From Impact Project to Company: Bonny Joy Kaburuk Is Building the Future with SheLearns AI.

What happens when a mentorship project refuses to remain a project? For Bonny Joy Kaburuk, a 2025 Inspire Her Afrika mentee, the answer is SheLearns AI, a company born from an Impact Project and driven by a bigger question: How do we ensure African girls are not left behind in a world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence?

What started as an idea during her time in the Inspire Her Afrika Mentorship Program has grown into a company with a mission to equip girls and young women with the AI and digital skills they need to thrive in the future of work. We caught up with Bonny to talk about her journey before IHA, the idea that became SheLearns AI, the role mentorship played in her growth, and what she is building next.

 

Before Inspire Her Afrika, what did your career journey look like?

Before Inspire Her Afrika, I was building my career in digital marketing, communications, and AI. I had the opportunity to work with organizations across different sectors, helping them grow their online presence, tell compelling stories, and connect with their audiences. While I enjoyed the work, I couldn't ignore the growing impact AI was having on every industry. I began asking myself an important question: How do we ensure African girls are not left behind in this new era? That question became the foundation of everything that followed.

What made you apply for Inspire Her Afrika?

I was looking for more than training. I wanted a community that challenged me to think bigger and turn ideas into action. Inspire Her Afrika stood out because it focused on creating impact, not just building careers. It gave women the opportunity to identify problems in their communities and develop practical solutions. I knew that was the environment where my idea could grow.

Your Impact Project eventually became a company. Tell us about the project and how it started.

My Impact Project was SheLearns AI, an initiative created to introduce girls and young women to Artificial Intelligence in a simple, practical, and accessible way. I wanted to demystify AI and show that it isn't just for engineers or people in Silicon Valley. Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning, my goal was to help young women understand AI, build digital skills, and confidently explore opportunities in STEM and the future of work.

When did you realize that SheLearns AI could become something bigger?

The turning point came during the mentorship itself. As I developed the project, I realized the problem wasn't temporary. Everywhere I looked, AI was transforming industries, yet many girls and young women still had little or no access to AI education. I knew a one-time workshop wouldn't be enough. SheLearns AI needed to become a long-term solution. That realization transformed it from an Impact Project into a company with a mission to make AI education accessible and inclusive for the next generation of African women.

Sometimes, getting unstuck requires more than knowing what to do next. It requires the right people, conversations, and opportunities to help you see what's possible.

If you're at a point in your career where you're wondering "What's next?", our upcoming Virtual Mastery Session is for you. 

Unstuck 3.0: Growing Beyond Your First Role is a conversation designed to help you think beyond your current position, navigate career growth intentionally, and explore what it means to keep evolving professionally. Whether you're trying to move into a new role, grow where you are, or figure out your next career move, come ready to learn, reflect, and ask the questions that matter.

Register for Unstuck 3.0: https://luma.com/og9ca480

So, what exactly does SheLearns AI do?

SheLearns AI is an AI education and digital empowerment company dedicated to preparing girls and young women for the future of work. We make Artificial Intelligence easy to understand through practical workshops, digital literacy training, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences. Our mission is to bridge the gender gap in technology by ensuring more African girls do not just use AI but understand it, build with it, and create opportunities through it. We believe every girl deserves the confidence and skills to thrive in an AI-powered world.

 

How did Inspire Her Afrika influence your journey from mentee to founder?

Inspire Her Afrika gave me the confidence to believe in my vision and think beyond an Impact Project. I was fortunate to have an incredible mentor, Bolanle Onilogbo, whose guidance and encouragement helped me refine my ideas and grow as a leader. Winning first place in the Inspire Her Afrika PitchFest was another defining moment. It validated my vision, inspired me to dream even bigger, and gave me the confidence to transform SheLearns AI into a company with a long-term mission.

What challenges have you faced while building your company?

Like many founders, one of my biggest challenges has been balancing ambition with limited resources. Building something meaningful requires funding, partnerships, and time. There have also been moments of uncertainty, especially as a young founder entering the AI education space. However, every challenge has strengthened my resilience and reminded me that meaningful impact takes persistence. I have learned that consistency is just as important as a great idea.

