Breaking Through: A Full-Circle Moment with Genesys Works Chicago

Some moments remind you why you do what you do. This one, standing on stage as the keynote speaker for Genesys Works Chicago’s 15th Anniversary Breaking Through Celebration, was one of those moments for me.

I first learned about Genesys Works years ago while working at Chicago Beyond, an organization committed to driving equitable change in philanthropy, justice, health, and education. Genesys Works’ mission reached me in the heart of hearts: they believe all young people, especially high school students, deserve equal opportunity to realize their full potential and achieve lifelong economic self-sufficiency. They take this future seriously, beyond a dream, and they make it real through skills training, professional job experiences, college and career coaching, and a strong alumni network.

It hit close to home because I was once that young person. At 17, I left Lagos, Nigeria, and landed in Chicago with less than 24 hours’ notice, navigating a new continent, new culture, and new possibilities, with no roadmap. I desperately needed an organization like Genesys Works back then: someone to help me decode the American education system, career pathways, and the unspoken rules of professional life.

That’s why my guiding motto has always been: be the person I once needed. Over the years, I’ve mentored and hired young adults from Genesys Works, volunteered, donated, and served as Vice Chair of their Associates Board. But this moment, delivering the keynote for their milestone anniversary celebration was something different. It felt like coming home to a younger version of myself and saying, Mama, we made it! And now, we’re making it possible for others.

A Story They Needed to Hear

I told them a story from my own career. Years ago, I applied for a role in private wealth management with zero finance background. In the interview, I was asked why someone from philanthropy and social justice would want to enter an industry that seemed to be the opposite. My answer:

"Because my perspective is exactly what you need. Economic access changes everything, and my experience shows me where the gaps are and how to close them."

That difference was my differentiator, and not only did I land the job, the company brought me back years later with more opportunities and more money. And that’s what I wanted these young leaders to remember: Your difference is your differentiator. Companies are hungry for fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the resilience they’ve built navigating challenges many will never understand.

Looking Ahead

The Class of 2025 represents the future of technology and business innovation. Seven years from now, many of them will be reporting median incomes of $65,000 or more. Alumni before them are now cybersecurity specialists, tax associates, systems administrators, and this new class will go even further!

And as they step into this next chapter, I challenged them to amplify the opportunities they’ve been given, lean into what makes them unique, and light the way for others coming behind them.

To have been part of this milestone celebration was an honor, a full-circle moment, and a testament to what happens when we choose to live in our purpose.