Meet the team

Violet Pearson

President/Global Facilitator

Violet Pearson is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in corporate America. She is the founder of ChangeIgnitors, a firm dedicated to helping multinationals, startups, and development agencies in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the US build high-performing cultures and execute growth strategies.

Passionate about working with and coaching talented women leaders, she has a track record of helping organizations and leaders create and execute transformation programs. She began her career as a strategy consultant at Mercer Management Consulting and held roles at Coca-Cola, UNDP, National Democratic Institute, Hewlett Packard, Gemini Consulting, and Chevron Corporation.

She has extensive experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, specializing in strategic planning, organizational development, and executive coaching. She founded Sisters Keepers, an initiative that mentors young women to achieve their potential, and WISE, an NGO in Ghana focused on helping women and children victims of violence and abuse. A Young Global Leader recognized by the World Economic Forum, she has served on the boards of several organizations and was featured in Newsweek as one of the world’s emerging leaders under 40. She holds an MBA in Strategy and Finance from the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, and has participated in Stanford University’s Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders.

Our Global Circle

Regina Martin

CTO / UK Facilitator

Based in Central England, Regina is a mother of two gorgeous humans and the CEO of the confidence healer. Regina has been working with small businesses across the world for nearly 20 years . Since stepping away from the charity sector and committing to her mission to elevate entrepreneurs, she has carved a niche by not just creating visually stunning designs but by championing diversity, inclusivity and authenticity in the entrepreneurial space. As a British designer and confidence coach, accessibility and inclusivity are always at the forefront of every step she takes, ensuring every project reflects a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives. Her commitment goes beyond aesthetics; She strives to empower entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities, balancing business and personal commitments. She offers solutions that optimize their online presence without sacrificing their authenticity and personal power. Her approach is deeply personal, blending technical expertise with a genuine understanding of her clients’ challenges and aspirations. She is a champion for testimonials and peer recommendations and is fostering a community where success is shared and celebrated. Her dedication to diversity isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a heartfelt mission to make the digital world a more inclusive and supportive space.

Angela Mullen-Akporiaye

Circle Member / USA Facilitator

A mother of five from Atlanta, Georgia, works in the government sector and has been significantly influenced by her involvement with Sisters Keepers. She is humble and deeply reflective, considering her legacy and purpose while being inspired by powerful women in her community. Having experienced the importance of mentorship after losing her mother at a young age, she is committed to uplifting young Black girls and fostering collaborative, transformative change. Angela values community, empowerment, and the philosophy that “iron sharpens iron,” driving her to build and create impactful initiatives.

Martha Muria

Circle Member / Kenya Facilitator

Martha Muria, From Nairobi, Kenya. A dedicated new mom to one boy. Professionally, she thrives in helping individuals and businesses navigate the digital space through social media management and also helps with streamlining communications. Having experienced mentorship at a young age,she is fueled by the desire to help other young black girls experience the same and help them become the best version of themselves. Martha’s involvement with Sisters Keepers has made her realize the need and impact of having a hand to hold while walking through the journey of life. She looks forward to creating a significant impact in the lives of young black girls, learn from and work with other women within the global circle to create a lasting impact within our communities.

Ufuoma Edevbie

Circle Member / Nigeria Facilitator

Based in Lagos, Ufuoma is a dedicated wellness consultant and works in the power sector, focusing on power plants and energy efficiency in Nigeria. Despite her busy professional life, she finds the most excitement in spending time with her six-year-old daughter and learning from the experience of imperfectly navigating parenthood. Ufuoma attributes much of her success to her mentors, particularly Violet, who has played a significant role in shaping her journey. She is driven by a fear of failure, which pushes her to constantly strive for excellence and push beyond her limits. Despite distractions, Ufuoma remains committed to learning and growing, even amidst the chaos of her daughter’s gymnastics competition.