What is one lesson you've learned about entrepreneurship that every young African woman should know?

You do not have to wait until you are ready. If I had waited until everything was perfect, SheLearns AI would not exist today. Start with the knowledge, skills, and resources you have. Growth comes through action. The biggest opportunities often come after you take the first step.

What would you say to someone who has an idea but is afraid to start?

Someone out there is waiting for the solution only you can create. Do not let fear convince you that your idea is not good enough. Every successful company started as a simple idea that someone chose to act on. Your first version will not be perfect, and that is okay. Progress will always matter more than perfection.

What's next for you and SheLearns AI?

The vision for SheLearns AI is to become one of Africa's leading platforms for AI education and digital empowerment for girls and young women. We plan to partner with schools, organizations, and communities to deliver AI literacy programs across the continent, develop accessible learning resources, and build a generation of confident female innovators who are ready to lead in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

What does Inspire Her Afrika mean to you today?

To me, Inspire Her Afrika is more than a mentorship program. It is where an idea became a mission and where I discovered that impact can grow into something sustainable. It reminded me that mentorship has the power to change lives by helping people believe in themselves and their potential. I will always be grateful for the support, community, and opportunities that inspired me to become the founder of SheLearns AI.

 

Bonny's story is a reminder that sometimes, the idea you are working on today is only the beginning. An Impact Project can become a business. A question can become a solution. A mentorship conversation can become the confidence you need to take your idea seriously. And perhaps most importantly, you don't always need to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes, you just need to start. At Inspire Her Afrika, this is the kind of growth we want to see: African women who don't just receive opportunities, but use them to build, create, lead, and make an impact of their own. Bonny started with an idea; today, she is building SheLearns AI, and this is only the beginning. 

 

 

Behind the Scenes: How Abigail Is Helping Shape the Inspire Her Afrika Story.

Behind every story of impact at Inspire Her Afrika are individuals who dedicate their time, creativity, and skills to making the mission possible. From creating content to amplifying opportunities and sharing stories that inspire action, the Communications Team plays a vital role in connecting young African women to resources and possibilities.

In this conversation, we speak with Abigail, a member of the Digital Communications Team, about her journey with Inspire Her Afrika, the lessons that have shaped her growth, and what it means to contribute behind the scenes to a movement empowering African women.

Tell us about your first encounter with Inspire Her Afrika.

I had just graduated from university and was looking for opportunities to strengthen my skills and gain more clarity about my career path. That was when I came across the Digital Communications Volunteer role at Inspire Her Afrika. I spent time exploring IHA’s blog and social media pages, learning more about the work they were doing to empower African women. I immediately connected with the mission and knew I wanted to contribute to something meaningful, so I applied. What started as an opportunity to volunteer quickly became a journey of growth, learning, and purpose.

What helped you grow?

The healthy work environment, combined with the culture of constructive feedback and accountability, has played a major role in my growth. There were many things I did not realise were essential to becoming an effective professional until I learned them while working with IHA. One of those lessons was the importance of effective communication, both upward and downward communication. I learned how to collaborate within a team, receive feedback openly, and continuously improve the quality of my work. The process helped me understand my strengths, identify areas where I could grow, and become more intentional about how I contribute to a team.

Start Where You Are: Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Ready to take the first step towards building something meaningful? In this session, we will explore what entrepreneurship truly means, how to spot opportunities, turn ideas into action, and develop a problem-solving mindset that can transform the way you work, lead, and create impact. Come ready to think differently, reflect, and identify opportunities worth pursuing: even if it starts with just an idea. Register here: https://luma.com/f15ydq55

If you could describe your IHA journey in one word, what would it be?

Growth-oriented. 

As someone working behind the scenes, what has been the most rewarding part?

Being part of the Digital Communications team, the most rewarding part has been seeing the work we create make a difference in the lives of young African women. There is something fulfilling about knowing that a story, resource, opportunity, or project I contributed to helped someone gain clarity, find inspiration, or take a step closer to achieving their goals. Working behind the scenes has reminded me that impact does not always have to happen in the spotlight. Sometimes, it happens through the ideas we bring to life, the stories we tell, and the platforms we help create. I see every contribution as my small but meaningful part toward making the world a better place.

