Jumoke Adenowo

**Olajumoke Adenowo: Architect, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist** Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo, born on October 16, 1968, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is a celebrated Nigerian architect, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is frequently referred to as "Africa's Starchitect" by CNN and "the face of architecture in Nigeria" by *The Guardian*. Adenowo grew up in the academic environment of Obafemi Awolowo University, where both her parents were professors—her father in history and her mother in criminology. Adenowo demonstrated exceptional academic promise early in life, enrolling at Obafemi Awolowo University at the age of 14. She graduated at 19 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours, winning the prize for Best Student Design as an undergraduate. She continued her education at the same institution, earning a Master's Degree in Architecture with distinction in 1991. Later in her career, she pursued further executive education, completing the Chief Executive Programme (CEP) at Lagos Business School (2002), and programs at the Yale School of Management (2016) and the Harvard Kennedy School (2019). Her professional career began at Towry Coker Associates as an Assistant Architect before she moved to Femi Majekodunmi Associates. Notably, at the age of 23, she worked on the Federal Ministry of Finance project in Abuja. In 1994, at the age of 25, Adenowo founded her own award-winning firm, AD Consulting, where she serves as the Principal Architect. The firm specializes in architecture, brand environment consultancy, interior architecture, and master planning. Her design philosophy, "NeoHeritage Architecture," aims to define contemporary African architecture of global relevance by leveraging her understanding of heritage design. Beyond architecture, Adenowo is a Chartered Arbitrator, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and, in parallel to her architectural work, she founded and ran Advantage Energy, an oil and gas services firm. Adenowo’s influence extends beyond architecture into leadership and philanthropy. She is the founder of the Awesome Treasures Foundation, dedicated to raising transformational leaders. Since 2011, she has hosted a syndicated radio show and podcast on leadership, "Voice of Change," which reaches millions of listeners. She is also a recognized speaker, having addressed audiences at platforms like the Harvard Business School and MIT's SOLVE. Her literary contributions include the monograph *NeoHeritage: Defining Contemporary African Architecture*, published by Rizzoli, marking it as the first work by a Black architect published by the prestigious art and design house. Her significant contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including: * United States Congress recognition (2023) for her impact on Leadership and Philanthropy. * *Forbes Woman Africa* Entrepreneur of the Year (2020). * Inclusion in the *Forbes Africa 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa* (2020 and 2023). * The New African Woman in Business Award (2016). * The International Alliance for Women World of Difference 100 Award.Olajumoke Adenowo continues to be a prominent figure in African business, media, and design. She is currently the Principal Architect of AD Consulting and remains active as an author, speaker, and host of her radio show, championing transformational leadership across the continent. She is married to Olukorede Adenowo, and they have two sons.