Theme: Build Bridges, Not Walls

Teaching women to build bridges and not walls against the things that confronts us in a patriarchal world.

Ibom eLibrary, Uyo
IBB Way
Uyo, Akwa Ibom, 23411052
Nigeria

Chidiogo Akunyili

Founder at She ROARs

Chidiogo Akunyili is the Founder of She ROARs - Reimagining Our Africa Rising —a Pan-African community empowering women to unleash their full potential and that of the continent. She is a writer, storyteller, and movement builder who is impacting global narrative based in her belief and championship of the power of people to change the world. Her philosophy is founded on the humanist African concept of Ubuntu — 'I am because you are. You are because we are’ — upholding and celebrating our shared humanity. Having lived and worked across 5 continents, Chidiogo speaks 7 of the world's languages including Chinese, English, French, German, Igbo, Italian and Spanish — invaluable tools that bridge lives, people and their global realities. She is a World Economic Forum Global Leadership Fellow; and Associate Fellow of Nigerian Leadership Initiative. She was named ‘100 most influential Young Africans’ by Africa Youth Awards; ‘100 most Influential Nigerians’

Claire Jaja

Director Admin/finance at Coolex Nigeria Limited

Claire Somiari Jaja was born on 28th February, 1979 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She is a home keeper, farmer, life coach, children’s teacher and a joint-business owner who has served in various roles through the years both within and outside the corporate space. She holds a BSc. in Geology from the University of Port Harcourt. She worked as a Marketing Executive in Sterling Bank Plc. for over 4 years and resigned to work alongside her husband in the company he founded; EL-Coolex Limited which was formerly known as Coolex Nigeria Limited . Claire has been actively involved as a Director in the business which has grown from one branch to over 5 branches in different locations while still actively involved in farming and other interests. Claire is a passionate and committed lover of God and takes every opportunity to share God’s Word and inspire people to live the excellent way.

Eunice Thomas

CEO VELTIO

Eunice Thomas is a multipotentialite. She is an environmental geologist, social welfare activist, public speaker, educator and a former Public Servant. She is keen on Community Development, Education, Good Governance, Human Resource Development in Africa and Advocating Opportunities for Women.

Jane Micheal

Creative Director at JaneMichael

Jane Michael Ekanem is a celebrity fashion stylist, designer and fashion entrepreneur with a capacity for unraveling fashion - related problems. With over 8 years of fashion enterprising, her expertise spans styling for music videos, magazine covers,campaigns, runways and weddings; with a slew of celebrity clientele, collaborations and accolades attesting to her achievements in the fashion industry. Head Designer and Creative Director of the JaneMichael Brand, Jane Michael Ekanem is part of a movement of fashionpreneurs with a goal to revolutionize homegrown quality of designs, creativity and ultimately, the business of fashion.

Josephine Nzerem

Director, Venture and Fellowship, Ashoka Africa

Josephine Nzerem is a Social Entrepreneur who was elected an Ashoka Fellow in 2002 for her innovative work in the protection of women from disinheritance and other socio-economic abuses. In 2004 she received an award from the Junior Chambers International as the outstanding young person for the year, in the area of contribution to children, world peace and/or human rights. Josephine believes that women’s human rights must be recognized and upheld at all times. In 2011, she became the Regional Director of Anglophone West Africa. In this role, she is working towards creating an Everyone A Changemaker society by inspiring various communities in Anglophone West Africa to take initiative to solve social problems. She is also inspiring the Anglophone West Africa team to embody a high standard of excellence, innovation and commitment. Josephine’s educational background spans the areas of Dramatic Arts, Public and International Affairs and Psychology Media

Joy Isa

Assistant Headteacher (Head of Junior School) at Childrens International School, Lagos

Joy Isa has worked in British and American International schools across Nigeria, working in various capacities such as teaching assistant, admin assistant, a class teacher in different year groups, curriculum and assessment leader, Key Stage leader, and is now on the Senior Leadership Team in Children’s International School, Lekki. She is a believer in ongoing professional development and facilitates professional development for educators across Nigeria using both face-to-face and online platforms. She is a published author and also has a blog where she shares inspired messages centred on building the lives of young people and adults alike.