Take us behind the scenes: what does a typical workday at Inspire Her Afrika look like for you?

A regular day at Inspire Her Afrika depends on the season we're in, but during my time as one of the Programme Coordinators (a role I later transitioned into), my day usually started with blocking off time on my calendar and reviewing my tasks for the day before tackling them one by one. During the Bootcamp, for example, Mondays were often dedicated to ensuring participants had everything they needed for the week. I would schedule announcements on our learning platform, share a shorter version in the WhatsApp community, and respond to participants' questions and inquiries. No two days were exactly the same, but every day was centred on creating a smooth and meaningful experience for the women in our programmes.

As Inspire Her Afrika celebrates three years, what are you celebrating personally?

I am celebrating the impact beyond the numbers, the women who have gone through the mentorship programme and emerged better equipped for their careers, personal growth, and lives in general. I am also celebrating the opportunity to work alongside passionate individuals who give their best to keep the IHA mission alive. Seeing the dedication, creativity, and commitment of everyone involved reminds me that meaningful change is possible when people come together around a shared vision. It affirms one thing for me: nothing is impossible for people who set their minds on a goal and put their hearts into making it happen.

Behind the Mission: What It Feels Like to Help Change the Lives of African Women.

Three years ago, Inspire Her Afrika was a vision. Today, the vision has become a growing community of over 150 African women across 15 African countries, women who are building careers, launching businesses, finding mentors, growing in confidence, and leading change in their communities. 

But behind every programme, every blog post, every podcast episode, every mentorship call, and every opportunity shared is a team of people quietly working to make that impact possible. As Inspire Her Afrika celebrates its third anniversary, we sat down with one of our Communications Team members, Marvelous Adekanmi, to talk about her journey with the organisation and what it has been like contributing to a mission bigger than herself.

Tell us about your first encounter with Inspire Her Afrika.

I first came across Inspire Her Afrika in 2024 when I applied to volunteer. At the time, I wasn't looking for another item to add to my CV. I genuinely wanted to contribute to something meaningful. I had seen the work Inspire Her Afrika was doing for African women, and I wanted to be part of that story. Looking back now, I smile because I had absolutely no idea what volunteering in a professional organisation truly meant. I was enthusiastic, eager to help, and willing to work, but I needed to grow as a communications professional.

What helped you grow?

One person played a significant role in that transformation: Miss Chidinma, our Founder and CEO. She saw potential before I fully saw it myself. Instead of simply assigning tasks, she challenged me to become more intentional about my work. She taught me the importance of ownership, excellence, accountability, and structure. She leaned into the raw material I was and helped shape me into a more confident professional. One lesson I carry with me every day is this: good work is important, BUT owning your work is even more important. That mindset has completely changed how I approach my career.

If you could describe your IHA journey in one word, what would it be?

Blessing. That's the simplest way to describe it. Inspire Her Afrika became the professional environment I didn't even know I needed. It gave me room to learn, lead, create, and perhaps most importantly, room to become. I've grown not just as a communications professional but as a woman who now believes in her ideas, speaks confidently about her work, and understands the power of showing up with excellence.

 

 

If you've been following our journey and believe in the work we're doing, one of the simplest ways to support Inspire Her Afrika is by becoming part of our growing Substack community. Your support helps us continue creating stories, conversations, resources, and opportunities that equip African women to thrive professionally and personally.

Support Inspire Her Afrika on Substack here:
https://shorturl.at/xplor

As someone working behind the scenes, what has been the most rewarding part?

Watching the impact happen in real time. It's one thing to read that mentorship changes lives, while it is another thing entirely to witness it. I've seen applications turn into acceptance emails, acceptance emails become bootcamps, bootcamps become mentorship, and mentorship becomes career growth, leadership opportunities, businesses, scholarships, and lifelong friendships. I've helped tell stories that encouraged someone else to apply for an opportunity they almost ignored. Sometimes we think impact only belongs to the people standing on the stage. Working at Inspire Her Afrika has taught me that impact also belongs to those helping build the stage.

