In collaboration with Moments with Bren, Women of Rubies recently hosted an invigorating IGS (Ignite, Goals, Success) Live session facilitated by Esther Ijewere and Brenda Okorogba. This transformative class delved into the power of visualization through the creation of vision boards, aimed at helping participants identify core values, set SMART goals, and take actionable steps towards their aspirations.
Clarifying Core Values and Intentions
At the heart of the session was the exploration of core values and intentions. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the guiding principles that shape their decisions and actions. Whether it’s integrity, creativity, compassion, or service, clarifying these values provided a solid foundation for aligning goals with personal beliefs.
Crafting SMART Goals
With values as a compass, participants were guided in crafting SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This strategic approach ensured that goals were not only meaningful but also actionable and realistic. By setting clear objectives, participants were empowered to take deliberate steps toward their desired outcomes.
Creating Vision Boards
A highlight of the session was the hands-on activity of creating vision boards. Through a collage of images, words, and symbols, participants visualized their aspirations and dreams. From career milestones to personal growth, each element on the vision board served as a powerful reminder of the future they aim to manifest.
Daily Intentions and Reflection
As part of the ongoing journey towards their goals, participants were encouraged to set daily intentions and reflect on their actions. By consciously embodying their intentions and evaluating their progress each day, individuals gained valuable insights into their behaviours and habits, paving the way for continuous growth and self-awareness.
Embracing Creativity and Sharing Goals
Throughout the class, creativity flowed freely as participants expressed their visions through art and storytelling. The act of sharing vision boards and goals with the group fostered a sense of community and support, inspiring each other to reach greater heights.
Participant Reviews:
“Justina Oguntona’s Review: I absolutely loved it! The class opened my eyes to a lot of things, starting from uncovering my intentions and creating values that align with my intended goals. It provided me with the opportunity for self-reflection, which is essential for personal growth. Additionally, I appreciated learning about the spirit of discernment, enabling me to distinguish between vision builders and vision killers. Overall, it was a truly enriching experience!”
“Helen’s Reflection: The class was truly an eye-opener for me. It has inspired me to be more deliberate in achieving my goals this year. The insights gained from uncovering my intentions, aligning values with goals, and fostering self-reflection have equipped me with the clarity and determination needed to pursue my aspirations with purpose. I am grateful for this empowering experience!”
“Funmi’s Takeaway: The class emphasized the importance of giving ourselves grace and being kind to ourselves, even as we strive to achieve our goals. This lesson resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the significance of self-care and compassion on the journey towards success. By embracing this mindset, I feel empowered to pursue my aspirations with a balanced approach, nurturing both my ambitions and well-being. It’s a powerful reminder that self-love and growth go hand in hand.”
“Ejiro Osakede’s Goal Setting Reflection: One of my key goals this year is to set intentions, make impact, and influence society positively. This class has been instrumental in helping me clarify this goal and chart a path towards its realization. By learning the importance of intentionality and reflecting on the impact I aim to make, I feel empowered to take deliberate actions that align with my values and vision for societal change. I am excited to embark on this journey of purpose and contribution, knowing that each step I take brings me closer to making a meaningful difference in the world.”
The Women of Rubies IGS Vision Board Class was a powerful reminder of the importance of visualizing one’s dreams and taking intentional action towards them. By clarifying core values, setting SMART goals, and creating vision boards, participants embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
As we move forward, let us continue to embody our values, pursue our goals with determination, and support each other on our paths to success
Presentation slides from the class will be sent to registrants and our Rubies Collective Community members.
Click here to join the community and receive updated information about our activities.
The recently concluded Women of RubiesMedia Visibility BootCamp proved to be a resounding success, delivering two days of empowerment, education, and valuable insights to participants. The event, which took place on the 11th and 12th of August, 2023 featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panellists who shared their expertise on personal branding, financial empowerment, media navigation, mental health, and more.
Click this link to get your copy and unlock the secrets to enhancing your media visibility today.
