TribesAndHistory:. What’s your name?

Samuel: My name is Samuel Ogunsola

TribesAndHistory: Thank you, Samuel. How can readers connect with you?

Samuel: Oh, good question. Let me clarify, do you mean professionally?

TribesAndHistory: Yeah, through LinkedIn or email.

Samuel: Yes. I’m very active on LinkedIn (Samuel Olarewaju). People can connect with me there. They can also reach out to me via email at samuel@swisafrica.org.

TribesAndHistory: Great. So, Samuel, where are you from?

Samuel: I’m originally from Osun State, Nigeria. I was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State. I was later schooled in Akure, Ondo State, and worked in Lagos, specifically did my NYSC at the University of Lagos. Five years ago, I moved to Winnipeg, Canada, for my graduate studies.

TribesAndHistory: Amazing. What do you do?

Samuel: I’m wrapping up my PhD in Cell Physiology and Pathophysiology. I’m a researcher focused on studying genes. Our genes carry information that determines everything from our skin color to our health. Unfortunately, the same genes that shape us are also involved in most diseases. My research explores how these genes function and how we can optimize them for better health.

Beyond that, I’m the co-founder and executive director of SWIS Africa (Shaping African Women in STEM). We launched it in 2020 to empower African women in STEM to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. We use storytelling and innovative programs to reach and uplift women.

I also founded Food and Genes Initiative, which focuses on awareness on substance abuse, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases. And there’s a third initiative for emerging leaders, which brings young Africans together to learn, grow, and network.

In addition, I run a consulting firm in Winnipeg called Prommas Consults, where I work with startups and small businesses on branding, strategy, and launch planning.

TribesAndHistory: Wow, that’s impressive. What inspired you to start SWIS Africa?

Samuel: After my graduation studying biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, I realized many brilliant women around me weren’t pursuing careers in STEM. It wasn’t because of lack of intelligence or motivation; it was a lack of mentorship, support, and information.

Besides, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I also read The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates. It opened my eyes to the unique challenges women face globally, especially in Africa. That book changed everything for me. Together with my friend Mercy, we organized a small event, and that gave birth to what is now SWIS Africa.

We started by interviewing women in STEM across the globe, from those at Google to Nvidia, and shared their stories on YouTube and Medium. These stories became a lifeline for young girls in Nigeria who lacked support but could now see what’s possible.

We’ve expanded to organizing masterclasses, mentorship programs, and partnerships with institutions like Carnegie Mellon Africa Women in TECH club and local universities. One current program trains students on how to communicate and apply their research in real-world scenarios.

TribesAndHistory: That’s such important work. When was SWIS Africa officially established?

Samuel: We started in 2020, but it was formally registered as a nonprofit in Nigeria last year, 2024.

TribesAndHistory: Within a short time, you’ve accomplished so much. Truly inspiring.

Samuel: Thank you.

TribesAndHistory: You’ve shared the “why” behind SWIS Africa. Is there anything else you’d like people to know about the organization?

Samuel: Yes. I’d like to highlight our amazing team, most of whom are women. My co-founder, Abosede Salami, is currently a PhD student in the U.S. and serves as our Director of Operations. I handle partnerships and visibility. In 2023, we received the Passion in Science Award from New England BioLabs, a global recognition. I was one of only two Africans and one of two Canadians selected. I presented at their headquarters in Ipswich, MA, and we received funding for some of our projects.

In May, I also received the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award here in Winnipeg, which reaffirmed that we’re on the right path. Our current focus is expansion, both in Africa and abroad, with flagship programs like SWIS EmpowerHer. We’re training women in research communication, personal branding, and leadership development.

We recently secured funding from a pitch competition in Manitoba to support ten underprivileged Nigerian girls through JAMB and WAEC prep, with additional online resources provided by SABIScholar.

TribesAndHistory: That’s powerful. Can you share a defining moment that shaped your leadership journey?

Samuel: Yes. After we launched in 2020, we had strong momentum. But within six months, I relocated to Canada, and most of the team also moved abroad. Things slowed down drastically. By 2022, the organization was practically dormant. I couldn’t find anyone to take it over, and I had a full load with my PhD and other projects.

I almost shut it down in January 2023. Then, out of the blue, a woman reached out to me via LinkedIn, saying she wanted to work with me. I told her about SWIS Africa, and she agreed to join. Today, she’s my co-founder. Without her, the organization might not have survived.

So that moment taught me a lot about timing, faith, and not giving up. Leadership can be lonely, but persistence can lead to incredible breakthroughs.

TribesAndHistory: I resonate deeply with that. As someone running three different ventures myself, Tribes & History, Belle Sisters for female founders of color, and Masi Brands, my branding agency, sometimes it gets overwhelming. But as entrepreneurs, we just keep going. You start something, it grows, and somehow you’re drawn to start something else. It’s how we’re wired.

Samuel: Exactly. You can’t help but build. Even when something is thriving, your vision keeps expanding.

TribesAndHistory: Absolutely. Now, how has your African heritage shaped your work?

Samuel: It’s central. The name “SWIS Africa” says it all. Whether we’re working with women in Nigeria, Kenya, or in the diaspora, we recognize that African culture shapes our experiences.

For instance, African women face unique expectations around family, marriage, and home responsibilities, even while pursuing demanding careers like a PhD. These challenges are rarely discussed in mainstream conversations, so we create space for women to share how they navigate them. Our goal is to support women holistically, recognizing their cultural, social, and professional realities.

TribesAndHistory: That’s so needed. What legacy do you hope to leave behind for the next generation?

Samuel: I read something recently that struck me: “Dream great dreams, and walk with confidence to achieve them.” That’s the legacy I want to leave.

Too often, we shrink ourselves because we’re African, Black, or think we lack resources. But if you dream small, you live small. I want young Africans to believe that they can solve big problems and impact their communities, confidently, boldly, without apology.

TribesAndHistory: I love that. One of the founders I interviewed said something similar. It’s not pride, it’s confidence. As Africans, we’re often told to be humble to a fault. But it’s okay to shine. It’s okay to own your space.

Samuel: Exactly. We need to start walking with our shoulders high, not out of arrogance, but because we know who we are and what we carry.

TribesAndHistory: Amen to that. Thank you so much, Samuel, for your time and for the incredible work you’re doing. Any final words?

Samuel: Just this, no matter what, keep going. Keep dreaming, keep building. You never know which idea will make the difference.