SPEAKING EVENTS
RISE by She-EO, Online
HOST/SPEAKER
January 29th, 30th & 31st @ 9am
RISE by She-EO Virtual Experience is a transformative gathering that celebrates resilience, identity, and healing through powerful storytelling, culture, and meaningful connection—bringing women together across borders. Designed to empower changemakers to rise in purpose and power, this year’s virtual edition features inspiring guests whose stories will ignite hope, strengthen resolve, and reaffirm belief in what is possible.
Registration details can be found here.
Zenith Bank Zlads and Zbellas Monthly Forum
GUEST SPEAKER
December 6th @ 8am WAT | Virtual
Spark Joy, Spread Joy – A Season of Positivity and Impact
I am honored to join Zenith Bank’s ZLADs & ZBELLAs Forum for an inspiring December edition centered on joy, resilience, and intentional living. This session explores joy as both a personal responsibility and a collective gift—reminding participants that even in challenging seasons, we can choose positivity and create meaningful impact.
The conversation will encourage professionals to reconnect with what matters, cultivate warmth in their daily interactions, and embrace simple acts that uplift others. It is a reflective, empowering reminder to radiate joy, no matter the pressures of life or work.
A Heartfelt Thank you!
My name is …, and I work with Zenith Bank. Thank you for the speech you gave today, it meant a lot to me, and I’m sure it got a lot of us. I’ve not been happy for some months now and my heart has been so heavy, it felt like I’ve failed in life after lost my mom and and my engagement with my fiancé has also been shaking, but your message brought so much joy and I pray I will be able to have good sleep from now on, because I’ve been finding it difficult to sleep for a while. Thank you so much, ma - Anonymous
God bless you, ma’am, for the wonderful session. I haven't recovered from your story yet, ma’am. Thank you for reassuring us that there is always hope in every situation. God bless you and your family. Kisses to your - Emem Nse Ikpe
You were amazing, ma! - Anonymous
Thank you for the session today. You spoke so well, and your story is so inspiring that joy is truly a choice. Your joy will remain permanent forever, Amen - Anonymous
I was really motivated, God bless you ma - Anonymous
It's a great pleasure to have you speak with us this morning ma - Anonymous
It was an amaaaaaziiiiiiiing session. Thank you so much ma - Anonymous
Sincere gratitude for today's session and today's topic. Today is my birthday and it's a rollercoaster of emotions, but this session helped greatly. Thank you everyone - Anonymous
She's a great motivation., I want to listen to this over and over. Thank you so much, Ms. Tope - Adeosun Olaide
Mama, your experience is actually a source of encouragement to myself and most people out there, cox listening to your life journey gives me reasons to be joyous over any situation of life - Anonymous
Oh, I am inspired by your story, ma'am. Sometimes it gets overwhelming... but I chose Joy - Anonymous
Fantastic and inspiring delivery - Timilehin Adesanmi
I love this session - Prisca Onyesoh
Wow Wow Wow. Thank you so very much ma - Christiana Ajayi
I'm grateful for this woman, she has gone through a lot - Oluwaseyi Adebayo
Kindly make the recording of this session available for us all.... very important, please. It contains powerful messages - Anonymous
I have never felt a message like this Mrs. Tope. Kudos to you, and may God continue to watch over your family - Anonymous
We couldn't have chosen a better speaker for this topic. I am deeply touched and enlightened - Anonymous
Thank you very much. the message so resonated - Felix Anavhe
RISE by She-EO, Lagos
HOST/SPEAKER
November 29th @ 9am | Lagos, Nigeria
RISE by She-EO is a transformative summit celebrating resilience, identity, and healing through storytelling, culture, and connection, empowering changemakers to rise in purpose and power. This year’s edition features inspiring guests whose stories will spark hope, strength, and belief in attendees. The event schedule is available here, and tickets can be purchased here.
Student Consortium on Women, Peace and Security
SPEAKER
November 12th @ 6pm | Washington, DC
The Roots of Change: Women, Agriculture, and Economic Development
Hosted by the Student Consortium on Women, Peace and Security at The George Washington University
This event will bring together global women leaders shaping the future of agriculture and economic development. The speakers will explore how women’s leadership in food systems is transforming economies, strengthening communities, and advancing global sustainability.
The African Humanitarian Conference 2.0
MASTERCLASS SPEAKER
November 8th @ 4pm | Virtual
The African Humanitarian Conference 2.0, hosted by AAPL Global | The Reignite Nation, is a transformative gathering redefining what it means to serve humanity in Africa.
With the theme “From Crisis to Collaboration: Redefining Humanitarian Action in Africa,” this year’s conference will unite changemakers, policymakers, and social innovators to explore new pathways for sustainability, accountability, and impact.
Through powerful masterclasses, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative exchanges, the event will equip leaders to fund transformation—not just intervention—and build a more resilient, compassionate Africa.
