Esther Onyinyechi Mark

Esther Onyinyechi Mark (Aunty Esther) – Founder, Executive Director

Esther Mark, fondly called Aunty Esther for her deep love for children and young people, is the Founder and Executive Director of Star-Education and Leadership Initiative (SELI). She leads SELI’s mission to expand access to joyful learning, play-based education, and life-changing opportunities for children in underserved communities.

She is a multiple award-winning development journalist, media professional, and children’s education advocate. Esther holds a degree in Mass Communication, a Professional Diploma in Montessori & Early Childhood Care, and has completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Teachers’ Institute. She is also awaiting certification from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Esther is a Mandela Washington Fellow, a flagship programme of the U.S Department of State. Where she completed the Civic Leadership Institute at Indiana University Bloomington, snd earned a Certificate in Civic Leadership. She is also a U.S. Department of State Reciprocal Exchange Alumni, a Play360 Fellow, a Youth in Development (YID) Fellow (Canada), and a participant of other international leadership and education fellowships and global learning opportunities.

She is a recipient of multiple competitive grants supporting education, play-based learning, and child-focused advocacy initiatives

As a trained and certified Playmaker, Esther possesses specialised skills in designing and building educational playgrounds, project management and creating play-rich learning environments. She also holds multiple professional certifications across education, early childhood education and care, Montessori and EYFS, child development, play-based learning, and youth leadership and personal development.

She has held several leadership positions in organisations and networks, including serving as Publicity Secretary and Communications & Marketing Secretary for the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria, Coordinator of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network Plateau Hub, leading youth-focused civic engagement and community development efforts alongside other leadership roles within education and development networks.

Her award-winning journalism career includes recognition from:

• PACFaH Health Budget Media Challenge Awards – Winner
  
• Innovative Young Journalist Award – Winner
  
• Promasidor Quill Awards – Best Online Reporter (Runner-Up)
  
• NB Golden Pen Awards – Report of the Year (Runner-Up)
  
• European Union Lorenzo Natali Media Prize – Nominee (Africa Category)
  
• Coca-Cola/NBC Students Writers Awards – Entertainment Reporter of the Year (Winner)
  

Her storytelling, advocacy, and development leadership have positioned her as a respected voice in media and education.

Esther mentors young people and professionals, facilitates teacher training programmes, builds educational playgrounds and serves on the Boards of Directors of several organisations, contributing to education, leadership, youth development, and community initiatives.

A sought-after speaker, writer and educator, Aunty Esther inspires audiences on early childhood education, youth empowerment, play-based learning, personal development, and digital opportunities.

Her life’s work reflects a committed passion for raising confident learners, empowered educators, and thriving communities; one child, one school, and one opportunity at a time.