Anita Nma

CircleMember / Canada Facilitator

A Toronto-based mother of two, is an accomplished advertising and marketing communications professional. With a deep passion for driving brand success through creative strategies and compelling storytelling, Anita has always been drawn to making a meaningful impact. Her personal experiences have fueled her desire to be a voice for change and an advocate for girls’ empowerment. Dedicated to women-led causes and passionate about eradicating inequality, Anita aspires to help build a world where gender inequality is a thing of the past, and where girls can confidently assume leadership roles. She is particularly enthusiastic about the mission of Sisters Keepers, believing wholeheartedly in the power of a single girl to change the world.

Francesca Woanyah

Circle Member / Ghana Facilitator

A lawyer with over 10 years experience at the bar with extensive expertise in corporate and commercial litigation, corporate governance, employment & labour matters and statutory and regulatory compliance. She is currently the Head of Legal & Compliance at Donewell Insurance Company Limited where she leads the legal and compliance functions of the organization. Before joining Donewell, she was a Senior Associate at Gaisie Zwennes Hughes & Company, one of Accra’s most prestigious law firms. Francesca’s passion as a lawyer is driven by the pursuit of justice and the satisfaction of helping clients navigate complex legal landscapes. She is motivated by the challenge of finding innovative solutions to legal issues and the opportunity to make a positive impact to her client’s interests. In the short term, she aims to enhance the legal and compliance framework in the corporate landscape and ensuring more robust corporate systems and in the long term, she aspires to influence the broader legal community by advocating for stronger corporate standards to the development of commercial law in Ghana. She believes that Sister’s Keepers can support her professional and personal growth by providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. This network can offer mentorship opportunities, access to diverse perspectives and resources to advance the role of women in the legal profession. Francesca is a wife, a homemaker and a mother. Outside her professional pursuits she has a deep passion for history because she believes it teaches valuable lessons from the past to guide present and future decisions. She is a music lover who finds beauty in all genres.

Dominique Cohen

Circle Member

Dominique is a dedicated mother of a special needs child, embracing her role with gratitude and finding daily miracles in their journey together. Professionally, she works in affordable housing and has risen to a vice president position, thanks to the mentorship of dynamic, powerful women who recognized her potential. Her passion is fueled by a belief in a higher purpose and the desire to inspire and uplift other Black women, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. Dominique values mutual support and iterative relationships, seeking advice and solace from a community of like-minded women. She is enthusiastic about making meaningful progress with the Sisters Circle, having been involved in a supportive, albeit minimal, capacity for a long time.

Ladi Jiya

Circle Member

Ladi, a career transition coach from Manchester, UK, is a dedicated mother of two boys and a girl. She finds her purpose in helping individuals navigate career transitions, ignited by her desire to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. Ladi thrives on guiding others to realize their potential and providing them with the tools to succeed. Her aspiration is to mentor younger women, sharing her experiences to ease their journeys and help them achieve their goals. Ladi values connecting with other powerful women, aiming to learn and enhance her ability to fulfill her purpose more effectively.

Doseke Akporiaye

Circle Member

Doseke works with a nonprofit, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy, aiming to boost women’s representation in the clean energy sector. She is driven by a passion for rebuilding communities, systems, and individuals, finding joy in helping others achieve their fullest potential. Doseke values the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, seeking a safe space to share, gain, and give strength. She is motivated by the desire to make a meaningful impact that extends beyond personal interests. Doseke joins Sisters Keepers to be part of a supportive community dedicated to impactful work.

Katherine Ajayi-Daramola

Circle Member

Katherine, an attorney and senior executive agency counsel for the New York City Department of Correction, is also deeply involved in prophetic ministry and community empowerment. Based in New York, she is a mother of four grown children and has been practicing law since 1987, admitted to the Nigerian bar and later in New York and other jurisdictions. Katherine is passionate about humanity, kindness, and empathy, choosing to support and empower others through her work and ministry. She runs a Facebook group, All Women Rights in the Diaspora, helping women understand their legal rights in joint property ownership. Katherine is inspired by the beauty of humanity, her relationship with God, and the opportunity to give back, seeking to share her experiences and provide support to the younger generation through the Sisters Circle.

