‘Empowering women to succeed through scholarships, mentorship is heart of my mission’

Dr. Bolanle Solomon-Adewusi is a dynamic leader, innovator, and advocate for education and empowerment. With over a decade of experience spanning telecommunications, healthcare, consulting, and non-profits, she excels as a Technical Product Leader in Canada’s telecommunications sector, driving digital innovation through expertise in UX design, cloud migration, and strategic application integration. Beyond her corporate achievements, Dr. Bolanle champions women’s empowerment as the founder of The Innovative Woman Africa Initiative, equipping African women and girls to excel in STEM and leadership. She also founded The Scholarship Whizz, helping students secure over $5 million in scholarships, inspired by her success in winning over $400,000 in educational funding. An academic trailblazer with a Ph.D. in Technology Management and certifications in Oracle and Scrum, Dr. Bolanle was a 2024 semi-finalist in the BBPA Rise Up pitch competition and a participant in Sheridan EDGE’s Rise Cohort programme. Her work continues to shape futures, fostering innovation, education, and equity on a global scale. In this interview with Esther Ijewere she shares her story.

The inspiration behind founding The Innovative Woman Africa Initiative
The inspiration for founding The Innovative Woman Africa Initiative stemmed from my realization of the significant gender disparity in global innovation, where 80% of innovators were men and only one percent were women from Africa. This motivated me to create a platform dedicated to empowering African women in technology and innovation. Under my leadership, the Initiative has successfully conducted outreach programs that reached 1,000 high school students, inspiring them to explore innovation and creativity through writing and science. These efforts not only empower young minds but also lay the groundwork for future generations of innovators. Through initiatives like the annual “Innovation for Women Forum” series, we provide a vital platform for women entrepreneurs to gain insights and practical strategies for transitioning from ideation to commercialization. The impact of this program has been profound, equipping countless women with the tools and confidence to launch and scale their businesses, thereby driving economic growth and fostering innovation within their communities. My commitment to helping women unleash their creativity and critical thinking is reflected in the various initiatives I have spearheaded. These accomplishments underscore my dedication to personal growth, professional excellence, and making a meaningful difference. I am deeply committed to uplifting women and ensuring that they have the support and resources needed to thrive.

Inspiration Behind winning over $420,000 Scholarship
Winning over $420,000 in scholarships was a turning point for me. I was determined to avoid taking on debt that could leave me struggling after graduation, so I focused on finding funding opportunities. When I finally secured funding from three different universities in the United States for my postgraduate program as an international student, it was a huge relief and a significant achievement. This experience inspired me to help my family and friends navigate the scholarship process by sharing tips that helped me. I was excited to be a part of their success stories as they began to share the good news. In June 2020, I decided to share the information I had with a broader audience, realizing it could benefit many people around the world. To reach more individuals, I started posting tips about my scholarship journey on social media. Before long, I noticed many prospective students reaching out to me. They were eager to study abroad but found the scholarship process overwhelming. This reminded me of my struggles and how I wished I had guidance. That need for support resonated with me and ultimately led to the creation of The Scholarship Whizz. The goal of The Scholarship Whizz is straightforward: to connect students with underutilized scholarship opportunities and provide the guidance they need to navigate the application process. I want to make education more accessible and affordable, especially for students from marginalized communities. My own experience has fueled my passion for helping others, and I’m committed to making their educational journeys a bit easier.

Bridging the gap between technology and innovation
Technology can play a crucial role in bridging the gender gap in innovation in several practical ways. First, it enhances access to education and resources, allowing women to engage in STEM fields from anywhere. Online courses, webinars, and digital mentorship programs provide the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. Second, technology fosters networking and collaboration across different regions. Platforms that connect women entrepreneurs and innovators can create valuable opportunities for mentorship and support, helping to amplify their ideas and initiatives. Additionally, technology raises awareness about gender disparities in innovation. Social media and digital campaigns can spotlight these issues, share success stories, and mobilize support for programs that promote women’s participation in tech. Finally, data analytics can help identify gaps and track progress in gender representation, enabling organizations to make informed decisions toward implementing targeted strategies to address these challenges. By leveraging technology effectively, we can work towards a more inclusive environment for all innovators.

