Meet Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin: Pioneering Change Through Technology and Social Impact

Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, born on May 19, 1985, is a trailblazing social impact entrepreneur and human development expert hailing from Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Her journey in empowering young girls and women through technology proficiency and mentorship began with a vision to foster economic independence in underserved communities.


Early Life and Education

Abisoye's passion for technology and social change was nurtured early in her life. She pursued her education at the Nigerian Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), where she gained foundational knowledge in Information Technology. She further honed her skills by obtaining a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, integrating technology with core business functions.

Driven by a relentless commitment to making a difference, Abisoye pursued a Mid-Career Masters of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she became an Adrian Cheng Fellow. This experience equipped her with the strategic insights and innovative mindset necessary to tackle pressing social issues.


Professional Journey

Abisoye's professional journey reflects her multifaceted expertise in Information Technology, Data Analysis, and Social Innovation. She began her career at EDP Audit and Security Associates, where she developed a strong foundation in IT consultancy and data analytics.

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

Abisoye's remarkable contributions have garnered international recognition. In 2018, she was honored as one of CNN Heroes and named among the BBC 100 Women in Tech, further amplifying her impact on a global scale.


Tech Innovator and Advocate

As a staunch 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 mere consumers to creators of technology, fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment.

Abisoye's expertise extends beyond grassroots initiatives. She has leveraged her knowledge and experience to lead tech boot camps and workshops across Africa, empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering digital advocacy for civic engagement.


Current Endeavors

In her current role as Cyber & Analytics Manager at Tulsa Innovation Labs, Abisoye spearheads 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.


Awards and Accolades

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 exemplifies 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.



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