Women of Rubies - Women of Rubies

In Interviews&profile May 29, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Meet Canada’s Total Mom Pitch Top 100 Semi-finalists Mom Entrepreneurs

The award-winning initiative, Canada’s Total Mom Pitch presented by TD, has selected the top 100 semi-finalists of its entrepreneurship program. Celebrating its fifth year, Total Mom Inc. provides invaluable support to Canadian women entrepreneurs through the power of education and community.

The selected semi-finalists will participate in a three-week business program introducing mom entrepreneurs to industry experts. During this time, these women will gain insights into how to expand their businesses and strengthen their business pitch.

Total Mom Inc is a professional community network helping ambitious women-owned founders grow their businesses while juggling motherhood. The semi-finalists are business owners from coast to coast who have been diligent in establishing their brand. They represent a variety of industries including food and beverage, fitness, health and wellness, beauty, children and family products and services.

The top five finalists will be selected and invited to pitch their business live at the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Industry Gala (CWEgala) on May 30, 2023, in front of leading companies, executive judges, media and influencers. The prizes include non-dilutive funding, business services, and more to be announced.

“We are at the heart of the small business communities across Canada serving busy parents and women-led businesses, making growing their business just a bit easier so they can truly focus on what fuels their fire and the families they are growing”, said Anna Sinclair, CEO and Founder of Total Mom Inc. “Our goal is to create a powerful, educated and strategic community to prepare mom entrepreneurs for the future”.

Total Mom partners with some of North America’s biggest companies to help busy moms access education, connections and funding. This year, Total Mom is proud to partner with TD, Bell, huumans, Vista, Henry Brooks LLP, Trainual, North Road Digital, UPS and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH).

This year’s executive judges include:

Krystal Van Westerop – National Manager, Women in Enterprise, TD
Devorah Lithwick – Senior Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Bell
Paula Festas – Chief Executive Officer, huumans
Natasha Walji – Managing Director, Google Customer Solutions (Canada)
Andrea Henry – Co-founder and Business Law Partner, Henry Brooks LLP
Stephanie Palasti – Partner and Vice President of Client Solutions, The Influence Agency
Tanya Hayles – Founder, Black Moms Connection
Julie Cole – Co-Founder, Mabel’s Labels
Jenn Harper – Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cheekbone Beauty
Dr. Wendy Cukier – Founder & Academic Director of the Diversity Institute, Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Hub, and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre

“Owning a business and being a mom of two myself, I understand how difficult it is to balance work and family life. I also know how important it is to have a strong support system and to have others believe in you”, expressed Stephanie Palasti, Partner and Vice President of Client Solutions at The Influence Agency. “It’s an honour to be on this panel with other moms supporting and encouraging each other to go after their dreams”.

After five years of the Total Mom Pitch, this is the best year for women entrepreneurs to grow their business. This opportunity is allowing moms across Canada to be recognized in-person at a 250+ gala with industry champions. For more information, visit www.totalmompitch.ca.

About the Total Mom Inc.

Total Mom Inc. is a professional community network helping ambitious women founders start and grow their businesses while juggling motherhood. Established in 2017, Founder & CEO Anna Sinclair started Total Mom Inc. after discovering a need for more valuable support offered to busy moms like her. Total Mom Inc. is a 100 percent women-owned company helping women across Canada access education and connections to break down barriers and build a profitable, sustainable business. Total Mom is the fastest-growing professional community of mom entrepreneurs, serving over 20,000 moms and growing. It does so through its award-winning programs and partnerships with North America’s largest brands. For more information, visit www.totalmom.ca

About Canada’s Total Mom Pitch

Canada’s Total Mom Pitch is an award-winning entrepreneurship, business pitch and awards program produced by Total Mom Inc. that aims to support women to start and grow profitable and sustainable businesses. It empowers real women with an ambitious vision to overcome the barriers they face as modern moms in today’s unpredictable economy.

The grant and awards program helps Canadian women who are growing their businesses and raising families to access entrepreneurship support, new opportunities and funding as well as education, mentorship and community support. Currently, in its fifth year, Canada’s Total Mom Pitch is Canada’s largest small business pitch grant and awards program for mom entrepreneurs.

