My foundation lies in the intersection of my identities: as a Black woman of Nigerian descent, and as someone living with a chronic illness. Growing up, I encountered the dual challenges of navigating systemic racism and the stigma surrounding my health condition. These experiences forced me to confront obstacles head-on, building a resilience that now fuels my work. Living in the intersection of these identities taught me how to go against the grain and fight for representation and equity in spaces that weren’t designed for me. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into someone unafraid to challenge the status quo.

My family’s emphasis on education, my faith, and a supportive community helped me overcome hurdles while instilling a sense of responsibility to advocate for others. Founding NotJustYou was a natural step in turning my personal challenges into a mission to uplift others navigating similar struggles.

I envision a world where systemic barriers no longer limit access to equitable healthcare, education, and opportunities for marginalized communities. My work contributes to this vision by fostering inclusivity, raising awareness, and empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and their communities.

In the future, I see myself as a leader in the social sector and public policy, influencing systemic change at local and national levels. Success would mean seeing programs like NotJustYou flourish, becoming sustainable pillars of support for communities across Canada and beyond. On a broader scale, my vision is of a world where equity, dignity, and opportunity are foundational principles. I’ll know my work was worth it when the stories and successes of those I’ve empowered outnumber the challenges we’ve had to overcome. I hope to leave behind a legacy of empowerment and systemic change while gaining meaningful connections and the knowledge that my work has contributed to a more equitable world.