The Story of AWOCEMI
Ayoka Women Care and Empowerment Initiative (AWOCEMI) was born from personal experience and a passion to see single mothers thrive.
As a single mother living in the United States, our founder experienced the emotional, financial, and social challenges that come with raising a child alone. Through faith, resilience, and access to support systems, she was able to overcome many obstacles. That journey sparked a powerful question: What happens to single mothers who do not have these opportunities?
For many women in underserved communities in Nigeria, single motherhood is often accompanied by poverty, food insecurity, emotional trauma, limited access to education, and little or no support system. These challenges leave many mothers and their children struggling to build a stable future.
AWOCEMI was established to change that reality.
Our mission is to restore dignity, rebuild hope, and create sustainable pathways to empowerment for single mothers and their families. We believe lasting transformation goes beyond temporary relief—it requires emotional healing, economic opportunity, purpose discovery, and a supportive community.
Through our programs, we provide:
- Emotional healing and safe support spaces
- Skills training and economic empowerment opportunities
- Community connections that reduce isolation and build resilience
- Food assistance and practical support while creating long-term pathways to self-sufficiency
At AWOCEMI, we envision a future where single mothers do more than survive—they thrive, lead, and raise confident children who become positive contributors and change-makers in their communities.
Why We Serve
AWOCEMI exists to reflect God’s love by restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to single mothers, widows, and vulnerable families.
Inspired by James 1:27, we believe faith is demonstrated through compassionate action—caring for those in need and walking alongside them toward healing and restoration. We recognize that many women carry burdens beyond financial hardship, including emotional pain, rejection, and isolation.
Guided by Psalm 68:5, which describes God as “a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows,” we are committed to being a source of support, empowerment, and hope. Through practical assistance, emotional care, and sustainable opportunities, we help women move from survival to strength and from hardship to purpose.
Our Vision
We envision a world where single mothers and their children rise above hardship to live with dignity, purpose, and opportunity.
By empowering women through support, healing, and sustainable opportunities, we strengthen families, transform communities, and nurture a generation of leaders and change-makers.
AWOCEMI is more than an initiative—it is a movement restoring hope, igniting purpose, and ensuring that no single mother is left behind.
AWOCEMI TEAM
OLA SHONUKAN
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ola Shonukan is a seasoned project management and business strategy professional with over 15 years of experience leading organizational growth, strategic initiatives, and community-focused programs. She serves on advisory boards and is passionate about advancing women’s empowerment, wellness, and economic inclusion, leveraging strategic leadership and social innovation to restore dignity, strengthen families, and create sustainable opportunities for underserved communities.
TOLULOPE BUKOYE
PROJECT MANAGER
Tolulope Bukoye is a development professional with expertise in social impact project management and community development. With experience managing donor-funded and grassroots initiatives, she is committed to driving sustainable change through effective program design, implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
IYANU SHONUKAN
DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
Iyanu Shonukan is a junior at Harvard University studying neuroscience and psychology, with plans to become a child psychiatrist. He’s extremely passionate about children’s and maternal health and has extensive experience in global health, business development, and the social impact space.
MOYOSORE AJAYI
FIELD OFFICER
Moyosore Ajayi serves as a Field Officer at AWOCEMI, committed to ensuring every project is carried out with integrity, transparency, and respect for the women and families we serve. Passionate about community impact, Moyosore believes that empowering women strengthens families and builds thriving, resilient communities.
MOJIROLA AKIN-ALABI
COMMUNICATION OFFICER INTERN
I am Mojirola Akin-Alabi, the Communications Officer Intern at Ayoka Women Care And Empowerment Initiative (AWOCEMI). I am passionate about supporting initiatives that empower women through storytelling and community engagement all driven by a commitment to creating positive social impact.