We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful ADEJOKE EJIOFOR. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with ADEJOKE below.

Alright, ADEJOKE thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My journey to founding my nonprofit began as a mother navigating life with a child who had sickle cell disease. Years of hospital visits, pain crises, and advocating for proper care revealed a harsh reality: too many families felt isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported. Despite the prevalence of this condition, awareness was limited, and access to equitable care was inconsistent.

When my child underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant, I realized our story could have a larger purpose. I wanted to create an organization that raised awareness, educated communities, and supported families walking the same challenging path. The logic was clear: by combining advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement, we could fill a gap no one else was addressing: the emotional, educational, and systemic needs of families affected by sickle cell disease.

What excites me most about this work is seeing the impact awareness can have: more compassion, stronger support networks, and better healthcare outcomes. What started as a mother fighting for her child has become a mission to ensure every sickle cell warrior is seen, heard, and supported.

ADEJOKE, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an author, inspirational writer, and nationally recognized sickle cell advocate based in Minnesota. My journey began as a mother raising a child with sickle cell disease, navigating hospital visits, pain crises, and life-saving treatments. Through those experiences, I saw firsthand how isolating and misunderstood this condition can be for families, and I knew something had to change.

That realization inspired me to found a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and advancing equity in care for those affected by sickle cell disease. Through my nonprofit, I provide support, advocacy, and resources for families while educating the broader community about the realities of living with this condition.

As an author, I’ve written an award-winning memoir chronicling the journey of a sickle cell warrior, as well as a children’s book designed to foster empathy and understanding around invisible illnesses. What sets my work apart is that it combines professional expertise with deeply personal insight. I advocate not just from knowledge but from lived experience.
I’m most proud of empowering families, amplifying the voices of sickle cell warriors, and inspiring hope in the face of challenges. My mission is clear: to create a future where sickle cell disease is no longer a barrier to a full and supported life, and to ensure every family affected feels seen, heard, and empowered.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Early on, as a mother navigating my child’s sickle cell journey, I felt I had to manage everything myself: doctor visits, treatments, and emotional support while trying to remain strong for my family. I needed to carry the burden alone, and admitting I couldn’t do it all would somehow mean failure.

Over time, I realized that asking for help doesn’t diminish strength; it amplifies it. Reaching out to other families, connecting with support networks, and accepting guidance from medical professionals not only made our journey more manageable but also highlighted the power of community. This lesson became the foundation of my advocacy: my nonprofit exists to ensure families don’t feel alone, to provide resources, and to remind them that seeking support is a source of strength, not weakness.

Learning this shifted my perspective not just as a parent, but as an advocate, author, and nonprofit leader. It taught me that true resilience comes from connection, collaboration, and shared experience, and it’s a lesson I strive to share with every family I meet.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I self-funded the launch of my nonprofit, working tirelessly at my job while balancing family responsibilities and the demands of raising a child with a serious medical condition. It wasn’t easy; long hours, careful budgeting, and personal sacrifices were part of every day, but I was determined to turn my vision into reality. Every dollar and every effort reflected my commitment to supporting families affected by sickle cell disease and raising awareness about this often-misunderstood condition.

Starting from scratch meant wearing many hats. I managed the planning, outreach, and administrative work myself, often late into the night after a full workday. I knew that relying solely on outside funding wasn’t feasible at the beginning, so investing my own resources was the only way to get the organization off the ground. That personal investment allowed me to build a strong foundation to support families, educate communities, and amplify the voices of sickle cell warriors.
Looking back, self-funding taught me that passion and persistence can overcome many obstacles. It wasn’t just a financial decision; it was a demonstration of dedication, belief in the mission, and the understanding that even small beginnings can create meaningful, lasting change. I’m also grateful for the support of my husband and family, whose encouragement and help made it possible to navigate the challenges and continue building an organization that truly makes a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myafriamericanworld.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myafricanamericanworld/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeBraveSayitBelieveit
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ade-ejiofor-7a086984/
• Twitter: https://x.com/MYAFRIAMERICAN
• Youtube: UCBhrI6bf5IiYy55oz77uGng