Food and Agriculture Policy Summit
PANELIST
October 28th @ 2pm | Washington, DC
Voices of Eaters – A Panel on the Future of Food – Part of the 1st Annual Food and Agriculture Policy Summit hosted by José Andrés, Food Tank, the Global Food Institute at GW, and the Culinary Institute of America
This interactive panel will bring together farmers, chefs, school food providers, parents, students, and community leaders for a dynamic, on-stage conversation. Designed as a live focus group, the dialogue will highlight what individuals across the food system truly need and want from future policy.
Apinke Girls Initiative
GUEST SPEAKER
October 25th @ 7pm | Virtual
This interactive session will bring together mentors and young girls for a powerful conversation on the importance of nurturing relationships and creating safe environments for girls to thrive.
Designed as an open dialogue, the session will explore how mentorship, storytelling, and community support can transform the lives of young girls across Africa—ensuring that every girl has access to meaningful guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to reach her full potential.
Decatur Book Festival
AUTHOR SHOWCASE
October 4th @ 10am | Atlanta, GA
The Decatur Book Festival marks its 20th anniversary this year—two decades of stories, voices, and imagination. I am honored to exhibit my books: Love In Cancun, Soulful Whispers, What Color Is Your Money?, and A Mile in My Shoes at this landmark festival, alongside works from fellow authors and friends.
Join us as we celebrate storytelling, amplify diverse voices, and showcase books that inspire and transform. It is also a perfect opportunity to grab your copy. Learn more
CULTIVATE. The UNCONFERENCE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
September 25th @ 1pm ET | Washington, DC
CULTIVATE. The UNCONFERENCE is a dynamic gathering designed to inspire growth, connection, and purpose. With a focus on health, presence, brand, and community, this transformative experience brings together changemakers for bold conversations, practical insights, and authentic networking. This year’s edition will spark clarity, fuel confidence, and empower participants to thrive in every area of life.
Heartfelt Thank you!
Dear Ms. Fajingbesi,
It was truly such a joy and blessing to meet you at the UNConference today. To be honest, I almost didn’t come. I only purchased my ticket about a week ago, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay for more than an hour. My plan was simply to hear the keynote, step into one breakout session, do a bit of networking, and then head to get my kids from school. But God had other plans. He placed you as the keynote speaker, and I now see it was divine intervention because I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear your message today.
Within minutes of your talk, I found myself fighting back tears. So much of your story, your life experiences, and the lessons you shared about "conditions", "rocks", "soil", and the "harvest", etc, resonated deeply with me. Looking back, I now wish I had taken down some notes!:)
This month marks one year since ———-. We sang hymns, and her grandchildren sent videos and voice notes.
Your message did something I can only describe as watering my soul. It gave me space to face emotions I had set aside, and it reminded me that even in seasons of rocks and weeds, God is still cultivating a harvest. The way you spoke was both challenging and comforting - confronting me with what I needed to acknowledge, but also encouraging me that God has not forgotten me, my family, or the seeds he has planted in us.
I only wish your speech could have been longer, because I found myself wanting to sit with your words and hear more. Yet even in the time you spoke, you gave me exactly what I needed today: a reminder of God’s faithfulness, hope for the future, and the courage to keep tending to the soil he has entrusted to me.
I left the conference quickly, but I didn’t want to leave without letting you know what an unexpected impact you made on me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your obedience in sharing your story and wisdom. I truly believe God sent you there to speak to me today, and I will not soon forget it.
May God bless you, God bless the work of your hands, and God bless your family.
Muslim Association Forum
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
August 30th @ 10am | Dublin, Ireland
The 7th Annual Sisters’ Conference brings the theme “The Tranquility of a Grateful Heart.” It is a faith-inspired gathering celebrating gratitude, sisterhood, and spiritual growth. With transformative talks, soulful reflections, and inspiring guest speakers, this year’s edition will nurture hearts, spark connection, and strengthen belief.
RISE by She-EO, DC
HOST/SPEAKER
June 19-21st | Online & Washington, DC
RISE by She-EO is a transformative summit celebrating resilience, identity and healing through storytelling , culture and connection-empowering changemakers to rise in purpose and power. This year’s edition features inspiring guests whose stories will spark hope, strength and belief in attendees. Event agenda is available here, and tickets can be purchased here.
Manna Staff Retreat
SPEAKER
April 25th @ 10am ET | Columbia, MD
A Heartfelt Thank you!
Dear Tope,
Thank you so much for joining us during our All Staff Retreat on Friday, April 25th, and for sharing the incredible journey of building your farm from just 0.67 acres to the vibrant and impactful operation it is today. Your openness in sharing the obstacles you’ve faced while turning your family’s dream into reality truly inspired our team. Your story reminded us that with determination and passion, even the most significant challenges can be overcome. We walked away with a renewed sense of resilience—feeling truly unstoppable—as we continue working toward our mission of eliminating hunger in Montgomery County. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing to grow together in this important work.
With appreciation,
Furman
On behalf of the Manna team
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