The judges are comprised of some of Canada’s most successful women executives from major brands, as well as influential coaches. The program helps applicants see potential gaps in their start-up businesses, giving them an advantage in their business journeys. Total Mom Pitch partners with companies supporting equality, diversity and inclusion. It does so through recognition, awards, scholarships, and partnership opportunities for business growth. For more information, visit www.totalmompitch.ca

In Interviews&profile May 8, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Tomilola Majekodunmi Is Driving Financial Inclusion In Africa With Bankly

Tomilola Majekodunmi is a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Bankly, a fintech platform that is driving financial inclusion in Africa.

With the aim of providing access to financial services for all, Bankly is making it possible for people to make payments, save, withdraw, and transfer money to other people, particularly in locations where physical banks are difficult to access.

In Africa, traditional banking systems can be a challenge to access, particularly for those living in rural areas or low-income communities. This is where Bankly comes in, offering financial services to those who need them most. By leveraging the power of fintech, Bankly is helping to bridge the gap between the unbanked and the financial system, driving financial inclusion and improving the lives of millions of people in Africa.

Bankly’s platform is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and secure. Users can open an account quickly and easily, using their mobile phones, and start accessing financial services immediately. The platform is built on modern, secure technology, ensuring that users’ transactions are safe and their personal data is protected.

One of the key ways that Bankly is driving financial inclusion in Africa is through its agent network. Bankly agents are entrepreneurs who operate small businesses in their communities, acting as intermediaries between Bankly and its users. These agents are trained to provide financial services to their customers, including deposits, withdrawals, and money transfers. By working with agents, Bankly is able to extend its reach and provide financial services to more people in remote and underserved areas.

Another way that Bankly is driving financial inclusion in Africa is through its focus on savings. Bankly offers a variety of savings products, including group savings and savings plans, that help people save for their future. By promoting a culture of saving, Bankly is helping to build financial resilience and security for its users.

In addition to its core financial services, Bankly also offers value-added services, such as bill payments, airtime purchases, and loan applications. These services make it easier for people to manage their finances and access the resources they need to improve their lives.

Tomilola Majekodunmi’s work with Bankly is making a significant impact on financial inclusion in Africa. Through its innovative fintech solutions, Bankly is helping to bring more people into the financial system, improving their access to financial services, and promoting economic growth and development across the continent. With Tomilola’s leadership, Bankly is poised to continue its growth and expand its reach, making a positive difference in the lives of millions of people in Africa.

In Interviews&profile May 4, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Meet Adeboye Joy Oluwatoyin, Feminist and Founder Of Resilient Girl Initiative

Nigerian women are breaking boundaries, and making a difference in the world. Adeboye Joy Oluwatoyin is one of them. She is a 21-year-old feminist who has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s humanitarian and youth engagement sectors. With over five years of experience in these fields, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership through volunteering with various NGOs and her social impact campaign projects.

Career

Throughout her career, Oluwatoyin has worked with several organizations, including the Female and More African Social Impact Fellowship, LEAP Africa, Women’s Advocate and Documentation Centre, BAOBAB, Inclusive Social Welfare and Empowerment foundation, and Nigerian Child Protection Trust. Her dedication to improving the lives of women and girls led her to found the Resilient Girl Initiative, an NGO focused on empowering young girls and women.

Oluwatoyin’s partnership and engagements have helped minors, sexual abuse victims, widows, and school children in Nigeria, she has also impacted her immediate school environment through webinars that raise awareness about sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

Other activities

Aside from her humanitarian work, she possesses impeccable storytelling skills, which have been instrumental in creating a documentary on sexual abuse, her passion for volunteering, hospitality, and humanitarian activities is evident in her numerous contributions to her community and beyond.

Oluwatoyin is a young and passionate feminist who has made remarkable strides in the humanitarian and youth engagement sectors in Nigeria. Her leadership, dedication, and impact have inspired many and continue to make a difference in the lives of those she encounters.

