Farida Yahya, a dynamic force in Nigeria's entrepreneurial
landscape, has been recognized as one of Africa's most influential 100 change
makers. With a rich background in Biochemistry and business development, Farida
has amassed over a decade of experience across media, community, and social development
sectors.
As the head of customer development at Onetella and the
president of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria,
Farida exemplifies leadership and goal orientation. She is not only a social
entrepreneur and published author but also a double TEDx speaker.
Farida's commitment to fostering local communities through
enterprise development is evident in her remarkable work over the past eight
years. Through sustainable digital learning initiatives, she has empowered over
3500 women and catalyzed the growth of 1000 startups, particularly focusing on
underserved female founders.
Farida was among ten youth leaders chosen to engage with the
then UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, discussing critical issues like
development, climate change, and youth involvement in sustainable development
goals, thereby amplifying momentum for progress in Nigeria.
Her dedication to social responsibility has earned her
accolades, including the prestigious I AM NIGERIA AWARD for Corporate Social
Responsibility in 2017, recognition among Nigeria's 100 Most Inspiring Women
(Class of 2020), and being a finalist for JCI Nigeria's Ten Outstanding Young
Persons in 2022.
Farida extends her impact beyond her professional endeavors
by volunteering as a career mentor for various organizations, including the
Skills Outside School Foundation, Northbridge Foundation, YALI RLC, and the US
State Department's ECA-funded AWE program.
Including Farida in the Africa's Top 100 Change Makers is well
deserved.