As Inspire Her Afrika celebrates three years, what are you celebrating personally?

Gratitude.

I'm grateful that I said yes to volunteering. I'm grateful for leaders who invested in my growth and trusted me with responsibilities that stretched me. I'm grateful for every woman whose story I've had the privilege to tell and every opportunity I've had to contribute to this vision.

But beyond my own journey, I'm most grateful for the people I get to serve alongside. The impact we celebrate today isn't the work of one person. It is the result of an incredible team that shows up every day with excellence, creativity, compassion, and commitment. My work in Communications would not be possible without colleagues across programmes, partnerships, operations, design, volunteers, mentors, and leadership who each contribute to the larger mission of Inspire Her Afrika. Together, we are building something far greater than any one individual could achieve alone. That, perhaps, is one of the greatest lessons I have learned here: meaningful impact is almost always a team effort. To everyone who has given their time, skills, ideas, encouragement, and heart to Inspire Her Afrika over the last three years, thank you.

And to Inspire Her Afrika, thank you for believing in young African women, for creating spaces where we can grow, and for allowing me to contribute to something that will outlive all of us.

Happy Third Anniversary. Long live Inspire Her Afrika!

Stay Connected

Want guided mentorship, community support, and career growth resources for 2026? Join the Inspire Her Afrika WhatsApp Channel and become part of a growing community of African women committed to learning, growing, and leading. You can also follow Inspire Her Afrika across our social media platforms to stay updated on opportunities, programmes, events, and resources designed for African women.

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, send us an email at admin@inspireherafrika.org.

 

 

My Inspire Her Afrika Journey: From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief

 There is a quiet battle many young African women fight that nobody sees. It is the battle between who you are and who you think you need to be before you deserve an opportunity. The battle between applying and convincing yourself not to, and the battle between believing in your potential and listening to the voice of self-doubt. For Huzaima Matima, that battle felt very familiar. Before joining the Inspire Her Afrika Bootcamp, she carried questions many young women silently carry: Am I good enough? Am I qualified enough? What if I apply and get rejected? We sat down with Huzaima to learn more about her journey, what led her to Inspire Her Afrika, and how the experience is helping her move from self-doubt to self-belief.

What was life looking like for you before Inspire Her Afrika?

Before applying for the Inspire Her Afrika Bootcamp, I was dealing with a lot of mixed emotions. I struggled with self-doubt, anxiety, and being overly self-conscious. Deep down, I hoped that if I somehow got selected, I would have the opportunity to strengthen my leadership, confidence, collaboration, and professional skills. To me, the boot camp represented a chance to become a better version of myself. But honestly, I never truly believed I would be chosen.

Why did you feel that way?

I had experienced rejection from other opportunities in the past, and over time, those experiences began to affect my confidence. I started questioning whether I was good enough or qualified enough for opportunities like these. Every rejection seemed to reinforce the idea that maybe I wasn't ready yet. Looking back now, I realize that many young women experience this. We sometimes disqualify ourselves before anyone else gets the chance to see our potential.

So what made you apply anyway?

One of the biggest reasons was the encouragement I received from inspiring women around me, especially Auntie Gloria. She constantly reminded me that I was just as capable, talented, and deserving as any other young woman pursuing her dreams. Her words helped me realize that fear of rejection should never stop me from taking a chance on myself. And so, despite all the doubts, I submitted my application.

What was your reaction when you got the acceptance email?

I was beyond excited. Honestly, if I could have done a somersault and frozen in that moment for fifteen seconds, I probably would have. I felt grateful, excited, and relieved all at once. But more than anything, the acceptance confirmed something I had always known deep down: that I was capable. It wasn't just an email. It felt like validation that I should keep believing in myself and continue pursuing opportunities that challenge me to grow.

Many young women struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. What would you say to them?

First, I would tell them that they are not alone. Self-doubt has a way of making you feel like everyone else is confident except you, but that's rarely true. The important thing is not to allow those feelings to stop you from showing up. 

