Getting To Know Ibukunoluwa

We had the privilege to catch up with one of our ALUmni and get to capture her ALUmni Profile. Ibukunoluwa shared with us who she is, a little about her time at ALU, her mission and finally, some ALUmni wisdom.

Who is Ibukunoluwa?

My full first name is fifteen syllables long — Ibukunoluwanimunilalaifilalakun. It’s a Yoruba translation of the Bible verse, Proverbs 10:22, “God’s blessings maketh rich and add no sorrow”. My favorite thing to do is cheer on Black women and celebrate our special bond. But when I’m not working, I like to curate mood boards and recreate pretty makeup looks.

Ibukunoluwa’s Time at ALU

ALU marked the beginning of my adult life. I turned 18 during my first semester and aside from all the personal milestones that marked my transition to adulthood, my friends were the most memorable part of my journey at ALU. I met some of my best friends in school and it was just great to learn about myself through their eyes and be intentional about building relationships anchored on love and respect.

I’m not a very social person and I didn’t really participate in all the entrepreneurship and networking extra-curricular stuff. I just went to class, hung out with my friends, and stayed in my room. All the little private moments that we shared are among my fondest memories and biggest life lessons.

Ibukunoluwa’s Mission

This changes every few months, but right now, my mission is to contribute to the rich well of radical African knowledge production. I want to do transformative work that moves us closer to a better world. The Social Sciences program at ALC was a big part of my understanding of how the world works and where I fit into it. In a few years, I hope to learn more about Black/African radical thought and carry on the work of our ancestors.

It is so hard to stay hopeful and motivated in this dysfunctional country and world, but I try to find joy in my community and channel my energy to things that are actually in my control. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or just sad, I try to remember what Mariame Kaba says about hope. She says, “Hope is a discipline and we have to practice it by actively believing in and dreaming of a better world,” — that’s what keeps me motivated.

ALUmni Wisdom

I don’t really have any advice, but I would just say that all the incessant talk about saving Africa can be very annoying and come with a lot of pressure, but try to find out who you are and what you actually like outside of all that.

If you are an ALUmni and you would like to share your ALUmni Profile, send us a quick email and we will get back to you.