Name: Adejire Bademosi
Age: 19
Job Title: Student at Boston College and the Founder & Executive Director of the Innovation and Enterprise Leadership Institute
College/Major: Boston College / International Studies
Website: thinkandactnow.org
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Her Campus: What is a typical day like for you?
Adejire Bademosi: For the summer months, I’m here in Massachusetts serving as a panelist and tour guide in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions [at Boston University]. During breaks and after work, I serve as the Executive Director of the Innovation and Enterprise Leadership Institute, an organization I founded after seeing the lack of women in positions of leadership.
HC: What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
AB: Sophomore year in high school I served as a member on the Howard County School Board. In order to serve in this capacity I campaigned throughout the area using a variety of media to get my message across. It probably was one of most unique experiences in my life. My colleagues came from a variety of sectors, but were collectively older than me.
HC: Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
AB: I would definitely say my mother, Irene Bademosi. She influenced my interest as an advocate for social justice through example. She always encourages me to believe in the power of my dreams and ideas. Without her constant support I would not have been able to reach this point in my life. I came from homelessness to TIME magazine. How is that possible?
HC: Is there a particular quote or mantra that you live by?
AB: Let yourself fall into something you love.
HC: What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
AB: In the past, I spent a lot of time doing too many tasks and not doing enough delegating, which in turn proved too taxing. The best and most recent advice I recall about spreading responsibilities came from Rebecca Thompson Director of YP4. She said, if I’m sick, I know I have a team that is willing and able to do the work. Her words have influenced my leadership style.
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HC: What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
AB: Our staff members at the Innovation and Enterprise Leadership Institute come from a variety of academic areas but share the same passion for empowering high school girls. Without the same consistent objective, we would not be able to achieve our goal. Therefore, all applicants should share this passion.
HC: What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
AB:
- Always take risks
- Know your elevator pitch like the back of your hand
- Â Never give up or given in
- Â During the WIE Symposium, I remember Bobbi Brown said loosely whatever your job may be always do it well.