Rotary Melbourne Weekly Lunch Meeting

Guest Speaker Abiola Akinbiyi, Founder Changepreneurs

Topic 'Empowering Young CALD Women: Mentoring, Education, Networking and Outreach

Details 12.30 for 12.50 - 2.00pm at No35 Sofitel Melbourne & by ZOOM

Abiola (Abi) migrated over 20 years ago from Africa. She has over 17 years’ experience working in the health sector and with different Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and not-for-profit organisations in Australia. She has been a commissioner with the Victorian Multicultural Commission since September 2021.

She is a registered nurse, a clinical Nurse Educator, IT professional and an entrepreneur with a great passion for community development and social justice. She advocates for people from CALD communities, aged care, women and youth, including mentoring African youth. Abi has contributed significantly to educating, training and empowering people from the CALD group in aged care, nursing and mental health.

Abi is a Board member of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) an independent, member-based peak body representing migrant and refugee communities across Victoria. ECCV have been the key advocate for our state’s culturally diverse communities since 1974.'

Changepreneurs Vision Statement

We are a group of young women passionate about implementing strategies for change within the community. We aim to encourage education, entrepreneurship and mentorship by providing resources and opportunities for young people to thrive.

Established in 2017 by Abiola Akinbiyi, Changepreneurs started as a self-funded passion project and initiative to mentor, help and empower young African Australian youth and women to reach their full potential. The initiatives emerge based on Abiola's personal and lived experience in navigating life and career pathways in the diaspora and her dedication to improving the pathway for the next generation. Abiola, also a Rotarian, understands the power of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership in making a positive impact. With overwhelming success stories, Changepreneurs is now an incorporated organisation provides mentoring and networking opportunities for African youth and CALD women.

The presentation delves into the transformative journey of how we empower young CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) women through a comprehensive approach encompassing mentoring, education, networking, and outreach initiatives. Drawing from firsthand experiences and successful outcomes, we will explore the vital components of our mentoring empowerment strategy, focusing on providing support, fostering a safe environment, promoting healthy competition, offering guidance, facilitating networking, and extending financial support.

With a seven-pillar approach and overwhelming success stories, Changepreneurs has transformed lives of youth and empowered young women to become confident, resilient, and booming leaders in their communities and beyond. As we expand our reach and impact, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of empowered women and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Join us for lunch, be informed and form connections.