BIOGRAPHY
FULL BIO
Tolu Olubunmi
Founder and CEO, Lions Write
Tolu Olubunmi is a global strategist, social entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Lions Write, a social impact consultancy driving cross-sector collaboration at the intersection of migration, democracy, and climate action. Through Lions Write, she designs and leads initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices and build bridges between corporations, governments, and civil society to solve complex global challenges.
Her latest project, How To Speak American (HTSA)—the pilot of the global How To Speak series—empowers new Americans to find their voice in democracy through storytelling and civic engagement. The series envisions expanding globally to celebrate and strengthen democracy in nations around the world, illustrating Tolu’s belief that citizenship is not a legal status, but an affirmation of belonging and shared responsibility.
Tolu’s work and voice have shaped national and international dialogue for more than a decade. She helped build the largest immigrant youth movement in U.S. history, worked with the Obama White House to advance inclusive policy initiatives, and continues to serve as a trusted advisor to global institutions. Her leadership has been recognized by the World Economic Forum, which named her one of 15 Women Changing the World and an Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur. She has appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine and been featured by NBC, BBC, US News & World Report, and MSNBC.
Tolu has served as a senior strategist at the United Nations, where she led the flagship ActNow climate action campaign, mobilizing governments, businesses, and citizens to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis. She also hosts Microsoft’s UN Innovation Room Series, a docu-series highlighting how UN agencies are reimagining innovation to advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
A graduate of Washington and Lee University with a degree in Chemistry-Engineering, Tolu serves on the Board of Advisors at The Williams School. She has spoken at the United Nations, World Bank, White House, and U.S. Congress, as well as top universities including Columbia University, New York University, and Washington and Lee University.
Known for her warmth, wit, and ability to connect deeply with audiences, Tolu brings intellect and authenticity to every stage. Whether delivering a keynote, moderating a high-level panel, or hosting a global convening, she moves audiences to think differently, act boldly, and imagine a more inclusive future.
SPEAKER BIO
Tolu Olubunmi
Founder and CEO, Lions Write
Tolu Olubunmi is a global strategist and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of migration, democracy, and climate action. She is the founder and CEO of Lions Write, a social impact consultancy building cross-sector collaborations that amplify underrepresented voices and drive systemic change.
Through Lions Write, Tolu leads How To Speak American (HTSA)—the pilot of the global How To Speak series—an initiative designed to strengthen democracy through storytelling and civic engagement.
Her work has shaped national and international dialogue for more than a decade, including helping build the largest immigrant youth movement in U.S. history and working with the Obama White House. She has served as a strategist for the United Nations, led the ActNow climate action campaign, and hosted Microsoft’s UN Innovation Room Series.
Named one of 15 Women Changing the World and an Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur by the World Economic Forum, Tolu has appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine and is a sought-after speaker known for inspiring audiences to think boldly and act collectively.
