Some wait for the perfect moment. Others, like Susanne Onuminya Ogunleye, step boldly into purpose-fear and all. Recently recognized by Forbes Africa, she is a powerhouse of impact, reshaping narratives in healthcare, leadership, and community empowerment.
From founding Ultra Blue Center, a facility dedicated to personalized healthcare, to mentoring and uplifting female entrepreneurs across Africa, her work is deeply rooted in transformation. As Vice President of MWFAAN, she has led youth empowerment initiatives that change lives. As a consultant at Leadership Foundation, she is equipping the next generation of leaders. And as a speaker, mentor, and changemaker, she embodies what it means to turn purpose into action.
But Susanne’s journey is not just about achievements-it’s about faith, resilience, and doing it afraid. She has faced uncertainty, wrestled with doubts, and still chosen to move forward. In this feature, she opens up about the defining moments that uncovered her purpose, how she overcomes fear, and why she believes true impact comes from embracing vulnerability, courage, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Her story is not just one of success-it’s a call to every woman who has ever questioned her purpose to rise, to lead, and to step into the impact she was created for.
Your work is deeply rooted in impact and transformation. How did you uncover your purpose, and what keeps you committed to living it out boldly
My purpose was uncovered in moments of service and at different times in my life but that discovery started when I became a mother, I shared all of it in my book Ultra blue woman , a journey of motherhood, transformation and self discovery . I realized early on that I am most fulfilled when I’m helping others discover their potential and bridging gaps in my community. The commitment comes from seeing the ripple effects of transformation, how one act of empowerment can inspire generations. Knowing the lives that depend on my work gives me the drive to keep going boldly, even when the journey feels uncertain.
With so many accomplishments under your belt, how do you discern which opportunities align with your mission and the greater good you seek to achieve?
For me, alignment comes through clarity of vision and values. I ask myself if the opportunity advances my mission of creating sustainable impact, collaboration, and if it empowers others. If it aligns with my “why,” I embrace it. But I’ve also learned to say no to opportunities that feel exciting in the moment but don’t align with the greater good I’m working toward. I have also taken roles that I eventually realize distract me from my mission and vision. I leave and realign myself. Your journey is yours, you must not be afraid to take risks or fail. It is how you grow.
Fear is a constant companion when stepping into the unknown. How has faith or your inner convictions helped you “do it afraid”?
I do it afraid all the time! Faith has been my anchor in the face of fear. I trust that every step I take, even in uncertainty, is divinely guided. I remind myself that fear doesn’t disqualify me; it’s simply part of the process. My conviction that my work has a higher purpose keeps me moving forward, even when I feel vulnerable. In fact the fear is a guide that you are taking a bold step. Just breathe!
What role does vulnerability play in your journey as a leader, mom, and advocate for community growth?
Vulnerability has been one of my greatest strengths. It allows me to connect authentically with others, to admit when I need help, and to inspire others by sharing my own struggles. As a mom and leader, vulnerability reminds me that I don’t have to have it all figured out; I just need to keep showing up with courage and empathy. I am never afraid to be vulnerable. Vulnerability allows you to be your authentic self and there is no one else like you on this earth.
Every impactful journey comes with its share of struggles. What is one struggle you never expected, and how did it grow or refine you?
I have had many struggles. Haha! Each day with its own. One struggle I didn’t expect was the challenge of balancing my personal aspirations with the needs of my family and community. It stretched me in ways I didn’t foresee, but it also refined my priorities and taught me the importance of boundaries, delegation, and self-care. It reminded me that I can’t pour into others from an empty cup. It also taught me to be intentional and deliberate. Learn to give 100 to whatever needs my attention at the time. Oftentimes, we have to make sacrifices or trade-offs.
How do you maintain focus on your vision while navigating setbacks, doubts, or external pressures?
I stay focused by revisiting my “why” and writing the vision out. I also recently started visualizing the journey and question your why every now and then to ensure you are on the right track with the right intentions . Journaling, prayer, and seeking mentorship/support help me stay grounded when doubts arise. I’ve also learned to see setbacks as redirections rather than failures. At some point in my life I would deal with serious anxiety when problems arose. I am learning to stay calm even in the strongest storms. The external pressures can be heavy, but I remind myself that growth often comes from enduring discomfort but discomfort for a good purpose.
As a mom building a legacy of impact and innovation, what’s one value you want your children to embrace from watching your journey?
I want my children to embrace the value of resilience, humanity, kindness, empathy, love and gratitude . I want them to understand that challenges are part of life and that with determination, faith, and integrity, they can overcome anything. I hope they see my journey as an example of how passion and perseverance can lead to a meaningful life.
In what ways has being a mother shaped your vision for empowering women and communities?Motherhood has deepened my empathy and given me a clearer understanding of what communities need to thrive. It’s also shown me how powerful women are, balancing so much and still making a difference. I see every woman I empower as someone whose ripple effect will impact generations, just as the decisions I make as a mom will shape my children’s future.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to moms who feel torn between their family responsibilities and pursuing their dreams?
You don’t have to choose between your family and your dreams both can coexist. Give yourself permission to prioritize your passions because a fulfilled mom is a better mom. Include your family in your journey, let them see the sacrifices and the triumphs so they understand the value of pursuing purpose.
If your story were to inspire one woman to step into her purpose, what would you want her to take away from it?
I’d want her to know that purpose doesn’t require perfection. It’s okay to feel scared, uncertain, or even unprepared just take the first step. Your unique story and gifts have the power to transform lives, and the world is waiting for what only you can offer. Own your power! Lead with purpose. Your DNA is a masterpiece.
Susanne Onuminya Ogunleye’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose over perfection. She has proven that true impact is not about having it all figured out but about showing up, leading with conviction, and embracing both the challenges and triumphs along the way.
Through her work in healthcare, leadership, and community empowerment, she continues to bridge gaps, uplift others, and redefine what it means to be a woman of impact. But perhaps the most powerful lesson from her journey is this: fear and uncertainty are not roadblocks—they are the signs that you’re stepping into something greater. For every woman standing at the edge of her calling, unsure of the next step, Susanne’s story is a reminder: Do it afraid. Do it boldly. Do it with purpose. The world is waiting for what only you can give.
To learn more about Susanne’s work and ongoing projects, follow her journey here.