Meet Our Daffodil, Pearlé.

Meet Pearlé Nwaezigwe. She was born in 1994 and went to secondary school in Louisville Girl College, Abuja, Nigeria.

Who were you in secondary school? As a young girl growing up in an all-girls Catholic school, I was given the freedom to explore my passions without fear of judgment. I was an extroverted individual, eager to try new things and make the most of my time at Louisville Girls High School. I participated in drama clubs, played basketball, and ran track for my house, all while learning valuable lessons about discipline and independence. But it was my faith that truly shaped me during this time. As a 15-year-old, I was appointed Chapel Prefect, responsible for the spiritual well-being of my school. I remember the moment I was nominated, and how I immediately went to the chapel to pledge my service to God. From that moment on, I knew that my path was set, and I have never wavered in my devotion to His Church. The memories I have and the person I have become because of my time at Louisville Girls High School will always hold a special place in my heart.

Who are you now? As an independent woman, I fearlessly pursue my dreams with unwavering determination. My faith in God guides every step I take, allowing me to take risks and explore different careers and cultures without hesitation. Living outside my comfort zone has been a constant for me, and I have learned to accept challenges and rejections with grace. I blaze my own trail and create my own path, never afraid to tread the less-traveled road. I am a force to be reckoned with, commanding attention in any room, yet humble enough to pay it forward to the next generation of women. With God by my side, I am unstoppable.

What dreams did you have when you were younger? As a young girl, my dreams were big and bold. I wanted to be the President of Nigeria or the Attorney General, fighting for justice and leading my country to a brighter future. At just 16 years old, I even created my own utopia, "Wayziland," where I was the President and my classmates were the citizens. My passion for leadership and creating impact was evident even then. In my high school yearbook, I wrote about bringing about a "Nwazi-revolution" - a testament to my deep desire to bring positive change to my society. Even though my dreams have evolved over time, the drive to make a difference remains the same.

Have they changed over time? As I look back on my youthful dreams, I realize that my dreams have not changed, only evolved. While my desire to be the President may not be as strong as it once was, I am open to any opportunities that may arise. But more importantly, my passion to make a difference and leave a lasting impact has only grown stronger in my 20s. During my college days at the University of Lagos, I had the opportunity to attend a Model UN Conference in America, but I was disheartened to see that not every student could afford to attend these conferences. This experience led me and my friends to start our own local Model UN, providing equal opportunities for all students. Now, 7 years later, "Lagos Model UN" is still running strong. As I have grown older and taken on a job in tech policy, I have used my platform to help young professionals break into the field. I have even jokingly referred to myself as the "Yoncé of Tech Policy," and the name has stuck.

Talk to us about your other interests. What do you do for fun?

When it comes to my personal interests, I am a woman of many passions. One thing that brings me endless joy is dancing to the music of Beyoncé, especially her new Renaissance album. Dancing is my favorite form of cardio and I love nothing more than letting loose on the dance floor at a club with good music all night long. Another passion of mine is creating. Whether it's designing, writing or any other form of self-expression, when I get an idea in my head, I can sit for hours bringing it to life. It's a form of liberation for me, a way to explore new things beyond my professional or career path. It's these interests that keep me balanced, and remind me to take a step back from the daily grind and do something I truly enjoy. Whether it's dancing to my favorite artist, or creating something new, these activities remind me that life is meant to be lived to the fullest.

Did any of these interests influence your passion?

Absolutely. Beyoncé has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Her music has the power to make me feel fearless, and I often turn to it when I need a boost of confidence, whether before an interview or big presentation. Her work ethic, creativity, and ability to take up space have all greatly influenced my own passions and drive. Listening to her music, particularly "That Girl" gives me the inspiration and motivation to work hard, overcome challenges and blaze my own trail. Her lyrics remind me that "These MFs aren't stopping me" and to always strive for greatness. I am constantly reminded that with hard work, determination, and the right inspiration, anything is possible. Beyoncé's music has played a crucial role in shaping my passions and my drive to make an impact.

When did you realize you were interested in Human Rights?

It was during my high school years that I first realized my passion for human rights. As I watched the news and saw the injustices faced by women, particularly in terms of education and support, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anger and frustration. But it wasn't until I attended Model UN conferences in college that I fully understood the scale of human rights abuses plaguing our society. The experience was a turning point for me and I knew then that I needed to do something to make a positive impact. I threw myself into my studies, taking courses in international law and human rights to deepen my understanding of the issues. I wanted to arm myself with the knowledge and tools to make a real difference in the world. And since then, I have been committed to using my skills, knowledge and resources to fight for human rights and bring about a fair and just society.

What/Who inspired/helped you take your passion to the next level?

My journey in the field of human rights has been shaped by many people, but there is one person who stands out as a major inspiration and guide - my college professor Alexa Koenig. Her expertise in the intersection of human rights and technology was truly transformative for me. It was under her guidance that I discovered my passion for tech policy and how it relates to human rights. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is all too common for online rights to be overlooked or neglected. Professor Koenig taught me the importance of working to fill that gap, and it's a mission I continue to carry with me today. Her passion and knowledge were instrumental in taking my own passion for human rights to the next level, and I am forever grateful for her guidance and mentorship.

