Nene Judy Akintan is a dynamic Entrepreneur, Mentor, Speaker, Author, Realtor, Advocate, and a proud creation of God. With academic credentials that include degrees in Sociology & Anthropology, an MBA in Marketing, and an MSc in Management/Human Resources, Nene has cultivated a thriving career spanning over 20 years in banking, entrepreneurship, and real estate.
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As an award-winning real estate broker, Nene is a valued member of The E Team and the force behind Oakville Living With Nene, where she is celebrated for delivering exceptional real estate services rooted in integrity, dedication, and genuine care for her clients.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nene, alongside her young adult children—Temi, Tife, and Olympia, her niece, leads the family nonprofit I AM. I CAN. I WILL, is an organization focused on empowering minority women and children through education and community support.
Nene is also an active member of the African Heritage Centre, a Canadian-based organization under the visionary leadership of Michael Emeka Dibua. The Centre is committed to celebrating African history, culture, and unity, aligning deeply with Nene’s passion for community and heritage.
Through her multifaceted roles, Nene Judy Akintan continues to inspire, uplift, and empower those around her. In this interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her story.
Inspiration and Impact of the Family Nonprofit: I AM. I CAN. I WILL
“I Am, I Can, I Will” was inspired by my parents, Dr. Philip and Dr. Mrs. Bridget Okonmah, who instilled in us the value of community service through outreach to orphanages and underserved groups. When I moved to North America, I formalized the initiative with my children, focusing on empowering youth and women, particularly in marginalized communities.
Our work supports education for children in IDP camps, underrepresented youth in Canada, and Black community groups. Balancing this with other commitments can be challenging, but our mantra, “Helping one child at a time, empowering one woman at a time,” keeps us going.
Balancing Diverse Roles as a Multi-Faceted Professional
I wear many hats as a wife, mother, realtor, volunteer, and one of God’s unique creations. Balancing these roles starts with grounding myself in my spiritual foundation. My husband often says multitasking can be overwhelming, and while I see his point, I also believe it’s a key skill that helps me manage these responsibilities successfully. For me, it’s all about focusing on three pillars: my faith, which keeps me grounded; my work ethic, which drives my determination; and my passion, which fuels my purpose in everything I do.
Key Business Lesson from 20+ Years in Banking, Entrepreneurship, and Real Estate
Over my 20 years of experience in banking, entrepreneurship, real estate, and community work, one key lesson I’ve learned is that, as a woman, you have the same capability as anyone else to achieve your goals. Cultural, traditional, and even spiritual influences can sometimes make us feel lesser or as though we lack a voice. But having a voice doesn’t mean yelling or screaming to be heard; it means confidently showing up and doing what needs to be done with the spirit of excellence that women naturally possess.
As my late father used to tell me, “Nene, love yourself.” That’s what I would say to anyone out there: love yourself. Don’t let anyone’s words, actions, or inactions make you doubt your worth or capabilities. Sometimes, loving yourself means prioritizing yourself—taking a step back or stepping away to say, “Today is for me.” It also means refusing to accept negativity or limiting beliefs from anyone, regardless of gender. Embrace your power, focus on your goals, and never doubt your ability to succeed.
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Guiding Principles for Success in Real Estate
The E Team’s success in real estate stems from our faith, passion, and commitment to excellence.
As the E Team led by Nneka Ubosi & I our motto, “You are in good company,” reflects our dedication to meeting diverse client needs, whether it’s helping first-time homebuyers, new immigrants, seasoned investors, or those exploring options like land banking. Nneka Ubosi and I go above and beyond for our clients, offering personalised services such as airport pickups for new immigrants, meal deliveries on closing day, and gift cards to ease transitions. For families with young children, we provide support services to give parents a breather.
A deep understanding of real estate trends and data is key to our work. Staying updated on market statistics, property values, interest rates, and investment opportunities allows us to guide clients confidently. We prioritise answering their questions thoroughly and ensure they receive accurate information. Real estate is more than a job for Nneka & I—it’s a calling. With God’s grace and a genuine love for serving our community, we strive to deliver exceptional service and build lasting relationships.
Advice for Women Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Industries
To succeed, it’s essential to master your craft with a spirit of excellence, constantly striving to improve and excel. Believe in yourself unwaveringly, refusing to let others define who you are or limit your potential. Cultivate kindness, both toward yourself and those around you, as it creates a positive and supportive environment. If you believe in God, trust in His plan for your life and have faith in His guidance.