In Interviews&profile May 3, 2023 By Women of Rubies

The Rise of Damilola Ogunbiyi: A Trailblazer for Women in Renewable Energy

Meet Damilola

Damilola Ogunbiyi was born in 1975 in Nigeria. She grew up in Ibadan and was raised by her mother, a schoolteacher. Ogunbiyi completed her secondary education at the International School, Ibadan, before proceeding to the University of Ilorin, where she studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Her leadership and advocacy have helped bring sustainable energy to rural communities in Nigeria and beyond. Her work to promote women in STEM and energy has inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps. In this article, we will explore the rise of Damilola Ogunbiyi and the impact she has made in renewable energy.

Early Life And Education Of Damilola Ogunbiyi

In 1975, Damilola Ogunbiyi was born in Nigeria and raised in Ibadan by her mother. Before enrolling at the University of Ilorin, Ogunbiyi attended the International School, Ibadan, where she studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

She later obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Her educational background in engineering and public administration laid the foundation for her career in the energy sector.

The Rise Of Damilola Ogunbiyi’s Energy Sector

In addition to driving sustainable development and expanding access to clean, reliable energy in Africa, Damilola Ogunbiyi is also a trailblazer in that field. With extraordinary leadership, innovation, and passion, her rise to prominence in energy access has been remarkable.

Ogunbiyi has held several positions, including being the CEO of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency, UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All, and Manager of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency.

She has contributed significantly to promoting renewable energy, carbon reductions, and gender equality in the energy sector through her leadership. She continues to inspire and motivate young energy leaders to pursue their dreams.

Impact At The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency

As CEO of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency, Damilola Ogunbiyi made significant contributions to the energy sector, driving initiatives to increase energy access in rural communities across Nigeria.

Her leadership, dedication, and innovative approach characterized her impact at the agency to implement sustainable energy solutions.

Over 1000 rural electrification projects have been developed due to Ogunbiyi’s work, affecting millions of lives and businesses. In the energy sector, her legacy continues to inspire others. The Rise of Damilola Ogunbiyi showcases her unwavering commitment to ensuring Nigeria and beyond access to clean, affordable energy.

Role As UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy

During her UN Special Representative role for Sustainable Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi helped drive global efforts toward achieving sustainable energy. As a result of her appointment in 2019, she immediately seized the opportunity to promote renewable and affordable energy solutions.

Through her tenure, Ogunbiyi developed and implemented policies and programs to expand access to sustainable energy in underserved communities in collaboration with governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders. She helped raise awareness of sustainable energy and mobilized resources to support initiatives in countries across Africa and beyond.

The Rise of Damilola Ogunbiyi as the UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy expands her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable development.

ADVOCATING FOR WOMEN IN STEM AND ENERGY

As a champion for gender equality, Damilola Ogunbiyi has strongly advocated for women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and the energy sector. Through her leadership positions, Ogunbiyi has worked tirelessly to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the industry and has actively encouraged women to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.

She believes empowering women and girls is crucial to achieving sustainable development and ending poverty. She has made it a priority to create opportunities for women in the energy sector.

At the 2018 Africa Energy Forum, Ogunbiyi won the Global Fairness Award and Women’s Economic Empowerment Award for her advocacy efforts. The inspirational work of her is an inspiration to female STEM and energy leaders and reinforces the importance of promoting gender equality.

Recognition And Awards For Damilola Ogunbiyi Work

Damilola Ogunbiyi’s impressive achievements in the energy sector have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her numerous awards and accolades. Several international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and the African Development Bank, have recognized her work.

Ogunbiyi has been named one of Fortune’s 50 Greatest World Leaders and honored with the African Power, Energy & Water Industry Award for outstanding contribution to the sector. In addition, she was recognized as one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African Magazine in 2019.

For Sustainable Energy Under Ogunbiyi’s Leadership

Under Damilola Ogunbiyi’s leadership, the future of sustainable energy in Africa looks promising. Ogunbiyi has been a strong advocate for expanding access to clean energy sources and has worked to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies across the continent.

Through her leadership roles at the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency and the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative, she has implemented innovative programs and initiatives to increase energy access in rural communities, promote clean energy solutions, and foster sustainable development.

Ogunbiyi has also been instrumental in promoting private sector investment in the energy sector, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses, and driving economic growth. Her vision for sustainable energy in Africa emphasizes the importance of community engagement and empowerment and the need for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to achieve sustainable development goals.

