Grace Ihejiamaizu-Paul

Grace Ihejiamaizu is an award-winning social entrepreneur, educator, and global opportunity curator committed to empowering young people, especially in underserved communities. With over 15 years of experience in social impact, youth development, and entrepreneurship, she has built a career at the intersection of education, leadership, and technology, creating sustainable opportunities for young people worldwide.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Grace developed a passion for education and community development early in life. While pursuing her undergraduate studies, she actively volunteered in youth-focused programs, and in 2010, she was one of the few Nigerians selected to study Social Entrepreneurship in the United States through the prestigious Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) Program. This experience shaped her commitment to bridging opportunity gaps for young people.

She is the Founder & CEO of Opportunity Desk, the largest online platform connecting young people worldwide to educational and career opportunities. Each year, Opportunity Desk reaches over 3 million people, providing access to scholarships, fellowships, and professional development programs. She is also the Founder of iKapture Centre for Development, a youth-led organization that provides capacity-building and digital skills programs, impacting over 10,000 young people in Nigeria.

Currently, she is a PhD Candidate in Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, where she researches the lived experiences of African women social entrepreneurs through a gendered lens. Her work contributes to policy and academic discussions on gender equity and entrepreneurship.

Grace’s outstanding contributions to social impact have earned her numerous global recognitions. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow (2016), a Google Young Mind (2011), a Global Changemaker (2012), and an honoree for The Future Awards Africa Young Person of the Year (2013). She has shared her expertise at global conferences, including the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions and the UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris.

A visionary leader and changemaker, Grace is shaping the future of social entrepreneurship and youth development. Through initiatives and mentorship, she remains committed to expanding access to opportunities for young people worldwide.