In the fast-paced world of African tech, Toluwanimi Onakoya has discovered her calling: helping startups communicate their stories during moments of transformation. As the former Head of Communications at Lingawa, an African language learning platform, she's built a remarkable reputation as the specialist founders turn to when change is on the horizon.

Onakoya's journey began with an unwavering passion for communication. While classmates in secondary school teased her dreams of becoming a broadcaster, she remained committed to her vision. That dedication paid off brilliantly—she earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mass Communication from Covenant University, achieving a perfect 5.0 CGPA in her Master's program in 2021. "It's so much easier to do well when you're excited and passionate about what you're learning," she reflects warmly.

Her professional career launched at RED Media Africa in 2021, where she thrived under pressure, producing three articles daily for YNaija while keeping her finger on the pulse of trending stories. Her exceptional work ethic earned her a promotion to content analyst within just six months. But Onakoya didn't stop there—she consistently contributed ideas beyond her job description, making herself indispensable in strategy sessions for global brands like Lipton. Three months later, she transitioned into corporate communications, learning the invaluable skill of translating complex ideas into clear, accessible messages.

When Onakoya entered the startup world with OurPass in 2022, she discovered her true superpower: demystifying technical jargon for everyday audiences. "A lot of tech startups don't know how to translate their jargon in a way that stakeholders would understand," she explains. This talent for bridging the gap between innovation and understanding became her trademark.

Her defining moment came at Stears, a financial data and research provider, during Nigeria's intense 2023 elections. Onakoya successfully positioned Stears as the election go-to platform, helping the company reach one million signups and earn over $6 million in media mentions across Bloomberg, The Financial Times, and CNBC—a stunning achievement that showcased African tech innovation on the global stage.

When technical challenges arose during the high-stakes polling period, Onakoya transformed a difficult moment into a learning opportunity. She pioneered a "pre-mortem" approach for the governorship elections, anticipating potential issues and preparing thoughtful responses in advance. This proactive strategy ensured the company maintained trust with its audience even during challenging circumstances.

Throughout her career, Onakoya has mastered the delicate art of communicating difficult transitions with empathy and transparency. Whether helping Stears shift from B2C to B2B products or managing East African expansion, she prioritizes human connection. Her approach recognizes that behind every product change or business pivot are real people who deserve clear, compassionate communication.

Today, Onakoya stands as an inspiring example of how passion, preparation, and empathy can transform the communications field. She's proof that the most valuable communications professionals aren't just skilled at celebrating victories—they're the ones who help organizations navigate change with integrity and grace, building stronger connections with their audiences along the way.