Empowering the Next Generation Through Digital Skills and Career Access: Meet Emem Ita Udom

In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to highlight Emem Ita Udom. Emem Ita Udom is a dedicated advocate for personal and professional development, committed to empowering individuals to overcome their limitations. She is the founder of Career Circle, a transformative movement that has enabled over 100 individuals to pursue careers they once considered unattainable.

Tell us about your journey.

I first became aware of myself and my environment at around eight years old. Even

then, I had an unshakable drive for excellence. I dreamed of becoming a newscaster,

captivated by the power of words and expression. But as I grew older, my ambitions

shifted—I set my sights on law, believing it was the only path to a secure future.

Then life intervened. Despite my aspirations, I wasn’t admitted to study law. Instead, I

was placed in Mass Communication. At first, I was frustrated, convinced that without a

“prestigious” degree, my opportunities would be limited. But in hindsight, that moment

set me on the path I was truly meant to follow.

As I explored Mass Communication, I discovered my love for storytelling and media. I

interned in radio and television, immersing myself in the world of communication. But

when I graduated, reality hit hard—many young people, including myself, were stepping

into a workforce that wasn’t aligned with what we had been taught. The education

system wasn’t equipping us with skills relevant to today’s digital economy. I saw

countless graduates struggling to find meaningful work, not because they lacked

potential, but because they had been trained for a world that no longer existed.

That realization changed everything for me. I knew I had to do something.

At the same time, another passion had been growing in me—social impact. Growing up

in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, I saw young girls—some as young as 13 or 14—becoming

pregnant due to a lack of knowledge and resources. I vividly remember a 15-year-old

girl whose life was forever altered by a single moment of vulnerability. These stories left

a deep imprint on me. Even as a teenager, I wanted to create awareness, to equip

young people with the right information. But I didn’t yet know how.

Then came a turning point. During my national service in Ondo State, I launched

Operation Feed the Streets, an initiative to provide food for the homeless. That

experience reinforced my belief that change doesn’t happen by wishing—it happens by acting.This drive to solve real problems led me to create Career Circle. What started informally in 2023 with Get Into Tech became an official organization on my 23rd birthday in 2024.

Today, Career Circle equips young professionals with marketable skills that make them

competitive in a rapidly changing world. Our Free Copywriting Accelerator program is

already transforming lives, proving that with the right resources, people can create

opportunities for themselves. Beyond education and employability, I am deeply committed to gender equality. Too often, women in Africa are excluded from opportunities, not because they lack capability, but because of outdated mindsets. This passion led me to work with Women in Africa, where I was honored as African Volunteer of the Year. Looking back, my journey has been one of unexpected detours, but each one led me closer to my purpose. From a young girl with big dreams to a woman dedicated to creating impact, every experience has shaped me into who I am today. And for that, I am profoundly grateful

What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?

One of the most defining moments in my journey was realizing just how obsolete our

education system has become. In Nigeria—and across Africa—we graduate thousands

of students every year, yet the gap between education and employment is staggering.

It’s almost like a pandemic: degrees are being awarded, but real-world opportunities

remain scarce.

As I looked deeper, I saw the root of the issue—many graduates lack the digital skills

necessary to thrive in today’s world. What we were taught in university, while valuable in

theory, often holds little relevance in the evolving job market. Meanwhile, those who do

recognize the need for digital skills often face another roadblock: financial limitations.

Many simply can’t afford to learn the skills that would change their futures.

This realization was a turning point for me. I knew something had to be done, and that’s

how Career Circle was born—a platform where young professionals can access

valuable, monetizable skills for free. But my passion for this mission didn’t come out of nowhere. It was shaped by the environment I grew up in. I saw people around me struggle—not because they lacked potential, but because they were stuck waiting for the government to provide jobs. I witnessed people lobbying, paying large sums just to secure employment, and yet many still remained unemployed. It was disheartening. It was a broken system.

I knew I had to break out of it myself—by learning, evolving, and pushing beyond the

limitations I had seen growing up. But beyond that, I wanted to create something that

would help others break out too. I developed a deep affinity for research, constantly

looking for ways to bridge the gap between education and employability. That’s what led

me to technology, to digital transformation, and ultimately, to building Career Circle—a

space where people can feel safe to learn, grow, and create opportunities for

themselves. Looking back, every experience—my upbringing, my exposure to these systemic issues, my determination to find solutions—has shaped the path I’m on today. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are the most valuable lessons you've learned about yourself through your life and career?

