It’s not often that someone with a background in biochemistry decides to shift their focus from the laboratory to the heart of social change. But for Samuel Olarewaju Ogunsola, this shift was not just a career move, it was a calling. Growing up in Nigeria, he witnessed the everyday struggles faced by his community, from health challenges to the systemic barriers that stifled the aspirations of young women in science.
Rather than waiting for change, he chose to be the change, founding organizations that would go on to shape the future of many in his country and beyond. From the classrooms of the Federal University of Technology in Akure to the boardrooms where social impact is discussed, Samuel has always had one mission: to make a difference where it matters most.
“I knew that something had to be done,” Samuel recalls, his voice carrying the weight of both passion and experience. “As a biochemist, I had the knowledge, but more importantly, I had the drive to create real solutions for the problems I saw in my community.” And with that resolve, Samuel founded organizations that would go on to impact lives across Africa.
A Strong Foundation in Biochemistry
Samuel’s academic journey began at the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria, where he earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry. However, as he delved deeper into his studies, he realized that his work could extend beyond textbooks and laboratory experiments. “While studying biochemistry, I began to notice how many people around me were suffering from preventable health issues,” Samuel explains. “I saw an opportunity to leverage my education for more than just personal gain, it could help solve larger problems in my community.”
That realization became the catalyst for his first initiative: the Food and Genes Initiative. With a clear focus on raising awareness about non-communicable diseases, malnutrition, and substance abuse, Samuel embarked on a mission to educate and empower people in his community, especially young people. “We were seeing a rise in substance abuse and poor health practices, and I knew we could change that,” Samuel says.
The Launch of Food and Genes Initiative
In 2019, Samuel launched the 365 Days Campaign on Drug Abuse, a groundbreaking initiative that became one of the largest campaigns on the topic in Africa. The campaign caught the attention of many, not just within Nigeria, but across the continent, and was instrumental in earning Samuel the recognition as a One Young World Ambassador. This recognition opened doors for him to further his mission.
“The 365 Days Campaign was an eye-opener,” Samuel shares. “We partnered with over 19 organizations, and the impact was profound. It reinforced my belief that we need to provide accurate health information, and that the younger generation is key to making lasting changes.”
Since then, the Food and Genes Initiative has continued its work, raising awareness and providing solutions to combat substance abuse and non-communicable diseases. But Samuel’s journey didn’t stop there.
Shaping African Women in STEM
While running Food and Genes, Samuel also identified another critical issue in his community, gender inequality, especially in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “I saw how young women were often overlooked or discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM,” he says, his eyes reflecting the urgency of the matter. “This was something I couldn’t ignore.”
In 2020, he founded Shaping African Women in STEM (SWIS Africa), a nonprofit organization aimed at inspiring and empowering young African women to pursue STEM careers. Through mentorship, training, and resources, SWIS Africa has been able to bridge the gap for hundreds of girls, giving them the tools to thrive in these traditionally male-dominated fields.
“We’ve impacted over 200-300 girls, and today we have a community of more than 600 members,” Samuel proudly notes. “We share opportunities, resources, and support to help these girls achieve their dreams.” The organization’s success stories include launching BioinformHER, which trains young women in computational biology, and its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University Africa to celebrate 40 women in tech across Africa.
“Also, in 2024, we partnered with HortiNigeria Nigeria to celebrate 20 rural women in agriculture in Nigeria. While doing all of this, we also tell stories of women in STEM. We’ve been able to share stories of over 20 women in STEM,” shared Samuel.
Leading Through Adversity
Samuel’s entrepreneurial journey has been far from easy. One of the most challenging moments came when he had to leave Nigeria for Canada in pursuit of a PhD program. “It was a difficult time for me,” Samuel admits. “I had to leave my team and my work behind. The time difference, the resources, and everything, it was challenging to lead remotely.”
Despite these obstacles, Samuel never gave up on his vision. “I learned that patience and endurance are crucial in leadership,” he reflects. “There were moments I felt like giving up, but I stayed true to my purpose. And now, our team is stronger than ever.”
Today, about 80% of his team is based in North America, which has allowed for more seamless communication and collaboration despite geographical distances. The organization’s impact has only grown, with collaborations and awards, including the New England Biolab Passion in Science Award in 2024.
The Business Landscape and Adaptation
As an entrepreneur, Samuel is keenly aware of the shifting landscape of the business world. With the rapid advancements in AI, machine learning, and technology, staying ahead of trends is essential for any organization. “We can’t afford to rest on our laurels,” he says. “In today’s world, innovation, collaboration, and constant learning are the keys to success.”
Through Food and Genes and Shaping African Women in STEM, Samuel has been able to adapt by constantly exploring new ideas, collaborating with other organizations, and staying informed on the latest trends. His ability to embrace change and adapt quickly has been one of the driving forces behind the success of his initiatives.
Words of Wisdom for Ambitious Minds
For young entrepreneurs with limited resources, Samuel offers a simple but profound piece of advice: “The only thing you need to start is an idea.” He emphasizes the importance of leveraging free resources, social media, online platforms, and a community of passionate individuals, to create impact without requiring massive financial investments.
“I started Food and Genes Initiative with just my phone and a vision,” Samuel recalls. “We didn’t have much, but we made it work. All you need is an idea, the passion to see it through, and the willingness to start small.”
His words resonate with anyone facing challenges in their entrepreneurial journey: “Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take the first step, and everything else will fall into place.”
Impact Leaders Connect and the Future
In addition to his two organizations, Samuel has another initiative, Impact Leaders Connect, which brings together young leaders from around the world to learn, share, and grow. “Every young leader has something to contribute,” Samuel says. “By connecting, we can all become better and create a more significant impact in our communities.”
Looking to the future, Samuel is excited about several upcoming projects. The SWIS EmpowHER Project, an initiative under SWIS Africa, aims to help final-year female students in STEM make informed decisions about their careers. Whether they choose academia, the corporate world, or entrepreneurship, the goal is to equip these women with the tools and knowledge to thrive.
From his humble beginnings as a biochemist to becoming a leader in social entrepreneurship, Samuel has shown that with a clear vision and an unwavering passion, it is possible to make a lasting impact on society.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t about starting with everything,” Samuel says. “It’s about starting with purpose, adapting as you go, and staying committed to your vision no matter the obstacles.”
As Samuel continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and change-makers, his work serves as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the belief that one person’s efforts can truly change the world.