Challenges as a Technical Product Leader in Telecom
As a technical product leader in the telecommunications sector, I navigate challenges such as rapid technological advancements, requiring continuous learning and agility to stay ahead. Managing diverse, cross-regional teams demands effective communication and inclusivity to foster innovation. Balancing customer needs with internal pressures further refines my strategic leadership, enabling informed decisions and driving meaningful organizational success in a dynamic industry.

The Significance of Being a BBPA Rise Up Semi-Finalist
Being named a top semi-finalist in the Black Business Professional Association Rise Up pitch competition is a huge milestone for me and my work with The Scholarship Whizz. It validates the effort I have put into helping students navigate the scholarship process and pursue their educational dreams. This recognition highlights the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs and innovators, and it reinforces my mission to empower students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. It’s a reminder that we need to create more opportunities for everyone. In addition, being part of this competition opens up great networking opportunities and access to resources that can help expand The Scholarship Whizz. It motivates me to keep advocating for inclusivity in education and entrepreneurship. Overall, it’s not just a personal achievement; it’s a step forward in fostering a more equitable landscape for students everywhere.

Advice for Young Women Entering the Tech and Innovation Sectors
For young women entering tech or innovation, my advice is to believe in yourself—confidence is key, and your unique perspective adds value. Stay curious and continuously seek knowledge through studies, courses, or self-learning to keep up with the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Find mentors for guidance and support, and prioritize networking to build connections and uncover opportunities. Embrace challenges and setbacks as growth opportunities, fostering resilience and adaptability. Advocate for yourself by confidently sharing ideas and seeking opportunities. Finally, uplift other women in the industry, promoting collaboration and diversity. These steps can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in tech and innovation.

Three women who inspire Dr. Bolanle
Three women who inspire me are my mom, Mrs. Florence Solomon; my mom-in-law, Mrs. Atinuke Adewusi; and my sisters: Bidemi Bamidele Salami, Dr. Bukola Solomon-Jacob, Busayo Ibitayo, Dr. Busola Solomon, Zainab Adewusi, and Fehintola Adewusi. My mom embodies resilience, teaching me to grow through challenges. My mom-in-law, with her faith and patience, has shown me the strength in composure during tough times. Lastly, my sisters, all highly educated and career-driven, motivate me through their success and unwavering support, reminding me of the power of collaboration and mutual care among women. Together, all these women have shaped my perspective and approach to life and my career. Their influence pushes me to live with purpose, drive, and compassion.

2025 Projects and activities
In 2025, we have some exciting goals we aim to achieve at The Scholarship Whizz that are going to make a big difference! First up, in March, we’re kicking things off with a bang by training 5000 women on how to apply for scholarships during Women’s Month. I’m really excited about this because it’s all about giving women the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the scholarship process and get the funding they deserve. I know this is going to be such an inspiring and transformative experience, and I can’t wait to see how it empowers women to reach their educational goals. Then, we’re working on a project that’s been a dream of mine for a while now, something that’s going to completely change the way students access scholarships. We’re finally bringing it to life, and I’m beyond excited! The goal is to make the whole scholarship process easier, more personalized, and accessible to students globally by leveraging modern technology. It’s going to be a game-changer in how students find and apply for scholarships, and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact it will have on their educational journey. And later in the year, we’ll be hosting an incredible event for Innovative Women Africa. This event is going to be all about celebrating women and bringing experienced founders together to share their insights on how to turn an idea into reality, ranging from inventions to innovative enterprises and ventures. It’s going to be full of inspiration, networking, and real-world advice and resources that women can take with them as they build their own ventures. I’m really looking forward to the energy and excitement this event will bring!