social entrepreneurship - Women of Rubies

Subomi Plumptre, a radiant luminary of innovation and empowerment, spearheads groundbreaking initiatives in the domain of financial prosperity and social entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of Volition Blue (USA) and Volition Cap (Nigeria), she is dedicated to bringing economic growth to the African and Diasporan middle class through her pioneering fund management model.

A Visionary Social Entrepreneur

Subomi’s journey is driven by a deep conviction in the transformative power of the middle class in driving economic progress across Africa. Recognizing the pivotal role they play, she designed a fund management model that harnesses the potential of investment clubs and remittance investing. Her groundbreaking approach has earned her recognition and a license from the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission, solidifying her position as one of the few female CEOs in the asset management industry.

A Trailblazing Career in Strategy and Branding

Before embarking on her entrepreneurship journey, Subomi carved out a distinguished career as a strategy and branding expert, accumulating over two decades of experience. As a Director at Alder Consulting, she curated Africa’s first research-based social media and brand reports, leading high-profile projects including the rebranding programs of key Federal Ministries and major banking institutions.

A Multifaceted Achiever

Subomi’s impact extends beyond the realms of finance and branding. She is a published author, an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Lagos, and a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper. Her work has been featured by prestigious platforms such as CNN, Forbes, Inc, and The Guardian Newspapers. She is also a TEDx speaker, a mentor in the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and a recipient of numerous accolades including the GIFEW Award and the 100 Women Impacting Africa honor.

Championing Social Change

Subomi’s commitment to social change is further exemplified through her foundation, The Subomi Plumptre Trust, which focuses on addressing challenges in education, health, and culture. Her dedication to making a difference extends to her active involvement in blogging, music composition, and her insatiable curiosity about new cultures cultivated through extensive travel.

Subomi Plumptre’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and unwavering dedication in transforming communities and empowering the next generation of leaders in Africa and beyond. Follow her inspiring journey and insights at subomiplumptre.com as she continues to chart new paths and drive positive change.

At the tender age of 21, Thato Kgatlhanye embarked on a remarkable journey that would not only transform her community but also inspire change on a global scale. She founded Repurpose Schoolbags, a visionary initiative born out of a desire to address a pressing issue: the use of plastic bags as book bags among many children in her community. Determined to make a difference, Thato saw an opportunity to repurpose these bags into something more durable and environmentally friendly.

A Bright Idea Takes Shape

Thato’s innovative school bags were crafted from upcycled plastic bags, turning waste into a valuable resource. But she didn’t stop there. She incorporated solar technology and batteries into the design, providing essential lighting for students to study after sundown. This simple yet ingenious solution aimed to eliminate the need for candles or unreliable light sources, making education accessible even in the darkest hours.

Inspiration struck during a conversation with her mother, who shared her own struggles with studying by candlelight. Often, the candles would burn out before the week’s end, hindering her educational progress. Thato was determined to break this cycle for future generations.

Empowering Communities, One Bag at a Time

Today, Thato Kgatlhanye leads a thriving company with a dedicated team of 17 employees and a network of plastic bag collectors. Repurpose Schoolbags not only provides students with a means to carry their books but also empowers them with the gift of light. This simple yet profound change has a ripple effect on their education, enabling them to study and complete their assignments long after the sun has set.

A Shining Beacon of Recognition

Thato’s outstanding work has not gone unnoticed. She has graced the international stage, appearing on prestigious platforms such as CNBC Africa and Forbes. Her achievements include winning the ELLE International Impact2 Award, a testament to her commitment to creating a brighter future for children in underserved communities.

Additionally, Repurpose Schoolbags has forged partnerships with prominent organizations like the MTN Foundation and PricewaterhouseCoopers, further amplifying its impact. These collaborations signal a promising future for the initiative and the children it serves.

A Vision for the Future

As Repurpose Schoolbags continues to thrive, Thato Kgatlhanye remains committed to expanding its reach. The goal is mass distribution and production, ensuring that even more young lives can be positively impacted. Thato’s vision reaches far beyond her community, carrying the potential to illuminate countless futures around the world.

In conclusion, Thato Kgatlhanye’s journey with Repurpose Schoolbags serves as a shining example of innovation, compassion, and a deep commitment to education. Her initiative not only transforms discarded plastic bags into valuable educational tools but also brings light and hope to the lives of countless children. With every step forward, Thato paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.