I was born to born-again Christian Nigerian parents in Cincinnati, OH, and raised in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I was the second of four kids and the only daughter. Growing up, my brothers and I were immersed in foundational Biblical teaching, with themes like holiness, righteousness, and healing woven deeply into the fabric of our home.

From 2009 to 2017, my childhood and adolescence was particularly marked by Pathfinders, an Adventist youth scout program. I was shaped by a culture of excellence that continually called me higher and to always give my best. Through the mentors and leaders who invested in me, I began to understand the impact of intentional leadership and developed a desire to become that for others. 

Over the years, I grew into leadership — serving as Drill Captain of the marching unit and forming part of the drum line. During that time, I also participated in many competitive events associated with Bible reading, preaching, and survival camps, in different parts of Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Oshkosh, WI.

Even though I loved my brothers, I always longed for a sister. In 2009, my mom was pregnant with a female child, and I was confident the Lord had answered my prayers. However, my world was rocked when my baby sister didn't survive a premature delivery. I immediately closed myself to God because I felt He was a bully who took pleasure in His creation's suffering.

That wrong narrative and understanding of God marked the next 9 years of my life. Depression, loneliness, and feelings of insufficiency plagued that season and every somewhat "good" experience. The few times I would smile were forced. I was always surrounded by people in different social spheres, and always managed to feel empty and forsaken.

I did a lot of activities as an adolescent to keep my emotions and feelings at bay, which gradually translated into insomnia. In addition to Pathfinders, I also played volleyball, played the piano and saxophone, competed in science fairs, and even ran a cookie micro-business; however, nothing was ever enough. By the time I was a senior in high school, I knew I had to make a decision. I understood that if I went to college with the same detrimental perspective towards life, I wasn't going to survive. Little did I know, a special and divine encounter with certain people in my alma mater would change the course of my story and destiny.

In Fall 2016, I began my studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez. During my time there, I became heavily involved in STEM student associations, taking on leadership positions that allowed me to make an impact both within the scholastic community and beyond. Among these were the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and Women in Engineering (WIE), through which I engaged with people of all age groups. I also had the privilege of mentoring incoming engineering freshmen.

Throughout my baccalaureate, I conducted environmental engineering research in UPRM and other prestigious universities in the US, such as University at Buffalo and University of Potsdam, both in New York. I also presented in different conferences all across the island and mainland USA.

One night, during the fall of my sophomore year (2017), as I exited a building after taking a Calculus exam, I heard joyful singing that caught my attention. I followed the sound to a small plaza area in front of the student center, where about 40 college students from different STEAM departments were holding an open-air worship service.

I sat down, far from the crowd. I was apprehensive and unsure of what to expect. A few moments later, someone began to preach a message so full of love and tenderness that it actually offended me. I remember feeling enraged that love could be so attainable, yet for most of my life, I had never been able to experience the full extent of it. That night, a young woman sat down next to me and, for about an hour, answered every one of my questions and arguments with unparalleled grace.

And yet, it still wasn't enough. I left completely rattled — more confused than ever about the Man everyone was so in love with. At the time, I was unaware of the Holy Spirit's influence in every season of my life, but that night, I felt led to start writing letters to the God I believed in my heart didn't love me nor care for me. 

That's how my mind started to heal and the soil of my heart began to grow healthy enough to receive the seed of God's Word and His restoring love - by writing letters to Jesus.

My heart towards the campus ministry continued to soften as I kept showing up for their services. In about a year, I had made amazing friendships and started hanging out with them more. 

On March 10, 2018, I accompanied them to a youth event in the northwest part of the island. 

That night, the preacher challenged us to be the living evidence of how Jesus is the only living hope. I ran to the altar, went down on my knees, and in just a few minutes, saw the vision of Jesus on the Christ. The blood He shed was cleansing me white as snow, and for the first time in my life, I felt secure and in perfect peace. 

I had finally understood why Jesus had to die for me. That fateful night, everything changed. I fell in love with Jesus and was never the same again.

The preacher who ministered that night was pastoring an amazing church (Puerta del Rey) in Isabela, close to an hour away from my hometown in Mayagüez. 

His name is William Tavarez, and he became a spiritual father to me for almost 4 years. 

Throughout the week, my campus ministry was my mission field but twice a week, Puerta del Rey was my discipleship training center. From 2018 until 2021, I was stretched as a leader but also, as a disciple of Jesus and humble servant to the body of Christ.