Tag

Awards

Browsing

Oyindamola (Oyin) Isaac Oyin wears many hats – she’s an award-winning author, a certified human resources professional, and the founder of A Sacred Motherhood Institute. Based in Ontario, Canada, her organization is dedicated to honoring and supporting mothers by nurturing, empowering, and uplifting women from all walks of life.

M.O.M Conference: Empowering Mothers

As part of her commitment to empowering women, especially mothers, Oyin hosts the annual M.O.M (Mom On Mission) conference. This heartwarming and empowering FREE Mother’s Day conference celebrates the profound impact mothers have on their families and communities. It’s a gathering filled with inspiration, support, and camaraderie, aimed at recognizing the invaluable role of mothers.

Oyindamola Isaac

African Canadian Weddings: Celebrating Diversity

In addition to her work with A Sacred Motherhood Institute, Oyin is the founder of African Canadian Weddings, a platform dedicated to promoting and highlighting African Canadian weddings and event vendors across Canada. With over 40,000 followers across Facebook (Meta) and Instagram, African Canadian Weddings provides free advertisement and publicity for vendors, showcasing their services to a wide audience.

Professional Achievements and Accolades

Oyin’s list of accomplishments is impressive, including recognition as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women and Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch. She’s also been nominated for the Women of Inspiration Award and received the Rising Leader Award in 2024. Additionally, Oyin is a certified payroll compliance practitioner and a certified human resources professional, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in her field.

Honors and Awards

Oyin has been recognized for her outstanding contributions and achievements, receiving accolades such as the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Award and the Women Empowerment Award Finalist in 2023. Her dedication to community engagement and her impact on the lives of mothers and women have earned her the admiration and respect of her peers.

A Devoted Mother and Wife

Beyond her professional endeavors, Oyin is a devoted mother to two wonderful children and happily married to her beloved husband, Ebenezer Isaac. They reside in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, where Oyin continues to make a meaningful impact through her work and community involvement.

Oyindamola Isaac Oyin’s dedication to honoring and supporting mothers, promoting diversity, and empowering women is truly inspiring. Through her various initiatives and accomplishments, she’s making a positive difference in the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy of love, empowerment, and celebration.

Mercy Itohan Osayi is a remarkable individual dedicated to empowering women and youth across Canada. As the President and Founder of Women of Dignity International (WODI), a respected nonprofit organization based in Canada, she tirelessly advocates for initiatives aimed at nurturing individuals, fostering personal growth, and building stronger communities.

Educational Journey and Professional Expertise

Mercy’s educational path began at Auchi Polytechnic, where she earned a diploma in Mass Communication. She continued her studies at Delta State University for her Bachelor’s degree and later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Lagos. With a solid educational background, she entered the professional world with public relations, customer protection, and counseling expertise.

Mercy Itohan Osayi WODI
Mercy Itohan Osayi

Her career has seen her in various roles, from her early days as a trainee Executive at The Quadrant Public Relations to her position as the Client Protection and Support Manager at LAPO Microfinance Bank. Mercy has consistently shown dedication to making a difference throughout her journey, earning certifications in Canadian Retail and Customer Service, Workplace Essentials, and Customer Service Excellence, among others.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Beyond her professional endeavours, Mercy actively engages in her community, serving on the boards of esteemed organizations and foundations in Canada. Her leadership and commitment to social impact have been crucial in driving positive change and fostering collaboration among community stakeholders.

Empowering Through Women of Dignity International (WODI)

Under Mercy’s guidance, Women of Dignity International (WODI) has spearheaded numerous initiatives to empower women and youth. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, WODI provides training and support to countless individuals, equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to thrive personally and professionally.

The Outstanding Dignified Personalities Award

The Outstanding Dignified Personalities Award is a heartfelt endeavor aimed at acknowledging and celebrating exceptional individuals who embody dignity, resilience, and compassion. This award serves as a platform to spotlight individuals whose remarkable achievements and contributions often go unnoticed, inspiring others and cultivating a culture of excellence and empowerment within communities. The event is curated with the aim of encouraging individuals to pursue greatness and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Passion for Black History and the Community

Mercy’s passion for celebrating Black history and preserving the community shines through in her work. She recognizes the importance of honoring and preserving the rich heritage and contributions of Black individuals and communities. Through her advocacy and initiatives at WODI, Mercy actively promotes awareness and appreciation for Black history and culture.

Cultural Love for Edo Culture

Mercy’s cultural love for Edo culture is evident in her dedication to preserving and promoting ts traditions and values. As a proud representative of the Edo community, she strives to celebrate its rich heritage and share its unique identity with others. Through her involvement in cultural events and initiatives, Mercy seeks to inspire pride and appreciation for Edo culture among Canadians.

Personal Life and Commitment to Empowerment

Beyond her professional and community roles, Mercy is a devoted wife and mother. Her unwavering dedication to empowering women and youth is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and commitment. Through her leadership at WODI and active involvement in her community, she continues to shape a brighter future for future generations.

Meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

During a Black History Month event in Ottawa, Mercy had the honor of meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. On this occasion, she presented him with an award recognizing his efforts to foster an inclusive environment for women, youth, and diverse communities across Canada.