Day 1: Empowering Women’s Journeys Begins
The event kicked off with a dynamic lineup on Day 1, featuring Esther Ijewere,Nora Agbakhamen,and Chichi Uchendu. Esther Ijewere’s inspiring insights on the importance of building a strong online presence set the tone for the day, followed by Nora Agbakhamen’s captivating take on storytelling. She emphasized the power of storytelling in media, underscoring the significance of connecting with audiences through compelling narratives.
Chichi Uchendu shed light on lucrative opportunities to make money from home, empowering women to harness their skills and passions for financial independence.
Day 2: Fireside Presentations and Main Sessions
Day 2 commenced with a thought-provoking fireside presentation featuring Nikki Porcher, Funmi Ayowole, Ariyike Akinbobola, and Mariam Muritala. Their discussions explored empowerment, mental health, having a clean media brand, and success stories. Nikki Porcher empowering talk highlighted the role of media exposure in empowering black women, motivating attendees to take charge of their narratives. while Funmi Ayowole addressed the critical intersection of mental health and media exposure, underscoring the importance of self-care and well-being.
Ariyike Akinbobola shared the importance of having a clean brand that can stand the test of time, while Mariam Muritala shared her journey of building Canada Vendors, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
The day then evolved into the main session, beginning with Tosin Ajibade’s expert advice on media navigation, she provided practical tips for effectively leveraging media platforms, and Gusi Tobbyshared insights on positioning for media features, guiding participants on how to capture media attention effectively.
Brenda Okorogba closed the bootcamp with an impactful session on personal branding, urging attendees to embrace their authenticity and harness the power of consistent messaging to stand out in their fields.
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the event, praising the diverse range of topics covered and the high-quality insights shared by the esteemed speakers. The Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp left attendees equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their personal and professional lives.
For those who couldn’t participate in person, click here to gain access to the replay of the event.
We ensured that the transformative insights and empowerment could be accessed.
The meticulously organized event attracted a diverse audience of women eager to learn, grow, and connect. With a focus on empowerment, education, and practical application, the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp achieved its goal of providing a transformative experience for all participants.
For inquiries, please contact: Adeyinka- Info@womenofrubies.com
In a world where empowerment leads the way to greatness, Brenda Okorogba shines as a standout figure. As a highly accomplished service and learning experience designer, facilitator, and multi-award-winning professional, she has a genuine passion for creating targeted learning solutions and advancing opportunities for equity-deserving groups.
Brenda’s impact resonates across classrooms, workplaces, communities, careers, and businesses, leaving a lasting mark on all she touches. From securing college funding to fostering leadership abilities, her dedication knows no bounds.
Join us on an inspiring journey into the remarkable world of Brenda Okorogba, where empowerment holds the key to boundless success.
Brenda Okorogba’s Professional Achievements
Brenda Okorogba possesses an extraordinary gift for creating custom learning solutions that address the unique needs of equity-deserving groups. Her expertise has propelled individuals and organizations to remarkable heights of achievement. Throughout her impactful career, Brenda has held diverse positions that have allowed her to utilize her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the community. In recognition of her leadership abilities and dedication to advancing women’s rights, Brenda was selected as one of the Young Women’s Leadership Delegates by YWCA Canada in 2018.
In her role as a Learning Experience Designer, Brenda has demonstrated her expertise in designing, customizing, and facilitating impactful learning experiences on a wide range of topics for clients and organizations worldwide. Her work has influenced the lives of over 16,000 professionals and students from more than 30 countries across five continents.
Through her coaching and guidance, Brenda has assisted individuals in achieving remarkable success in their academic and career journeys, resulting in a 98% academic and career success rate. She has played a pivotal role in empowering individuals to launch profitable businesses and successfully transition into new careers. Notably, Brenda’s efforts have also contributed to securing an astounding $80.4 million in scholarships and tuition fee waivers, enabling deserving individuals to access quality education and pursue their dreams.
Brenda’s passion for promoting inclusive education, job opportunities, economic dignity, collective prosperity, gender equity, social inclusion, and optimal wellness drives her commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone. Through her various endeavors, Brenda continues to make a tangible difference, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals and communities.
