Media and Communications Specialist | Social Impact Storyteller
Founder of Women of Rubies | Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch '23
UN Global Top 100 | UWN Award Winner for Advocacy & Catalyst for Change
Esther Ijewere’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and an unshakeable dedication to championing women’s voices across the globe. Growing up in Nigeria, Esther was driven by an early passion for storytelling and advocacy. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. Determined to use her voice as a force for change. After graduating, she leaped into a media career, inspired by a vision to amplify stories that often go unheard. Her early career saw her navigating the Nigerian media landscape, where she quickly became known for her impactful columns and authentic storytelling. Esther launched "Women of Rubies" in 2015—a platform initially created as a weekly column in a Nigerian newspaper, which soon blossomed into a vibrant online community with an international reach. With over 100,000 followers, Women of Rubies became a powerful vehicle for spotlighting over 1,000 inspiring women from diverse backgrounds, providing a community where resilience, achievements, and voices of women were celebrated. Transitioning from Nigeria to Canada brought new challenges and opportunities, but Esther was undeterred. She continued to expand her mission across borders, ultimately earning prestigious honors such as a spot in Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2023 and a place on the UN’s Global Top 100 list. As a Media and Communications Specialist, she carved a path as a Social Impact Storyteller, blending advocacy with her talent for crafting narratives that inspire and unite. Her work isn't just about sharing stories; it's about building a community that celebrates diversity, promotes gender equality, and offers visibility to women around the world.
Esther’s dedication extends beyond media into education and empowerment initiatives through Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children. As a project manager, she has created workshops on financial literacy, employability, personal development, and mental health, positively impacting over 100,000 grassroots women and young girls. She has motivated over 5,000 students, holding workshops that inspire self-growth and ambition.
In addition to her advocacy, Esther has mastered the art of public relations and media strategy, training over 200 clients, from startups to NGOs, to elevate their visibility and grow their influence. Through Women of Rubies, she has garnered support from donors to financially empower marginalized women, widows, and single mothers, using media to drive social impact and raise awareness for women’s rights.
Esther’s impact has only expanded with the launch of her show, #GetTalkingwithEsther, where she shares life experiences, interviews, and stories of empowerment. As a columnist for The Guardian Nigeria, she continues her mission to feature the remarkable journeys of African women, generating social media impressions weekly and amplifying visibility for women across industries—from politics and academia to the creative arts and community advocacy.
Looking back, Esther’s journey reflects her belief in the power of perseverance, community, and vision. With every story she tells, she fortifies a global network of women who uplift, inspire, and celebrate each other. Her advice to her younger self resonates deeply: “Believe in your vision, step into the unknown, and remember the strength of your voice. Each challenge will bring you closer to your purpose.” Esther’s path, rich in resilience and driven by impact, is a testament to what one woman’s voice can accomplish in fostering change across continents.
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