About Yiga
Yigakpoa Ikpae is a global leader, mentor, and creative force working at the intersection of technology, advocacy, and creativity. Her life’s work is guided by a deep conviction: that innovation, creativity, and justice can transform the world when everyone; especially the most marginalized has a seat at the table.
Growing up in Ogoniland, Yiga witnessed the realities of inequality, climate change, and systemic neglect. Those experiences shaped her commitment to creating pathways of inclusion, empowerment, and dignity. Today, her work spans continents and industries, yet it is rooted in the same principle: lifting others while building solutions that matter.
Technology & Innovation
In the global technology and open source ecosystem, Yiga has emerged as a trusted leader. She has served in multiple C-level leadership roles across international organizations, championing accessibility, digital inclusion, and governance. At CHAOSS, she audits accessibility projects to ensure technology works for everyone. At Oppia, she served as the Head of Marketing and its 6 sub-teams. Additionally, her passion for accessibility and equality, led her to pitch & lead the Nigerian Pidgin translations team to help make learning more inclusive.
Beyond leadership, Yigakpoa Ikpae is a mentor to marginalized individuals: including women, persons with disabilities, and those navigating systemic barriers—helping them find their way in tech and carve out spaces for their voices and talents.
Advocacy & Global Impact
Yiga is not only a technologist but also a tireless advocate. She speaks, writes, and organizes around issues that cut to the heart of human flourishing: climate justice, governance reform, disability inclusion, and gender equity. Through CLENT Africa and other platforms, she leads projects that amplify local voices while connecting them to global action.
Yiga as a Creative
As a luxury artist, Yiga creates more than art—she creates narratives of resilience, heritage, and beauty. Her works, crafted on canvas and paper with a distinctive blend of mediums, are collected as symbols of culture and power. In fashion, she extends this creative philosophy into consultancy, redefining luxury as sustainable, expressive, and deeply human.
MyLifeAsYiga
Through her platform MyLifeAsYiga, she invites the world to see beyond titles and projects—offering glimpses into her personal journey, reflections, and creative explorations. It is where her authenticity meets her influence, inspiring others to dream boldly and act purposefully.
Speaking Engagements
As a sought-after voice on technology, leadership, advocacy, and creativity, Yiga has addressed audiences ranging from grassroots communities to global forums. Her talks are known for their clarity, vision, and ability to connect deeply across cultures and experiences.
Catalyzing Global Impact
Yiga’s vision is a world where innovation, justice, and culture move together. She imagines a future where technology is built for all, where climate and governance decisions put humanity first, and where art and fashion carry stories of strength and pride.
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