In the landscape of professional networking, diversity and representation are crucial elements often overlooked. Enter Kike Oniwinde, the visionary founder behind the Black Young Professional (BYP) Network, a beacon of empowerment and connection for black professionals globally. Inspired by her experiences studying abroad and encountering the challenges faced by talented black students, Oniwinde was determined to reshape the narrative. Established in 2016, BYP Network quickly emerged as a vital platform, often dubbed the “LinkedIn for black professionals.” Its inception coincided with the Black Lives Matter movement, reflecting a pivotal moment in societal consciousness. Today, with over 30,000 members and counting, BYP Network serves as a catalyst for change, offering a myriad of resources and opportunities for professional growth.
Central to BYP Network’s success is its innovative approach, leveraging technology to bridge gaps and foster community. Through an intuitive app interface, members gain access to professional development blogs, newsletters, leadership podcasts, events, and mentorship opportunities. The platform’s partnerships with industry giants like Google, Facebook, and Accenture underscore its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Oniwinde’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Recognized in the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list for 2019, she continues to chart new heights. With major backing from Sky Corporation and the London Stock Exchange, as well as surpassing equity crowdfunding targets, Oniwinde’s vision is gaining momentum.
A closer look at Oniwinde’s background reveals a trailblazer with a diverse skill set. From internships at global financial institutions like Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs to a stint as a Business Development Executive at iwoca, her journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Education-wise, Oniwinde holds a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Florida Warrington College of Business, complementing her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Nottingham. Her commitment to continuous learning and growth serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals.
Looking ahead, Oniwinde’s ambitions for BYP Network are nothing short of transformative. With plans to scale the team and expand membership to 500,000 users, coupled with revenue targets from corporate partnerships, the sky’s the limit. With over 1.2 million black people of working age in the UK alone and a global recruiting market valued at $250 billion, the growth potential for BYP Network is vast. Just where representation matters more than ever, Kike Oniwinde and BYP Network stand as evolving peaks hope and opportunity. As Oniwinde herself once said, “Change begins with us,” and with BYP Network leading the charge, the future looks brighter than ever before.
