Chioma Ukpabi is a dynamic social entrepreneur with a degree in Communication Arts from Bowen University and over 7 years of expertise in business administration, community development, and technology. She is the visionary founder of Skill Up With Kahdsole (SUWK), a trailblazing social tech startup empowering young individuals in underserved communities. SUWK offers skills training and operates a global marketplace platform, fostering economic growth and transformation.
Apart from leading SUWK, Chioma actively contributes to The Growth Hub Africa, empowering small businesses with crucial information and funding opportunities. She serves as a mentor on prominent platforms like Donors for Africa, WIA 54, and MicroMentors.
Chioma’s remarkable impact is recognized with prestigious awards, including being named a Top Outstanding Young Person in Nigeria for Entrepreneurship, Economic, and Business Accomplishments by JCI in 2022. She has also been honored as one of the Top 20 Social Impact Women in Africa by MentHer Magazine and Top 100 Global Women in Entrepreneurship by Global Women Magazine. Chioma’s dedication to empowering Africa’s youth with skills for economic mobility drives her unwavering commitment to catalyzing transformative change.
Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a social and creative entrepreneur? What inspired you to start Skill-Up With Kahdsole (SUWK)?
My journey to becoming a social and creative entrepreneur was fueled by a strong desire to reduce inequality and provide opportunities for young people in marginalized communities. Witnessing the challenges faced by marginalized youths in Nigeria motivated me to take action. I founded Skill Up With Kahdsole (SUWK) to bridge the opportunity gap and empower young individuals with vocational and tech skills, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Can you highlight some experiences that showcase the positive impact you’ve made through Skill-Up With Khadsole and how it has changed the lives of marginalized youths?
Through SUWK, we have impacted over 800 beneficiaries by providing vocational training and access to economic opportunities through our marketplace, suwk.org. Many of our participants have transformed their lives, securing sustainable jobs, launching their businesses, selling out on the platform, and contributing to their communities development.
How do you approach mentoring and coaching individuals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, to help them unlock their potential and pursue their dreams?
Mentoring and coaching individuals, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, is central to our approach. We focus on empowering them with confidence, skills, and knowledge to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams. We provide tailored support, personalized guidance, and opportunities for networking and skill development to bolster their personal and professional growth.
What are your future plans for Skill-Up With Kahdsole? How do you plan to expand your impact?
Our future plans for SUWK involve expanding our impact to reach more underserved communities across Nigeria. We aim to establish partnerships with organizations, government agencies, and private sector entities to scale our initiatives and offer a wider array of skill development programs. We are also working on expanding our online marketplace platform to connect our beneficiaries with a global customer base, enhancing their economic empowerment.
How do you approach problem-solving when faced with a business challenge?
When facing business challenges, I adopt a solution-oriented approach. We conduct thorough analyses, seek expert advice, and foster a collaborative team environment. I encourage creativity and open communication to brainstorm innovative solutions and address challenges effectively.
How do you measure the success of your initiatives, both in terms of business growth and social impact?
We measure the success of our initiatives through both business growth and social impact. We track the number of beneficiaries impacted, employment rates, and revenue generated through our marketplace. Additionally, we collect feedback and conduct surveys to assess the positive changes in our beneficiaries’ lives and their contributions to their communities.
As a mentor and coach on several platforms, what is the most common advice you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
As a mentor and coach, I consistently advise aspiring entrepreneurs to stay resilient, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and continuously seek knowledge and skill development. I emphasize the importance of maintaining a clear vision, staying adaptable to change, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to build a robust and sustainable business.
