Unstoppable Women of 2025: Breaking Barriers, Making History

Gusi Tobby Lordwilliams is an Executive Service Coach, leadership strategist, and authority in volunteerism who has coached over 500 executive assistants into high-impact roles. As the founder of Girl Hub Africa, Nigeria’s largest all-female volunteering network, she has mobilized over 5,000 changemakers and secured jobs for more than 1,000 young professionals.

Ambassador Genevieve Tambari Fadeh is a multi-industry entrepreneur and philanthropist, leading ventures like U Don Chop Kitchen, Nulo Lagos, and Meraki Consortium. A former Miss Global Nigeria and ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, she empowers young entrepreneurs while advocating for single mothers and abandoned children.

Dr. Jumoke Aleoke-Malachi is a top HR leader with nearly two decades of experience in talent management, diversity, and workplace culture. As Head of Talent Acquisition at Wema Bank and convener of The Africa Employability Summit, she champions career development and organizational excellence.

Lola Tewe is a transformational leader and family life coach dedicated to women’s empowerment. Through Women on a Mission Network and The Father’s Girls Empowerment Initiative, she mentors women, supports abuse survivors, and strengthens families through faith-based guidance.

Jennifer Awirigwe, also known as Financial Jennifer, is an award-winning finance expert and founder of FinTribe, Nigeria’s first women-only finance platform. She has trained over 100,000 women in personal finance, breaking barriers in stock investing and bridging the gender gap in wealth creation.

Hadiza Ibrahim Ango, known as Chef Amors, is a renowned food influencer, YouTuber, and mentor. Through engaging content and coaching, she has empowered over 1,000 aspiring food entrepreneurs and digital creators, merging culinary artistry with social media to inspire and educate.

Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu is a finance powerhouse with over 25 years of experience, founding Woodhall Capital and raising over $5 billion for major institutions. Through the Woodhall Capital Foundation, she empowers marginalized communities, merging finance and philanthropy for lasting impact.

Nancy Isime is an award-winning actor, media personality, and global entertainment icon, known for hit films like Shanty Town and Blood Sisters. Beyond Nollywood, she’s a top-tier event host, talk show creator, and advocate for youth empowerment and African storytelling.

Judy Melifonwu is a UK-trained Fulbright scholar and international policy expert. As Head of International at the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, she fosters global economic ties. With experience at the Tony Blair Institute and Diageo/Guinness Nigeria, she has advised Nigerian ministers, led trade missions, and shaped investment policies.

Kari Tukur is a fintech and banking expert driving financial inclusion as VP of Customer Solutions at Mastercard. With experience in digital payments, cybersecurity, and strategy, she has held key roles at Banco Santander, Standard Bank, and Standard Chartered, earning accolades such as Corporate African Woman of the Year.

Liz Agbor-Tabi is a global health and policy expert with 18+ years of experience in healthcare, philanthropy, and urban resilience. As VP of Global Citizen, she has championed multimillion-dollar social impact campaigns, collaborated with the WHO, and shaped policies that improve lives worldwide.

Ifeoma Uddoh is the Founder and CEO of Shecluded, Nigeria's first female-focused fintech, revolutionizing access to funding for African women entrepreneurs. With over $4.4 million invested in women-led businesses, she has impacted 40,000 women across Africa. Her advocacy for gender-lens financing and her leadership in financial inclusion have earned her global recognition.

Gbemisola Okunlola, founder of Alonuko, has revolutionized the luxury bridal industry with her designs that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Known for her groundbreaking illusion tulle, Gbemi’s work gained international acclaim, particularly after actress Danielle Brooks wore an Alonuko gown in 2022. With £1.4 million in revenue in 2024, Alonuko continues to set trends in bridal fashion.

Odunayo Eweniyi is a trailblazing entrepreneur and activist, co-founding PiggyVest, Nigeria’s largest digital savings platform, and FirstCheck Africa, a female-led angel fund investing in women-led startups. With numerous accolades, including recognition on TIME100 Next and Bloomberg 50, Odunayo continues to bridge the gender funding gap and advocate for women’s empowerment across Africa’s tech ecosystem.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for