Establishing Momentswithbren Consulting
At the forefront of Momentswithbren Consulting, Brenda delivers professional training and coaching services that cater to a diverse array of clients, organizations, and institutions. With a strong focus on leadership development, Brenda propels her clients toward accelerated success through bespoke training programs, strategic advisory services, and outcome-driven programming. Countless individuals and organizations have experienced Brenda’s guidance, reaching their fullest potential and achieving their goals.
Brenda Okorogba Commitment to Social Impact
Brenda’s dedication to social impact goes beyond her professional endeavours. She actively contributes to several Canadian charitable organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for esteemed institutions such as the Students Commission of Canada, Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity, and Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO). In these influential roles, Brenda leverages her expertise, passion, and commitment to drive positive change and empower marginalized communities.
Empowering Women Through Social Entrepreneurship in the Upper East Region of Ghana
Furthermore, Brenda is a staunch advocate for economic dignity, recognizing that financial stability and empowerment are crucial for individuals and communities to thrive. She seeks to promote economic opportunities, especially for marginalized groups, and fosters an environment where everyone can achieve economic independence and prosperity. At present, Brenda is actively engaged in providing invaluable social entrepreneurship coaching to women entrepreneurs operating small businesses in the Northern region of Ghana. This transformative initiative is made possible through generous funding from the Government of Canada. Through her expertise and guidance, Brenda is empowering these women to develop their entrepreneurial skills, enhance their business acumen, and create sustainable ventures that contribute to the socio-economic growth of their communities. Her dedication to promoting gender equity and economic prosperity is evident in her work, as she strives to uplift and empower women in the region to achieve their fullest potential as successful business owners.
Students Commission of Canada
As a board member of the Students Commission of Canada, Brenda plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission to amplify youth voices and advocate for their rights. She brings her deep understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, and works collaboratively to create programs and initiatives that address their needs. Through her strategic guidance and dedication, Brenda helps the Students Commission of Canada to have a meaningful impact on youth empowerment, education, and well-being.
Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity
Brenda’s involvement with the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity showcases her commitment to nurturing the potential of young people. As a board member, she actively shapes policies and programs that promote equitable opportunities for youth across Canada. Brenda’s expertise in learning experience design and her passion for empowering young individuals from diverse backgrounds make her a valuable asset to the council’s efforts in fostering youth prosperity and advancement.
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO)
Another organization that benefits from Brenda’s leadership is the Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO). Serving on its Board of Directors, she contributes to the organization’s mission of empowering immigrant women and fostering their integration into Canadian society. Brenda’s own experiences as an immigrant woman inform her understanding of the unique challenges faced by these individuals. Her role on the board helped her- strengthen programs, initiatives, and advocacy efforts that support immigrant women in areas such as employment, education, and social integration. Brenda’s dedication to empowering immigrant women strengthens the IWSO’s ability to create lasting positive change in the lives of these individuals and their communities.
Through her positions on these Boards, Brenda brings her expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing opportunities for equity-deserving groups. She collaborates with fellow board members to develop impactful programs, drive policy changes, and support initiatives that address the unique needs and challenges faced by marginalized communities. Brenda’s contributions extend beyond her professional career, demonstrating her dedication to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered society for all.
Brenda Okorogba’s exceptional skills as a service and learning experience designer, facilitator, and advocate for equity-deserving groups have made her a driving force in empowering success. Through Momentswithbren Consulting, she has impacted numerous individuals and organizations, helping them unlock their potential and achieve remarkable results. Brenda’s dedication to social impact, as demonstrated through her board positions in charitable organizations, further showcases her commitment to creating positive change in the lives of marginalized communities. With her unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication, Brenda continues to transform lives and inspire others to reach their full potential.
Women of Rubies is proud to announce our much-awaited Media Visibility Bootcamp, an event designed to empower and equip aspiring women entrepreneurs with essential skills to amplify their brand’s presence through media channels. Let’s introduce you to our esteemed lineup of speakers who are trailblazers in their fields. Each speaker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, ready to share valuable nuggets to help you unlock the power of media visibility. Get ready to be inspired and informed as we delve into the details of this transformative event!
