Chinny Okoye is a distinguished advocate for women’s empowerment and a vanguard for vulnerable populations globally. With a rich educational background from the University of Massachusetts and a fervent passion for gender equality, Chinny has devoted her life to creating avenues for women’s advancement and support.
As the Founder of The Women International (TWI), Chinny has been the driving force behind numerous initiatives that have provided women with the necessary tools to overcome adversity and flourish. Her “ONE-ON-ONE” counseling and life coaching platform emerged as a groundbreaking resource during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering vital support to women in distress.
Chinny’s leadership has propelled TWI to significant achievements, including reaching over 20,000 women with mental health campaigns, counseling services for 2,000 women, and financial literacy and entrepreneurial skill-building for over 500 women. The “Fund My Start-Up” program, a collaborative effort with The Good Way Foundation, stands as a testament to her commitment to women’s economic independence.
Her strategic vision led to the establishment of TWI chapters across the US, UK, Canada, UAE, and Nigeria, each fostering a supportive environment where women uplift one another.
Beyond TWI, Chinny serves as the founder of Wagency, which specializes in elevating women-owned businesses through powerful marketing and storytelling. She serves on the board of The Good Way Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on poverty alleviation, education, and improving the general healthcare and living standards of women and children in low-income communities.
Additionally, she is the Group CEO of East Side Ventures, a dynamic company specializing in venture capital investments, business development, and strategic consulting to foster growth and innovation in emerging markets. Prior to these roles, Chinny served as the Executive Director of Breasts Without Spots NGO and as Assistant Programs Executive at the Health Care Federation of Nigeria. Her expertise spans non-profit management, fundraising, and research analysis.
Chinny’s influence extends into public speaking and outreach programs. Her “We Care project,” serving as the CSR arm of The Women International, exemplifies her dedication to providing critical resources to women and young girls in underserved communities. Through initiatives like “Support a Girl Child” and the “Pink Up for Girls” campaign, Chinny Okoye has directly impacted the lives of over 2,000 women and girls, providing them with essential support, raising awareness about issues such as child marriage, circumcision, and education, and galvanizing global solidarity.
Can you share a bit about your background with us?
My journey began with a deep-rooted passion for advocating for women and creating opportunities for underserved communities. During my time at the University of Massachusetts, I was exposed to issues impacting women globally, which ignited a lifelong commitment to driving change, especially for women and girls facing cultural, social, and economic barriers. I realized early on that my purpose was to create pathways for others to succeed, break stereotypes, and foster an environment where women can not only survive but truly thrive.
This led me to found The Women International (TWI), an organization dedicated to empowering women in a truly holistic way. At TWI, we’re committed to supporting every part of a woman’s well-being, mental, emotional, financial, physical, and spiritual. Through our programs, we’ve built a strong community that offers the support, resources, and connections women need to reach their full potential.
In addition to TWI, I also lead Eastside Ventures as Group CEO, where my focus has broadened to advancing the Southeast region of Nigeria through investments in technology, agriculture, media, and more. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and I’m honored to contribute to the growth and transformation of our communities in meaningful ways.
Each step in my career has been guided by a simple belief: when we uplift women, we uplift entire families, communities, and ultimately, society as a whole.
Your academic studies span Political Science, Public Policy, Philosophy, International Relations, and Women’s Studies. How have these fields influenced your current work?
My academic journey through Political Science, Public Policy, Philosophy, International Relations, and Women’s Studies provided me with a unique perspective on the interconnected challenges that women face globally. Political Science and Public Policy equipped me with the analytical tools to understand the structural barriers and policies that impact women’s rights and opportunities, especially in places where societal norms and legal frameworks can limit their potential. Studying these fields helped me see not only the issues but also the pathways for change.
Women’s Studies brought the personal into the political, emphasizing the lived experiences of women. This foundation made me realize that empowering women requires a holistic approach, addressing their mental, emotional, and economic well-being. Philosophy and International Relations expanded my worldview and my understanding of justice, ethics, and the complexities of advocating for change across diverse cultural contexts. Each field cultivated a sense of empathy, resilience, and strategy that drives my work today with The Women International, where we’re committed to building an environment that supports women in every facet of their lives.
Altogether, these disciplines didn’t just shape my knowledge; they shaped my purpose. They taught me that real empowerment means equipping women not only to survive but to lead and thrive within their communities, creating ripple effects of change that extend far beyond themselves.
At The Women International, you’ve empowered marginalized communities. Which transformative initiatives are you most proud of?
At The Women International, we’re dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through initiatives that create real, lasting change. One of the programs closest to my heart is our Support a Girl Child initiative, which connects benefactors with girls in low-income communities, ensuring they not only return to school but stay enrolled. Education is foundational, and I believe that by educating a girl, we’re empowering future generations.
Another initiative I’m incredibly proud of is our annual Pink Up for Girls campaign, which unites people around the world to advocate for the rights and well-being of girls. This campaign, launched on the International Day of the Girl Child, amplifies the voices of girls who often go unheard, especially in communities where basic rights aren’t always guaranteed.
Finally, our W Circle events serve as a safe and empowering space for women from all backgrounds. These gatherings, both in-person and online, offer women the chance to share their stories and find support, strength, and resilience together. Witnessing the transformative impact of these initiatives has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
This year’s “Pink Up for Girls” event to honor the International Day of the Girl Child was impressive. Can you tell us about its global impact?
