When I reflect on the pivotal moments in my career, one stands out—the day I became an advisor to one of the 17 UN SDG advocates, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi (Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria), now an SDG Advocate Emeritus. This opportunity wasn’t something I had actively sought out, but it was a case of seizing a moment when it arose. HH Sanusi was appointed as a UN SDG Advocate and needed to appoint an advisor, a role for which he reached out to my boss. A simple conversation with my boss led to my joining him in a virtual meeting with the UN Office of Partnerships, which ignited my passion to contribute to the global development landscape.

I was in the midst of a full-time job, yet something inside me knew that this was a chance I couldn't pass up. Without hesitation, I voiced my passion for the role to my boss, and despite the challenges of balancing my work responsibilities, I pursued the opportunity. Thanks to the support of my boss, I was able to step into this position, a decision that became a transformative chapter in my career. One thing to note was my preparedness, this was key in gaining my boss's trust to take on this role, even while balancing my full-time position. I approached him, demonstrating not only my vision but also my readiness to commit fully to this mission, assuring him that I wouldn’t drop the ball on my job. Seeing my dedication and the groundwork I had already laid, he trusted me to deliver, embraced the idea wholeheartedly and facilitated the connection!

This journey has not only broadened my professional horizon but also boosted my self confidence and solidified my passion for making an impact. Working alongside global leaders and experts, I've lent a voice on how to amplify the SDGs and contribute to innovative solutions. This experience allowed me to become more deeply involved in international dialogues, influencing key decisions on how we can bridge gaps and ensure sustainable, impactful change. As an advisor to His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, I had the privilege of working closely with the UN Office of Partnerships, where I played a key role in shaping advocacy strategies for amplifying the SDGs through his advocacy. My work involved identifying and facilitating thought leadership opportunities on sustainable development and SDG-related events, ensuring they were impactful and aligned with the larger goal of advancing the SDGs. This also led to the birth of the Muhammad Sanusi II SDG Initiative. 

I remember the first time I walked into the United Nations in March 2019. I had often dreamed of being part of something so monumental, but stepping inside the UN, not as a tourist but as an active participant, was an incredible moment. It made me realize that when we align our passion with action, we can achieve what once seemed impossible. This opportunity wasn’t just about participating in high-level meetings—it was a continuation of my journey toward becoming an advocate for social change, fueled by years of experience in communications and community development. My passion for impact has been at the core of my career, shaping how I approach every project and initiative.

I’ve always believed that meaningful change begins with a deep understanding of existing gaps and a genuine commitment to uplifting others. Throughout my career, I’ve led initiatives that empowered communities, organizations and individuals including my work with the Woven Impact Network, AIESEC, and other programs. These experiences have sharpened my ability to design and execute impactful programs that not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the broader global movement toward sustainable development. Each role has reinforced my belief that lasting transformation requires both strategic vision and a hands-on approach to creating real-world change.

These examples highlight how some of my work has consistently reflected my commitment to making a meaningful impact 

• Leadership in Women Empowerment Programs: As Chairperson of the FMN Women Network and a founder of the Woven Impact Network, I worked on empowering women and marginalized communities. These roles allowed me to collaborate with other leaders in the development sector, creating initiatives that prioritized gender equality, food security, and youth development.

• Experience in Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Whether it was through my work with the UN or my leadership roles and volunteerism at various NGOs, I have consistently brought together diverse groups to collaborate on common goals. This experience directly links to my role as an advisor, where the primary focus was building partnerships and finding innovative ways to achieve sustainable impact.

• Passion for Sustainable Development: My commitment to driving long-term social change has always been rooted in my work. Whether through developing communication strategies that highlight sustainability efforts or leading fundraising initiatives for projects focused on food security, my passion for impact has always been central to my work.

• Youth Development through AIESEC: Right from university, I was deeply involved in youth empowerment through AIESEC, an international platform that focuses on developing young leaders. This experience allowed me to mentor, train, and support youth in their professional and personal development, fostering a passion for sustainable impact through education and leadership development. 

• Impact-Driven Projects: I helped engage stakeholders and young professionals through the FMN Agro-Allied Graduate Trainee program, promoted sustainable practices in the value chain, and played a critical role in the company's pandemic response. 

• Mentorship: Mentoring and young professionals through the FATE Foundation and MSII SDG Initiative, helping them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and catalyzing their innovative ideas. 

Through these experiences, I have learned that every role, every project, and every initiative is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the greater good. My work as an advisor to a UN SDG Advocate has reinforced my belief that change is possible when we work together, stay focused on our goals, and maintain a deep passion for making the world a better place.

My journey continues to evolve, and as I reflect on my growth, I realize that it’s not just about securing opportunities—it's about aligning those opportunities with a vision for the future. This role was a natural extension of my career, built on years of experience, and it has provided me with a platform to amplify my passion for creating sustainable impact on a global scale.

"Serendipity! It was a moment where preparation met chance, and the result was a transformative opportunity I couldn’t have anticipated, yet was ready to embrace."

Olasubomi Sofowora