Event Specialist • Entrepreneur • Emerging Global Business Leader
I am Stephanie Ojone James (formerly Stephanie Ojone Omachonu), an Event Specialist, Entrepreneur, and emerging global business leader passionate about building sustainable businesses and meaningful experiences across Africa. My journey has been shaped by service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to empowering young people and small businesses to thrive.
Guiding Young Minds Toward Sustainable Solutions
From 2021 to 2022, I served as a Volunteer Program Facilitator for Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN)’s Integrated Company Program.
JAN is part of Junior Achievement Worldwide – the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit economic education organization operating in over 100 countries. During this period, I delivered an internationally recognized business and economics curriculum to about 30 high-school students, who under my guidance formed a company called Purple Energy. Their project focused on a climate-friendly solution to environmental pollution and energy shortages by converting plastic waste into usable energy products, promoting Nigeria’s circular economy model.
My hands-on mentorship ensured the students were deeply involved in both planning and execution. By the end of the cycle, they successfully designed, fabricated, and tested a plastic-waste recycling machine capable of producing energy inputs that can be reintegrated into industrial processes completing the recycling loop. Notably, the project earned commendation from Professor Olukayode Oladipo, a renowned climate expert, who described it as a remarkable feat
Founder Moments
In 2021, final year of my Bachelor’s program I started an Event Planning Company – Stepharez Events LTD. Between 2021 and 2023 I successfully delivered a wide range of high-profile event projects event projects (as seen here: Stepharez). From notable corporate functions to major social celebrations.
Beyond building a business that consistently delivered excellence, I am most proud of the impact it created. Over 150 young people were able to meaningful part-time work and as a result many were able to support themselves and fund their education.
In 2023 I was selected as one of the 100 brightest minds for the Ventures in Management Program (ViMP) at the prestigious Lagos Business School.
ViMP is highly competitive program that equips young graduates / professionals with advanced entrepreneurial knowledge and strong work-readiness skills.
During the program, I and members of my cohort explored compelling case studies that mirrored real-world business challenges. This helped to enhance my critical thinking as well as deepen my understanding of business ethics, marketing, finance, and strategy.
More on Social Impact
From 2022 to 2023, I served as the Project Coordinator at Etiquette Africa Initiative. Here, I led the implementation of its pilot program reaching over 5,000 public high-school students across Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
Etiquette Africa Initiative is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting civility, personal refinement and confidence, empowering individuals to thrive in both personal and professional environments. The organization’s mission echoes Justice Clarence Thomas’s belief that “Good manners will open doors of opportunity where the best education cannot.”
I firmly believe that personal refinement is not only complementary to formal education but also essential for both individual and societal advancement. Its influence on confidence, communication, and leadership makes it a powerful tool for the success of young people in business, the workplace, and life more broadly.
Contributing and leading the execution of this pilot project has remained a fulfilling social-impact experience for me.
Research Work
My Bachelor’s thesis was a particularly a fulfilling journey, as it allowed me to explore a topic I am deeply passionate about. My research assessed the influence of SME performance in Nigeria, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities that shape one of the country’s most critical economic sectors.
Served as Club Treasurer for a Toastmasters club in my city.
Efficiently managed the club finances while improving my communication and leadership skills.
A Mind Readily Hungry for Knowledge
While the world was on a global lockdown in 2020, I served as a delegate alongside 500 brilliant minds from over 10 countries in a United Nations Assembly Simulation, researching and finding solutions to real world problems.
International Model United Nations (IMUN) is an academic simulation where students act as diplomats to debate and solve global issues, similar to the United Nations.
As a delegate I conducted research on my assigned country, collaborated with international peers, and proposed solutions to pressing global problems. Through this experience, I strengthened my skills in diplomacy, public speaking, critical thinking, and international relations.
CAREER GROWTH
In 2024, I received an offer to join the commercial team of a Hilton property in Abuja Nigeria, becoming the first ever Event Planner hired to support the event segment of the business.
In this role I provide event coordination support for large scale and high-profile events ensuring operational efficiency and maximum client satisfaction. In doing so, I help fuel revenue growth through customer retention and revenue generation through event sales.
International Model United Nations (IMUN) is an academic simulation where students act as diplomats to debate and solve global issues, similar to the United Nations.
As a delegate I conducted research on my assigned country, collaborated with international peers, and proposed solutions to pressing global problems. Through this experience, I strengthened my skills in diplomacy, public speaking, critical thinking, and international relations.