We recently connected with Crystal Ifekoya and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Crystal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

One of the most unexpected challenges WHOW faced was a sudden funding shortage right before launching one of our core programs. We had secured commitments from community partners and planned every detail — venue, speakers, materials, and marketing. Then, just weeks before the event, one of our primary funding sources fell through.

It was a moment of real testing. We had women counting on us, and canceling wasn’t an option. The uncertainty was stressful — trying to stretch limited resources while maintaining the same quality and impact. We gathered our team, prayed, and decided to move forward by scaling down expenses, leaning on volunteers, and using in-kind donations.

That experience taught us creativity and faith under pressure. We learned how to do more with less, developed stronger relationships with local sponsors, and created a new system for monthly giving to stabilize cash flow. It was humbling, but it also revealed our resilience and showed that our mission could not be stopped by financial setbacks — only strengthened by them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Crystal Ifekoya, Founder and Executive Director of WHOW – Women Helping Others Win, a faith-based organization created to empower women to rise in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. My journey into this work began with my own desire to see women restored—spiritually, mentally, and financially. I experienced firsthand how life’s challenges can make purpose feel distant, and I wanted to build something that would help women rediscover their strength, rebuild their confidence, and rewrite their stories.

Through WHOW, we create transformational programs, workshops, and conferences that equip women with the tools, resources, and community they need to succeed. Our signature programs—Dreamlife, WINGS, Kaleidoscope, Leadership, and the Butterfly Conference—focus on personal growth, leadership, and economic mobility. We address real-world barriers such as lack of access, mentorship, and financial stability, while providing practical pathways for advancement.

What sets WHOW apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just teach skills—we nurture the whole woman. Every initiative we launch is rooted in faith, community, and purpose. Our work blends empowerment with structure, offering mentorship, training, and spiritual encouragement that lead to sustainable growth.

I’m most proud of watching women who once felt overlooked stand in confidence, start businesses, finish school, and become leaders in their communities. For me, WHOW isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement reminding women that they are seen, equipped, and destined to win.

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

One of the biggest lessons we had to unlearn was believing that impact always requires large funding. In our early years, we often delayed projects because we were waiting for grants or sponsorships. We thought excellence depended on budget. But through experience, we discovered that purpose and creativity often produce greater impact than money alone.

When we finally moved forward with limited resources, we found that people rallied behind our mission. Community partners, volunteers, and even attendees offered their skills, time, and materials to make programs succeed. That shift changed everything — we learned to start with what we have, trust God with the rest, and let faith lead our strategy.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic, WHOW had to pivot quickly from in-person programs to virtual learning. Our workshops and mentoring sessions were designed for face-to-face connection, so moving online felt almost impossible at first. Many of the women we served didn’t have consistent access to technology, and we worried about losing engagement.

We adapted by simplifying our materials, offering recorded sessions, and creating digital toolkits that women could access from their phones. We also added one-on-one check-ins to maintain connection. That pivot not only allowed us to continue serving — it expanded our reach nationwide. What began as a survival strategy became a long-term strength, allowing WHOW to build a hybrid model that now connects women beyond our local community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whownetwork.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whownetwork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whoworganization
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whow-organization

Image Credits

FotoKopy LLC
Lily Chris Photography