SOYEMI TOLUWALASHE ADEBIYI

Global Development and Social Impact Leader

About

Highly accomplished Global Development and Social Impact Leader with a proven track record in securing multi-million dollar grants, driving strategic partnerships, and leading impactful initiatives across mental health, poverty alleviation, and education. Recognized internationally for expertise in program evaluation, youth mentorship, and policy advocacy, with features in over 20 global news platforms. Adept at leveraging data-driven insights to foster sustainable growth and maximize social returns for national and international organizations.

Work Experience

Grants and Investment Analyst

Myitura

Apr 2024 - Dec 2024

Spearheaded grant acquisition and investment strategy for a digital healthcare platform, focusing on underserved communities.

  • Secured over $3 million in grants, significantly bolstering funding for telemedicine, AI-driven health education, and pharmaceutical delivery initiatives.
  • Led comprehensive market research and developed robust investment strategies, contributing to successful go-to-market planning.
  • Managed critical stakeholder engagement, ensured regulatory compliance, and cultivated strategic partnerships with local health providers.

Reviewer

MIT SOLVED Reviewer Youth Innovation Challenge

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024

Currently involved in reviewing applications for a prestigious youth innovation challenge, contributing to the selection of groundbreaking proposals.

  • Evaluate and recommend innovative proposals for advancement, assessing impact potential, feasibility, and inclusive design thinking.
  • Apply expertise in social innovation and impact assessment to identify high-potential projects for the next judging round.

Chairman, Research and Publications Committee

Lagos State Medical Students Association (LASUMSA)

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022

Led the research and publications committee, overseeing training, event organization, and project development.

  • Trained 20 individuals on fundamental research tools, methodology, and writing techniques.
  • Directed a 31-member team to successfully organize a research conference for over 500 university students.
  • Developed comprehensive proposals and a yearly project calendar, enhancing committee productivity and strategic alignment.

Advisory Board Member

Born This Way Foundation

May 2021 - Oct 2022

Provided high-level strategic guidance and served as a regional and country ambassador for a prominent foundation.

  • Served as a regional and country ambassador, contributing to the planning and execution of core programs, campaigns, and projects.
  • Provided high-level strategic and consultative input, shaping the foundation's values and objectives.

Grant Consultant

GrantMaster

Feb 2021 - Mar 2022

Specialized in developing and refining grant proposals for diverse clients, significantly increasing their funding success.

  • Developed compelling grant proposals for clients, leading to the successful acquisition of over 20 international grant awards.
  • Collaborated closely with clients to refine project ideas and proposals, ensuring alignment with funder requirements.
  • Achieved a significant milestone by securing a $70,000 grant from Google for a client, demonstrating strong fundraising capabilities.

Young Innovation Reviewer

Grand Challenges Canada

Dec 2021 - Jan 2022

Selected as a key young consultant to evaluate high-value grant applications for innovative projects.

  • Successfully reviewed 110 grant proposals, contributing to the allocation of grants up to $250,000.
  • Provided constructive, data-driven insights on project strengths and areas for improvement, enhancing overall proposal quality.

Peer Support Mentor and Country Ambassador

PeaceFirst

Apr 2020 - Dec 2021

Served as a pivotal mentor and ambassador, guiding young leaders in developing impactful social projects and securing funding.

  • Selected as one of 3 peer mentors across Sub-Saharan Africa, recognized for expertise in social impact and youth development.
  • Provided detailed feedback and mentorship to over 50 young people, guiding them through the grant application process.
  • Reviewed and approved numerous grant applications, facilitating funding for impactful community projects.
  • Provided strategic insights to enhance the sustainability, scalability, and overall impact of youth-led projects.
  • Collaborated with the Regional Manager to approve projects for the PeaceFirst mini-grant program, totaling $250.

Application Reader

Mandela Washington Fellowship

Sep 2021 - Oct 2021

Evaluated applications for a flagship Young African Leadership Initiative program, sponsored by former President Barack Obama.

  • Leveraged social impact expertise to evaluate 40 program applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa based on established guidelines and a comprehensive scoring rubric.
  • Reviewed and assessed both resume and essay components of applications, ensuring a holistic evaluation process.

Education

Medicine and Surgery

Lagos State University College of Medicine

Nov 2015 - Dec 2022

Mental Health Advocacy and Policy

Orygen Global

Jan 2022 - Jul 2022

Courses

  • Mental health advocacy
  • Policy for change

Volunteer

Judge (in memory of Princess Diana of Wales)

2022 Diana Award

Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

Contributed to the selection process for the prestigious Diana Award, recognizing exceptional young leaders.

  • Collaborated with other judges to meticulously select young leaders based on their passion and suitability for the award.

Judge and Mentor

Hultprize Competition at Lagos State University

Aug 2020 - Dec 2020

Judged and mentored student teams for the regional finals of the Hultprize Competition, focusing on business innovation.

