The Sterling Leadership Series is a quarterly event that brings together visionary leaders and ambitious professionals. This quarter’s theme was “The Audacity to Do (The Fearless Generation)”, hosted by Sheila Ojei and featuring guest speaker Zuriel Oduwole. Zuriel Oduwole is a filmmaker, education advocate, and global changemaker. At just 10 years old, she began her journey by asking the president questions that adults wouldn’t dare ask —THE AUDACITY!!!

Through her platform, she has driven policies that expand access to education and create opportunities for young people. She was named one of 33 women who changed the world by ELLE magazine in 2015 and honored as “the world’s most powerful girl” by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in 2017 for her advocacy against child marriage and efforts to empower young girls through education.

Having the Audacity to do means dreaming big dreams and also acting on those dreams, if your dreams don’t scare you they are not big enough

Zuriel’s documentary, THE GHANA REVOLUTION, was initially a school project. While in Ghana, she noticed children out of school, which prompted her to start her education project, DREAM UP, SPEAK UP, STAND UP, at age 10. The project’s main goal was to teach children the importance of education. She has met with numerous presidents to discuss policy issues and continues to inspire a generation to dream, act, and lead with impact.

When asked about her parents’ reaction to her first project, Zuriel explained that they were a key driver, having always involved her and her siblings in public-related matters. Being audacious in today’s world means taking bold action despite uncertainty, resistance, or fear. It’s about challenging norms and is essential in business, leadership, activism, and personal growth.

For Zuriel, having the audacity to do means dreaming big and acting on those dreams.