Iyunola Owoyemi

Iyunola Owoyemi is an educational development professional focused on the intersections of global education access, self-actualization, and women's agency. At JAF, she works to ensure the Foundation's mission to create systematic pathways for youth agency and professional development translates into tangible opportunities for Nigerian young people.

Iyunola holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Alcorn State University. Before joining JAF's Board, she dedicated herself to ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities and underrepresented minorities, both domestically and internationally. Her efforts are driven by a passion for global exposure and cross-cultural learning; at Columbia's Pre-College Programs, she streamlined organizational communication to connect students to cross-cultural experiences.

In 2021, Iyunola was recognized as a White House HBCU Scholar by the U.S. Department of Education for her commitment to empowering students at her university. In 2024, Columbia honored her again by naming her a Heart of a Lion Finalist for her outstanding work.

Currently, Iyunola works as a Language Instructor, contributing to Taiwan's Bilingual 2030 Policy and helping students broaden their understanding of the self and the world through cross-cultural learning. This international experience deepens her perspective on educational equity and youth empowerment, principles that directly inform her board service at JAF as the Foundation works to expand opportunities for Nigerian young people to develop global competence and professional agency.