Y4N Role: Global Ambassador
Location: Nigeria/Sweden
Pronouns: She/her
Languages: English
Favourite Quote: “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful” by Malala Yousafzai
Mary Motunrayo Ogunleye is a force to be reckoned with in climate advocacy and sustainability. With a Master's degree in sustainable forest and nature management, she combines her passion for the environment with a commitment to creating positive change.
Mary served as the treasurer at the International Forestry Students' Association, FUTA chapter (IFSA), where she managed the association's finances. She also honed her skills in resource management and supported initiatives promoting sustainable forestry practices. Her dedication to preserving our forests and educating others about their importance is unwavering.
At the helm of the Urban Tree Revival Initiative, Mary leads the charge in climate change advocacy campaigns, forest education, and restoration projects in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Her efforts in urban communities are not only restoring green spaces but also fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.
While serving in her national youth service, she fulfilled the role of project coordinator for the Sustainable Development Group. In this capacity, she was responsible for coordinating several projects aimed at achieving Goals 1, 2, 3, 6, and 13 key targets which included addressing communicable diseases, promoting climate action, and providing skills empowerment training for disabled children in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Her contribution demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
Mary's global perspective is evident in her role as a student representative during an IFSA-IUFRO-FE capacity-building webinar. She engaged key speakers from Europe and Africa on the differences in forest education, contributing to a global dialogue on enhancing forest education worldwide.
Selected as a COY18 GAU country contact person, Mary is harnessing the voices of Nigerian youth to address the impacts of climate change in local communities. She is also an active member of Youngo, a platform that empowers young people to drive sustainability efforts.
Mary's dedication to sustainability has earned her prestigious awards, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship in 2021. These accolades not only support her educational journey but also inspire her to continue making a significant impact on environmental conservation.