Moving Forward Together, Educating & Inspiring Generations

Dear Supporters,

As March comes to a close, we celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the incredible contributions of women in history, culture, and society. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” highlights the collective strength of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Their influence continues to shape future generations, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive world. International Women’s Month has been a time to celebrate the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women worldwide.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction – For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment, calls for tangible steps toward equal opportunities, economic inclusion, and leadership representation. It is a reminder that women’s rights are human rights and ensuring access to education, healthcare, and financial resources for all women and girls is key to a just and sustainable future.

We remain steadfast in our mission to uplift and support women by championing education, mental health, and economic empowerment.

Spotlight: IJ Mbadugha, MBA, PMHNP – Championing Mental Health Equity

This month, our spotlight is on the remarkable IJ Mbadugha, a leader and advocate in the field of psychiatric mental health. As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and the Founder/CEO of Brain Psychiatry, Inc., she has dedicated her career to breaking barriers in mental health care and eliminating the stigma that prevents many from seeking support.

A Journey of Purpose & Transformation

IJ’s path to mental health advocacy was shaped by her personal experiences and deep commitment to equitable healthcare.

Originally trained in finance and business leadership, she spent decades mentoring and supporting professionals before transitioning into healthcare. The loss of loved ones, global health crises, and witnessing the mental health struggles in underserved communities led her to pursue a career dedicated to healing and advocacy.

Today, her work focuses on providing high quality, compassionate mental health services to individuals who have long been marginalized. Through a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and counseling, Brain Psychiatry, Inc. is making mental healthcare more accessible and effective.

Beyond her clinical work, IJ is deeply engaged in mental health policy discussions, community outreach programs, and initiatives that expand mental healthcare access across diverse populations. She has also been a steadfast supporter of EXPOSE, generously sponsoring a child every year and demonstrating a heartfelt commitment to giving back. Her dedication to philanthropy and empowering the next generation reflects her belief in the transformative power of access, opportunity, and care. We are profoundly grateful for her unwavering support and generosity, which continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many.

A Legacy of Excellence: Monalisa Okojie’s Global Impact Humanitarian Award

This month, we celebrate Monalisa Okojie, a trailblazer in business, philanthropy, and social impact, for receiving the Global Impact Humanitarian Award at the prestigious CBW-Africa Award & Gala.

The CBW-Africa Gala is a distinguished event that brings together leaders and change-makers to honor those who have made significant contributions to their communities. This year, Monalisa Okojie was recognized not only for her unwavering dedication to empowering women and youth but also for her transformative work in education, mental health advocacy, and leadership development.

Beyond receiving this well-deserved honor, Monalisa took the stage as a speaker and panelist, sharing her insights on women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

Her session highlighted the importance of leveraging cultural entrepreneurship to bridge tradition and modern innovation, offering practical strategies for businesses and communities alike.

Her leadership at EXPOSE has led to the creation of mentorship programs, mental health advocacy initiatives, and educational opportunities that continue to transform lives. This award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to fostering a world where all individuals, regardless of background, have the tools and support they need to thrive.

The evening was a celebration of impact, resilience, and the extraordinary vision of Monalisa Okojie, whose leadership continues to pave the way for future generations.

Inspiring The Next Generation: Seye Tesfazy at the Career Youth Series

As part of our commitment to career development and mentorship, we are pleased to highlight Seye Tesfazgy, a talented VFX Compositor, who recently spoke at the Expo Center on March 25 during Career Series for youth. Her presentation explored the fascinating world of Visual Effects (VFX) and its impact on modern storytelling.

With years of experience in the entertainment industry, Seye Tesfazgy has worked on major film projects, bringing digital artistry to life through cutting-edge technology. She shared insights on the difference between Visual Effects (VFX) and Special Effects (SFX), the role of technology in filmmaking, and how young creatives can step into this evolving field.

Her session provided invaluable guidance for young people exploring careers in film, technology, and digital arts. Seye Tesfazgy’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and innovation, values that continue to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

Keeping the Momentum Going!

Women’s empowerment does not stop at the end of March. The work continues every day, and each step forward brings us closer to a future where all women and girls have the opportunities, support, and resources they deserve.

EXPOSE, is committed to sustaining this momentum through education, mental health advocacy, and leadership development programs. Your support helps us continue this work and reach even more communities.