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About Us

WHO WE ARE

Background Story of
the MEEI Program

The Mindshift Empowerment and Employment Initiative (MEEI Program) was born out of a profound need to bridge critical gaps faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, and communities worldwide. The journey began in 2019 when Dr. Daniel Deji Ayodele, the visionary behind MEEI, relocated to Turkey. During his early experiences abroad, he quickly recognized a unique challenge: countless foreign residents, particularly Africans, were struggling to build successful careers or businesses due to limited resources, insufficient mentorship, and lack of funding. These barriers often left capable and ambitious individuals feeling isolated from meaningful opportunities, despite their talent and determination. Dr. Daniel observed that, in addition to the challenges experienced by foreign entrepreneurs, there was also a significant lack of understanding and collaboration between Turkish businesses and the African market. Turkish companies with a desire to expand globally often encountered difficulties navigating the unfamiliar landscapes and unique needs of African economies. This gap highlighted a need not only to support foreign entrepreneurs but also to foster mutual understanding and build bridges between continents. Realizing that economic growth and personal empowerment go hand in hand, Dr. Daniel envisioned a program that could connect the world through shared knowledge, collaboration, and a commitment to creating real impact. With this purpose, he established the MEEI Program, a platform dedicated to enabling individuals to learn, earn, and grow, while fostering impactful relationships across regions. The MEEI Program was thus created as an answer to both the individual and collective needs of aspiring entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and organizations. Its mission centers around providing mentorship, skill-building workshops, access to funding, and a strong network of support to entrepreneurs, particularly those in emerging markets. A key part of this mission includes initiatives such as the B2B matchmaking service, where entrepreneurs and businesses can connect with investors and establish meaningful partnerships that open doors to new markets. Through MEEI, Dr. Daniel's vision extends even further. The program has introduced diverse offerings, such as the Women Empowerment initiative, to ensure that women are provided with a platform to grow, earn, and connect. Additionally, the MEEI Speaking Club brings together individuals from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, creating opportunities for language exchange, cultural understanding, and professional growth. These programs, along with various community service projects, reflect the essence of MEEI: to empower individuals and organizations to contribute to a sustainable future. Today, MEEI has expanded its reach beyond Turkey and Africa, building a global network of innovators, leaders, and changemakers who are working together to create a ripple effect of empowerment and progress. Through resilience, innovation, sustainability, and empowerment the core values captured in the acronym RISE—MEEI is helping individuals, businesses, and communities achieve their potential, shaping a future where talent and ambition know no borders.
From the Founder's Desk

The MindShift Empowerment and Employment Initiative (MEEI Program) was created in response to the growing challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly in addressing the skill gap, lack of funding, and absence of mentorship. In 2019, when I first arrived in Turkey, I encountered a reality that was both inspiring and challenging. Many foreigners, particularly Africans, had incredible ideas but faced significant barriers to bringing them to life. They lacked access to mentorship, funding, and the skills necessary to turn their concepts into thriving businesses. It was clear that these individuals weren’t short of potential or determination what they needed was a platform that would support and empower them.

Dr. Daniel Ayodele

Founder and Executive Director

Our Vision

“To create a global hub where entrepreneurs and leaders connect, thrive, and drive sustainable innovation.”

Our Mission

The MEEI Program’s mission is to empower individuals and organizations by fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable development. Through education, mentorship, and global connections, the program enables participants to grow their businesses, solve challenges, and make a positive impact on their communities.

Core Values (R.I.S.E.)

OneTeam , Many Talents

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for overall strategic decision-making, providing leadership, and guiding the organization’s mission globally.

Dr. Daniel Ayodele

Founder and Executive Director

Mr. Martins Arebun

President, MEEI Program

Dr. Yavuz Selim Selay

Chairman of MEEI in Turkey

Mr. Mustafa Subhe

Director for Sustainability and Impact

Executive Team

The Executive Team is responsible for managing daily operations, leading core programs, and ensuring the organization meets its strategic goals.

Mr. Emmanuel Akaiso

Head of Media and Communications

View Details

Betül Kahraman

Partnership and Strategic Relations (Turkey)

Mr. Mohammed Sani Ali

Regional Coordinator, Africa Region

Chukwuebuka Christian Edeh

Director of Logistics and Supply Chain Management:

Ejiro Lucky

Global Secretary

Emmanuel Edward

Website Developer

Program Coordinators

The Program Coordinators are responsible for leading specific MEEI initiatives and ensuring their successful execution.

Nnyema Benson Ekon

Speaking Club Coordinator

Ejiro Lucky

Women Empowerment Coordinator

Mr. Mohammed Ali Aras

B2B Service Coordinator

Mr. Mustafar Alonge

Business Incubator Coordinator

Mr. Gokhan Kurtar

Agritech Institute Coordinator

Country Representatives

Country Representatives manage MEEI activities in their respective countries, facilitating partnerships and overseeing program implementation.

Dr. Charles Benin

MEEI Program Ghana

Mr. Gordons J Yiek

MEEI Program South Sudan

Mr. Angelo Pascal

MEEI Program DRC

Mr. Moses Harabor

MEEI Program Kenya

Miss Kanti Kumari

MEEI Program India

Mr. Lewis Delonte Javashty

MEEI Program St. Kitts and Nevis

Mrs. Norma Mngoma

MEEI Program South Africa

Oaitse Tlhalefan

MEEI Program Botswana

Miss Amina Zergoug

MEEI Program Algeria

Miss Shari Ann Henry

MEEI Program Jamaica

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board provides expert insights, strategic advice, and guidance to support MEEI’s mission and help scale its operations.

Join Us

Want to be part of our impactful journey?