This year’s Pink Up for Girls campaign was incredibly special and deeply impactful. What started in 2021 as a way to unite people in wearing pink on the International Day of the Girl Child has now grown into a global movement. Our goal has always been to bring attention to the pressing issues girls face daily, inequality, discrimination, abuse, and barriers to education. This year, we saw support pour in from across the world, with participants wearing pink, sharing messages of solidarity, and raising awareness online.
We hosted impactful events, including major outreach programs in Lagos, Enugu, Abuja, and Vancouver, where we connected directly with young girls and empowered them with the confidence and resources to break stereotypes. Through these events, we awarded scholarships to girls who faced financial challenges, ensuring they can continue their schooling. Additionally, we organized mini-outreach events in other countries, further spreading our mission and engaging communities on a global scale.
The international response was overwhelming and reinforced the message that when we uplift girls, we uplift entire communities. This year’s campaign didn’t just raise awareness; it mobilized action, inspiring people worldwide to advocate for girls’ rights. I feel profoundly grateful for everyone who joined us in making this year’s Pink Up for Girls a powerful testament to the strength and potential of girls everywhere.
With your expertise in public policy and stakeholder engagement, what do you see as the greatest challenges to gender equality and community development in Nigeria today?
One of the greatest challenges to gender equality and community development in Nigeria is the deeply ingrained societal norms that continue to limit opportunities for women and girls. Despite progress, cultural beliefs often restrict women’s roles to certain domains, creating barriers that can be difficult to overcome, especially in rural and underserved communities. Changing these mindsets requires sustained education, awareness, and empowerment initiatives, but it also needs buy-in from community leaders who hold influence.
Another major obstacle is the economic disparity that many communities face. Poverty often forces girls out of school early and into situations that perpetuate the cycle of inequality. When families struggle to meet basic needs, girls’ education is often one of the first sacrifices made. This is why initiatives like Support a Girl Child are so important, they directly address the root causes that keep girls from accessing quality education.
In addition, the lack of gender-sensitive policies and insufficient enforcement of existing laws hinder progress. While Nigeria has policies that aim to protect women’s rights, implementation remains a significant issue. This is where stakeholder engagement is critical. By bringing together policymakers, community leaders, and advocates, we can push for stronger enforcement and work toward creating an environment where these policies can be genuinely impactful.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-layered approach, changing cultural perceptions, empowering women economically, and strengthening policy enforcement. It’s a complex journey, but I believe that through collaboration and sustained advocacy, we can create a more inclusive society where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive.
What valuable lessons have you learned from failure?
I’ve come to see failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that failure, while difficult, isn’t the end of the world, it’s simply part of the journey. The key is in how you respond. A smart approach to failure is to look inward, analyze what went wrong, and ask, ‘What can I do better next time?’ Failure provides an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve, and each setback equips you with the experience needed for the next opportunity.
For me, resilience is everything. No matter how many times I fall short, I get back up, keep trying, and continue pushing until I reach my goal. This persistence is something I genuinely value about myself; it’s both a strength and a challenge. While sometimes my drive to keep going can be exhausting, the positive impact far outweighs the downside. Every failure has pushed me to grow stronger, refine my approach, and deepen my commitment to my purpose.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that failure doesn’t define you, your response to it does. Embracing failure as part of growth has not only made me a better leader but has also taught me to approach each challenge with humility, patience, and a renewed determination to succeed.
Looking ahead, what are your main goals for The Women International, Eastside Ventures, and your other initiatives?
Looking ahead, my vision for The Women International (TWI) is to deepen our impact and expand our reach globally. I want TWI to continue being a powerful force for women’s empowerment by creating safe spaces, providing life-changing resources, and building a strong network of support for women and girls everywhere. One of my main goals is to scale initiatives like the Support a Girl Child program, ensuring more girls in underserved communities can access quality education and stay enrolled. I also hope to expand our W Circle platform, both in-person and online, to create even more opportunities for women to connect, share, and grow together in an environment that nurtures their well-being.
For Eastside Ventures, my main focus is on advancing our flagship projects, Tech City Africa and Ohaneze Farms. With Tech City Africa, I envision building a thriving tech ecosystem that will position the Southeast region as a hub for innovation and digital entrepreneurship, similar to a Silicon Valley in Africa. For Ohaneze Farms, our goal is to make sustainable, regenerative agriculture a cornerstone of local economies, creating jobs and advancing food security. These projects are about more than just economic growth, they’re about transforming the Southeast into a region that attracts global investment and fosters long-term development.
Overall, my aim across all these initiatives is to create lasting, positive change. Whether it’s through empowering women, uplifting communities, or driving economic growth, I want each project to leave a legacy of resilience, opportunity, and progress. I’m excited for what’s to come and committed to making these visions a reality.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be leaders and change-makers in their communities?
My advice to young women who want to be leaders and change-makers is to embrace their unique strengths and never underestimate their potential. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, learning, and growing through each experience. You’ll face challenges, and there will be moments of self-doubt, but remember that resilience and persistence are your greatest allies.
Surround yourself with mentors and people who believe in your vision, having a supportive network can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. True growth often happens when we’re willing to try something new, even if it feels intimidating.
And most importantly, stay committed to your purpose. Keep asking yourself, ‘Why do I want to make this change?’ When you connect with that reason, it will give you the drive to push forward, no matter the obstacles. Trust that your voice and actions matter, and know that every step you take toward your goals contributes to a bigger picture of change in your community and beyond. Believe in your potential to lead, and never lose sight of the difference you can make.
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