Media Blitz Day 3: Getting to Know the Heart and Voice Behind Women for 35

Every impactful movement begins with a story. Behind the advocacy, the public campaigns, and the drive for structural change is a human being whose personal journey shaped their passion.

On Day 3 of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation (AMEF) Media Blitz, we step away from the formal press releases to get up close and personal with the convener of the Women for 35 initiative. In a candid, heartwarming behind-the-scenes moment, she opened up about her childhood, her roots, and the foundational pillars that gave her the courage to lead today.

You can watch the full interview clip here on YouTube Shorts.

The Power of a Present Father

In a world where active, present fatherhood can sometimes be rare, the convener credits much of her identity to her upbringing and the unwavering availability of her father.

“I truly, truly enjoyed my childhood. My father was very present… It’s not in every household that you see fathers present in every inch of my life. He was available.”

A present parent doesn’t just provide; they instill values that last a lifetime. For the convener, this relationship was the bedrock of both her spiritual life and her public confidence.

Faith and Courage as a Foundation

Leadership requires a deep well of internal strength, especially when advocating for women’s representation and equity. When asked about her courage, she pointed directly back to her roots:

• A Gift of Faith: “My father gave me Christ.”

• A Gift of Boldness: “He gave me the courage that I have today.”

“Talent Fridays” and Finding Her Voice

How does a young girl transition into a leader who speaks out on governance and advocacy? In her household, it started with a unique family tradition: Talent Fridays.

Every Friday, the siblings were challenged to discover and display their unique gifts. If you didn’t think you had one, you had to find it. For the convener, that gift was instantly clear: her vocals.

Whether it was singing, reading, or public speaking, using her voice was second nature. Her father even envisioned a path in journalism for her, recognizing early on that her words had power. Today, that exact same voice is being used as an instrument for social impact, mobilizing women and challenging the status quo through the Women for 35 initiative.

Led by Compassion

While courage and a strong voice are vital for leadership, they mean very little without empathy. Reflecting on her younger self, the convener noted that above all, she was a deeply compassionate child—a trait that remains her driving force today.

“Guess what? I was a compassionate child, and I’m still a very compassionate person.”

It is this exact blend of courage, faith, and compassion that fuels the vision of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation. True advocacy isn’t just about demanding change; it is about caring deeply for the people you are fighting for.

Join the Movement

As the Media Blitz continues, we invite you to be part of the journey. The Women for 35 initiative is about more than just numbers—it’s about empowering a generation of compassionate, courageous leaders who are ready to make a difference.

• Watch the Short: Head over to our YouTube Channel to watch the full clip, leave a comment, and subscribe for more updates.

• Get Involved: Stay tuned to our blog for more insights, deep dives, and updates on our upcoming advocacy campaigns.

What values from your upbringing shaped who you are today? Let us know in the comments below!