|
From Maverick Economist to Transformational Community Leader: Meet Dr. Ijeoma Uche-Ezeala
What is your personal/professional story?
I am Dr. IJ, the Managing Director of Without Walls Inc.- Canada. With an MBA in Global Business Administration from Imperial College, London, and a Doctorate in Leadership & Strategic Management awarded by the Maverick Business Academy, London, I’ve carved a niche for myself in the global business landscape. My professional network extends across Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. A certified expert in Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, and a holder of multiple industry certifications, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
My career, spanning two decades, has been primarily in the dynamic world of contract management. Deep-water exploration, offshore drilling services, conventional mining, oil sands, and SAGD operations are territories I’ve navigated with expertise. I've held several leadership roles within the oil sands industry, a journey that has been both rewarding and challenging.
One of the most significant challenges I encountered was being the sole woman of color in management on an oil sands site. The environment was hostile, marked by bullying and undermining tactics. There were instances of overt racism, like the racial slur scrawled on my office whiteboard. Yet, I refused to be a victim. I stood firm, demanding equal treatment and advocating for an anti-bullying policy. This experience, while arduous, forged in me a resilience that has been instrumental in my leadership journey.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
In 2016, my region experienced a wildfire. We were evacuated from our homes, unable to come back for months. After we returned home, many parents kept complaining about their children's academic gap. To help the community deal with this gap, I left my six-figure job to embark on the mission to help the kids in my region.
I started an after-school program to help kids build solid academic foundations, resilience, and life skills. Over 350 kids in my community of Wood Buffalo have benefitted immensely from this program. The smart kids have become smarter, and the written-off kids have found purpose and determination to do better in school.
I have also used my resources and connections to connect immigrants with employment opportunities. Hiring a diverse staff for my own business has allowed me to help a wider group of people in the Wood Buffalo community.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion to serve comes from my upbringing. I am committed to providing my community with mentorship and resources to close the equity gap I experienced throughout my journey.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
I believe in GlobalMindEd's mission and future vision where GlobalMindED closes the equity gap by creating a capable, diverse talent pipeline through connections to role models, mentors, internships for low-income students, returning adults, First Gen to college and inclusive leaders who teach them, work with them and hire them. I look forward to collaborating with GlobalMindED to bring this vision to Alberta, Canada, as well as the African continent.
| 