Now that the boot camp has started, what has the experience been like?

Honestly, it has exceeded my expectations. The IHA family has been incredibly welcoming, transparent, inclusive, and supportive. From the very beginning, everyone has made me feel valued and included. The resources, guidance, and opportunities provided so far have already been incredibly useful. One thing that has stood out to me is how invested the team is in the growth and success of every participant. The regular check-ins and support systems show that they genuinely care about our progress and want to see us succeed.

Has there been any challenge so far?

Of course. Like every new experience, there have been moments of adjustment. I'm still learning how to maximize every opportunity available within the program. But I understand that growth is a process. Since this is only the beginning of the journey, I'm confident that I will continue to learn, improve, and become better with time.

What has inspired you most since joining?

The people. Hearing the stories of other fellows and sisters in the program has been incredibly inspiring. Learning about their journeys, achievements, challenges, and growth has motivated me to push beyond my comfort zone and believe in what is possible for my own future. Sometimes, seeing another woman win reminds you that your own success is possible too.

Looking back now, what does Inspire Her Afrika mean to you?

For me, Inspire Her Afrika is more than a bootcamp. It is a reminder that opportunities can change the way you see yourself. Before this experience, I was carrying a lot of doubts about what I was capable of achieving. Today, I am learning to replace those doubts with belief. And I think that's one of the most important lessons I've learned so far: you don't have to feel ready before you take the first step. You simply have to be willing to try.

One Final Word

To every young woman reading this who struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or fear of rejection: apply, try, and show up.  Do not count yourself out before others have the opportunity to see your potential. You are far more capable than you think, and you deserve a seat at the table. And sometimes, the opportunity that changes your life begins with a simple act of believing that you belong there. 

Something for you. 

Imposter syndrome and inferiority complex are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. During our recent Virtual Mastery Session, our guests, Tolulope Olalekan and Chinwendu Ojinmah, explained the important difference between the two, and they shared how to overcome them. Watch the session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHtSKDGNUS0 

Written by: Huzaima Matima

Collated by: Marvelous, for the IHA Team. 

Finding Direction Through Mentorship: Vasongi's Story.

There comes a point in the lives of many young African women when the question is no longer "What am I studying?" but "What comes next?"For some, that question arrives after graduation. For others, it comes while pursuing higher degrees, building careers, or trying to make sense of the future they have worked so hard towards. For Vasongi Adeline from Cameroon, that moment came while pursuing her Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. On paper, everything looked fine. She was advancing academically and doing what many would consider the "right things." But internally, she was wrestling with a question many young professionals know too well: How do I position myself for the future when I don't even know where to begin?

We sat down with Vasongi to learn more about her journey, what led her to Inspire Her Afrika, and how mentorship is helping her find direction.

What was life looking like for you before Inspire Her Afrika?

As I approached the end of my academic journey, I started thinking more seriously about my future. I realized that despite years of studying and striving for excellence, I didn't really know how to navigate the job market or strategically position myself for the career I wanted. A lot of people would probably say, "Just start a business." But for me, that wasn't my immediate plan. I have always believed that beginning with a professional career would give me valuable exposure, managerial experience, organizational skills, and industry knowledge that I could later build upon. I wanted to learn first. I wanted to grow first. The challenge was that I didn't know where to start. I needed direction, clarity and mentorship.

How did you discover Insire Her Afrika? 

I came across the Inspire Her Afrika Mentorship Program while looking for opportunities that could help me grow professionally. Something about it immediately stood out to me. I remember thinking, "Why not apply? This could be the opportunity you've been searching for. This could be the guidance you need." So I took the chance and submitted my application.

What was your reaction when you got accepted?

Honestly, I was extremely excited. The acceptance email felt like an answer to a need I had been carrying for a while. I was excited because I knew I would finally have access to mentorship. I would be able to connect with someone who had experience, someone who could guide me, help me make informed decisions, and provide clarity when I felt unsure. Sometimes, all you want is someone who has walked ahead of you and can simply say: "You may want to consider this path." That felt incredibly reassuring, it felt like hope and the beginning of clarity. 

