Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin: Empowering Girls Through Tech – Chief Original Gangstar 

Imagine a world where every young girl, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to thrive in the tech industry, becoming creators rather than just users of technology. Well, there’s a woman who is bringing this world to reality.

In this issue of Chief Original Gangstar, our COG is Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, the Co-Founder of Pearls Africa Foundation. In this issue, we’ll discuss the events that led up to her current standing as a force to be reckoned with in the world of social impact entrepreneurship and human development, and how she has been empowering young girls and women through technology proficiency and mentorship. 

Abisoye was born on May 19, 1985, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, and, due to the environment she was born into, her journey toward empowering young girls through technology began early. She kickstarted her education at the Nigerian Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), where she laid the impressive foundation for her tech expertise. Later, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, blending her already-existing experience in technology with essential business skills.

Driven by her passion for social change, Abisoye pursued further education at the Harvard Kennedy School, becoming an Adrian Cheng Fellow. This experience equipped her with the strategic insights and innovative mindset needed to tackle social issues head-on.

Abisoye’s professional journey continued to wax strong with her expertise in Information Technology, Data Analysis, and Social Innovation. She first started this journey at EDP Audit and Security Associates, gaining valuable experience in IT consultancy and data analytics.

In 2015, she founded the Pearls Africa Youth Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young girls and women through technology education and mentorship. Through flagship programmes like GirlsCoding, Pearls Africa has empowered over 10,000 young women with essential tech skills, paving the way for economic empowerment and social mobility.

As a fierce advocate for gender equality in the tech industry, Abisoye believes in nurturing a generation of creative problem solvers and tech innovators. Through GirlsCoding, she empowers young girls to transition from consumers to creators of technology, promoting a culture of innovation and empowerment.

Abisoye’s impact extends far beyond grassroots initiatives. She leads tech boot camps and workshops across Africa, empowering young entrepreneurs and promoting digital advocacy for civic engagement.

In her current role as Cyber & Analytics Manager at Tulsa Innovation Labs, Abisoye leads initiatives focused on workforce development and education in cybersecurity and AI. Her dedication to bridging the digital divide and creating economic opportunities for underserved communities continues to drive her forward.

Abisoye’s tireless efforts have earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including the prestigious CNN Hero Award, BBC 100Women recognition, and YTech100 Award for her contributions to the Nigerian technology space. Her work has been lauded globally for its transformative impact on society.

Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin’s journey illustrates the power of technology and social innovation in driving positive change. Through her unwavering dedication to empowering young women and bridging the digital divide, she continues to inspire countless individuals to harness the transformative potential of technology for social good. As a visionary leader and changemaker, Abisoye’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.