Hi, It's Precious.

Welcome to another edition of the No Ordinary Woman newsletter! My name is Precious Adeyinka. I am a part of the NOW team, working as a WordPress developer, and I am here to give you an extended dose of inspiration and actionable insights to get you through every week.

Here's what we got today:

• Opportunities: FCMB Fempreneur Accelerator Program

• Start-Up Story: From Pineapple Waste to Sustainable Fashion: Olivia Okinyi’s Story

• Bookclub: Big Leap, Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Live Bigger

• Inspiration: Meet Sara Menker: A Dreamer Solving Global Problems

• Speaking & Job Opportunities

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OPPORTUNITY

Join the FCMB Fempreneur Accelerator Program to take your business to the next level!

Are you a female entrepreneur eager to boost your business?

The FCMB Fempreneur Accelerator Program is here to empower women-led businesses in Nigeria with a valuable set of resources.

Why Apply?

• Improve Your Knowledge: Engage in advanced training sessions concerning the area of validation of business ideas, marketing, and financial management.

• Mentorship: Connect with experts for mentorship that will walk you through your entrepreneurial journey.

• Networking: Grow your network by meeting other female entrepreneurs and potential investors.

• Access to Funding: FCMB provides debt financing and loan facilities that could be used to grow your business.

• Free Co-working Space: Free co-working space courtesy of Shecluded for collaboration and productivity. Don't let this great opportunity slip away!

Applications for the FCMB Fempreneur Accelerator Program are now open! For information about the program, eligibility criteria, and application procedure, Go to FCMB 

Empower yourself and your business. Apply now!

STARTUP STORY

From Pineapple Waste to Sustainable Fashion: Olivia Okinyi’s Story

Do you believe in the power of sustainability combined with innovation? Then, you will be inspired by Olivia Okinyi's story.

She is the founder of Eco nasi (Pine kazi), a Kenyan-based company that manufactures sustainable leather products from pineapple waste.

This interview snippet provides insight into Olivia's journey from a dreamy student to a purposeful entrepreneur leading a global movement.

In the following interview snippet, Olivia Okinyi explains:

• The inspiration behind Eco Nasi (Pine Kazi) and her journey of using pineapple waste for sustainable leather alternatives.

• The problems she faced as a young female entrepreneur in Africa, most especially in the male-dominated manufacturing industry.

• How the waste products from pineapples are transformed into viable leather and textile products, step by step.

• How Eco Nasi (Pine Kazi) transitioned from a B2C to a B2B model to maximize impact in the sustainable fashion industry.

• Her advice to budding entrepreneurs, especially those who would want to change the world.

The story of Olivia has been a great test of perseverance and starting from where you are. Eco Nasi (Pine Kazi) stands tall in the discovery of innovations and sustainability.

Want to learn more about Eco nasi (Pine kazi) and the game-changing work Olivia Okinyi is doing? Watch her full interview HERE

Feeling inspired? Share this story with your fellow eco-warriors and let's continue the conversation about sustainable fashion!

BOOK CLUB

Feeling stuck and not reaching your potential? Achieved a goal and then felt fear or negativity?

In his book, "The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level," Gay Hendricks tackles the common obstacles that hinder us from achieving our dreams.

Hendricks calls this the "Upper Limit Problem," which is the uncomfortable feeling that arises when things are going well.

He says that this is caused by a total of four hidden fears:

• Fear of success: Sometimes we are afraid of people being jealous of us, or having more responsibilities because we attained success.

• Fear of failure: Sometimes the threat of failure is enough to keep us from attempting a chance.

• Fear of the unknown: It's scary to go outside of our comfort zones, but it's also where the magic happens!

The book helps overcome the fear of intimacy and live in your "Zone of Genius" where you make a real impact on the world.

Are you ready to break through self-imposed limitations and live the biggest life? Big Leap might be the book for you!

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

Meet Sara Menker: A Dreamer Solving Global Problems

Leveraging AI for a Greener Future

Sara Menker's journey from Ethiopia to a global tech player is inspiring. She co-founded Gro Intelligence, a leader in using AI to tackle food security and climate change.

A Passion for Impact

Menker, born and raised in Ethiopia, was deeply affected by the food shortages and agricultural instability she witnessed during her childhood.

This personal experience fueled her determination to create something that could help prevent such calamities.

How Gro Intelligence is Changing the Game

Gro Intelligence's platform uses AI to provide real-time agricultural data and analytics, predicting crop yields, monitoring weather patterns, and flagging potential supply chain interruptions.

This information is valuable for governments, businesses, and individuals.

Role Model for Women in Tech

She is a fantastic role model for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, particularly for young women interested in entering industries that were previously dominated by men.

Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and a vision to make the world a better place, proving that nothing is impossible.

Want to know more?

Check Sara Menker's Wikipedia page for more information about her inspiring journey into technology and the groundbreaking work of Gro Intelligence.

OPPORTUNITIES

AWIEF 2024: Empowering Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

Empower yourself and your business at the AWIEF 2024 Conference!

Take advantage of this great opportunity to network and interact with an exceptional group of leading women entrepreneurs from across Africa.

The event is set for November 28-29, 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa. This year's theme is "Future For All: Collaborate For Growth, Solve Inequity, Act on Climate."

Attendees will gain insight into navigating today's economy and achieving sustainable growth.

What to expect at AWIEF 2024

• Listen in to keynotes and panel discussions featuring prominent figures in economics, government, and entrepreneurship.

• Take home practical insight through our workshops and fireside chats led by renowned experts.

• Network with other entrepreneurs and find new business opportunities in the multisectoral exhibition.

• Take part in Pitch Competitions for an opportunity to secure funding and mentorship.

• Celebrate the success of Africa's top women entrepreneurs at the AWIEF Awards Gala.

Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level!

For more information about the conference program, speakers, and registration details, please visit AWIEF.

This is a great opportunity for women in business, providing insights on key issues, networking, and motivation from inspiring leaders.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Wikimedia Foundation - Information Security Analyst

• Bongalo 24 Co Ltd - Digital Marketer

• International Rescue Committee - Program Development & Award Advisor

THAT’S A WRAP 

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