In Inspiration January 26, 2026 By Esther Ijewere

Sherley Joseph: Building Space, Story for Black Canadian Creators

Sherley Joseph is a Canadian podcaster, media producer, and community builder whose work has helped shape the landscape of Black Canadian storytelling for more than a decade. Through audio, publishing, and community-led platforms, she has consistently centred culture, identity, and lived experience, creating space for voices that are too often overlooked.

With over 10 years of experience in audio storytelling and digital media, Sherley is best known as the creator and co-host of The Sherley and Clove Podcast. What began as a conversation-driven platform has grown into a cultural archive of more than 800 episodes, exploring everyday life, Black identity, creativity, and the nuances of lived experience through honest dialogue.

Building Black Canadian Creators

Over the past 3–4 years, Sherley has expanded her impact through Black Canadian Creators, a national media platform and community dedicated to spotlighting Black Canadian creatives, independent media, and cultural storytelling. The platform serves as both a visibility engine and a connector, linking creators to opportunities, resources, and pathways for sustainable growth.

Through publishing, podcasting, events, and strategic partnerships, Black Canadian Creators has become a trusted space where stories are amplified with intention, care, and cultural context. At its core is Sherley’s belief that creators deserve not only exposure, but ownership, agency, and longevity in their work.

Amplifying Northern Voices in Podcasting

Sherley is also the founder of BlkPodNews: Northern Voices, a platform committed to amplifying podcasting and independent audio storytelling across Canada. By highlighting creators and stories from across the country, BlkPodNews challenges dominant narratives and expands what Canadian media looks and sounds like.

Her work in audio storytelling extends into live spaces as well. Sherley serves as a co-organizer and curator of The Soundwave Summit, a national conference focused on podcasting, community building, and creative entrepreneurship. The summit brings together storytellers, producers, and media professionals to learn, connect, and build together.

Recognition and Impact

In 2024, Sherley was selected as one of 20 independent digital newsrooms for the CJF Digital Catalyst: Mentorship for Independent News, as part of the inaugural cohort of the CJF NextGen Creator-Journalists program. The recognition reflects her long-standing commitment to independent media, ethical storytelling, and community-centred journalism.

A Woman of Rubies

Sherley Joseph embodies what it means to be a Woman of Rubies, leading with consistency, care, and cultural clarity. Her work is rooted in community, driven by purpose, and sustained by a deep respect for the power of story. Through sound, platform-building, and collaboration, she continues to create spaces where Black Canadian voices are heard, valued, and preserved.

As media continues to evolve, Sherley remains committed to building ecosystems, not just platforms, where creators can thrive on their own terms.

Learn more about Sherley’s work on her website and Instagram page

In Inspiration January 14, 2026 By Esther Ijewere

Esther Ojo Launches DUURA, Premium Medical Apparel Brand Redefining Performance in Healthcare

Esther Ojo, a Canada-based registered nurse, cultural entrepreneur, and community wellness advocate, has officially launched DUURA, a premium medical and professional apparel brand designed for individuals who spend long hours on their feet, working under pressure and constantly in motion.

Built at the intersection of design, technology, and function, DUURA was created to meet the real-world demands of healthcare professionals and performance-driven individuals who require more from what they wear, without compromising comfort, structure, or style.

At the core of the brand is Motion Engine™, DUURA’s proprietary performance system that guides how each garment is shaped, how fabrics stretch and recover, and how long-lasting comfort is maintained through extended shifts and high-demand environments. Every seam, fabric choice, and silhouette is intentional, engineered to support movement, confidence, and endurance.

“DUURA was born from my lived experience in healthcare,” says Ojo.
“I know what it feels like to work long, demanding shifts while constantly moving. I wanted to build apparel that truly supports the body, not just aesthetically, but functionally and sustainably.”

Unlike trend-driven fashion labels, DUURA is built on systems, not seasons. The brand focuses on longevity and performance, creating garments that adapt to stress, movement, and real-world use while maintaining structure over time.

