Tosin
“As a woman of color in America, I have a deep understanding that the mantle that I carry is not for self alone, but for a tribe of other strong and beautiful women behind, beside, and ahead of me from whom I draw my strength. I sometimes find myself sitting fearlessly at tables where only a few look like me; still, I sit because I know I deserve to be there, and I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
Tosin is a thoughtful and dynamic leader who cares deeply for others. Her independent identity was shaped by her decision to move from Nigeria to the United States in her teenage years in order to obtain a degree in nursing. Soon her determination to help others extended beyond the medical field, shifting her seamlessly into her philanthropic pursuits. As the Executive Director and Founder of Food and Care For All (FCFA) she works extensively to make goods and services such as nutritious foods, medical care, and health education accessible to underserved communities. Through organizing and executing local events in her home state of Maryland and in regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, she is helping to aid and empower marginalized groups experiencing hardship. Meet Tosin. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
T: I’m Oluwatosin Olateju. People call me Tosin. A 35-year-old Nigerian-born woman. Mum to two adorable boys, a wife, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. I’m a public health nurse, entrepreneur, and non-profit leader currently based in Elkridge, Maryland. I am enthusiastic about fashion, arts, and nature in general. I enjoy learning new things, traveling, and meeting new people. I also love cooking, swimming, singing karaoke, being outdoor with friends, listening to music, watching movies, and engaging in community service.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
T: Driven, compassionate, hardworking, beautiful soul, and positive being. Empathetic, adventurous, goal-oriented, and team player.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
T: I am caring and loyal. I love advocating for the needs of others who are disadvantaged. In addition, I have a creative mind, a good sense of humor, and a positive outlook on life.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
T: In my late teenage years, I moved to the United States alone from Nigeria. That decision was by far the most challenging yet most rewarding choice I ever made. I missed my family a lot, and not having them around was particularly difficult for me as I tried to navigate nursing school while working two jobs to keep a roof over my head. However, I was determined to never give up on my dreams no matter how hard the obstacles were; therefore, survival was my paramount goal. When I look back, I owe the woman I am today to that experience because it made me stronger.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
T: Keep smiling and worry less, do not underestimate yourself, never stop doing things that give you life, don’t let anyone ever tell you your dreams are too big; time is finite, so make every day count.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
T: Being a woman means embracing my femininity as my strength and expressing it to the world in my authentic way, daring to walk in courage through the arduous path to achieving my purpose even when the road is lonely. It means being a good role model to people around me. It also means trusting that I am the perfect amount of me, believing that I am more than enough, and silencing the voices that say I am too much. As a woman of color in America, I have a deep understanding that the mantle that I carry is not for self alone, but for a tribe of other strong and beautiful women behind, beside, and ahead of me from whom I draw my strength. I sometimes find myself sitting fearlessly at tables where only a few look like me; still, I sit because I know I deserve to be there, and I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to them if they were here now?
T: I have a long list of women around the world who inspire me. I am also fortunate to be surrounded by strong, beautiful, and phenomenal women as mentors, friends, relatives, and colleagues. On a personal level, I’ll say my mum. I admire her generosity, strength, resilience, and sacrifice for our family.