An Expert in Media Strategy with over 10 years of experience in media strategy and branding, Estheris a force to be reckoned with in the industry. As the founder of Women of Rubies, she will reveal the secrets behind crafting compelling media campaigns that capture attention and drive results. Get ready to learn the art of storytelling to resonate with your audience and boost your brand’s visibility.
2. Tosin Ajibade, Founder- Olorisupergal
Tosin Ajibade, also known as Olorisupergal, is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, blogger, and influencer. Through her popular blog, Olorisupergal.com, she has become a leading figure in Nigerian media and entertainment. With a strong social media presence and engaging content, Tosin has amassed a large following and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the industry. She will share practical tips and tricks to harness the power of social media marketing and create an engaged community around your brand.
3. Brenda Okorogba, Founder-MomentswithBren
A multi-award-winning service and learning experience designer, Brenda is the founder of Momentswithbren Consulting, a professional training and coaching company. Known for creating targeted learning solutions, Brenda has helped diverse students and professionals secure significant funding, transition into dynamic careers, and develop their leadership abilities. She will share tips on how to use thought leadership to expand your reach in the digital landscape.
Nora is an exceptional content creator and LinkedIn influencer. With a decade of experience in content creation and storytelling, she helps businesses gain visibility and increase revenue. Nora’s rapid growth on LinkedIn, where she’s nurtured a community of over 100,000 individuals, is a testament to her expertise and influence.
5. Gusi Tobby, Brand Strategist & Founder- Girl Hub Africa
Gusi Tobby is a social impact strategist, communications expert, and PR and Media relations specialist. She’s made significant contributions in diverse industries such as Finance, Fashion & Lifestyle, Social Development, and Telecoms. She’s the founder of Girl Hub Africa, Nigeria’s largest all-female volunteering organization, focused on closing gender disparities. From crafting compelling pitches to establishing fruitful media relationships, she will share the PR strategies that lead to meaningful visibility.
6. Chichi Uchendu, Founder- Six Figure Mom
Chichi Uchendu is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and a skilled Digital Marketing Consultant. Through her platform, “Six Figure Mom,” Chichi teaches women essential principles of financial literacy, equipping them to take control of their financial future. In her role as Team Lead at Dynamics Virtual Assistant, she helps businesses across the globe leverage the power of online platforms. She will share tips on how to make money.
With such an exceptional lineup of speakers, our Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp promises to be an event like no other. Mark your calendars for a day filled with invaluable insights and actionable strategies to unlock the true potential of your brand through media visibility. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and join us on August 11th and 12th on Zoom. Be prepared to take your brand to new heights with our inspiring speakers leading the way!
Nigerian Women In Canada are breaking boundaries, and making the motherland proud. Being a women’s advocate and new Immigrant In Canada, the first thing I did was to check out women whose work and life would inspire me to dare to be different, and stay focused. I have celebrated some of these women for their work and global achievements on my platform as “Women of Rubies”, and I followed their work closely.
These women have been able to break the barrier that prevents black women from reaching the top of their careers. They have been celebrated for their accomplishments, and recognized for changing narratives and making room for other women to thrive through their various endeavors.
In no particular order, here is our “Part 1” Women of Rubies list of 16 Nigerian women In Canada who are making us proud.
Dr. Addy is also the Founder of STEMHub Foundation, a Canadian non-profit that empowers and teaches science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to students and early career professionals. In addition, she seats on the board of Health Science & Innovation Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana as the Secretary of the board.
She was recently recognized as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Women In Canada. She is a multi-award winner and mentor to several young people.
2. Dr. Rita Orji
Rita Orji is a Nigerian-Canadian Computer Science Professor, a Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology, and the Director of the Persuasive Computing Lab at Dalhousie University in Canada.
Rita has contributed some amazing things to Canada, including founding and directing the Persuasive Computing Lab at Dalhousie, and conducting research on designing interactive technologies that empower people, improve lives and contribute to solving many societal problems. “As a professor, she conducts research, teaches, supervises, and mentor students, write grants, and gets involved in many community services.
