SPEAKERS PROFILE

Ijeoma UCHE-EZEALA is the Managing Director and CEO of Without Walls Inc. Canada. She is an Economist and holds an MBA in Global Business Administration from the prestigious Imperial College London UK. Her business network spans Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. Lady IJ is a philanthropist, an entrepreneur, and a transformational community leader who has an after school program to help kids, build solid academic foundations, resilience, and life skills. Over 300 kids in the Regional Municipal Wood Buffalo (RMWB) region have benefitted immensely from this program. The smart kids have become smarter, and the written-off kids have found their purpose and determination to do better in school. Lady IJ is a highly engaged and passionate leader with over 13 years of volunteering in Canada. she serves on several Boards as a Director for non-profit organizations, political organizations, and committees. When she lived in Prince George British Columbia Canada, she served as a Board of Director for the International Linkage committee; The University of Northern British Columbia graduate Senate committee member; and The Northern Family Health Society BC. As a Board of Directors (BOD) for Northern Women’s Centre Prince George BC, she provided non-judgmental support and advocated for women in crises. Lady IJ strongly believesin giving back to her community, when her family relocated to Wood Buffalo Alberta, she sits on Boards as a Director for two of Canada's largest social profit organizations - Alberta Girls Inc. and United Ways Fort McMurray. The United Way Board ensures to empower everyone to improve their lives, build stronger communities, endorse innovative partnerships, and embrace diversity. As a Director for Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, our purpose is to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold through direct services and advocacy. We equip girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. She also serves on the RMWB Library Board and Wood Buffalo Development Advisory Committee (WBDA) Board. The WBDA Board advises municipal administration and Council on local development initiatives, including development and construction issues, community based issues, public engagement activities, and region-wide economic priorities. Lady IJ advocates for newcomers, and empowers immigrants by serving on the Board of the Wood Buffalo Immigrant Advisory committee to ensure new immigrant increase their adaptation quotient and intercultural rights. As the Vice President of Rehoboth Alliance, she effectively executed a graceful Black History event in the region. This is to ensure the Black Heritage is celebrated and Afro-Canadian extravagance is showcased. She also helped to facilitate a safe space café called Anti-racism café, where visible minority could express their concerns in a survey, about systemic racism they have experienced in the region. The documented outcome from the Anti-racism café resulted that in 2021 the RMWB Mayor & Council approved the motion to increase the number of members in RACIDE (Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality) and include a Black representative position within the RACIDE committee. Lady IJ is a proud volunteer for different causes and interests that impact positive change for young girls. As a Big Sister volunteer, she is grateful to mentor Elementary School Girls in the Go-Girls program. Her mentee learns about Healthy Bodies, the Healthy Minds Program, which focuses on lessons of building self-esteem and confidence while addressing the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and creating positive friendships. Lady IJ is a brilliant speaker, passionate about girls’ power, and an experienced people person who knows how to create change through influence and advocate for opportunities for all girls. As a motivational speaker for Rehoboth Alliance Girls Empowerment 2021, she spoke on Building self-esteem, and goal-setting amid the pandemic. Lady IJ is a preacher of common-sense governance. She serves on the local Conservative Constituency Association Board for the Member of Legislative Assembly Alberta (MLA) representing Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. She also serves on the local CPC Board for the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Fort McMurray – Cold lake. Her community work and contribution have been appreciated, recognized, and rewarded; 1) She was nominated for the Heart of Wood Buffalo Excellence awards for her ‘Community Impact’ by Fuse Social Association Canada. 2) As an authentic leader, in 2021 & 2022 the Chamber of Commerce Fort Mcmurray Alberta Canada did recognize her excellent effort and bravery to open her business during the Covid pandemic. 3) Lady IJ was awarded Woman of Inspiration (WOI) at the 2022 International Women's Day. 4) As a guest panelist speaker at the 3rd African Women Summit Kigali Rwanda, she examines the critical roles women play as agents of Peace and sustainable development. 5) Lady IJ is nominated as a panelist speaker at the 2022 Human Right theme ‘#StandUp4HumanRights’. 6) Lady IJ’s local business is listed on the hall of Fame of Northern Light foundation for her generous donation to support RMWB hospital projects. 7) Her family sponsors a scholarship with the Keyano College Foundation. A student award targeted to assist International students of African descent. 8) As a powerhouse of energy, in November 2022 Lady IJ was name Top 50 under 50 in Wood Buffalo Alberta Canada.