Introducing DUURAFIT

DUURA’s flagship performance collection, DUURAFIT, is designed for high-demand environments where mobility, durability, and function are essential. Powered by the Motion Engine™ Performance System, the collection features ergonomic patterning, technical fabrics, and functional design details engineered to support full-range movement throughout long and demanding shifts.

The DUURAFIT collection is built to perform under pressure — without sacrificing comfort or form.

A Founder Rooted in Purpose and Community

Beyond her career in nursing, Esther Ojo is the founder of Teoafrocarib Market, a cultural store that celebrates African and Caribbean culinary traditions while serving as a hub of identity and belonging for immigrant communities. Her work consistently reflects a deep commitment to service, culture, and community empowerment.

“DUURA represents care in motion,” Ojo adds.
“It’s a reflection of my belief that the people who give so much of themselves deserve apparel that supports them at every step.”

A true Woman of Rubies, Esther Ojo continues to lead with compassion, excellence, and purpose. With the launch of DUURA, she introduces a new standard in performance apparel, one that honours the resilience and dedication of professionals who show up every day under pressure.

Learn more about Duura here

Follow Duura on Instagram here

In Career Gems January 14, 2026 By Women of Rubies

Grants for Women Entrepreneurs in Canada: Funding Opportunities to Apply for in 2026

Access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Canada. While talent, innovation, and ambition are not in short supply, knowing where to find funding and how to apply strategically can make the difference between survival and sustainable growth. Many founders miss out not because their businesses lack potential, but because they’re unsure how to position their story, financials, and strategy in a way funders understand.

To support women navigating this process, Women of Rubies is hosting a Funding Masterclass focused on helping women entrepreneurs prepare for grants and other financial opportunities. The session will be facilitated by Sola Oluwole, an experienced entrepreneur and development finance specialist who has supported women founders in navigating funding readiness and access to capital.

As we step into 2026, several grants and funding opportunities for women-owned businesses are currently open or accepting rolling applications. Below is a curated list of funding options women entrepreneurs should explore, whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale.

Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant

The Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant is a $5,000 grant designed to support women entrepreneurs who are actively building and scaling their businesses.

Grant amount: $5,000
Who can apply: Women entrepreneurs with an existing business
Requirements: Applicants must be subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter

This grant is ideal for founders who are beyond the idea stage and need funding to unlock their next phase of growth, whether for marketing, operations, or product development.

Amber Grant for Women (Rolling Monthly Grant)

The Amber Grant is one of the most accessible funding opportunities for women-owned businesses in Canada and the U.S.

Grant amount: $10,000 awarded every month
Additional opportunity: Monthly winners are eligible for a $50,000 annual grant
Who can apply: Women-owned businesses (minimum 50% ownership)
Deadline: Rolling — apply before the end of each month

Because this grant runs monthly, it’s a strong option for women entrepreneurs who may not be selected the first time but want to apply consistently throughout the year.

Visa “She’s Next” Grant Program

Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program supports women entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship. In Canada, the program is delivered in partnership with York University’s YSpace.

Grant amount: $10,000 CAD
Additional support: 4-month mentorship and business acceleration program

Eligibility includes:

Women-owned businesses (at least 50%)
Operating in Canada
Minimum revenue threshold applies

This program is well-suited for founders who want both capital and strategic guidance to strengthen their business in 2026.

Zensurance Small Business Grant

The Zensurance Small Business Grant is a $25,000 funding opportunity for Canadian small businesses, including women-led and women-owned ventures that are actively operating and registered in Canada (though applicants from Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories are generally excluded from eligibility). To participate, businesses must complete an online application, provide a brief explanation of how they would use the funds, and follow specific participation steps outlined by Zensurance. A shortlist of finalists is selected, and the grant winner will receive $25,000 in funding, with additional smaller grants awarded to runner-ups.

Grant amount: $25,000
Who can apply: Canadian small business owners (operating, registered, and with annual revenue within eligibility criteria)
What’s required: Complete application, compelling business story, and participation steps (such as following Zensurance’s social channels)
Status: Application currently open for the most recent cycle (with winner to be announced January 27, 2026)

This grant can be a significant boost for small business operations, marketing, equipment investments, or scaling initiatives, and is a great opportunity to share with your audience in addition to the women-focused funding options above.