  • Selected top teams for the regional finals based on rigorous criteria including scalability, innovation, and revenue potential.
  • Provided comprehensive mentorship to 3 student teams, guiding them in refining their business ideas and models.
  • Reviewed and refined business ideas and models, preparing teams for the subsequent stages of the competition.

Campus Director & Fellow

United Nations Millennium Fellowship

Aug 2018 - Sep 2018

Selected as a fellow and led campus initiatives for a highly competitive global fellowship program.

  • Selected as one of 530 participants globally from over 5,000 applicants across 13 nations, demonstrating exceptional leadership potential.
  • Facilitated bi-monthly training sessions on servant leadership, project management, and social impact development for 20 participants.
  • Collaborated with 20 participants and the Co-Director to successfully organize and execute bi-monthly training programs.

Awards

2022 Representative of Nigeria as a United Nations SDGs TALENT

UNLEASH INNOVATION LAB (India)

Jan 2022

Selected to represent Nigeria for contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

2021 YEF Young Global Changemakers Award (Rising Impact Category)

Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF)

Jan 2021

Awarded for demonstrating rising impact in global change-making initiatives.

50 Most Influential Leaders in Lagos State

Independent Recognition

Jan 2021

Acknowledged as one of the top 50 influential leaders shaping Lagos State.

100 Most Reputable Students in Lagos State University

Lagos State University

Jan 2021

Recognized among the top 100 most reputable students at Lagos State University.

2020 Recipient of the Diana Awards

The Diana Award (UK)

Jan 2020

Recognized for exceptional social impact and humanitarian work in memory of Princess Diana of Wales.

2019 Pollination Project Grantee

The Pollination Project

Jan 2019

Received a grant from The Pollination Project for a community-focused initiative.

Honorary Ambassador, SDG Awareness Campaign Tour

SDG Awareness Campaign

Jan 2019

Appointed as an Honorary Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals awareness campaign.

Honorary Ambassador, Excel Minds Academic Group

Excel Minds Academic Group

Jan 2019

Recognized as an Honorary Ambassador for academic excellence and mentorship.

Fellow, Young Professional BootCamp (YPB)

Young Professional BootCamp

Jan 2019

Participated as a fellow in a bootcamp for young professionals, enhancing career development.

2018 PeaceFirst Grant Awardee

PeaceFirst

Jan 2018

Awarded a grant for a social impact project through PeaceFirst.

Publications

Beyond the COVID-19 era; An Exploration of Mobile Healthcare Technology and Telepsychiatry in developing countries

Harvard Public Health Review Journal

Jan 2022

Explored the advancements and potential of mobile healthcare technology and telepsychiatry in developing countries post-COVID-19.

Feasibility of Online Mental Health Services in Nigeria: A Review

Generation Mental Health (Abstract Presentation)

Jan 2022

Presented an abstract on the feasibility and challenges of implementing online mental health services in Nigeria.

Neglect of Common Infectious Diseases outbreak during COVID-19 Pandemic: an impending crisis in Nigeria?

African Journal of Clinical and Environmental Microbiology

Jan 2021

Analyzed the overlooked impact of common infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, highlighting potential crises.

Coping Strategies for medical students: A Nigerian Perspective

International Journal of Medical Students

Jan 2021

Investigated and documented the various coping mechanisms employed by medical students in Nigeria.

Incorporation of Design Thinking into Medical Education; Potential and Prospects

Journal of Medical Education

Jan 2021

Explored the potential and future prospects of integrating design thinking methodologies into medical education.

The Inequality of African Countries in the Distribution Of Ebola Vaccine And Resurgence Of Ebola In Africa: A Need for Health Equity

In Review Journal Of Medial Virology

Jan 2021

Addressed the disparities in Ebola vaccine distribution across African countries and its implications for disease resurgence, advocating for health equity.

The effect of Hike in Food Price on Non-Communicable diseases: The impact of Under-nutrition

Journal of Public health and Diseases

Jan 2021

Examined the impact of increased food prices on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, specifically focusing on the effects of under-nutrition.

Languages

English (Native)

Skills

Leadership

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Team Leadership
  • Mentorship
  • Program Management

Project Management

  • Project Planning
  • Execution
  • Monitoring
  • Evaluation

Grant & Proposal Writing

  • Grant Acquisition
  • Proposal Development
  • Fundraising
  • Grant Management

Research & Publication

  • Academic Writing
  • Qualitative Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Literature Review
  • Publication Strategy

Impact Assessment & Evaluation

  • Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
  • Social Impact Analysis
  • Program Evaluation
  • Performance Measurement

Facilitation

  • Workshop Facilitation
  • Strategy Sessions
  • Group Dynamics
  • Training Delivery

Networking & Advocacy

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Policy Advocacy
  • Partnership Development
  • Public Relations

Team Collaboration

  • Cross-functional Teams
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Team Building
  • Communication

Data Analysis

  • Data Interpretation
  • Reporting
  • Insights Generation

Graphics Design

  • Visual Communication
  • Presentation Design
  • Infographics