We’re looking forward to introducing you to Crystal Ifekoya. Check out our conversation below.
Crystal, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about alignment—spiritually, mentally, and strategically. I start with quiet prayer and devotion, centering myself and seeking God’s guidance for the day. This time grounds me and keeps my heart aligned with my purpose.
After that, I review my priorities—checking my planner, calendar, and task list for both WHOW and BOSS Encounters. I look at which projects, events, or clients need my focus and decide what must be done first to move things forward. I like to approach my work with intention, so I map out blocks of time for creative work, strategic planning, and follow-ups.
Before diving into meetings or emails, I also spend a few moments in personal development—reading, listening to something motivating, or jotting down ideas. Those early moments are sacred for setting the tone of my day: rooted in faith, fueled by purpose, and focused on impact.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Crystal Ifekoya, a faith-driven entrepreneur, community builder, and the founder of multiple ventures rooted in empowerment and transformation. I lead the WHOW Organization (Women Helping Other Women), a nonprofit that equips women to advance in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, while also running BOSS Encounters, where we help businesses elevate their brand through web design, strategy, and training.
What makes my work unique is how I blend faith, purpose, and practical strategy—I don’t just focus on building businesses, I focus on building people. My journey has been about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and helping others see what’s possible when they walk in their assignment. Right now, I’m expanding WHOW’s programs, scaling BOSS Encounters’ training services, and curating events that celebrate women’s growth and impact.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I had to shrink who I was to be accepted—that being “too much,” too ambitious, too outspoken, or too different would make people uncomfortable. I thought blending in was safer than standing out.
Now, I know my voice, vision, and boldness are gifts—not liabilities. I no longer feel the need to dim my light to make others comfortable. Instead, I embrace the fullness of who I am, knowing I was created to lead, to build, and to help others rise.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the deepest wounds of my life came early. I was thrown in a trash can as a child—treated like I was disposable. I endured abuse, became a mother of two before I was 18, dropped out of school, and spent two years living in a shelter with no support system, feeling invisible and unworthy.
Healing came when I finally stopped believing I was the brokenness I had survived. My faith saved me—I found my worth in God when the world offered me none. I rebuilt from nothing, piece by piece, creating the love, stability, and support I never had. Those wounds became the fire behind my purpose, and now I pour that same hope and strength into helping other women rise through my work with WHOW and BOSS Encounters. I went from School drop out Master’s Degree, Homeless to Homeowner, from Employee to Employer, From Fear to Faith!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building a legacy of empowerment for women—especially those who’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or counted out like I once was. Through WHOW and BOSS Encounters, I’m creating spaces, programs, and opportunities that break generational cycles and open doors to education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
No matter how long it takes, I’ll keep showing up until women know their power, own their voice, and walk boldly in their purpose—because this isn’t just a project to me, it’s part of my assignment.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was a woman who turned pain into purpose and never stopped believing in others—even when they didn’t believe in themselves. That I loved fiercely, led boldly, and poured everything I had into helping women rise, build, and heal.
I want my story to be that I created spaces where people felt seen, safe, and empowered to become who God called them to be—and that because I lived, countless others discovered they could soar.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whownetwork.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whownetwork/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whow-organization
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whoworganization
Image Credits
Lily Chris Photography
Finally Focus Photography