Government of Canada Funding for Women Entrepreneurs

Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the Government of Canada continues to invest in women-led businesses across the country. While not all opportunities are direct grants, funding streams include:

Non-repayable grants
Micro-loans and growth loans
Capacity-building and ecosystem programs
Sector-specific and regional funding opportunities

Application periods vary depending on the delivery organization, so founders are encouraged to check federal and regional partners regularly for new intakes.

These programs are particularly valuable for women entrepreneurs seeking long-term growth support, financial readiness, and credibility.

Preparing to Win Funding in 2026

Accessing funding is not only about finding the right opportunity, it’s about preparation. Understanding what funders look for, how to communicate your impact, and how to present your financial readiness can significantly improve your chances of success.

That’s why our Funding Masterclass is designed to help women entrepreneurs move from uncertainty to clarity, and from preparation to opportunity.

In self development January 24, 2026 By Women of Rubies

Access to Capital: How Women Entrepreneurs Can Position Themselves for Funding

The new year is here, a time to grow, scale, and position your business for opportunities that truly matter. One of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs face is access to capital, whether it’s grants, loans, or investment. Knowing how to present your business, your story, and your strategy can make the difference between preparation and opportunity.

That’s why we’re thrilled to host a special masterclass with Sola Oluwole, an experienced entrepreneur, financial strategist, and women’s advocate, who will guide participants on how to position their businesses for funding and financial opportunities.

About the Facilitator

Sola Oluwole is a seasoned development finance specialist, business consultant, and advocate for inclusive entrepreneurship with over 15 years of experience supporting diverse founders across Canada and globally.

She previously served as Regional Manager for Inclusive Entrepreneurship at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), where she worked closely with women and minority entrepreneurs to improve access to financing, strategic guidance, and growth opportunities.

Sola is the Co-Founder and Business Consulting Director at 3G Action, an organization dedicated to helping underserved founders, particularly women, Black, and Indigenous entrepreneurs access funding, mentorship, and capacity-building resources. Through her work, she continues to champion equitable access to capital and sustainable business growth

What You’ll Learn

In this 1-hour masterclass, participants will gain practical, actionable strategies to:

Position their business for funding opportunities
Understand what funders look for beyond the idea
Avoid common mistakes women make when seeking capital
Take actionable steps to improve financial readiness

Exclusive Perks for Participants

Beyond the session itself, each participant will receive:

Three 30-minute one-on-one sessions with Sola Oluwole (valued at $350)
Business promotion opportunity, feature your brand on Women of Rubies platforms
Social media spotlight to amplify your business story
Price: $200
Limited to 20 participants, secure your spot now!

When & How

Date: January 21, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Virtual Session – registration via bit.ly/Fundingforwomen

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, this masterclass is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies to secure the funding your business deserves.

Spots are limited, registration is open now. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level.

In self development February 18, 2026 By Women of Rubies

Brenda Okorogba: Empowerment Champion Recognized with Order of Canada

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 is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Presented by the governor general, it recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order of Canada (French: Ordre du Canada) is one of the highest civilian honors in Canada, established on July 1, 1967, during the centennial of Canadian Confederation. Brenda’s work across education, workforce development, youth leadership, women’s economic empowerment, and social impact exemplifies these values.

A Career Rooted in Empowerment and Access

Brenda Okorogba is the Founder of Momentswithbren Consulting and Learnwithbren Village. She is a multi-award-winning Learning Experience Designer, Social Impact Leader, and Resource Mobilization Strategist whose work spans education and workforce equity, international development, youth leadership, and cross-border community engagement.

Over the course of her career, Brenda has facilitated access to over $5 billion in funding across education, workforce development, international development, and social impact initiatives, unlocking capital for students, researchers, nonprofits, startups, institutions, and MSMEs. Her work bridges grassroots realities and global frameworks, translating evidence, lived experience, and community wisdom into action. She is widely recognized for her commitment to systems change, adaptive leadership, collaborative partnerships, and building pathways to shared prosperity across borders.