What has the bootcamp experience been like so far?

The experience has been amazing. Beyond the learning sessions, I have had the opportunity to connect with fellow bootcampers who are equally passionate about growth, learning, and self-development. Being surrounded by ambitious young women has been inspiring in itself. It reminds you that you're not the only one trying to figure things out. You're not the only one asking questions about your future. There's something powerful about learning in community.

For women currently struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt, this conversation continues at our upcoming Virtual Mastery Session. 

In this panel session, we’re bringing together African women who have been where you are; women who have questioned whether they belong, doubted their abilities, and shown up anyway. They’ll be sharing their experiences with imposter syndrome in their careers and what they’ve learned about navigating it without letting it hold them back.

🔗 Register here: https://luma.com/imx8m2cj

What practical skills have you gained so far?

One of the things I've enjoyed the most is learning how to use Google Workspace tools effectively. From Google Docs to Google Slides and Google Calendar, these tools may seem simple, but they have genuinely improved how I organize my work and life. I can now plan my weeks better, manage documents more efficiently, and collaborate professionally using personalized access settings and shared workspaces. These are practical skills that I know will continue to benefit me both academically and professionally.

Many young women feel stuck or uncertain about their next steps. What would you say to someone currently feeling that way?

I would tell them that uncertainty is not the end of the journey. Sometimes, not knowing exactly what comes next is simply a sign that you're in a season of discovery. The important thing is to keep seeking opportunities that help you learn, grow, and gain clarity. Growth often begins when we step out of uncertainty and take a chance on opportunities designed to help us evolve. You may not have all the answers today, but that doesn't mean you should stop moving.

What does Inspire Her Afrika mean to you now?

For me, Inspire Her Afrika represents direction, growth, and possibility. It has reminded me that sometimes the opportunities we need most are the ones that challenge us to take a chance on ourselves. So far, this journey has shown me that mentorship is more than advice. It's guidance. It's accountability. It's community. Most importantly, it is the reminder that you don't have to navigate your future alone. And if there's one thing I'm carrying with me from this experience, it's this: Sometimes, all a person truly needs is guidance, community, and someone who believes in their potential enough to say: "You can do this."

Written by: Adeline Vasongi

Collated by: Marvelous, for the IHA Team. 

Why I Applied to Inspire Her Afrika: Precious' Story.

 

There is a strange feeling that comes with standing at the edge of a chapter while having no clear idea what the next one will look like. For many young African women, that season often comes during NYSC. One moment, life feels structured. The next moment, you are applying for opportunities, trying to figure out your next move, and hoping something finally works out.

For Aboje Precious, that season felt exactly like that. So we asked her a few questions about her journey, what led her to Inspire Her Afrika, and what the experience has been like so far.

What was life looking like for you before Inspire Her Afrika?

During NYSC, I spent a lot of time applying for opportunities and online graduate trainee programs, internships, and anything that felt like a step forward. I just knew I didn’t want to become idle after service. There was this constant feeling of trying to prepare for the future without fully knowing what that future would look like. But one quote stayed with me during that season: A moving person always meets their luck. So I kept moving.

How did you come across Inspire Her Afrika?

Honestly, I didn’t even realize it was a mentorship program at first. At the time, I thought it was another graduate trainee opportunity, so I applied normally, like I had been applying to other things online.

Then I got the acceptance email. I remember feeling genuinely excited because, for the first time in a long while, I had received positive feedback from an application. Out of the many people who applied, I was selected, and that alone felt like a step forward for me. And I think that moment reminded me that sometimes, all you need is one opportunity to remind you not to stop trying.

What made you say yes to the bootcamp opportunity?

One of the reasons I immediately said yes was because I have always wanted to improve my communication and public speaking skills. I admire people who can confidently express themselves and step into opportunities without fear, and I knew those were areas I wanted to grow in. I also want to become more confident in taking risks, especially in spaces like business and finance, even without having all the background or resources figured out yet. I think many young women silently struggle with that fear, wanting more for themselves but feeling unsure if they’re “ready enough.”

Has the experience started changing anything for you?