Under Ogunbiyi’s leadership, sustainable energy is set to drive development and progress in Africa.

Conclusion

As a trailblazer for women in renewable energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi has achieved remarkable success in the energy sector.

Also, she has contributed to the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency and Sustainable Energy for All Initiative by providing sustainable energy. In her vision of sustainable energy for Africa, Ogunbiyi’s leadership will undoubtedly shape its future.

Aspiring leaders can learn valuable lessons from Ogunbiyi’s journey, including the importance of education, perseverance, and advocating for marginalized communities. Ogunbiyi’s work has shown that positive change in the energy sector is possible with determination and a commitment to sustainability.

In Inspiration May 3, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Dorothy B. Gilliam: Pioneering the Path for Women in Journalism

INTRODUCTION TO DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam is a trailblazer in American journalism who has made significant contributions to the industry. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1936, Gilliam grew up in a segregated society and faced many challenges as a young woman of color.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Gilliam pursued a career in journalism and became the first African American woman to work as a reporter at a major newspaper. Throughout her career, Gilliam has worked to increase diversity and inclusion in newsrooms and has mentored countless young journalists.

In this blog, we will explore the life and legacy of Dorothy B. Gilliam and examine the impact of her work on the industry and society as a whole.

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER OF DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s early life and career shaped her worldview and inspired her to pursue a career in journalism. Gilliam attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she studied journalism and became involved in the civil rights movement.

After graduating, she worked as a teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, and later as a public relations specialist in Washington, D.C. During this time, she became interested in journalism and began taking classes to improve her skills. In 1961, she was hired as a reporter at The Washington Post, starting a career spanning several decades.

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN JOURNALISM

Throughout much of the 20th century, women faced significant barriers to entry into journalism. Many newspapers and magazines had strict gender roles, with women relegated to writing about “soft” topics such as fashion and cooking.

Women were often not taken seriously as journalists and were frequently subjected to harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Despite these obstacles, women like Dorothy B. Gilliam persevered and fought for equal opportunities in the industry.

Gilliam’s success as a journalist paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in the field.

DOROTHY B. GILLIAM’S CAREER AT THE WASHINGTON POST

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s career at The Washington Post spanned several decades and covered many important issues. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and education and worked to increase the representation of women and people of color in the media.

In 1972, she was promoted to assistant editor, making her the first African American woman to hold an editorial position at The Washington Post. Gilliam’s work at the newspaper helped to shape the national conversation on issues such as race, gender, and social justice, and her impact on the industry continues to be felt today.

IMPACT OF HER WORK ON WOMEN IN JOURNALISM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s work at The Washington Post and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in journalism have impacted the industry. Her commitment to telling the stories of marginalized communities and her dedication to increasing representation in newsrooms inspired many young journalists to follow in her footsteps.

Gilliam’s work helped break down industry barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. Today, more women and people of color are working in journalism than ever, and the industry strives for greater diversity and representation.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION RECEIVED

Throughout her career, Dorothy B. Gilliam received numerous awards and honors for her work in journalism and advocacy. In 1983, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Special Local Reporting for her coverage of school desegregation in Washington, D.C.

She has also received awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Women’s Media Center, and the International Women’s Media Foundation,

DOROTHY B. GILLIAM’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN JOURNALISM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s contributions to diversity and inclusion in journalism are far-reaching and enduring. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing newsroom representation and creating a more inclusive media landscape.

Gilliam has mentored countless young journalists and has worked to create opportunities for women and people of color in the industry. Her work has helped to diversify newsrooms and ensure that the stories of all communities are represented in the media.

BOOKS AUTHORED BY DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

In addition to her work as a journalist, Dorothy B. Gilliam has authored several books on race, gender, and journalism. Her first book, “Paul Robeson: All-American,” was published in 1976 and explored the life of the African American singer, actor, and civil rights activist.

Her other books include “Skin Deep: Black Women and White Women Write About Race” (1996), which she co-edited with Julia P. Johnson, and “Trailblazer: A Pioneering Journalist’s Fight to Make the Media Look More Like America” (2019), which chronicles her own career and advocacy work.

