Alero Sandra O.

Alero Sandra Ogholi. is an accomplished and passionate community development leader with a strong focus on social impact and grassroots empowerment. She brings over eight years of experience in creating inclusive, sustainable solutions to address Africa’s most pressing challenges, particularly those related to women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment. As the Founder and Executive Director of Rural Development and Reformation Foundation (RUDERF) and OLEJU, Alero has been at the forefront of advocating for equitable access to education, empowering women and youth, and driving economic development within underserved communities in Nigeria.
Alero holds an MBA from China Europe Business School and an MA in English Language, along with a BA Ed. She also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Management in Community Service from a leading Canadian institution. Her academic credentials are complemented by various professional certifications, including Social Entrepreneurship from Northwestern University and Civil Engagement and Leadership from GIMPA. These qualifications underpin her expertise in grassroots mobilization, nonprofit leadership, community development, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and fundraising.
As a dynamic social entrepreneur, Alero has initiated and led numerous impactful programs aimed at bridging gaps in education, financial inclusion, and community development. She is the co-founder of Cotrust Equity Limited, a fintech company that enhances financial inclusion for small businesses in Nigeria, and she actively contributes to the growth of the ECOSEED—an initiative focused on enabling women to launch climate change-friendly businesses. Alero’s work is a testament to her commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality while promoting sustainable economic growth.
Alero’s leadership has earned her several prestigious recognitions, including the LEAP Africa Social Innovators Award (2017/2018), Google Impact Africa Award (2019), United Nations Nigeria Beijing Champion (2020), Global Good Fund LEAP Fellow (2020), and Donors for Africa 100 Outstanding Social Entrepreneurs Award (2021). In 2022, she was honored as one of the 100 Most Inspiring Women in Africa by Leading Ladies Africa.
Her work extends beyond national borders, having contributed significantly to global social change as a Beijing Champion with UN Women in the Intergenerational Dialogue Program and as a Steering Committee Leader for the National Youth GEWE Network in Nigeria. Alero’s influence spans across various sectors, including policy advocacy, women’s empowerment, youth development, and community engagement, driving impactful change at both the grassroots and policy levels.
Alero is also an active mentor and advisor, using her platform, Impact From a Box (ImpactFAB), to support young girls and aspiring social entrepreneurs. She provides consultation, guidance, and mentorship to individuals looking to make a meaningful social impact, particularly those interested in starting or scaling their own projects. Through her dedicated advocacy, leadership, and commitment to sustainable development, Alero continues to inspire and empower communities to thrive.
Currently, Alero divides her time between working with nonprofits and community support organizations in Canada, helping them achieve their fundraising and program management objectives, and overseeing initiatives in Nigeria that are close to her heart. She remains an influential figure in the social impact space, driving positive change across continents.
Connect with Alero through her social media handles or LinkedIn to learn more about her work and initiatives.