Definitely. Through my tribe, I am learning more about communication, teamwork, and confidence. I have also gained practical knowledge in using tools like Google Docs and Google Calendar for collaboration and organization. But beyond the practical skills, I think the biggest shift has been realizing that growth can happen in small ways every day. Sometimes, being in the right environment changes the way you see yourself.

A lot of young women struggle with self-doubt while trying to grow professionally. What would you say to someone currently feeling that way?

I would say: keep going anyway. You don’t have to feel fully confident before applying for opportunities or trying something new. Sometimes, growth happens while you are moving, not before. A lot of us think we need to have everything figured out first, but that’s not always how life works.

For women currently struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt, this conversation continues at our upcoming Virtual Mastery Session.

In this panel session, we’re bringing together African women who have been where you are; women who have questioned whether they belong, doubted their abilities, and shown up anyway. They’ll be sharing their experiences with imposter syndrome in their careers and what they’ve learned about navigating it without letting it hold them back.

🔗 Register here: https://luma.com/imx8m2cj

What does Inspire Her Afrika mean to you now?

For me, Inspire Her Afrika is more than just a program. It is a reminder that growth can come from unexpected places and that sometimes, simply taking a step forward can open doors you never planned for. And honestly, I think that’s the lesson I’m carrying with me from this season: You don’t always need certainty before you begin. Sometimes, the opportunity that changes you arrives disguised as something ordinary. And sometimes, the “yes” you almost overlooked becomes the beginning of growth you never expected.

Written by: Aboje Precious

Collated by: Marvelous, for the IHA Team.

My Mentorship Story (1): The Guidance I Didn’t Know I Needed

 When was the first time you heard the word mentorship?

For many African women, it doesn’t come as a formal introduction. No applications, no structured programs, and no clear definition. For Miracle, it started quietly, and it didn’t look like mentorship at the time. It looked like an aunt who paid attention. She noticed her academic curiosity early, the way she asked questions and approached her books with seriousness. And without making a big announcement about it, she stepped in.

At first, it was small things. She would send her materials for exams: past questions, study guides, and resources she didn’t even know existed. Then it became more. She began to guide her on how to study smarter, not just harder. She showed her what excellence required, not just effort, but strategy. Miracle didn’t call it mentorship then; she simply thought, “I’m lucky to have someone who helps me.” But the guidance didn’t stop after exams. When it was time to think about life after school, the questions became bigger. What next? Where do I apply? What does the process even look like?

Again, her aunt stepped in. From reviewing applications to explaining options she had never considered, she walked that journey with her. Not by carrying her, but by showing her how to walk it herself. That was when it began to click that this wasn’t just help. This was guidance and mentorship.

What Miracle Learned (And What Many Women Realise Too Late)

Mentorship is not always loud, and it doesn’t always come with a title. Sometimes, it looks like someone who sees your potential before you fully see it, someone who shares knowledge you didn’t know you needed, or someone who shortens your learning curve. And sometimes, it looks like what you wish you had. Because for many African women, that kind of guidance is missing.

Preparing for Mentorship: What You Should Know

As mentorship opportunities open and the Inspire Her Afrika 2026 Bootcamp starts, think and plan on how to show up to get the results you need. Here are three things you can do to prepare better for the Bootcamp and IHA Mentorship. 

Be clear about what you need 

Mentorship is not just “I want to grow.” What exactly do you need clarity on? Career? Confidence? Direction? The clearer you are, the more you will gain.

Come ready to do the work

A mentor will guide you, but they won’t do the work for you. Growth requires effort, reflection, and action.

Stay open and teachable

Sometimes, the guidance you receive will challenge you. It may stretch your thinking, but that’s where growth happens.

Miracle’s story is not rare. Many women have experienced fragments of mentorship from a teacher, a friend, a family member, or a leader. But imagine what happens when that guidance becomes intentional. That is what Inspire Her Afrika is building: a space where African women don’t just hope for guidance but have access to it.

💬 Tell us in the comments:

When was the first time you experienced guidance that changed something for you?

Marvelous, for the IHA Team.