You know that feeling when you meet someone and within minutes, you just know they’re operating on a different frequency?
That is Esther Ijewere, a woman who has been helping hundreds of women globally turn their voices into visibility and their visibility into leadership. A Media strategist, Storyteller, Advocate, and Founder of Women of Rubies.
This conversation with her went deep, and we spoke about what it takes to build something meaningful especially when bridging two worlds. We dived into carrying the weight of other people’s stories, and still trying to protect our own peace.
We also spoke about the just-concluded 5th edition of the Media Visibility Bootcamp. Her vision for the next generation was a reminder that African women don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Our voices, stories, and ideas are valid. Period.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to turn presence into power, or visibility into something that outlives the noise, this one hits different.
And maybe, just maybe, this is exactly what someone else needs to see today.
Read the full conversation below.
Let’s start from the heart: who is Esther Ijewere, beyond the titles and the work we see online?
At my core, I’m a woman who leads with empathy and purpose. Beyond the titles and the platforms, I’m a human being who genuinely wants to see others win. I’m someone who finds fulfillment in helping people, especially women, discover the power within their own stories. I see myself as a vessel, using my voice and platform to amplify others, spark conversations that matter, and remind people that purpose doesn’t need permission. Everything I do flows from a place of compassion, faith, and a deep desire to make impact visible.
When you look back at your early years, the young Esther before the platforms and advocacy, what experiences shaped the woman we see today?
Looking back, I would say curiosity and a hunger for meaning shaped me the most. I’ve always been deeply reflective, even as a child, I was drawn to understanding people, why they hurt, and how they heal. My early years taught me resilience and self-awareness. I learned to find strength in solitude and to turn challenges into motivation. I grew up observing how easily people’s stories could be dismissed, especially women’s, and that awareness stayed with me. It birthed my passion for advocacy and storytelling, because I realized that sometimes, being heard is the beginning of healing.
You’ve built your brand across continents, Nigeria and Canada. How has living and working between two cultures influenced your perspective on women’s empowerment?
Living and working across Nigeria and Canada has broadened my worldview in profound ways. Nigeria shaped my grit, it taught me how to create something out of nothing, to be resourceful, and to lead with conviction even when systems aren’t in your favor. Canada, on the other hand, refined my structure and approach, it emphasized equity, inclusion, and systems that empower people to thrive.
Balancing both cultures has made me realize that empowerment isn’t one-size-fits-all. In Nigeria, empowerment is often about breaking barriers and finding your voice; in Canada, it’s about using that voice within systems to drive change. I merge both perspectives, the heart of advocacy from home and the structure of global best practices, to create impact that transcends borders.
You’ve spoken a lot about using media as a tool for impact. What are some misconceptions people have about visibility and the media space?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that visibility is all about being popular or constantly in the spotlight. True visibility is about purpose-driven presence. It’s not about shouting the loudest; it’s about being strategic, consistent, and authentic in your message.
Another misconception is that media is only for celebrities or big brands. The truth is, media is for anyone with a story, a mission, or a message that can create change. I always tell people, your story can be someone else’s survival guide. Visibility is not self-promotion; it’s service. When done right, it helps build trust, credibility, and influence that outlives trends.
You’re someone who constantly evolves. What’s a skill or mindset you’ve had to unlearn or relearn along your journey?
I have had to unlearn the idea that I need to have everything figured out before I take a step. For years, I carried this silent pressure to always “get it right.” But purpose doesn’t wait for perfection, it thrives in progress. I had to relearn that growth often looks messy; that it’s okay to pivot, to make mistakes, and to start over.
Another mindset I have relearned is asking for help. I used to think doing everything alone was a sign of strength, but I now see that collaboration is power. The right community multiplies impact. Evolution, for me, has been about embracing change gracefully, allowing myself to be both a teacher and a student at every phase.
Let’s talk about the upcoming Media Visibility Bootcamp for a moment. What inspired you to start it in the first place?
The Bootcamp was inspired by countless conversations with women who were doing amazing work but weren’t being seen or heard. I realized visibility was a gap, many women had substance but lacked strategy. I wanted to bridge that gap by teaching the art of positioning: how to tell your story with clarity, connect with the right audience, and leverage media for meaningful growth.
It wasn’t just about getting people featured, it was about building confidence and helping women show up boldly for themselves. I wanted to create a space where women could learn, grow, and realize that visibility is not arrogance, it’s alignment with purpose.
Over the past four editions, you’ve trained hundreds of women globally. What kind of transformations have you witnessed among participants?
The transformations have been phenomenal. I have seen women go from being shy about sharing their work to being featured in major media outlets and invited to speak on global platforms. Many have launched businesses, secured brand collaborations, and built communities around their stories.
But the most fulfilling part is the internal transformation, watching women realize that their voice is enough. Seeing them own their brilliance, redefine their narratives, and show up with confidence is what keeps me going. Some of our alumni have gone on to become mentors and thought leaders themselves, and that ripple effect is exactly what I envisioned when I started the Bootcamp.
This fifth edition comes at a time when women’s voices are more needed than ever. What should participants expect from this year’s Bootcamp any new focus or special highlights?
This year’s edition is particularly meaningful because it builds on the theme “From Visibility to Leadership: Turning Influence to Impact.” We’re moving beyond just helping women show up, we’re helping them lead with purpose and leverage their influence for lasting change.
Participants can expect a deeper dive into digital storytelling, media positioning, and personal branding in the age of AI. We’ve curated experts who will teach practical strategies to help women refine their message, pitch their stories with confidence, and turn visibility into tangible leadership opportunities.
But beyond the learning, this year is about connection and elevation. It’s designed to be a springboard, a place where women transform their visibility into impact that inspires, leads, and influences beyond the room.
Running initiatives that center women’s voices often comes with emotional weight. How do you refill your own cup while pouring into others?
It takes intentional effort. I have learned that rest is also a form of productivity. I create space for stillness, whether it’s through journaling, prayer, long walks, or spending time with loved ones. Those quiet moments help me recharge and gain clarity.
I also draw strength from seeing transformation happen. Every story shared, every woman empowered reminds me why I started. I’m careful about my energy. I protect my peace, delegate when necessary, and remind myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Refilling, for me, is an act of self-respect and sustainability.
Finally, what kind of impact do you hope your work leaves behind for the next generation of women?
I hope my work becomes a reminder that you don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. I want the next generation of women to know that their voices, stories, and ideas are valid, and that they can lead with empathy without losing their strength.
If my journey inspires women to embrace their purpose, use media responsibly, and create spaces for others to rise, then I will know I’ve done my part. My dream is to see a generation of women who are not afraid to show up, tell their stories, and transform the world in their own unique ways.