Kike Akande

Circle Member

Kike, based in Houston, Texas, is a cybersecurity professional working with both government and private organizations, while also engaging in mentoring. She is a mother of two, recently remarried in December after years of being a single mother. Kike’s drive comes from a self-sourced will and determination, having excelled at every stage of her life without the guidance of a mentor. Her goal is to help women gain independence and achieve their goals, inspired by her own personal experiences. She values being part of a supportive community where women help each other grow and succeed, and is eager to contribute and learn within this circle.

Iluobe Emokpare

Circle Member

Iluobe, residing in Atlanta, Georgia, is deeply passionate about healthcare and has spent nearly 15 years in the pharmaceutical research field. Despite holding degrees in finance and law, her career path was guided by her love for healthcare. She finds fulfillment in being a supportive presence in others’ lives, driven by hope for a better future and a desire to contribute positively to the world. Iluobe aspires to address healthcare gaps for women and children in developing regions, aiming to make a meaningful impact on global healthcare. In addition to her professional pursuits, Iluobe values her roles as a woman, daughter, sister, and friend, cherishing the connections she has with others and striving to foster positivity and support in her community.

Yvonne Effuah Sabblah

Circle Member

Based in Florida, is a dedicated mother of two, balancing her role as a director of operations in public relations with raising her family. She finds passion in resource management and is driven by a fear of wasted potential, both personally and professionally. Yvonne aspires to grow and learn while giving back, particularly in empowering girls to be fearless and reach their full potential. She looks forward to being part of Sisters Keepers, eager to learn from and collaborate with other powerful women to make a meaningful impact together.

Margaret Mason

Circle Member

A business owner in New York’s food industry, is a single mother of two adult daughters. She is passionate about mentoring young women, helping them become self-reliant and recognizing their unique qualities. Margaret encourages girls to strive for excellence and believes that through determination, anything is achievable. She cherishes the idea of women uniting to form a strong sisterhood and is dedicated to mentoring and guiding the next generation to believe in themselves!

Simidele Mabray

Circle Member

Director (Projects) for the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Administration, Division of Capital Assets Management and Maintenance. She is a results-oriented contracts and project manager with extensive experience in project management, planning, programming and has expertise managing international clients. Simidele worked in Nigeria for many years as a Construction Contracts Manager with a multinational company Lodigiani (Nig.) Ltd. and for Middle Passage (Nig.). While in Nigeria, she completed numerous building projects for both companies before moving to the U.S. Simidele holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos. She is a registered Civil/Structural Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. Simidele volunteers at her children’s alma mater the Moses Brown School in Providence RI where she serves as a Trustee on the school’s Board and as a member of the school’s Buildings and Grounds Committee. She also has served on the All-School Diversity Committee, the Parents’ Association Executive Board and has volunteered as the PA’s Middle School and Events Coordinator. She volunteers at her church and her local YMCA. Simidele enjoys very long walks, cardio workouts, a nice bottle of wine with friends and family, and is an avid reader.

Marlene Buchanan

Circle Member

Originally from Jamaica and moved to New York, USA, in 1982 before relocating to Atlanta in April 1999. She is a proud mother of two daughters and a grandmother to eight wonderful grandchildren. Marline has been working in the banking industry since June 1999 and currently serves as a banker at Truist Bank. She is looking forward to retiring soon and is excited about the next chapter of her life.

Erica Blevins

Circle Member

Erica is a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Her interests lie in holistic approaches to lifestyle and well-being, with a particular passion for world vegan cuisine and international travel. As the owner and operator of Oh! My Nappy Hair Studio & Co., Erica, alongside her mother who founded the company, has played a pioneering role in the modern natural hair movement. Their work has significantly contributed to the promotion and acceptance of natural hair. Erica’s philosophy of free thought empowers her to explore possibilities and align with the power of the inner spirit. She aspires to be a catalyst, a bright light, and an enhancer in any room she enters and with any group she affiliates with. Additionally, Erica values sisterhood, believing it embodies mutual support through networking, sharing resources, and offering and receiving continuous encouragement.

