Nadia Eke’s life has been a testament to the transformative power of sports. Growing up in Accra, Ghana, athletics became her means of self-expression, a way to connect with the world, and an escape from circumstances that could have limited her potential. For Nadia, sports were never just about winning—though her career as a multi-time Ivy League Champion, four-time NCAA All-American, African Champion, and Olympian certainly reflects that. It was about developing the resilience, confidence, and discipline that shaped her character and led her to pursue higher education at Columbia University, where she continued to excel both academically and athletically.

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As a Black woman in America, Nadia quickly realized that her journey wasn’t just about athletic achievement—it was about navigating a society that often sought to diminish her worth. Facing systemic barriers that many cannot fully understand, Nadia learned how to thrive in environments where she was often the only person who looked like her. Sports empowered her to develop the resilience needed to rise above these challenges, succeed in spaces that were not always welcoming, and break down barriers in ways that went beyond the field.

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This is why Nadia is passionate about sharing her experiences with Black girls who are on a similar path. She believes it’s crucial for these girls to see themselves in the places they aspire to be—whether that’s on the field, in the boardroom, or beyond. Nadia knows it’s vital for them to realize they are worthy of success and that their identity is not limited by the world’s perceptions of them. Through sports, they can build leadership skills that will help them break barriers and thrive in all aspects of life.

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LeadHER was born out of Nadia’s desire to ensure that Black girls have the same opportunities she had—opportunities to see themselves as leaders and to know they can achieve greatness in sports and beyond. Through the program, Nadia is committed to giving these young women the tools to thrive, build their confidence, and use sports as a vehicle to launch successful lives. It’s about teaching them how to leverage their athletic experiences to navigate the world with resilience and purpose, empowering them to rise above challenges and lead with power.