Next Meeting Wednesday 28 February 24
Guest Speaker Abiola Akinbiyi, Founder Changepreneurs
Topic 'Empowering Young CALD Women: Mentoring, Education, Networking and Outreach'
Time/Date Wednesday 28 February 24 @ 12.30 for 12.50 - 2.00pm
Venue No35 Sofitelon Collins also Online via Zoom
Price: Lunch $60 via Zoom $10
Register: https://events.humanitix.com/rotary-melb-28-feb
Changepreneurs Vision Statement
We are a group of young women passionate about implementing strategies for change within the community. We aim to encourage education, entrepreneurship and mentorship by providing resources and opportunities for young people to thrive.
Established in 2017 by Abiola Akinbiyi, Changepreneurs started as a self-funded passion project and initiative to mentor, help and empower young African Australian youth and women to reach their full potential. The initiatives emerge based on Abiola's personal and lived experience in navigating life and career pathways in the diaspora and her dedication to improving the pathway for the next generation. Abiola, also a Rotarian, understands the power of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership in making a positive impact. With overwhelming success stories, Changepreneurs is now an incorporated organisation provides mentoring and networking opportunities for African youth and CALD women.
The presentation delves into the transformative journey of how we empower young CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) women through a comprehensive approach encompassing mentoring, education, networking, and outreach initiatives. Drawing from firsthand experiences and successful outcomes, we will explore the vital components of our mentoring empowerment strategy, focusing on providing support, fostering a safe environment, promoting healthy competition, offering guidance, facilitating networking, and extending financial support.
With a seven-pillar approach and overwhelming success stories, Changepreneurs has transformed lives of youth and empowered young women to become confident, resilient, and booming leaders in their communities and beyond. As we expand our reach and impact, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of empowered women and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Abiola (Abi) Akinbiyi -BIO
Abiola Akinbiyi is an award-winning healthcare professional, entrepreneur, and community leader. Abiola migrated over 22 years ago from Africa. She has over 20 years of experience working in the health sector and with different Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and not-for-profit organisations in Australia. Abiola is an experienced board member leading and chairing many community committees and initiatives that enhance the lives of migrant and minority group in Australia.
She is a registered nurse, a clinical Nurse Educator, an IT professional, an entrepreneur, and a community leader with a great passion for community development and social justice. She advocates for people from CALD communities, aged care, women, and youth, including mentoring African youth. Abi has contributed significantly to educating, training, and empowering people from the CALD group in aged care, nursing, and mental health. Her advocacy and research have played a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices to address the challenges faced by migrants, the aging population, in Victoria.
Abi is a Board member of the Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) an independent, member-based peak body representing migrant and refugee communities across Victoria. ECCV has been the key advocate for our state's Culturally Diverse Communities since 1974. She chairs the New and Emerging Policy Advisory Committee at ECCV. She was appointed as a VMC commissioner in 2021-2023. Abiola is a board Director of Melbourne Primary Care Network.
Abiola is a lifelong learner with graduate and post-graduate qualifications in Mathematics, IT, Nursing, Gerontology, and Mental Health. An alumnus of leadership Victoria, she has immensely contributed, participated, and volunteered in different African and multicultural initiatives, events, and programs that promote social cohesion and peace in the community. She an experienced speaker, Facilitator, and MC
Abiola is the founder of Changepreneurs, a not-for-profit organization that mentors African-Australian female youth and CALD women to thrive. Abi is a multiple award winner known for her selfless volunteering in the communities, award won include Afroshine Entrepreneur Award in 2018, The Spirit of Victoria University Alumni Award in 2022, Finalist in the professional achievement categories 2021. ADA community contribution 2022 and Social Justice Award 2023. Abiola embraces the philosophy that everyone deserves equal opportunity irrespective of race, gender, religion, or economic status.
Join us for lunch, be informed and form connections.
