Thelma Okey-Adibe
Thelma (Dr Tee) is a very passionate and enthusiastic individual who is keen to empower communities. As a researcher, her interests are community development, financial inclusion, and gender justice. Thelma's desire to promote financial inclusion as an instrument for poverty alleviation, mobility, and empowerment resulted in a doctoral degree examining how micro-finance institutions can promote financial inclusion.
Dr Tee is a certified financial education instructor, and nothing gives her more satisfaction than seeing individuals, especially women, take ownership of their lives through improved financial capability. She is a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, where she teaches modules relating to society-promoting greater awareness and understanding of societal risks and how to mitigate them.
Dr Tee is a certified financial education instructor, and nothing gives her more satisfaction than seeing individuals, especially women, take ownership of their lives through improved financial capability. She is a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, where she teaches modules relating to society-promoting greater awareness and understanding of societal risks and how to mitigate them.
Dr Tee asserts, "It can be argued that financial exclusion is a risk to society and any economy. This, no doubt, has a multiplier effect, affecting general wellbeing negatively and pressurising already stretched systems and sectors (health, crime, justice, etc.)."
Outside of these roles, she volunteers with many organisations and in a diverse capacity as a trustee, member, Chair, and more. We had a chance to speak to Thelma about everything to do with financial freedom and the challenges faced by Black women concerning money.
In an interview, Thelma shared the following about the challenges and insights of the work she does.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in terms of intersectionality and/or financial independence?
As a start-up, it has been difficult trying to secure loans. However, we have grown our brand, Jezreel, to a point where we are self-managing. Our client base has grown thanks to satisfied, repeat clients who refer others to our organisation. However, as we expand, we will need financial support, and at this time, we hope the outcome will be markedly different.
Tell us more about yourself and what your goals in life look like. What are your interests? What are your fears?
We have developed a theory of change on where we'd like to see Jezreel in the next five years; a trusted brand building an effective and lean eco-system. This will promote social mobility for individuals whilst strengthening the groups that do incredible work in supporting communities. However, we realise that we need to work on doing it independently and must collaborate with like-minded organisations, including government agencies.
How has being involved with My Moon Landing helped you with mental health and financial independence?
As a trainer, whenever I am developing materials, I also evaluate my own circumstances to ensure that I am practicing what I preach.
Do you have some advice/inspirational quotes you live by or that have impacted you?
It all starts with managing your finances. When you are financially empowered, dealing with other life circumstances is easier. Take charge of your future; improve your financial skills...live the life you desire and love the life you live!
