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 this week:

• Opportunities: How to Unlock Your Potential: Application to the Echoing Green Fellowship 

• Start-Up Story: From Playhouses to Building Dreams - Sharon Tumusiime's Story

• Bookclub: Lean In: Women, Work And The Will To Lead

• Inspiration: She Breaks the Mold: The Inspiring Story of Dr. Helena Ndume

• Speaking & Job Opportunities

OPPORTUNITY

How to Unlock Your Potential: Application to the Echoing Green Fellowship

Are you a woman entrepreneur with an innovative social impact venture? An Echoing Green Fellowship could be just the push you need to launch your idea into the real world.

This highly coveted program offers more than just a 'money-in-the-bank' investment; it provides an experience. Imagine receiving:

• Generous financial support: Two years of funding for living expenses and health insurance, allowing you to concentrate on your venture.

• Expert mentorship: Guidance from experienced social entrepreneurs, who know much of what you will face in creating a better world.

• Vibrant community: A global network of connected, collaborative, and inspired changemakers.

In your application, you will need to demonstrate:

Compelling vision: Refine a focused social impact mission and articulate how your venture will achieve that.

Strong team: Emphasize your team's skills, experience, and dedication to the mission.

Financial sustainability: Summarize your revenue generation strategies and their sustainability over the long term.

Ready to take the next step? Visit the Echoing Green website for more information on the application process and eligibility criteria.

Note: The application deadline is fast approaching. Don't miss the chance to join an unparalleled global network of inspiring social entrepreneurs.

STARTUP STORY

From Playhouses to Building Dreams-Sharon Tumusiime's Story

Sometimes, the spark for a great business idea strikes at the most unexpected of times. This week, we celebrate Sharon Tumusiime, a Ugandan entrepreneur who had just one simple desire: finding a safe and fun playhouse for her daughter.

From Mom on a Mission to CEO:

Frustrated with the options and prices, Sharon took matters into her own hands. She applied her carpentry and design skills to build her daughter a gorgeous, quality playhouse. Soon, word got out, and other parents wanted one of Sharon's playhouses.

From Passion to Successful Business:

Sharon not only realised the demand but immediately set up a thriving Carpentry Business called "Palit." offering custom-made furniture with sustainable sourcing of timber. Nowadays, Sharon employs a good team of skilled craftspeople, offering a variety of designs to suit different needs and budgets.

Beyond Playhouses - Building a Brighter Future:

Sharon's vision goes beyond play. She is into empowering her community members. Materials are sourced locally from within the community to foster other businesses for Ugandans. She also gave opportunities for training, hence creating employment while equipping the people with productive skills.

Want to Be Inspired by Sharon's Story?

Head over to the ideation Corner to learn more about Sharon's fantastic journey and just how her resolve transformed a personal quest into a successful business that's making a difference.

Sharon's story is a powerful reminder that the greatest ideas can come from anywhere. What problem are YOU passionate about solving? Share your ideas and let's spark some inspiration!

BOOK CLUB

Do you often find it difficult to balance your job and personal life? You're not alone! In her bestselling book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's Chief Operating Officer, tackles the challenges women encounter in the workplace.

Key Ideas:

• Lean In: Embrace risks and advocate for what you deserve. Sandberg emphasizes the importance of proactive career development and negotiation.

• Shatter the Glass Ceiling: Lean In addresses the internal and external barriers women face on their path to leadership.

• Building a Support System: We need support! Sandberg urges women to foster strong professional relationships with one another.

   

Is This Book for You?

Lean In provides valuable insights and inspiring lessons for women, helping both seasoned entrepreneurs and newcomers balance career and life demands.

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

She Breaks the Mold: The Inspiring Story of Dr. Helena Ndume

This week, we meet Dr. Helena Ndaipovanhu Ndume, a Namibian ophthalmologist who inspires women entrepreneurs everywhere.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact:

Dr. Ndume grew up in Namibia, where healthcare, including eye care, was largely inaccessible.

After studying in Germany and specializing in ophthalmology, she returned to Namibia to find preventable blindness causing significant devastation.

Building a Legacy, One Surgery at a Time:

Undeterred, Dr. Ndume made restoring vision to people thereby empowering her community her life's work. She has done eye-restoring surgeries for over 35,000 people free of cost!

Beyond the Operating Room:

Dr. Ndume's influence extends beyond the operating room into areas where she has been able to conduct various eye camps on many occasions, even in remote parts of the world, for primary eye care.

Role Model for the Budding Entrepreneur:

Dr. Ndume's story is one of passion, perseverance, and commitment to social impact. She is more than just a medical doctor; she is truly an inspiration to women entrepreneurs everywhere.

Want to Learn More?

Please go to Wikipedia and BeeTeeLife for a deeper dive into the amazing life and globally changing impact Dr. Ndume has on so many lives.

This is just a glimpse into the determination of one woman. But who inspires YOU? Share your stories with me by replying to this email!

OPPORTUNITIES

Funding Opportunity: Invest in Your Future with the Citi Foundation!

Attention, ambitious female entrepreneurs! Are you having trouble accessing the resources to elevate your business?

The Citi Foundation is a leading organization in impact investing and might be what you're looking for.

Why You Should Consider the Citi Foundation:

Focus on Women-Led Businesses: While most initiatives receive support from the Citi Foundation, the organization particularly emphasizes empowering female entrepreneurs.

Various Ways to Get Funding: They offer a range of programs beyond direct grants, including workshops, mentorship, and employee volunteer support, all of which can help grow your business.

Global Reach: Whether you're an emerging local leader or a potential international change-maker, the Citi Foundation offers programs that align with your goals.

Empowerment of Young Professionals:

One of the more concrete programs to be aware of is Pathways to Progress. The program specifically addresses youth unemployment, often disproportionately affecting young women. Pathways to Progress offers skills-building initiatives, career development opportunities, and potential connections to Citi.

Want to know more?

The Citi Foundation website is an essential resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing details on its programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures—a must-visit opportunity.

Note: Most funding opportunities are highly time-sensitive; please act now!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• PayStack - Senior Sales Executive, South Africa

• Microsoft - Senior NLP/ML Researcher

FEEDBACK

How will you rate today’s newsletter

Please reply to this email if you have specific feedback or anything interesting you’d like to share.