Learnwithbren Village: Learning With Purpose

Brenda’s work is rooted in building learning ecosystems that respond to real-world challenges while centering equity, dignity, and opportunity. Spanning education, workforce development, and social innovation, her initiatives support gender equity, poverty reduction and social impact by expanding access to education, strengthening employability pathways, and enabling sustainable livelihoods. Through collaboration with communities, nonprofits, institutions, funders, and policymakers, she co-creates solutions that are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and outcomes-focused.

At the heart of Learnwithbren Village is a commitment to learning with purpose, connecting people to the right information, resources, and networks at the right time, and translating learning into tangible impact for individuals, organizations, and systems.

Global Impact, Local Roots

In partnership with Crossroads International, Brenda contributed to advancing the Government of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) in Ghana, Eswatini, and Ethiopia. She led the design and development of gender-transformative programs and funding proposals addressing women’s economic empowerment, disability-inclusive education for children, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), early childhood daycare facilities, and microfinance for smallholder women farmers. These efforts secured funding from Global Affairs Canada, BMZ (Germany), UN Women, AmplifyChange, IFAD, and the Australian Government, translating policy commitments into tangible outcomes for women, children, and marginalized communities.

Commitment Beyond the Workplace

Brenda serves on the boards of several Canadian non-profit and international development organizations, contributing across Human Resources, Fundraising, Governance, and Financial Audit & Risk (FAR) Committees. Her board service strengthens governance, financial oversight, policy strategy, and long-term organizational sustainability.

More recently, she was appointed as the only Nigerian-Canadian among five youth leaders to the inaugural WUSC Global Youth Advisory Council, where she provides strategic guidance to shape WUSC’s 2030 five-year framework. Her work supports education pathways and economic opportunity sectors for women and displaced youth, integrating youth perspectives across programs, policies, and partner operations in 31 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

She also serves as a Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) Champion, advancing national gender equity in tech by providing strategic guidance, evidence-informed recommendations, and actionable insights. Her contributions support initiatives that accelerate women’s leadership, career progression, and visibility across ICT and tech-enabled sectors, driving measurable progress toward closing the gender gap in Canada’s innovation economy.

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 shared.

“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.”

“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 defined by service, empowerment, and leadership. Women of Rubies is proud to celebrate a member of our community whose work continues to transform lives, strengthen systems, and expand opportunity across borders.

In Career Gems December 7, 2025 By Women of Rubies

How to Stay Safe Online: Digital Protection Tips Every Woman Should Know

Our personal lives, finances, and work all live online, digital safety has become essential, especially for women.

Cybercriminals are targeting women more frequently with:

identity theft
romance scams
investment scams
phishing emails
hacked social media accounts

The good news is that a few simple habits can protect your digital life.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Avoid using the same password everywhere.
Try a password manager to keep things easy and secure.

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This extra security step can block most hacking attempts.

3. Be Careful With Public Wi-Fi

Avoid accessing banking apps or typing passwords while on public networks.

4. Verify Before You Click

Scammers now use branded emails, fake websites, and social engineering.
Always double-check links and email senders.

5. Protect Your Social Media Privacy

Limit what you share publicly,especially:

full birthday
home location
travel plans
children’s details

6. Know the Latest Online Scams Targeting Women

In 2025, the top scams include:

“We noticed suspicious activity” bank messages
Fake investment platforms
Crypto coaching scams
Fake job offer emails
Instagram recovery scams

7. Keep Your Devices Updated

Old software = easy entry for hackers.

Digital safety is self-care.
Protecting your identity, finances, and information is essential in 2025, and every woman deserves to feel safer online—with the right tools and habits.

In Interviews&profile December 7, 2025 By Women of Rubies

Jessica Campbell Joins LA Living Magazine as Luxury Sports Editor

Women breaking barriers in media and sports continue to inspire the next generation, and Jessica Campbell is one of those dynamic leaders shaping the future. We’re thrilled to celebrate her latest milestone: her appointment as the new Luxury Sports Editor at LA Living Magazine, a platform where athletic excellence meets high-end lifestyle and culture.