Leila Atake

Circle Member

Leila is a dynamic and resilient individual who splits her time between London, UK, and Lagos, Nigeria. A dedicated single mother of three beautiful young ladies, Leila’s life has been a testament to overcoming challenges and making a significant impact both personally and professionally. Having contracted polio as a baby, Leila has a lived experience of disability, which has profoundly shaped her perspectives and advocacy efforts. Her early professional career saw her excel in various administrative roles in Nigeria and the UK, including a significant stint as Housing and Advocacy Officer with Hammersmith and Fulham Action for Disability. Leila’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her current ventures as a Floral Designer and the creator of her own brand of evening bags. Her exceptional skills and dedication were recognized in 2002 when she won the prestigious ‘Florist of the Year’ award for Outstanding Performance and Commitment to the African Caribbean Wedding Industry. She further received a Special Award for ‘Excellence in Ministry’ in 2005 and the ‘International Women’s Award as a Florist/Entrepreneur’ in 2007. Deeply passionate about the rights of people living with disabilities, Leila advocates for a society where individuals are valued for their abilities rather than their differences. Her commitment to this cause is a driving force in her life and work. Leila enjoys embracing challenges and continually seeks to reinvent herself to become a better version of herself. Her long-term goals include expanding her businesses and continuing to give back to the community, a mission she believes can be significantly aided by SK. Leila Atake’s journey is one of inspiration, highlighting her dedication to personal growth, professional excellence, and unwavering advocacy for disability rights.

Enife Atobiloye

Circle Member

A distinguished Business Leader with over 30 years of extensive experience in Human Resources, Executive Search, Leadership Consulting, Teaching, and Coaching. Her versatile career spans various industries and geographies, demonstrating her exceptional ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Enife’s profound expertise in coaching leaders and teams in both the public and private sectors has solidified her reputation as a transformative leader. Enife holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Performance from Cranfield School of Management, UK, which has provided her with a strong foundation to excel in her field. Her deep passion for helping people grow and her innate talent for teaching inspired her to establish a pro bono school for aspiring professionals. The Human Resources Immersion Program (HRIP), which focuses on Human Resources and Character Development, has successfully reached over 6,000 upcoming professionals, bridging the gap between their “before” and “after.” In addition to her pro bono work, Enife contributes to academia as a lecturer at the Lagos Business School’s Human Resources Academy program and has previously taught at the University of Ibadan’s Executive MBA program. Her dedication to education and mentorship highlights her commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders. Currently, Enife serves as the Lead Consultant with Human Leadership Resources Group and the Regional Head for TRANSEARCH in the Middle East and Africa. Her expertise lies in Executive Search, Leadership Development, Human Resources, and Coaching. Enife’s impressive track record of delivering results across regions underscores her ability to drive organizational success and cultivate leadership excellence. Enife Atobiloye’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth, her passion for teaching, and her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Morenike Ogbeide

Circle Member

A distinguished Managing Consultant and CEO with over 15 years of experience in HR consulting. She has played a crucial role in establishing ENROYALE Global Services Limited as a leading consulting firm known for its high-level recruitment and strategic partnerships across various industries. Her expertise spans sectors such as corporate, marketing, hospitality, real estate, oil & gas, and media. Morenike holds advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, including an MBA from the London School of Marketing and an MSc from Queen Mary University of London. Her strategic foresight and leadership have been key in expanding ENROYALE’s international presence and reputation for innovative HR solutions.

Nkem Agunwa

Circle Member

From Abuja, Nigeria, Nkem is a mother of two girls and leads the Africa program at Witness, a nonprofit human rights organization utilizing video technology to advance rights for underrepresented communities. She finds motivation in recognizing and celebrating small victories amidst daunting challenges, which fuels her perseverance. Nkem aspires to live a thriving, healthy life supported by a vibrant community and hopes to both contribute to and benefit from the Sisters Keepers support network. She values the collective impact and support that the group provides, aiming for their combined efforts to extend beyond the immediate circle. Nkem’s professional and personal endeavors are driven by a deep commitment to making meaningful, tangible progress in human rights.