Books Authored by Dorothy B. Gilliam

LEGACY OF DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s legacy in journalism and advocacy has been significant. Through journalism, she helped shape the national conversation on civil rights, education, and social justice issues. She also fought for greater diversity and inclusion in newsrooms, mentoring young journalists and advocating for more excellent representation of women and people of color.

Gilliam’s advocacy helped break down industry barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. Today, her legacy inspires and guides journalists striving for more significant equity and representation in the industry.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Dorothy B. Gilliam’s contributions to journalism have been significant and far-reaching. As a trailblazer and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion, she helped break down industry barriers and create a more equitable media landscape.

Through her work as a journalist and author, she brought attention to important issues such as civil rights, education, and social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations of journalists who seek to make the media look more like America.

As we progress, we must remember and honor the trailblazers like Dorothy B. Gilliam, who paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

In Inspiration May 1, 2023 By Women of Rubies

British Scientist Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock Now Has A Barbie Doll Made In Her Honor

Meet Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a British scientist who is best known for her work with the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest space telescope ever made, now has a Barbie doll. Her other achievements include becoming the first Black woman to win gold at the Physics News Awards and being appointed as chancellor of the University of Leicester. These achievements were no easy task; growing up, Aderin-Pocock attended 13 different schools but often struggled because of her dyslexia.

The toy company Mattel has honored many of our Black queens and pioneers with dolls, with Aderin-Pocock’s being the newest addition. The doll marks a full circle moment for the space scientist who grew up playing with ones that didn’t look like her. Even today, she says she plays “Barbie” with her daughter and never thought she’d see the day where she’d be adding her very own doll to the play date.

Aderin-Pocock said in an interview with The Guardian, “Learning that Mattel is planning to immortalize you in Barbie form would be a “pinch me” moment for anyone. It feels especially surreal for me. When I was growing up, Barbie offered a narrow ideal of beauty: she was thin and blonde, with straight hair and blue eyes, and she didn’t look a bit like me. But times have changed. I’ve been lucky enough to receive a number of awards in my career, but I think having a Barbie role model made in my image may be one of the most important.”

This Barbie will not only serve as more representation for our little Black queens but will also share Aderin-Pocock’s inspirational life story. It will let little girls everywhere know that they too can shoot for the stars!

In Career Gems May 1, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Patricia Kayanga Is The Fist Black Woman To Own A US Patent For Disposable Underwear

Patricia Kayanga is a Washington, D.C.- based entrepreneur and the founder of Ohhs, a new line of patented disposable underwear. Kayanga was born in Uganda, moving to the U.S. with her family where they were able to build a great life. However, Kayanga never forgot her humble beginnings or the feeling she felt relocating across continents and having her mom’s expensive items get damaged. It was the idea that first sparked a passion for something more disposable. And Kayanga followed that idea until she found the perfect product – disposable underwear.

After checking the patent website, Kayanga realized there was nothing similar in the market. She then immediately got started on a prototype while working on securing the patent. She finally won the patent for the disposable underwear design, becoming the first Black woman in the U.S. to hold such a patent. But her wins were met with challenges and because there was no similar product, Kayanga ran into issues trying to secure a manufacturer. She finally found one who could craft them according to her liking and Ohhs Disposable Underwear was born.

The disposable undergarments are made of sustainable fabric and bamboo, boasting hygienic and eco-friendly benefits. The products are seamless and have a dry material that makes it perfect for vacations, camping, spa days, and that time of the month. Kayanga also has a built-in charitable model, donating a pair of the eco-friendly underwear to local domestic violence and homeless shelters whenever a box is sold.

Many women need quality underwear, but it’s only sometimes available. Underwear is the second most requested item in homeless shelters. We have a product that can serve that need and is more convenient. Our goal, honestly, is to scale across the nation. You should have access to it, no matter the circumstances,” said Kayanga.

Ohhs are available in multiple colors and styles, offering full-coverage garments and bikini and thong options. They come in packs of 4 or travel packs of 7 and Kayanga has also begun donating 5% of profits to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) “that provide menstrual resources to school-aged girls and women.”

