Lola Oyinloye

Who or what has motivated you to build a more sustainable world?

 My biggest source of motivation is my mother. Before she passed away, she dedicated her life to helping others and always encouraged me to pursue my education and strive to become the best version of myself. Her strength and generosity continue to shape how I show up in the world and why I care about the impact I have. 

How did your experience in finance inspire you to pursue a career in international development?

While working as an FX derivatives analyst at JP Morgan, I saw how global political and economic systems affect countries in uneven ways. I was exposed to how investors viewed different regions and how some countries had access to opportunities that others did not. 

That experience made global inequality feel both very real and very personal. As someone who cares deeply about social impact and advocates for women’s rights, I wanted to better understand these systems and how they shape disparities. Ultimately, I wanted to learn how economic and financial tools could be used to support women’s empowerment and long-term development. 

What recent experiences have shaped your perspective on addressing development challenges?

I’ve had the opportunity to attend several global policy summits at the United Nations. This experience taught me how important community and listening are when it comes to advocacy. I’ve learned that meaningful change doesn’t start with having the loudest voice or the quickest solution, but with taking the time to understand people’s realities. 

How do you hope to use MadameBody, the platform you’ve founded, to inspire and encourage others?

MadameBody is still in its early stages, but it reflects my commitment to listening and developing meaningful relationships. My goal is to create a safe space where women feel comfortable talking openly about their health. I hope to apply what I’ve learned about community building to grow something supportive, thoughtful and truly responsive to women’s needs. 

How has the Master in International Development changed the way you think about international development and social impact?

The program has challenged me to slow down and sit with complexity. I used to believe that development solutions could be applied broadly, but I now understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

I’ve learned how important it is to engage directly with the people most affected by change and to design solutions alongside them. This shift in thinking has helped me see development as a collaborative and ongoing process, rather than a set of fixed answers. 

How has your international cohort impacted your experience and influenced your approach to problem-solving?

Learning alongside classmates from over 20 countries has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at IE University. Everyone brings different perspectives shaped by their culture, history and personal experiences. 

At the same time, I’m often reminded of how much we have in common. These similarities and differences make our conversations, both in and out of class, richer and more honest. My cohort has pushed me to approach problem-solving with more openness, curiosity and empathy.