 Mercy’s Accolades and Achievements

Throughout her illustrious career dedicated to empowering women and youth, Mercy Itohan Osayi has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to society. Among her notable awards are the Smart Smile Matters Award, the Community Service Award, and the Service Appreciation Award, all of which she received in Canada. These honors underscore Mercy’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on her community and beyond.

Learn more about Mercy and her work via:

Her website: www.wodiwomenimpact.ca

Email: wodicommunity@gmail.com

Oladiwura (’Diwura) Oladepo, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), is a remarkable leader with a profound impact on the technology landscape in Africa. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating access to decent work, entrepreneurship opportunities, and gender equality on the African continent through digital skills empowerment and advocacy. Let’s delve deeper into her inspiring story and the transformative initiatives she has pioneered.

Empowering through Digital Skills

At the heart of Oladiwura’s mission is the belief that technology can be a powerful force for positive change. She recognized that, to uplift underserved communities and promote gender parity, it was essential to equip individuals with the digital skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. Tech4Dev was born out of this vision.

Under Oladiwura’s leadership, Tech4Dev has directly impacted the lives of over 120,298 beneficiaries in more than 30 African countries. Through various programs and initiatives, the organization has provided crucial training and resources, enabling young Africans to access better economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.

Championing Gender Parity in STEM

Oladiwura’s passion for gender equality and her vision for a brighter future led her to champion the cause of advocating for more women in STEM fields. Her drive culminated in the creation of the Women Techsters Initiative, a groundbreaking program that aims to bridge the digital technology knowledge gap between men and women in low-income communities across Africa.

This initiative has grown to become Africa’s largest women-in-tech tuition-free program. It focuses on not only empowering women with essential digital skills but also ensuring that women have equal access to the opportunities that technology can provide. As a result, countless women have been given the tools they need to succeed in the tech industry, furthering the cause of gender equality in the digital age.

Educational and Professional Excellence

Oladiwura’s educational background is as impressive as her achievements. She holds a Master of Advanced Management from Yale School of Management, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and her desire to be at the forefront of change. Her MBA from Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, equips her with the business acumen necessary to lead and innovate.

Global Recognition

Oladiwura’s exceptional work hasn’t gone unnoticed on the global stage. She was named a United Nations Solutions Summit Solution Maker in 2019, reflecting her significant impact in driving social change through technology. As a member of the Forbes Non-profit Council and a Social Entrepreneur Fellow of Jacobs Foundation, her influence extends far and wide.

She has also served on the Executive Board of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association, showcasing her dedication to both education and community development.

Diwura Oladejo Tech4DevDiwura OladejoDiwura Oladejo Tech4Dev

Awards and Accolades

In 2022, Oladiwura received a series of prestigious awards, further highlighting her status as a pioneering leader in the tech and social change sectors. She was named the winner of the Waislitz Global Citizens’ Choice Award and awarded Female Innovator of the Year at the 2022 Africa Tech Festival Awards, underscoring her significant contributions to the tech industry and her dedication to empowering others.

In addition, she was acknowledged as one of the 10 most outstanding young persons in Nigeria by the Junior Chambers International Nigeria (JCIN). Her efforts were also recognized as a finalist in the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, and she secured the position of first runner-up for the BudgIT Active Citizen’s Women Advocacy Award.

Oladiwura (’Diwura) Oladepo’s journey is a testament to her dedication to empowerment, leadership, and gender equality in the tech world. Her work at Tech4Dev and the Women Techsters Initiative continues to break down barriers and provide opportunities to countless individuals across the African continent. She is a shining example of how one person’s vision and dedication can make a profound difference in the lives of many, underscoring the importance of striving for a more inclusive and technologically advanced future for all.

Fashion designer, Toyin Lawani of Tiannah Place Empire has won the Best Female Fashion Designer of the year at the IARA Awards in London.

The International Achievement Recognition Award (IARA) is a platform that celebrates outstanding talents, laudable initiatives and recognize the hard work of those in Theatre, Music, Film/TV and the Fashion industry.

 

Tracee Ellis Ross is an American actress, model, comedian, producer, and TV Host. She was born on October 29, 1972 in Los Angeles, California, to a Jewish American father and an African American mother. She is the daughter of singer/actress, Diana Ross.

She made her big screen debut in 1996, in the film ‘Far Harbor’. She has since then starred in a lot of feature films and TV series including, Sue Lost in Manhattan, A Fare To Remember, Daddy’s Little Girls, Labor Pains, Girlfriends, CSI:Crime Scene Investigation, Bad Girls, Black-ish, Broad City, Five, etc. She has also been nominated and won quite a number of awards including, Golden Globe Award, NAACP image Award, BET Comedy Awards, Prism Award, BET Awards, etc.

On January 8, 2017, Tracee Ellis Ross, who is a passionate advocate for freedom and equality, won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a comedy series; thus making her the first black woman to pick up the award since 1982. In her acceptance speech, she said,

”This is for all the women, women of color and colorful people whose stories, ideas, thoughts, are not always considered worthy or valid and important. But I want you to know that I see you, we see you.”