The dust has settled, luggage is unpacked, but the extraordinary euphoria of the recent SHE Retreat still vibrates in the core of my being. Words like epic, phenomenal, and transformative only begin to scratch the surface of what we collectively experience. As the convener of this annual conference for emerging female leaders, I am overwhelmed with profound gratitude and awe. This year, the SHE Retreat 2025 truly put itself on the map, standing out as a female leadership conference with a magnificent 98% female attendance.
CONGRATULATIONS 
to us!!!
There is a timeless truth that echoes in my heart today: “It takes a village to build a vision.” The sheer magnitude of planning, coordinating, and executing an event of this scale is a testament to the power of collaboration.
This year, the SHE Retreat soared to new heights thanks to the powerful synergy between The Propelled Life, SHE Leads Africa, and Opex A, focusing sharply on vital digital literacy programs for our young women.
I must pause here to anchor a crucial belief: I am not more important or special than the people who work with me. To every partner, every volunteer, every team member “seen and unseen” who poured their energy, expertise, and heart into making this happen: Only you guys could make this happen. Your commitment to excellence, your shared belief in the mission, and your relentless hard work turned a blueprint into a breathtaking reality. My deepest appreciation goes out to each one of you.
The theme, “Be the Edge”: empowering young African women through tech and leadership was not just a title; it was a potent charge that permeated every session, every conversation, and every moment of connection. I am still in awe of the flow of wisdom, the visible display of camaraderie with one another, and the overwhelming willingness to be informed and take bold action displayed by every attendee.
The energy was palpable. It was a joy to meet so many new faces, brimming with potential and curiosity, and to reconnect with cherished old friends. I have been soaking in all the lessons learned, and I sincerely hope that you, too, have been actively taking steps towards your dreams.
The Wisdom We Acquired: Speaker Highlights
Our speakers brought an arsenal of wisdom and practical strategies, empowering every woman in the room to claim her space and her future.
Yours truly set the tone with a powerful Welcome Address and an indispensable AI workshop. With a call to strategic action: “You are here to be positioned for the woman you’re becoming. This is your time to be equipped. You need your strategy and, most importantly, to know how to apply it.”
I urged us, “As believers, we don’t just pray we acquire.” I debunked a common fear, stating clearly, “AI will not replace you; it will only enhance what you are doing.” The mandate is clear: “Be Strategic that when they Think of A, They think of You.” And vitally, I reminded reminded us of our humanity and resilience: “Don’t over emotionalize everything, nobody is out to get, even if they are, be too good that you cannot be ignored.”
Gloria Adesina Founder, Brookce reinforced the necessity of visibility and value creation: “The king only rewards who they see; you have to show your light.” She anchored the business of value, declaring, “The money you get will be determined by how much problem you can solve.” A stark reminder for those hesitating: “If you’re waiting, you’ll be left behind”. Some opportunities are age bound.”
Elizabeth Boluwatife Rotimi, Founder Techies on Linkedin, provided the tech-forward perspective: “Technology is no longer optional, it’s the language of modern leadership” She emphasized personal branding: “The world no longer rewards talent but visibility.” Her advice for starting now was profound: “All you need is purpose, vision, and a phone. You don’t need to wait till when you have it all figured out.” She challenged us deeply with a question for the ages: “Will your future self thank you if you use your screen time to grow instead of drifting?”
Adesola Oguntimehin Cybersecurity expert and Founder Cyberpaetron gave us four pillars for growth:
1. Moving out of your comfort zone and expanding.
2. Network with people because visibility is very great.
3. Money Making is a motivation to whatever is happening right now.
4. Find ways to improve yourself.
She encouraged relentless effort: “Putting in efforts, consistency, and visibility even when it seems like nobody is noticing your work or story.”
Pastor Tomi Adisa delivered the spiritual and leadership foundation: “You are the advantage your family, community need; stop waiting for destiny helpers. You are the destiny helper some people are waiting for.” She affirmed our intrinsic worth: “There is something God has placed into you to make you be the edge.” She hammered home the necessity of continuous self-improvement: “Leaders are students forever. You learn, general knowledge, skill, and relearn.” She emphasized self-awareness and resilience: “Diligent people look inward not outward, how much do you self reflect,” and “learn to laugh at your mistake, is okay to make mistake.” The final charge for courage: “If you are going to work in audacity, courage, you learn not to give in to people’s opinion.”
It was, indeed, a transformative experience with a resounding charge to emerging female leaders to be visionary and become the woman required for the future of her world. The SHE Retreat is more than an event; it is a movement, and because of your audacious belief and presence, the map of female leadership will never be the same.
We did it. We were the edge.
What is the one major takeaway or action step you took from the retreat?
Share it with me in the comments!
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