A Changemaker on a Mission
Ivory Emeka-Oguagha’s journey started with a question many changemakers can relate to:
“What if young people had the support to truly thrive?”
As a teenager, she noticed how opportunities were often out of reach for brilliant young minds who lacked resources or guidance. It planted a seed in her heart to one day be the bridge that others needed.
Years later, that seed has grown into the Youths Sculptured in Palace Style (Y-SIPS) Foundation. Ivory is driven by the belief that young people are not just the future, they are the NOW. All they need is someone to believe in them, and support them to thrive.
Navigating the Tough Moments
Like many early-stage founders building from the ground up, Ivory has faced her share of challenges.
From limited funding and visibility to stretching herself thin across multiple responsibilities, the journey hasn’t been easy.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m doing so much with so little,” she shared. But despite the pressure, she continues to show up. Her faith, passion, and the impact she sees in the lives of the young people she serves keep her grounded.
For Ivory, every obstacle is a lesson. And every small win is a reminder that her work matters.
How TLP Impact Xcelerator Changed Her Lens
Joining TLP Impact Xcelerator was a turning point. Ivory described it as a moment of sharpening, where things she knew intuitively were now structured, named, and elevated.
“It helped me refine my approach to fundraising and storytelling. I learned to think long-term, build sustainable systems, and improve how we communicate our impact.”
More than the content, she found a community. “I now have access to a network of like-minded changemakers and professionals I can grow with and lean on.”
Scaling Hope, One Community at a Time!
Ivory has big dreams for what comes next. She wants to expand her programs to reach more young people, especially in underserved communities.
She is working to build a more structured team, access sustainable funding, and improve visibility so more partners can come alongside the work.
“I want to move from operating small to scaling our impact and visibility.”
Her vision is rooted in one powerful idea: that every young person deserves the opportunity to be seen, supported, and successful.
A Quote That Keeps Her Going
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” — Howard Zinn
This quote is more than a motto for Ivory. It’s a reflection of her everyday work.
Whether she’s empowering one youth or organizing a conference for dozens, she knows that small actions, done consistently, can ripple into something far greater.
For her, impact is not about being everywhere at once. It’s about doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.
Be the Spark; Support Her Project!
Ivory’s story is a reminder that changemakers are often everyday people who choose to care deeply, act boldly, and stay committed. And she’s just getting started.
If her journey resonates with you, be a light by supporting our Changemakers today!
Together, we can build a world where young people have everything they need to thrive.