaged her 13-year-old daughter, Talia, in the development process. This move reflects a conscious effort to capture the attention of Generation Z, ensuring that Spark Plug is not just innovative but also resonates with the younger demographic.

Cultural Inclusion and Deliberate Diversity

A pivotal aspect of Spark Plug’s development is the intentional inclusion of Black voices. Huggins recognizes the importance of training the AI model to respond aptly to African-American vernacular. This deliberate strategy aims to bridge cultural gaps and foster a more inclusive user experience.

Huggins emphasizes the need to approach emerging technologies with sensitivity, involving Black UX designers, engineers, and developers from the outset. This inclusive approach is a proactive step to avoid inadvertent harm within the community, a lesson learned from history.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Huggins envisions Spark Plug as a tool for leveling the playing field for children, ensuring essential resources are accessible to all. Beyond functionality, she aims to elevate the significance of African-American vernacular, advocating for its recognition and appreciation in the broader context of technology.

In a final note, Huggins stresses the importance of diversity in the AI space. Spark Plug, with its diverse team and perspectives, is a testament to her belief that true technological innovation comes from embracing a variety of skill sets and experiences.

The launch of Spark Plug represents a significant stride towards more inclusive and culturally sensitive AI solutions, embodying Huggins’ commitment to meaningful innovation in the tech world. As Spark Plug emerges, it stands not just as a competitor but as a symbol of progress toward a more equitable future in artificial intelligence.

 

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