Jessica is not just stepping into a role, she’s bringing a legacy of strategy, creativity, and visionary leadership that has transformed brands, empowered talent, and elevated storytelling across North America.

A Creative Force in Sports, Branding, and Entertainment

Based in Los Angeles, Jessica Campbell is an award-winning entrepreneur, educator, and creative director whose work spans sports, entertainment, and global branding.

As the CEO of PO3 Agency, she has led cultural-shifting campaigns that have appeared on major platforms such as:

ESPN
UBS Financial
Global music and entertainment brands
Elite athletes and high-profile creators

Her campaigns have generated billions of impressions, affirming her place as a powerful voice in modern storytelling and digital influence.

From Southern California Roots to Global Impact

Jessica’s journey began in Southern California, where her love for sports and visual storytelling was sparked by a simple moment—seeing her first sports graphic on ESPN.

This early curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion for brand identity and purposeful communication.

Her academic path took shape at Pepperdine University, where she transitioned from Business to Integrated Marketing & Communications, aligning her strategic mind with her creative brilliance.

Her internship with the John R. Wooden Award further grounded her in sports culture and event strategy, preparing her for the global impact she leads today.

Building PO3 Agency: Where Strategy Meets Culture

In 2021, Jessica launched PO3 Agency with just three clients.
Today, the agency has grown into a full-scale creative and digital marketing powerhouse, serving over 100 clients across:

Sports
Music
Fashion
Entertainment

Jessica’s leadership is rooted in purpose, storytelling, and authenticity. She believes that branding is more than aesthetics, it’s identity, connection, and culture.

Her approach challenges athletes and public figures to ask themselves:

“Who are you beyond your sport? What sets you apart? What story are you truly telling?”

Jessica Campbell PO3agency — Jessica Campbll, Award winning Brand Strategist and Founder, PO3 Agency

A Champion for the Next Generation of Creatives

Beyond her agency and editorial work, Jessica is deeply committed to mentorship and education.

She shares her expertise through:

University lectures
Creative workshops
Leadership panels
PO3 internship programs

Her philosophy, “Don’t fake it till you make it, own it from the start,” has become a guiding mantra for young professionals finding their voice in an increasingly competitive digital world.

Why Jessica Campbell’s New Editorial Role Matters

Jessica’s appointment as Luxury Sports Editor isn’t just an editorial shift, it represents the growing influence of women in sports media, creative leadership, and global branding.

Her voice brings depth, storytelling, and cultural intelligence to an industry rapidly evolving.

She represents:

Women redefining sports journalism
Creatives reshaping digital storytelling
Entrepreneurs pushing boundaries
Leaders who blend strategy with heart

Women of Rubies proudly celebrates her continued rise and the path she is paving for others.

A Trailblazer Creating Her Own Runway

Jessica Campbell’s journey is proof that success isn’t about waiting for permission, it’s about creating opportunities, building community, and leading with purpose.

As she steps into this exciting new chapter with LA Living Magazine, one thing is certain:

Jessica isn’t just reporting on sports culture, she’s shaping it.

In Career Gems January 2, 2026 By Esther Ijewere

Highlights from the Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp 5.0 (Replay Available)

Women of Rubies has successfully concluded the fifth edition of its Media Visibility Bootcamp, a transformative two-day capacity-building programme designed to equip women with the tools, confidence, and influence needed to amplify their voices and lead with clarity. The highly anticipated event brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and purpose-driven women from around the world for deep learning on storytelling, visibility strategy, leadership, communication, and personal branding.

This year’s edition, themed “From Visibility to Leadership: Turning Influence into Impact,” opened with a keynote address from The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism. In her message, the Minister congratulated Women of Rubies for “creating a platform that supports women and strengthens their leadership capacity.” She noted that programmes like the Media Visibility Bootcamp remain essential for empowering women to speak with confidence, shape their narratives, and access opportunities that foster long-term success.