Source: Black Business

In Inspiration April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Peramare Health Management Company Partners With Wevvo Foundation To Provide Affordable Health Insurance Packages for Single Mothers

Peramare Health Management Company, a Nigerian-based healthcare organization, has partnered with Wevvo Foundation, a community-based platform of female breadwinners, to provide affordable health packages to support the health and well-being of single mothers and other women who are the primary providers for their households.

The partnership between Peramare Health Management Company and Wevvo Nigeria is aimed at providing women with access to high-quality healthcare services at affordable rates across Nigeria. The health packages offered by Peramare Health Management Company will cover a range of medical expenses, including basic diagnostics and laboratory tests, surgery, outpatient care and mental health support amongst other services.

“We are excited to partner with Wevvo Nigeria to provide affordable healthcare packages to female breadwinners in Nigeria because we know that a woman ready for success is one who takes her health seriously,” said Basiru Salisu Kallamu, Group Head, Admin and Finance of Peramare Health Management Company. “We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and we are committed to making healthcare services more accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those who need it the most.

Wevvo Foundation is a community based platform of single mothers and female breadwinners who are dedicated to supporting and empowering each other. The community provides a range of services to its members, including access to financial support, capacity development, counseling, and access now to healthcare.

“We are thrilled to partner with Peramare Health Management Company to provide affordable healthcare packages to our community members,” said Weyinmi Eribo, founder of Wevvo Foundation. “Access to quality healthcare is a critical need for our members, and this partnership will help us to ensure that our community members have access to the healthcare services they and their children need to stay healthy and thrive.”

Peramare Health Management Company and Wevvo Nigeria are committed to working together to improve the health and well-being of women in Nigeria. The partnership is a testament to their shared commitment to promoting access to quality healthcare services for all. For more information about Peramare Health Management Company and Wevvo Nigeria, please visit www.wevvo.ng.

In Career Gems April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Meet Rita Laurence Ngarambe, First Ever Queen Of Emancipation Month Canada

Nobody gives you the motivation you need like a Black woman who is determined to rise. Whether it’s advocacy or our culture, Black women somehow know exactly what’s needed in the moment, when anybody needs a pick me up. In that spirit, we celebrate Rita Laurence Ngarambe, a woman who is using her voice for the black community through her humanitarian work.

Rita is a youth leader who was born on September 25th, 1997. She also serves as Queen of Emancipation Month Canada.

Childhood

Born to a Burundian father and a Rwandan mother, she has shown interest in various aspects of charity work and has participated in activism work for women’s rights since the age of 16. She has worked with women and children who were survivors of sexual-based violence and the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. She has also worked hand in hand with organizations that fight against homelessness in Toronto.

Rita’s activities

She has hosted events to contribute and help people affected by natural disasters by creating spaces where all youths of positive minds and change-makers can come together to join forces to work towards positive causes that help support the community and thrive for better humanity in love and unity.

Awards and recognition

Rita is a recipient of the 100 accomplished black Canadian women award 2022, in charge of gender in the leadership committee of the RCA Toronto. She is the Miss Face of Humanity Rwanda and the second global ambassador for love and for humanity.

Her passion for humanity

She is a spoken word artist, who demonstrates her humanitarian activism through the organization she has funded United for Humanity to empower the youth and provide solutions to Humanity’s most pressing issue. Rita is also a host and producer of a TV show “THE CYPER SHOW” that is broadcasted on Go live TV Canada, the show has reached over 60 million.

We celebrate Rita’s resilience and commitment to add value to humanity.

In Inspiration April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Innovation in the Tech Industry, Funke Opeke, the CEO of MainOne

Innovation is the lifeblood of the tech industry, driving change and progress at a breakneck pace. And few people embody this spirit of innovation better than Funke Opeke, the visionary founder of MainOne.

Her career spans more than two decades in the United States and Africa, and she’s helped with some of the biggest tech development stories.

MainOne helps connect millions of people to the digital world in West Africa today as a leading provider of broadband infrastructure solutions. So join us as we explore this trailblazing entrepreneur and her ongoing quest to revolutionize innovation in the tech industry.

Who is Funke Opeke?

Funke Opeke is a name that has become synonymous with innovation in the tech industry, particularly in Nigeria. She is the founder and CEO of MainOne, a company that provides telecom and network solutions to businesses in Nigeria and West Africa.

