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 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.

MomentswithBren

Brenda Okorogba: Empowerment Champion Recognized with Order of Canada