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Zainab Haruna
Development Practitioner - Women and Youth Programmes.
Zainab Haruna is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the realm of social development and empowerment, with a strong academic background and extensive experience in various organizational roles. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in African Development from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she honed her analytical and strategic thinking skills to tackle some of the pressing challenges facing Africa today. Her undergraduate education at Kogi State University, where she graduated with First Class honors in Botany, is a testament to her commitment to academic excellence and her profound understanding of complex systems, which she applies in her professional endeavors.
In her current role as Program Director at Step Up for Social Development and Empowerment in Nigeria (Step Up Nigeria), Zainab is at the forefront of initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and providing essential resources for sustainable development. Her leadership skills and strategic insight have significantly contributed to the organization’s mission of fostering social empowerment.
Zainab's previous experience is rich and varied. She has served on the Board of Trustees at Decipher Solutions, where she influenced governance and strategic decisions, further showcasing her commitment to the social enterprise sector. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the Nigeria IATF Engagement Session as the Implementation Team Lead, contributing to the effectiveness of collaboration and engagement efforts at a national level. Her expertise has also been utilized as Head of Innovations and Research at FMG, where she led groundbreaking projects that redefined organizational effectiveness.
Her remarkable journey includes significant contributions to the USPF hackathon in 2015, where she served as Program Lead. This experience not only underscored her organizational skills but also her ability to foster creativity and innovation among participants. Furthermore, as a Strategy Consultant at Strategy & Execution Ltd, Zainab provided valuable insights that drove organizational strategies and enhanced execution processes. Her project management skills were further demonstrated in her role at Growing Businesses Foundation, both as Project Manager and Communications Lead, where she was instrumental in developing and launching impactful initiatives.
Zainab began her professional journey as a Program Director at FCT Spelling Bee and later as a Project Assistant at IBLOG. In these roles, she laid the groundwork for her impressive career, focusing on educational initiatives and community engagement. Additionally, her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her founding of Decipher Solutions, where she directly contributed to community development efforts.
In summary, Zainab Haruna embodies a blend of academic prowess and professional dedication, with a focus on African development, social empowerment, and innovative research. Her extensive network and leadership experience are assets that inspire change and foster growth within communities.