Since founding the company in 2010, Opeke has become a trailblazer in the male-dominated tech industry, showing that women can excel in this field. Opeke’s journey in the tech industry began after she returned to Nigeria from the United States, where she worked with some of the biggest names in the tech industry, including Verizon and MTN.

In 2008, she identified a gap in the Nigerian telecoms market and started MainOne to provide much-needed network solutions to businesses in Nigeria and West Africa.

Funke Opeke’s Upbringing

Funke Opeke, originally from Ile-Oluji, Ondo state, grew up in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state. She was born into a family of nine, and her father was the first Nigerian director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, while her mother was a teacher.

After completing her secondary education at Queens School, an all-girls school in Ibadan, she studied electrical engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Funke’s parents were highly successful, and they inspired Funke Opeke and her siblings to have big dreams and use their gifts. It is an example of the phrase, “The apple does not fall far from the tree.”

Late Professor Chief L.K. Opeke, Funke Opeke’s father, achieved several notable accomplishments during his lifetime. Among these was being the first Nigerian to hold the director position at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. They also awarded him the World Cocoa Gold Merit Award and were a director of Cocoa Industries Ltd, one of Nigeria’s major companies during the 1980s.

In addition to these achievements, he served as a member of the first Senate of the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Ondo state, where he was also the Dean of the School of Agriculture & Agricultural Technology. Her mother, who is now retired, was a teacher who held leadership positions at several Catholic private schools.

Her Innovation in the Tech Industry

One of the most remarkable things about Opeke’s leadership style is her commitment to innovation. She is instrumental in driving innovation at MainOne, leading the company to develop some of Nigeria’s most advanced telecom and network solutions.

Under her leadership, MainOne built West Africa’s largest data center, which is a hub for businesses looking to expand their operations in the region.

But perhaps what is most inspiring about Opeke is her dedication to promoting gender diversity in the tech industry. She speaks extensively about the need for more women to take up roles in the industry and is a vocal advocate for women’s rights in the workplace.

Opeke has shown that women can lead and innovate in the tech industry, and her example is inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in the field.

Through her work at MainOne, Opeke is changing the tech industry landscape in Nigeria and West Africa. It is glaring that innovation and leadership are not the exclusive preserve of men and that women can excel in the tech industry.

Her story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination, and it inspires women worldwide who aspire to break barriers in their chosen fields.

The Reason for Starting MainOne, and What the Initial Vision Was.

Funke Opeke founded MainOne to bridge the digital divide and extend internet connectivity to West Africa, aiming to accelerate the pace of development and improve the region’s quality of life.

After witnessing the explosive growth of the internet and gaining professional expertise in the field during her two decades in the United States, Funke Opeke founded MainOne to bridge the digital divide and extend internet connectivity to West Africa, aiming to accelerate the pace of development and improve the region’s quality of life.

Through MainOne, Funke Opeke aimed to bring the same technological advancements and opportunities to Africa that were transforming other regions to ensure they would not leave Africans behind in the global digital landscape.

MainOne aimed to create new opportunities for education, commerce, and communication by expanding access to internet services and enabling Africans to participate fully in the digital age.

How MainOne Created Innovation in the Tech Industry Over the Years

MainOne, which built West Africa’s first privately owned submarine cable, has grown into a primary provider of broadband infrastructure solutions, including connection and data center services, two telecommunications companies, businesses, and governments across the region.

MainOne has made significant investments in regional commercial Tier III data centers and terrestrial fiber networks to achieve this transformation, expanding its services and geographic reach over the years. As a result, the company has built a strong reputation for reliability and innovation, offering a wide range of connectivity and data center services that have helped to transform the digital landscape in West Africa.

Despite the challenges posed by being a woman in the tech industry, Ms. Opeke has succeeded in expanding MainOne’s offerings while maintaining a commitment to providing high-quality, affordable services to its customers.

With a sound track record of success and a continued focus on innovation and investment, MainOne is well-positioned to generate value for its customers and stakeholders well into the future.

Funke Opeke is a shining example of how women can lead successful innovation in the tech industry. As we celebrate her achievements, we must also look to the future and work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse tech industry that empowers women to succeed.