Were there any discouraging factors in your process?

As I embarked on my journey in the field of tech policy, I quickly realized that this field was not widely understood or recognized. Many people tend to associate tech with engineering or product management, and it was difficult to break into a space that was relatively unknown. Another major obstacle I faced was the age and experience gap. The professionals in this field were much older and more experienced than I was, and it was a challenge to be taken seriously as a young lawyer entering this field. Additionally, my passion for tech policy was vastly different from that of most of my colleagues in the legal profession, who tend to work in law firms or as in-house counsel. It was a lonely and discouraging process, but I refused to let those obstacles discourage me from pursuing my passion.

Did your secondary school play any role in elevating/deterring this passion? My secondary school, Louisville Girls High School, played a crucial role in shaping my passion for tech policy. As a boarding school, it taught me how to live outside my comfort zone and to create my own path. This mindset helped me to not be discouraged when faced with obstacles in my pursuit of a career in tech policy. Instead, my high school experiences only intensified my desire to break through and succeed in this field. Also with my growing faith in God, I knew that nothing was impossible with Him by my side.

Do you think secondary schools encourage students’ entrepreneurial minds? To a large extent, I think that secondary schools play a crucial role in encouraging students' entrepreneurial minds. In my case, attending boarding school at a young age taught me the valuable skills of independence, time management, and organization. These skills allowed me to pursue multiple passions and gave me the confidence to achieve my goals. It's an environment that encourages students to take charge of their own lives, set goals and work towards achieving them. It's a breeding ground for entrepreneurship and creating one's own path.

What are the most difficult & most rewarding aspects of doing Tech Policy consultations? As a tech policy consultant, the most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing young professionals succeed in the field. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that I played a small part in helping them achieve their goals and make an impact in the tech world. On the flip side, the most difficult aspect of my work is often the lack of understanding and recognition of what I do. The field of tech policy is not widely understood, and it can be frustrating to have to explain my job countless times. It can feel like talking to a brick wall, but I know that this is part of the journey and the more I persevere, the more I will be able to make a difference in the field.

Have you ever wanted to give up? Why? As an entrepreneur the road to success can be filled with obstacles and disappointments. There have been many times when I've wanted to give up, particularly when faced with rejection after putting my best foot forward in interviews. It's hard to shake off the feeling of not being good enough, especially when others have more qualifications or experience. Another factor that can make it difficult to keep going is the expectation that you should share your knowledge and expertise for free. As a consultant, it can be challenging to monetize your content, and it can feel like an uphill battle to be compensated for the value you bring to the table. Despite these challenges, I've learned that perseverance is key. Every rejection, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. And I remind myself that my passion and drive will take me where I need to go.

Where do you see Tech Policy Consultants in 3 years? In three years, I see my business as a leading global consulting firm, working with startups and helping them scale their safety initiatives and policies. I want to be the go-to resource for companies looking to navigate the complex world of tech policy. One of my primary goals is to empower and educate young professionals, helping them to launch their careers in this field. I want to be a mentor and guide, helping the next generation of tech leaders to make a real impact. I see a future where my business is a respected and reputable leader in the tech policy space, known for its ability to help companies navigate the ever-evolving landscape of tech policy and create a safer, more secure online world.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years? In three years, I see myself as a thought leader in the field of tech policy and a sought-after paid speaker. I hope to share my ideas and insights on the TED stage and bring attention to the importance of tech policy on a global scale. I envision myself as a respected voice in the industry, inspiring others to enter the field and make a positive impact in the digital world. I see myself as a trailblazer, leading the way for young professionals and making an impact on a global scale.

Whether you know it or not, we think you’re inspirational. With how you’ve gone about life so far, any words of advice to someone reading this? My advice to anyone reading this is to never settle for mediocrity. It's a fear that I've always had in my life, the fear of living an ordinary life. I strive to live an extraordinary life and I hope that by reading this, you'll be inspired to do the same. People will often expect you to follow the same path they've taken, but don't be afraid to blaze your own trail. You are more than basic, you have unique talents, passions and abilities. Be unapologetic about who you are, and what you want to achieve in life. If you're a spiritual person, find your center and let your beliefs guide you. Stand firm in what you know is right and have faith that with God/Allah/Universe on your side, there's nothing you can't achieve. So, be bold, be fearless, and never let anyone dull your shine.

Do you have any advice for IgeLead & what we’re trying to do? I think the IgeLead initiative is fantastic! Inspiring young minds to become leaders starts at the grassroots level, and I am reminded of why I started on my own journey. It's easy to get bogged down by the pressures of our 20s, but the real seeds of leadership are planted much earlier, during our formative teenage years. Thank you for reminding me of that. Keep reminding young people that they are exceptional and have the potential to make a real impact in the world. Keep planting those seeds, and watch them grow into leaders.

Thanks for growing with us!