Next-Generation Leader Profile: Boluwatife Sofola

It was 7:25 p.m. in Nigeria when Boluwatife Sofola joined our call. Her workday was long over, but she showed up bright-eyed, smiling, and excited to talk about what drives her. Being part of United Way’s Next Generation Leaders Initiative is an honor. So is being named a One Young World delegate. Tife, as her colleagues call her, is one of the few to be selected for both. But if you’ve met her, it tracks. She’s full of energy, ready to learn, and always keeps her focus on others.

Tife started as a volunteer at United Way Greater Nigeria. She gave her time, pitched in wherever she was needed, and kept showing up. That led to her role as Programs Officer, and eventually to her current role as Programs Manager. Now she leads United Way’s work across education, health, and financial stability. She also works closely with the volunteer network that helped shape her early experience.

Her passion for this work comes from personal experience. Tife grew up in Lagos, where her mom ran a busy salon. But when the family moved to a rural community, the difference in access was clear. “I knew what urban life was like,” she says. “And I could see what was missing.” She credits her parents’ commitment to education with setting her on a different path. “The difference between me and some of my friends was just the power of education.”

That insight shapes everything she does—especially the Skill to Employment Program (STEP) she now runs. STEP helps young people learn in-demand skills, connect with local internships, and build sustainable careers. Every graduate is asked to pass it on by mentoring someone else. “We want them to create a ripple effect. One person trains one more person. That’s how we grow real impact.”

It doesn't just teach leadership. It helps you think ahead and prepare your community for whatever comes."

Tife sees both leadership programs as powerful tools for building a better future. “Next Gen is so well-rounded,” she says. “It doesn’t just teach leadership. It helps you think ahead and prepare your community for whatever comes.”  

As she looks forward to connecting with other global changemakers through One Young World, she’s already thinking about how to bring those lessons home.

Five years from now, she hopes to be helping even more young people find their path. “One of my biggest achievements will be someone saying, ‘I can now do this, because Tife believed in me.’”