Make no mistake, Chidiogo Blessing Akunyili is more than your average daughter of a visionary. We are certain that her mom, the late Dora Akunyili, who was once Director-General of NAFDAC, is looking down at her with a perpetual smile on her face.
Not only is Chidiogo incredibly accomplished as a career woman, she has embarked on a new journey that’s set to further imprint her footprints in history as a story writer and one who is bent on creating her own legacy. She sure is her own woman.
The apple truly doesn’t fall too far from the tree. Take a look at 3 things you didn’t know about the newlywed:
She founded She ROARS, a Women’s Empowerment Platform
After working with hundreds of women across Africa and attending a Women Advancing Africa Conference hosted by wife of former South African president and activist, Graca Machel; Chidiogo was inspired to create more spaces for women to encourage and support each other on both personal and professional levels. Hence,the birth of She ROARS
Through this platform, we support women by equipping them with tools to build bridges to fulfilling their potential. We do this by creating spaces for them to flourish, empower each and impact their communities.
According to her interview with She Leads Africa, to date, She ROARs has reached over 100 women across Africa and the diaspora. Through events, they have created spaces where women have been challenged, empowered to realize their dreams and walk in their own truths.
She speaks 7 Languages
According to the World Economic Forum, Chidiogo speaks 7 of the world’s languages. They include: Chinese, English, French, German, Igbo, Italian and Spanish. This impressive ability was borne from living in 5 different continents.
She’s no stranger to doing it afraid
Chidiogo left a well-paying career for the uncertain terrains of entrepreneurship to squarely face a career as a writer. Her current book project will soon be released, according to her website: Chidiogo.org . The book is said to be be based on her mother, Dora Akunyili’s life.
She acknowledges that the journey to leaving the certain for this unknown journey has not been easy she is joyful about the future because she takes comfort in knowing this is her true calling. Her deep sense of failure had previously held her back until 3 years ago when she knew it was time to take the leap.
My highest achievement is letting go of my illusion of control to follow my deepest calling to flow. This included leaving a successful career to follow an idea to write a book. I took the proverbial leap of faith. I have never looked back since.
Her website slogan reads, “embrace the wind.” We’re glad she’s doing so and living in her truth as best as she deems fit. I hope we all find the boldness to do so too and with as much vigor and clarity.