She further emphasized that leadership is not only an individual pursuit but a collective responsibility, adding that “we must continue to build a world where every woman can thrive, be seen, and be heard.”

The Honourable Minister of Women and Gender Equality; Rechie Valdez

Her words set a powerful tone for the weekend, laying the foundation for two days of rich insights, shared experiences, and actionable strategies. Day 1 featured presentations from communication leadership experts including Andrea Carter, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, and Tope Mark-Odigie, followed by a thought-provoking panel session with Urmi Hossain and Tobore Anne Emorhokpor. The discussions explored personal storytelling, emotional resilience, overcoming visibility fears, and how women can claim space in leadership and media.

Day 2 continued with equally high-impact sessions led by Sola Oluwole, Adejisola Adetiba (Lady ABHA), and Nifemi Fagbohun. The final panel brought together Omoshalewa Onayemi, Faith Oloruntoba, and Jessica Campbell, who examined visibility from the lenses of technology, global influence, and personal credibility. Speakers encouraged participants to show up with intention, embrace their uniqueness, and use visibility as a tool for expanding influence and unlocking opportunities.

In her reflection on the event, speaker Faith Oloruntoba described the Bootcamp as “an incredibly impactful experience,” emphasising the depth of engagement, vulnerability, and shared stories within the room. She noted that the Women of Rubies team “curated a meaningful, high-quality experience that not only empowers women to show up confidently but also reminds speakers why our voices matter.” She expressed her gratitude for being part of the programme and her willingness to support future editions.

Founder of Women of Rubies and convener of the Bootcamp, Esther Ijewere, also shared her thoughts, highlighting the significance of the cohort. She explained that this edition reinforced the truth that visibility is not merely about being seen but about leading with purpose, courage, and service. According to her, “This cohort reminded us that visibility is not about spotlight, it is about impact. The women who joined us showed extraordinary bravery, intentionality, and hunger to grow. Our mission remains to help women tell their stories boldly, lead confidently, and build platforms that will outlive us.”

The 2025 edition of the Bootcamp was supported by a network of media and community partners including Olorisupergal, Montreal Vendors, Naijapreneur Canada, Leading Ladies Connect, Teo Afrocarib Market Inc., and NaijaMarketDay, all contributing to the event’s wide reach and accessibility.

With hundreds of women trained across five cohorts, the Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading visibility and leadership development programmes for women globally. The replay of this year’s edition is now available at womenofrubies.com/mvbc5 for those who wish to revisit the sessions or access the content for the first time.

Women of Rubies remains committed to amplifying women’s voices, bridging visibility gaps, and supporting women in leadership across diverse sectors.

In Career Gems November 14, 2025 By Esther Ijewere

Funke Ernest-Omoruyi: Empowering Immigrants and Professionals to Build Wealth and Stay Cyber-Safe

Navigating life as a new immigrant or professional in a fast-paced digital world can be overwhelming ,especially when it comes to managing finances and staying protected online. But for Funke Ernest-Omoruyi, widely known as @funkefinancials, this challenge has become her purpose.

A Cybersecurity Professional, Certified Financial Educator, and CEO of Funke Financials, Funke is dedicated to helping people in Canada take control of their financial future while safeguarding their digital lives.

With over two decades of experience across banking, finance, IT, and cybersecurity, she brings a rare and powerful blend of expertise that addresses two major needs in today’s world: wealth building and digital security.

Championing Financial Literacy Through the Smart Wealth Accelerator

Funke is the visionary behind the Smart Wealth Accelerator, a rapidly growing financial literacy community designed especially for immigrants and professionals who want to understand money the right way.

Through classes, weekly tips, and support sessions, the platform provides:

Practical financial education
Guidance on saving, investing, and budgeting
Wealth-building strategies for new immigrants
Accountability and community support

Her mission is simple: to make financial knowledge accessible, actionable, and empowering.