Due to her passion for mentoring the next generation of youth and female tech leaders, promoting research excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM, Professor Rita founded the Education for Women and the Less Privileged Foundation, NGO, and she recently launched a YouTube channel, “Time with Prof. Rita.” She was recently recognized as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Women In Canada.
Dr. Rita Orji
3. Brenda Okorogba
Brenda Okorogba is an award-winning service and learning experience designer. She has a gift for creating targeted public services and learning solutions that address relevant classroom, workplace, community, career, and business needs in advancing opportunities for equity-deserving groups in particular.
Her client-centered approach and dignity-informed methodologies have resulted in over $40 million in grants for nonprofits, small business owners, and startup entrepreneurs. Students have successfully secured more than $80.4M in college funding, transitioned into dynamic career paths, learned specialized skills, built positive personal identities, increased their social and emotional learning skills, and improved their leadership abilities.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of social-impact-driven Canadian Charitable organizations where she contributes her time and ideas on issues focused on gender equity and social inclusion, youth education and employment, workforce development, immigrant women, affordable healthcare, and housing.
4. Tracy Folorunsho-Barry
Tracy Folorunsho-Barry is a multi-award-winning career strategist, recruiter, Founder, and CEO of GROW Women Leaders and GROW Foundation. During her migration to Canada from Nigeria, Barry faced struggles with integrating into the country. She lacked the proper guidance and support she needed as an immigrant. Barry also found that her struggles were common for other immigrant women in Canada and decided to take action after freeing herself from a limited lifestyle.
She took the initiative to start helping other women, especially immigrants, reach their full potential and access new opportunities regarding their careers. Since then, she has dedicated her career to helping thousands of women, especially immigrants, get hired and advance their careers.
In 2017, under GROW Foundation, Barry launched Project150: Accomplished Immigrant Women in Canada and the Speak Out Women series where she began gathering stories from more than 200 immigrant women across Canada who have overcome adversity to achieve success in their careers and lives.
Later in 2018, Barry founded GROW Women Leaders (GROW), a career leadership development and advancement platform designed to help women get hired and advance their careers. In 2021, she opened The GROW Space, a socially conscious 7000sq ft facility that houses Nurture café, lounge, co-working space, and more. Proceeds from the facility go directly towards supporting women, especially immigrants, to get hired and advance their careers – the public is encouraged to use the facility to work and study in.
For her contributions and community involvement, she has been honored with various awards and recognitions such as; Top 100 Black Women to Watch In Canada, Top 6 Immigrant Women of Inspiration, and a notable recognition by Mayor Don Iveson and the City of Edmonton in 2020.
Tracy Folorunsho – Barry
5. Patricia Bebia Mawa
After launching a successful career as a TV personality in Nigeria as the host of the show Lunch Date, Patricia Bebia Mawa relocated to Canada and essentially started her media career from scratch. She’s now the executive vice president of the Afroglobal TV channel as well as host and producer of the long-running TV show, Planet Africa, which is broadcasted across Canada on OMNI TV and syndicated to Europe and Africa.
She is also the executive vice president and editorial director of Afroglobal parent Silvertrust Media, which she co-founded with her husband, Moses. Their media empire includes magazines, TV shows, awards, and an expanding online presence.
Listed in the Who’s Who in Black Canada, she is a recipient of the Toronto Police Community Service Award, the International Women Achievers Award, the Martin Luther King DreamKeeper Award, and a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Patricia Bebia Mawa
6. Ehi Ade-Mabo
For over 10 years, Ehi has inspired and empowered men and women of all ages and walks of life to rise above their challenges and be the best they can be. Whether you struggle with finding your sweet spot in your purpose, relationships, finances, brand, and self esteem, or you just know life should be more exciting than it is now, you are not alone. Ehi Ade Mabo has continued to encourage and coach people of all ages to find the zeal, power, and Passion to rise above their current struggles, and live the life of their dreams.
Ehi Ade Mabo Is a life Coach, blogger, writer, speaker, and author. She has impacted thousands all over the world with her teaching and mentorship.
