The Company We Keep: Chisom Ejimkaraonye

Chisom Ejimkaraonye is a civic leader and advocate from Nigeria, currently working remotely in a role she describes as a “surreal dream come true.” This role as the programme assistant for the QW+ Woman+ Voices 24/25 South African Fellowship. Ejimkaraonye says the best thing about this role is that while she’s working hard to ensure each fellow benefits to the max, she is also able to learn herself – both from the programme curriculum and, and from the fellows themselves.

Pronouns: She/Her

Born: In the month of November

Status: Married

School: Federal Government Girls College Owerri University.

First job: Admin Assistant

Home: Nigeria

Book on your bedside table: The Decision by Penny Vincenzi

Music in your playlist Grace is Working by Neon Adejo

Describe your job in no more than seven words: A surreal dream come true

What keeps you awake at night: K-Drama

Who is your biggest hero: My father

Remote or office: Remote

What’s the most exciting part of your job: My colleagues

Career highlight: Still a work in progress, because where I am now is the beginning of my highlight.

What is your superpower: Organising

What is the least known fact about you: I love telenovelas

If you could get the ear of one person, to convince them your work is important, who would it be: Nigeria’s public health guru, Dr Leila Madueke

If you had the power to pass a presidential decree, what would it be: Improving access to health services for the vulnerable and low-income groups in Nigeria

What is your best piece of advice: Your problem isn’t “your” problem but your “reaction” to the problem

What’s your next big thing: Honestly… I can’t say yet.

What do you do to relax: I watch re-runs of The Big Bang Theory