By Toluwanimi Ajise, Co-Founder of Celloop

Growing up, I faced numerous challenges, including a health condition that affected my posture, which in turn damaged my self-esteem. I was constantly bullied, and it made me feel small and ashamed of who I was. For a long time, I avoided socializing and felt uncomfortable in my own skin. But even during those tough times, there was a constant source of inspiration in my life—my mom. As a teacher, she dedicated herself to helping others, and watching her engage with her students planted the seed for my own journey. I’d often help her tutor children, and through those moments, I began to understand the profound impact of teaching and giving back.

Things started to change for me when I began volunteering at 16. I started teaching children in my neighborhood, at churches, and in orphanages. It was through these experiences that I found my purpose. Helping others gave me the confidence I had long been missing, and slowly, I began to break free from the self-doubt that had held me back. The more I gave, the more I healed. It became clear that the true value of service lies not only in helping others but also in transforming oneself.

Despite facing personal struggles, I kept pushing forward. In 2015, my family experienced homelessness during my secondary school years—a hardship I kept hidden from most people. Yet, despite these challenges, I was determined to keep moving forward. In 2017, I faced another devastating setback when I lost my father. The grief was immense, but it only fueled my drive to make a difference. I channeled my pain into action, focusing on volunteering with various organizations and dedicating myself to personal growth.

My work didn’t go unnoticed, and I was honored with the SDGs Influencer Award for my volunteer service.

In 2021, I ventured into cybersecurity, a field that sparked my interest in technology’s role in solving global issues. Alongside starting my career in cybersecurity, I founded Distinct Race, an organization dedicated to empowering marginalized youth. We provide mentorship, skills training, and support to help young people break through the barriers of their circumstances and realize their full potential.

By 2024, my passion for creating solutions to climate issues through technology led me to take another significant step. Today, I’m leading Celloop, a social enterprise focused on sustainability by recycling old batteries into Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Our work provides clean energy to underserved communities, and through our training programs, we’ve empowered over 200 young people, including more than 100 women, to participate in the green economy.

In addition to my work with Celloop, I hold roles as a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum, a Global Youth Ambassador with Theirworld, and a member of the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) initiative. Through these platforms, I continue to advocate for change, focusing on empowering others, especially young girls, to step into their power and lead with purpose.