Ehi Ade-Mabo
7. Adebola Adefioye
Adebola is a Child Development Practitioner. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Seneca College, a Master’s in Child and Youth Care, from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), and a Certificate in Advancing Women’s Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding for Community Development from Coady Institute, Canada. She is a final semester student in a Graduate Certificate program in Mental Health Intervention (MHI). Adebola has worked with children, women, and families in different settings (child care, school, shelter, crisis line, and community). Adebola is passionate about building authentic relationships with racialized, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Person of Colour) children, families, and communities and collaborating with them to reduce inequities, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and improve mental health and wellness.
Adebola works for a provincial non-profit agency on a project that focuses on understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racialized mothers and educators in Ontario. The project will inform recommendations for feminist, child care, and family program policies in Ontario, Canada.
She is also actively involved in Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work. She offers training, workshops, and public education programs to various organizations. She is the founder of the Afro Women and Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization providing leadership, empowerment and mentorship programs to Black immigrant women and youth in Toronto and Sudbury, Ontario.
Ariyike Akinbobola is a Nigerian Author and Amazon Canada Best Selling Author, content creator, foreign trained Lawyer currently working as a Senior Business Immigration Analyst in Toronto. Her work experience spans over a decade in the Media, Entertainment, Consulting, Immigration and Not-for.Profit Industries. Through her entertainment Platform, Ariland Entertainment, she hosts Moving Abroad: Immigrant Success Stories, an immigrant talk show where she interviews Immigrants succeeding globally. She also showcases African culture, fashion, lifestyle and Immigrant experiences through storytelling.
Ariyike started creating content on her Youtube channel (Ariyike Akinbobola channel) in 2012 and she was among the first set of Youtubers recognized by Youtube at the Youtube stars event where 5 Youtubers were recognized in Lagos, Nigeria. She is a Professional MC and has successfully hosted events globally and she has also moderated sessions on Diversity and Inclusion, Kindness, Digital Media, Entertainment Law, Communications and TV Presenting.
Ariyike has a Certificate in Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice from Harvard X and she also coaches Immigrant families relocating abroad on expectations and how to navigate their new reality and she consults for aspiring authors who want to learn how to self publish their books on Amazon. Through her Ariyike Arise Initiative Africa, she has helped to fund the education of Children in disadvantaged communities in Africa. In 2020, they donated 1000 facemasks to People in disadvantaged communities in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria. She believes the world would be a better place if everyone did more for others.
In 2021, Ariyike became the first winner of the Immigrant Leader award at the Universal Women’s Network Women of Inspiration Award. As an advocate for Female Genital Mutilation abandonment in Nigeria, she volunteered as a digital advocate for UNFPA / UNICEF and was recognized as the UNFPA / UNICEF Frown Award – Female Genital Mutilation Abandonment Advocate of the year amongst other recognitions.
Ariyike also volunteers as a Literacy Ambassador for Project 99A in Canada and a Mentor with the Canadian Multicultural Group. Her books, Beautifully Coloured and The Cost of our Lives, both Amazon Best selling books are available on Amazon. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, dancing, meeting new people and creating content on her YouTube channel. Ariyike is married with Children.
Ariyike Akinbobola
9. Ejibola Adetokunbo Taiwo
Ejibola Adetokunbo-Taiwo is an entrepreneur, an entrepreneurship consultant, a business coach, and an advocate for women entrepreneurs who is passionate about encouraging, empowering, and supporting women to use entrepreneurship as a tool for leadership and economic advancement.
She’s the CEO of Simply Ejibola Inc., the Founder and Principal Consultant at de Sedulous Women Leaders, and has also been the lead creator of several entrepreneurship initiatives like femImmiGRANTS, a grant specifically for BIPOC female entrepreneurs in Canada, the iiNTEGRATE NEXT program for newcomers in Canada, the iLaunchHERproduct, a program aimed at connecting women-owned businesses with big box retail stores in Canada, and the Rise Up Pitch Competition, a national grant program for Black Canadian women entrepreneurs.
Ejibola has been recognized for her work by several organizations like the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Immigrant Magazine, Diversity Magazine Canada, 2022’s 100 Accomplished Black Women, and she is also one of our 2021 Top 25 Women of Influence Awards recipients.
