Zainab Sanni, affectionately known as Omotola, embodies resilience, curiosity, and a deep passion for making a difference—a hallmark of the younger generation committed to change. A recent graduate of the University of Lagos with a degree in electrical and electronics engineering, Omotola’s journey has been anything but conventional. Her path is marked by exploration, self-discovery, and a profound commitment to creating a positive impact.
Rooted in Lagos, Nigeria, Omotola’s personal connection to climate change stems from her immediate surroundings. Lagos, defined by two primary seasons—dry and rainy—has seen increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. “Sometimes it rains for six months nonstop,” she reflects. “But lately, the weather has been so terrible and different. Even during the rainy season, it’s always hot, like nothing is working.” These erratic shifts, coupled with limited awareness about climate change in her community, inspired Omotola to take action.
Her story began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic when her studies were disrupted. Rather than waiting for normalcy to return, Omotola embraced online opportunities in content creation and marketing, gaining invaluable experience as a content manager. Yet, despite her success, doubts lingered. Wasn’t she supposed to follow her engineering peers into the world of tech?
“I was good at marketing, but I kept feeling like I should be doing something else because of my background,” she recalls. In search of clarity, Omotola explored product management, front-end development, and freelancing. However, her passion for marketing and desire to make a tangible impact remained steadfast.
A turning point came in August 2024 at a Women in Tech event. A conversation with a coach at the event helped her reframe her perspective. “It changed the course of my story,” she shares. “I started appreciating marketing for what it was—something I loved and excelled at.”
Omotola’s commitment to the environment also took shape in grassroots actions. Alongside friends, she regularly organized plastic cleanups in her community, advocating for recycling and educating others about the dangers of plastic pollution. “Here in Nigeria, we don’t have a lot of organizations that talk about the impacts of climate change,” she explains. “So when I found out about the Constellations Fellowship, and I saw the impact these roles could have on society, I thought, ‘Yes, I can finally do something related to climate.’”
The Constellations Fellowship provided Omotola with a platform to align her professional skills with her passion for sustainability. When she was selected for a fellowship with Climatize, a climate finance-focused organization, reached out, it felt like the perfect fit.
Since joining Climatize, Omotola has thrived. “The fellowship was the best part of my 2024,” she beams. She has sharpened her skills, mastered new tools, and contributed to impactful campaigns—all within a supportive team environment. Weekly shoutouts from her colleagues have bolstered her confidence and helped her overcome impostor syndrome.
Beyond professional growth, the fellowship has solidified Omotola’s career aspirations. She envisions herself as a leader in lifecycle and product marketing, a trajectory that feels both exciting and fulfilling. With a job offer from Climatize and a renewed sense of purpose, Omotola is well on her way to making a lasting impact in the climate space.
Her journey, though not without challenges, exemplifies the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and the courage to follow one’s unique path. Her advice to future fellows? “Believe in yourself. Don’t overthink it. The fellowship is a great way to grow, learn, and make a difference.”
Omotola Sanni’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the journey itself often reveals our true calling. Through her determination and dedication, she continues to inspire others to embrace their passions and drive meaningful change.