Be mindful of who you confide in, sharing your innermost thoughts only with a trusted few. Additionally, always speak positively about your spouse and children, avoiding criticism in public or in front of others, as this nurtures respect and unity within your family.
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Shaping My Vision and Purpose as a Mother and Entrepreneur
I am blessed with two amazing young adult children whom I’m incredibly proud of—Temi, who is 25, and Tife, who is 22. Beyond them, I am fortunate to have many non-biological children in my life, including my nieces, nephews, mentees, and even the children of my clients with whom I’ve formed meaningful connections. Much of my community work is rooted in creating a foundation for youth to thrive, which I attribute to the influence of my parents. Growing up, I witnessed their dedication to community service, and that experience has profoundly shaped my vision and purpose.
This mission extends far beyond me and will outlive me. In both my community work and my career in real estate, I emphasize generational wealth-building and laying strong foundations for youth, particularly in North America. As a Black person, I recognize the systemic barriers that often make it more challenging for us to achieve our goals. Breaking these barriers has become a cornerstone of my efforts, ensuring that minority youth have the tools, opportunities, and support to succeed.
Recently, I watched a Tyler Perry Netflix movie called The Six Triple Eight, which tells the story of the only all-Black Women’s Army Unit stationed overseas during World War II. Their task was to sort through millions of pieces of mail for soldiers under harsh conditions, all while facing the realities of anti-Black racism. Yet, they powered through with determination and completed the job in record time, despite the odds against them.
This story inspired me even more as a mother, entrepreneur, and community leader. It reinforced my commitment to ensuring my work helps set a strong foundation for minority children—not just my biological children, but others across the board. It’s about leaving a legacy that empowers the next generation to thrive and break through barriers.
Role in Promoting African Culture and Heritage as a Member of the African Heritage Centre Committee
The African Heritage Centre initiative is a unique project with a mission to create a space that celebrates African history, excellence, arts, music, food, and language for people of African descent. The core values of the centre—human dignity, community, unity, people, integrity, love, hard work, and professionalism—are deeply aligned with my personal values and who I am at my core.
As a proud member of this initiative, I fully embrace and live out its mission and values. I believe it is essential for people of African descent to come together as one, beyond national identities or geographical locations, whether on the continent or in the diaspora.
I wholeheartedly support the African Heritage Centre and do everything within my power to contribute to its success whenever called upon. This initiative is a vital way to strengthen our collective identity and celebrate the richness of our shared heritage.
Highlights and Impact of the Recent African Heritage Centre Event
The recently concluded African Heritage Centre event was filled with many moments of excellence, but the standout for me was watching the children dance to African music performed live by Alpha Rhythm Roots. That, to me, was the true highlight. Music is a universal language, and as we’ve seen, Afrobeats has taken the world by storm. It’s no longer surprising to walk into a mall or a club in North America and hear the unmistakable rhythm of Afrobeat music.
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This is a testament to the enduring power and influence of African culture and tradition. It’s clear that our heritage is not only thriving but firmly cemented on the global stage. African culture is here to stay, and its impact will only continue to grow.
Being a Woman of Rubies
As a Woman of Rubies, I resonate deeply with the values of hope, transformation, and capacity building. My work revolves around collaboration, celebration, and uplifting others. I mentor young women, business owners, and mothers, offering wisdom from my own experiences to help them transition from struggle to strength.
Through social media, community events, and my real estate practice, I empower and connect people. I created the eTeam Resource Booklet to assist new immigrants and clients, providing them with essential tools to settle into their new lives.
The mission of Women of Rubies—to uplift and empower—reflects my own daily dedication to being a source of hope, strength, and transformation.
Three Women Who Inspire Nene
The three women who inspire me the most are my mother, Dr. Mrs. Bridget Okonmah, whose strength and wisdom have shaped my life; both of my grandmothers, who, despite not having formal education, demonstrated exceptional work ethic and kindness—values I strive to embody in everything I do; and Michelle Obama, who taught me the importance of owning and sharing our unique stories and life experiences. Additionally, I must mention Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who inspired me to embrace my true self unapologetically and without fear of judgment.
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