Digital Business Owner Helping Women Earn With Ease

As a digital business owner, Funke teaches professionals how to earn online using simple automation systems, a powerful opportunity for anyone seeking additional income streams.

She also partners with a global beauty and wellness brand, helping women build confidence, embrace wellness, and create income through personal branding and community selling.

Her work shows that earning online doesn’t have to be complicated, it just requires the right guidance.

Where Finance Meets Cybersecurity

What truly sets Funke apart is how she combines cybersecurity with financial education.

She helps people:

Avoid online scams
Protect their data
Build secure digital habits
Understand the risks that affect their money and identity

In a world filled with digital threats, her expertise is both timely and essential.

A Proof That Financial Freedom Is Possible

Funke Ernest-Omoruyi is more than an educator — she is a living example of what’s possible with:

The right knowledge
The right tools
The right discipline

Through her platforms, she continues to empower thousands of people to pursue financial stability, protect their digital lives, and create wealth with confidence.

Her story is a reminder that financial freedom isn’t just a dream , it’s a strategy, a commitment, and a journey anyone can begin. Follow her on Instagram here to learn more about her work.

In Career Gems January 17, 2026 By Esther Ijewere

Jessica Campbell: Award-Winning Entrepreneur Redefining Sports, Entertainment Branding

Jessica Campbell is an award-winning entrepreneur, educator, and creative director based in Los Angeles. As CEO of PO3 Agency, she leads innovative branding and marketing campaigns across the sports and entertainment industries, working with Grammy-winning artists, athletes, and global brands. She has produced high-impact campaigns for platforms like ESPN and UBS Financial, generating billions of impressions. A recognized voice in media and leadership, Jessica continues to redefine storytelling, brand influence, and digital engagement worldwide.

From Southern California to Global Strategy

Born and raised in Southern California, Jessica’s creative spark was ignited the moment she saw her first sports graphic on ESPN. That early exposure to storytelling through visuals fueled her journey from a young designer to a respected marketing strategist and creative director.

Her academic path took a defining turn at Pepperdine University, where she shifted from Business to Integrated Marketing & Communications, aligning her creativity with strategic thinking. During college, Jessica interned with the John R. Wooden Award, where she gained deep insight into sports marketing and event strategy, setting the foundation for her entrepreneurial vision.

The Birth of PO3 Agency

In 2021, Jessica launched PO3 Agency with just three clients. In less than two years, it grew into a full-scale digital marketing powerhouse serving over 100 clients across sports, music, and fashion.

Today, PO3 Agency helps athletes, creators, and companies build authentic digital identities that resonate far beyond the screen. Jessica’s leadership emphasizes strategy, culture, and purpose, ensuring every brand her team touches tells a story that connects emotionally and endures over time.

Defining a New Era of Brand Storytelling

Jessica’s approach to branding is both bold and human. She believes success lies in showing up online with intention, not just visibility. Through PO3 Agency, she guides her clients to discover who they are, what they stand for, and how to express that authentically.

For athletes and public figures, this means creating personal brands that transcend the spotlight and extend their impact. Jessica challenges her clients to reflect deeply, asking:

“Who are you beyond your sport? What makes you different? Why would a brand choose you?”

This strategic and introspective style has made PO3 Agency one of the most sought-after firms for creative storytelling in North America.

Empowering the Next Generation

Beyond her agency’s success, Jessica is deeply passionate about mentorship and education. She frequently speaks at universities, summits, and creative workshops, sharing lessons on leadership, media, and personal branding.

Through PO3’s internship programs, she provides opportunities for emerging professionals to gain real-world experience in marketing, strategy, and creative production. Her guiding philosophy is simple but profound:

“Don’t fake it till you make it, own it from the start.”

A Trailblazer Shaping Culture

Jessica Campbell’s journey is proof that vision, grit, and authenticity can redefine industries. She’s not just building brands, she’s shaping culture. By combining strategy, creativity, and storytelling, she continues to open doors for women and young creatives who dream of leaving their mark on the world.

Her story reminds us that success isn’t about waiting for permission; it’s about creating the runway yourself and inviting others to walk it with you.

self development