Ejibola Adetokunbo Taiwo
10. Deborah Ojo
Deborah Ojo is the founder and CEO Deborahomes, A multi million dollar real estate investor and an award winning real estate broker devoted to serving the needs of real estate buyers and sellers throughout the Greater Toronto Market . When she is not investing into real estate, she is helping her client start or continue to achieve their financial freedom through Real estate.
Deborah is known for her honesty, highest level of client service and 100 % determination to help you achieve your goals no matter what. Deborah has built an incredible network of fellow agents that makes Deborahomes a natural repertoire of dynamic qualities that set her apart and enable her to successfully procure the goals of the buyers and sellers she represents.
With over 10 years experience In the Real Estate sector, she has taught over 63 seminars and counting to minority communities on how to Own their own piece of real estate free of charge as a way to give back to those communities, and helping women who have passion for the business find their path and earn a living.
Deborah Ojo
11. Dr. Onye Nnorom
Onyenyechukwu (Onye) Nnorom, family physician, specialist in public health and preventive medicine (born 27 February 1981 in Montreal, Quebec). Nnorom is the associate director of the residency program in public health and preventive medicine at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. She also leads the Black health curriculum at the university’s medical school. Her work addresses the health inequities that racialized and immigrant communities face.
Onye Nnorom’s work focuses on health equity and the impact of racism on health. In particular, she studies anti-Black racism as a driver of health inequities in Canada.
Since 2016, Nnorom has led the University of Toronto’s efforts to build education on these issues into its medical school curriculum. In February 2020, Nnorom was appointed the first ever equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lead of the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine. She advises the department’s executive on policies that impact EDI for faculty, residents, students and staff.
Nnorom is the creator and host of the Race, Health & Happiness podcast. She launched the show in 2020 to help racialized people stay well, thrive and find joy. Its first season coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected Black and other racialized peoples. She was recently recognized as on the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian.
Dr. Onye Nnorom
12. Jenny Okonkwo
Game changing community builder, founder of award winning Black Female Accountants Network An experienced business and finance leader, Jenny is passionate about helping women uncover their full potential in order to become their best professional selves and achieve their career goals. In 2016, a workplace representation gap led her to create Black Female Accountants Network (BFAN).
BFAN is an award winning volunteer non profit group that has helped newcomers to Canada reconnect with their professional careers, inspires and encourages future generations of female business leaders, creates professional and personal growth opportunities for local members.
In 2019 as a result of her work, Jenny was nominated and became a “Top 75” Finalist, Canadian Immigrant Awards, was recognized as one of the “Top 100” Black Women to Watch in Canada and received the “Be the Change” Award from Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.
Jenny also received formal recognition in 2019 from MP Omar Alghabra, in his previous capacity as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade Diversification. Jenny is a member of the AICPA (Association of International Certified Professional Accountants) National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.
Jenny Okonkwo
13. Nnenna Uboma
Nnenna Uboma is the Chief Strategic Officer (CSO) of Beyond Math. Nnenna is an Analytics Senior leader and has over 20 years of experience leading high performing analytical teams to develop industry edge solutions. Nnenna is known for her “Can do” attitude and ability to think out-of-the-box. Nnenna has grown passion for tutoring and coaching analytical professional over the past decade. She has mentored many successful professionals in Analytics Nnenna spends her spare time nurturing High School kids in Leadership and Entrepreneurship skills. She was recently recognized for her work at the 100 ABC
Nnenna Uboma
14. Janey Buzugbe
Janey is an energetic entrepreneur and tech partnerships leader who believes in living life by giving; and what she has to give is humanity at the intersection of business and technology. As of recently, she headed the Black Innovation Programs & Partnerships at the DMZ, providing leadership and support to Founders across 5 programs with resources and access to 30+ partners to help grow their ventures – but that is not all. She is the host of JaneyofCanada; a YouTube channel providing career & settlement advice for immigrants and also the Founder of Immiducation, a community-first Startup that supports over 17000+ immigrant professionals with career-readiness skills, a career network and access to careers in Tech.
Over the past decade, her tech career has span over the corporate, non-profit and startup worlds in digital marketing, program & product management, recruitment, and Tech Partnerships.
