Women of Rubies is proud to celebrate Brenda Okorogba, a distinguished member of our community, on her recent appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
The Order of Canada recognizes individuals whose service shapes the nation through leadership, impact, and commitment to the common good. Brenda’s work in learning, equity, and social impact exemplifies these values.
A Career Rooted in Empowerment and Access
Brenda Okorogba is a service and learning experience designer, facilitator, and social impact leader dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for equity-deserving groups. Her career spans classrooms, workplaces, and communities worldwide, helping people gain clarity, confidence, and access to systems that often exclude them.
To date, Brenda has designed and delivered customized learning experiences for over 16,000 professionals and students across 30+ countries and five continents. Her programs focus on leadership development, career transitions, inclusive education, and economic empowerment. Through coaching and advisory services, Brenda has contributed to a 98% academic and career success rate among participants, supported the launch of profitable businesses, and helped secure over $80 million in scholarships and tuition waivers.
Momentswithbren Consulting: Learning with Purpose
As founder of Momentswithbren Consulting, Brenda provides professional training, leadership development, and strategic advisory services that guide individuals and organizations from intention to action. Her programs are designed to be transformative, equipping participants to grow, lead, and create lasting impact.
Commitment Beyond the Workplace
Brenda’s influence extends into the broader community. She serves on the boards of the Students Commission of Canada, the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity, and Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO). In these roles, she advances youth empowerment, social inclusion, and gender equity, leveraging her expertise to develop impactful programs and advocate for marginalized communities.
Global Impact, Local Roots
Beyond Canada, Brenda is actively engaged in a Government of Canada–funded initiative supporting women entrepreneurs in Northern Ghana, providing social entrepreneurship coaching to build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen communities. Her work demonstrates that empowerment is rooted in capacity-building and long-term impact.
Brenda Okorogba on her Recognition
“I am still in disbelief as I share this incredible news: I have been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada,” Brenda said.
“I arrived in Canada from Nigeria as a teenager to study at the University of Manitoba. From my first semester at the Fort Garry Campus, UofM nurtured my leadership, and I was honoured to receive the Emerging Leader Award. That support laid the foundation for my immigrant journey in Manitoba—one that has since taken me across communities, countries, and causes.
The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to community, and service to the nation, guided by the motto Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam (‘They desire a better country’). God bless Nigeria for giving me my identity, roots, and values. God bless Canada for refining that foundation through education and an environment that taught me responsibility, service, and the meaning of contributing to the common good.
Through Momentswithbren and the Learnwithbren Village, I have had the privilege of supporting thousands across 30+ countries, mobilizing over $5B in scholarships, fellowships, grants, and non-dilutive funding, while designing inclusive, equity-centered learning experiences globally.
I accept this honour with gratitude, reflection, and a renewed commitment to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose.”
A Well-Deserved Honour
Brenda Okorogba’s appointment to the Order of Canada is a testament to a career dedicated to service, empowerment, and leadership. We celebrate her accomplishments and are proud to spotlight a member of the Women of Rubies community whose work continues to transform lives across borders.
About Women of Rubies
Women of Rubies is a global community of women empowering one another through visibility, skill-building, and opportunity creation. Through curated programs, events, and spotlights, we amplify the voices and impact of women making a difference worldwide.
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