If there’s anything life has taught me, it’s that growth is limitless—if you allow it. Over the

years, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons that have shaped the way I navigate my

journey, both personally and professionally;

Do Not Limit Yourself

Your background does not define your future. Growth can happen in a day, a month, or

a year—if you refuse to accept limitations.

Build Expertise Relentlessly

Mastery is key. Invest time in learning, improving, and refining your skills. Excellence is

intentional, not accidental.

Network, Network, Network

Opportunities often come through people. Build relationships within and beyond your

industry to expand your perspective and open doors.

Leverage Social Media for Visibility

In today’s world, visibility creates opportunities. Your online presence should showcase

your skills and track record before opportunities arise.

Be Audacious

Boldness changes everything. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and pursue

what others think is impossible.

Ask for Help Without Hesitation

Many are willing to help, but they can’t support those who stay silent. Speak up, seek

guidance, and embrace opportunities for growth.

Self-Evaluate Regularly

Honest self-reflection helps identify strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement. Growth

begins with awareness.

You Cannot Build Alone

Success is never a solo journey. Surround yourself with a strong community,

collaborate, and grow together.

These lessons continue to shape me, and I hope they inspire others to push beyond

limits and embrace new possibilities.

What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?

I have always believed that society thrives when people choose to rise beyond

themselves. My deepest desire is to see a world where systems work, opportunities are

accessible, and lives are transformed—not just for a few, but for many.

Millions are trapped in cycles of broken systems and limited opportunities, and it can

feel discouraging. But I refuse to believe that change is impossible. I know that every

act of impact—no matter how small—ripples out into something greater.

What fuels me is the conviction that if more people rise up daily to give, to build, and to

care beyond their personal ambitions, the world will look different. My love for impact,

my passion for growth, and my desire for lasting change drive me to contribute in every

way I can. I do it because I believe a better world is not just a wish—it’s something we

create, step by step, action by action.

If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?

If I could go back, I would tell her to be audacious—to take up space, seize

opportunities, and never shrink herself because of age or inexperience. The world is

vast, and there is room for her.

I would remind her that the sleepless nights, the extra effort, and the relentless pursuit

of growth will be worth it. Every moment of hard work will shape the person she is

becoming.

And above all, I would tell her to love herself fiercely and hold onto her dreams,

regardless of what others say. Vision is often misunderstood, but that doesn’t make it

any less valid. Keep going—the world is waiting.

How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?

For too long, I have watched young people in Nigeria and across Africa struggle—not

because they lack potential, but because they lack access. Every year, thousands of

graduates step into the world with degrees that no longer align with the demands of the

job market. Many have skills that are outdated, yet they are expected to compete in a

fast-moving, digital-first world.

This reality shaped my journey and fueled my decision to create Career Circle—a

platform where young people can learn relevant, monetizable skills at no cost. But

creating change at scale requires more than just passion; it requires resources, visibility,

and support.

This is why a partnership with GlobalMindED would be so impactful. With access to

grants and a wider platform, we can expand our reach, equip more young people, and

amplify the movement for accessible digital education. Awareness is key, and with the

right support, we can bridge the opportunity gap and help more young Africans step into

careers that will change their futures.

Register?for?GlobalMindED?2025

June 16 - First Gen Leadership Program and?Inclusive Leader Award Dinner?

June 17 - 18 Conference featuring 400+ speakers, 90+ sessions, and leaders across every interdisciplinary field and business sector

Book your stay at the?Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

United Nations Event 2024

Our 2024 conference at the United Nations, co-hosted by the Foundation for the Support of the United Nations,?Brave Solutions Fueling Our Economic Future,?gathered a diverse group of students, graduates, funders, and leaders from industry and education for a day of dynamic conversation. See more and view the session below.

Watch the Morning Sessions Here

Watch the Afternoon Sessions Here

GlobalMindED Conference 2024

Thank you to all of the students, partners, sponsors, speakers and attendees who made our 10 Year Anniversary conference such a success!

More than 300 students from over 60 community colleges and universities were able to learn from 400 speakers, hundreds of attendees, and each other. Please see photos from the Inclusive Leader Awards dinner, First Gen Leadership Program, main stage sessions and breakouts.

Thanks to our sponsors, presenters, and students who made GlobalMindED 2024 such a success!

GlobalMindED class of 2015: Click to see 1-minute Student Testimonial from Amelia Mawlawi

Would you like to give to support our student programs? You can scan the QR code below or go to our website to support our year-round programs. GlobalMindED is a 501(c)(3).

GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | [email protected] | www.globalminded.org