Nafisa Atiku is a dynamic leader with a rich portfolio spanning advocacy,gender justice, governance, and social impact. As a Mandela Washington Fellow and Executive Director of the NAF Brand, she works to empower young women globally by amplifying their voices and enhancing their capacities in leadership, politics, education, business, sustainability, and climate change. Through mentorship, intergenerational dialogues, workshops, community building, and strategic partnerships, she transforms vulnerable demographics into empowered trailblazers.
She has undergone executive leadership programs in Civic Engagement, Business & Leadership at the College of William & Mary, the Thomas Jefferson Montpelier Institute and the University of Virginia in the United States. From her role as Alumnus President of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship to being a TED X Speaker, Royal African Awardee and Global Shaper, Nafisa is deeply involved in addressing societal challenges. Her commitment to empowering young women in politics is evident through her book, ‘Girls Just Want to Run’.
Her work has been featured on BBC, Blueprint and Punch Newspapers and her insightful articles have been published on platforms such as Bella Naija and YMonitor. Her speaking engagements with organisations like the International Finance Corporation, the French, US and Australian Missions in Nigeria, ONE Campaign, Citizens Common International, Fix Politics, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, YIAGA Africa, YALI Abuja, Christian Aid and the ONE Campaign, underscore her influence in advocacy and governance.
She serves on the board of Women in Leadership Advancement (WILAN), advocating for women’s participation in leadership roles.