A leader sees greatness in other people. He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself.
Maya Angelou, American poet
Nwamaka Ifionu, a Nigerian native, originally came to college to pursue a career as an obstetrician, but soon realized her journey was set on a different path. A path that would lead her to cultivate a desire of helping others and instilling hope in those who do not have the same opportunities and resources as her. Ifionu’s passion for unlocking human potential drives her to create change.
Ifionu had no doubt she would end up in the U.S. As a citizen of the world, Ifionu found that the U.S. offered her an opportunity to interact with different cultures. After much deliberation, her feet landed her at Georgia College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Ifionu was a student ambassador, a member of the Dean's Student Advisory Board, Leadership Programs, and the International Club at Georgia College. She graduated in 2007 and reflected on how Georgia College’s liberal arts education fulfilled her expectations and enabled her for success.
“The Leadership Certificate Program challenged my mind to see the prospects of my impact as global, even when seemingly localized,” Ifionu said. “This knowledge has over the years served to inform my strategy for work, relationship building, social responsibility, and living in general. The Leadership Certificate Program for me was ‘leadership’ demystified and served practically, and it is still a gift that keeps giving.”
The Leadership Certificate Program for me was ‘leadership’ demystified and served practically, and it is still a gift that keeps giving.
Nwamaka Ifionu, Deputy Director at Save the Children International
Ifionu views leadership as an opportunity to influence and inspire. Her drive to serve others inspired her to return to Nigeria and work for the organization Save the Children International. She compares her work with the nonprofit to that of a firefighter. Looking for potential problems, Ifionu aims to resolve them so that the company's operations run successfully. Currently, Ifionu works in 13 Nigerian states, where she provides strategic oversight to many offices to ensure children in need receive quality health and education services.
Ifionu's interactions and relationships with everyone she meets are motivated by her passion to unlock human potential. She finds that she occasionally comes across people who, for various reasons, operate in fear and live in the shadow of societal or individual limits. Helping someone reach their full potential is a rewarding experience for her whenever she has the opportunity to mentor and assist.
Inspired by Maya Angelou’s ability to help others see their authentic selves, Ifionu constantly thinks about making a difference in others’ lives. She aids others to recognize their own potential and capacity to achieve anything. She finds that working for Save the Children International fulfills her goals and helps her leave her mark on the world.
“It's especially more fulfilling when I go out to the field, travel to one of the locations or more, and engage directly with the beneficiaries that we're serving,” Ifionu said. “Because when you hear from their mouths, what a difference our interventions are making in their lives, in their families, and in their communities, it makes it feel worthwhile. It makes you feel like you're doing exactly what you hope to do.”