Janey holds an undergraduate degree in Information Technology, postgraduate certificates in Media and Account Management and a Master’s in Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
Janey Buzugbe
15. Maryam Muritala
Maryam is a Foreign trained lawyer with areas of specialization in Business , Technology , Copyright and Trademark Law, and Contract Management. She is also an experienced Business Development Consultant.
She has helped entrepreneurs across five continents launch successful and thriving businesses through Canada Vendors, a Business Development and Advertising Company using digital marketing tools to give structured visibility to businesses across Canada and the diaspora.
At Canada Vendors, they offer Business Development Consultations and Solutions, Advertise brands using digital technology, connect service providers with prospective clients, and host Business Networking Events. Between 2020 and 2022 during the lockdown, we interviewed 255 Small businesses across various communities in Canada offering supports successfully hosted BRAND EXPO in 2021 and 2022
Canada Vendors launched a mini-series on youtube in 2021 titled “THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY” spotlighting business owners across communities in Canada, so far we have interviewed entrepreneurs from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Alberta. The series is ongoing and they hope to spotlight more entrepreneurs across Canada.
Maryam Muritala
16. Nifemi Fagbohun
Oluwanifemi Showole-Fagbohun is An Internationally trained Chemical and Polymer Engineer whose experience spans wide from Project Research Engineering, Project Management, Beauty Consultancy, Event planning, Business Coaching, Author, Customer Resolution Specialist , Health and Beauty Safety Advocate, Independent Executive Sales Consultant, and a lot more under her belt.
Nifemi fondly called ‘Niffy’ wears many hats as a Global Beauty Mogul, Beauty expert/consultant @niffysignature . Founder and Business Coach @montrealvendors , Wardrobe Stylist @accessoriesbyniffy, An Independent Executive Sales Consultant, Wife and Mum to 3 Adorables.
Her love for health and safe beauty practices infused with her passion for women empowerment has led her to create a Makeup Brand called ‘Niffy Signature’ with her own line of Vegan and Cruelty-free Makeup Products.
She has a great penchant for paying attention to details and this earned her awards over the years : ‘Award of Excellence’ from the Nigerian Hair Show where she meticulously doubled as the official Makeup Artist for the Models and as one of the Judges. ‘Award of Recognition’ in Montreal where she was the official Makeup Artist for the ‘Walk of Hope for Mental Health’ event in 2018, ‘Community Personality Award’ from Canada vendors in 2020. ‘Award of Recognition’ in April, 2022 from the City of Saint Laurent Councillors, Montreal Community for her tremendous impact in championing and building the small business community in Montreal, (Quebec) along a slew of other notable mentions.
Oluwanifemi’s love for community building, adding value to lives and the need to ensure all small businesses feel recognized, loved and celebrated birthed the Montreal Vendors platform in Quebec.
She created the Montreal Vendors platform 10th April, 2020 with the desire to add value to her small business community at the onset of Covid when it was really tough for businesses. Her major focus is on Promoting all Small Businesses in diverse fields as we promote diversity in Montreal and all around the province of Quebec at large.
Nifemi being a Canadian Licenced Business Coach and also a Canadian Certified Executive Sales Consultant, both under the tutelage of St.Pius Career Centre under the English Montreal School Board, is using her knowledge to impact her small business community to the fullest of her capacity.
She’s presently a Nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards 2022.
Nifemi Fagbohun
….It doesn’t end here.
The “Part 2″ of this list will be released soon. Do you know Nigerian women who should make our list of Inspiring Women In Canada? Kindly send their names, social media handles and link of their work to admin@womenofrubies.com with the subject: ” Nigerian Women in Canada “.
About the Writer
Esther ijewere Is a multi-award winning Social Activist, Journalist, Writer, Best-selling Author, Host of the Youtube syndicated show; #GettalkingwithEsther and a certified PR expert with over 10 years of experience. Esther has spotlighted over 1000 women across the globe, Interviewed First ladies, A-list celebrities and giants of different industries. She is the Editor-In-Chief of Women of Rubies, and other development initiatives recognized globally. Follow her on Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
