Christine Eruokwu and Rufina Ajalie recognized for their work empowering immigrant women in Canada
ApplyBoard, the leading international student mobility platform, is thrilled to announce the winners of its 2024 International Alumni of Impact program. Now in its second year, the esteemed program recognizes 10 exceptional former international students who have leveraged their international education experience to create a significant positive impact worldwide.
Hailing from five countries around the world including Nigeria, the 2024 International Alumni of Impact winners are the embodiment of resilience, innovation, leadership, and generosity. Christine Eruokwu and Rufina Ajalie, originally from Nigeria, each won the award in recognition of their work empowering immigrant women across Canada. Eruokwu and Ajalie join Nigerian entrepreneur, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, who won the award in 2023 for his contributions to Africa’s innovation and investment landscape.
“Our 2024 International Alumni of Impact winners demonstrate the incredible potential of international students to shape the future,” says Meti Basiri, Co-Founder & CEO, of ApplyBoard. “Their stories of resilience, leadership, and dedication to their communities powerfully illustrate how education fosters global citizens. ApplyBoard is honoured to share Christine Eruokwu and Rufina Ajalie’s stories, which are a powerful source of inspiration for future generations of international students.”
Christine and Rufina’s journey began in Nigeria, where their close friendship fueled their mutual commitment to education. They both pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of New Brunswick, in Canada, and since graduating have each made a tangible difference in the lives of many, helping to bridge the gap between immigrant communities and the broader Canadian society.
Christine channeled her passion for sewing into founding Kaima Design, a fashion company dedicated to supporting women’s and children’s education in Africa, while also mentoring women in Saint John, New Brunswick. Meanwhile, Rufina used her HR expertise to co-found the Black Business and Professional Network, which guides new immigrants through integrating into the Canadian workforce.
In 2021, Christine and Rufina joined forces to co-found the United Colors of Fashion, a non-profit organization that empowers immigrant women across Canada. UCOF provides a platform for these women to utilize their skills, gain connections, and integrate into Canadian society through fashion.
In recognition of their exceptional contributions, ApplyBoard will establish one-time scholarships in both Christine and Rufina’s names for an incoming international student at their alma mater, the University of New Brunswick. Since its launch in 2023, this initiative has provided $20,000 in scholarships, embodying ApplyBoard’s mission to make education accessible to students worldwide.
To learn more about Christine and Rufina, and the ApplyBoard International Alumni of Impact program, please visit: https://www.applyboard.com/info/iaoi
