A trailblazing Nigerian student from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Shalom Mensu Ikhena, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech as the commencement speaker during the university’s 166th Commencement held at the United Center, United States.
Addressing a crowd of 15,000 attendees, according to a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend in Abuja yesterday, Shalom captivated hearts with her profound reflections on her transformative journey and her impassioned call for a future guided by empathy, integrity and love.
Born and raised in Kano State with roots in Edo State, Shalom’s academic journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring, the statement said. She attended primary school at Bennie International School, Kano and later completed her secondary education at St. Louis Secondary School, Kano and White Dove High Schools, Lagos. After graduating from secondary school at the age of 15, she pursued a triple major in Economics, Finance, and Business Analytics at Drexel University in Philadelphia. After gaining valuable professional experience, Shalom felt led to further her education and pursue an MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, consistently ranked among the top three business schools in the United States.
During her tenure at Kellogg, Shalom distinguished herself as a Youn Impact Scholar, recognised for her commitment to social impact through initiatives like the Sawubona Foundation, which she founded in 2018 to combat sexual violence in Nigeria. Her leadership extended to various roles within the Kellogg community, including the Kellogg Christian Fellowship, Director of Mental Health at the Kellogg Student Association and Director of Flagship Events at the Social Impact and Africa Business Club among others.
Shalom began her commencement address by expressing gratitude to God, her family, and
friends, highlighting the support that made her journey possible. In her speech, she reflected on
her transformative journey, from crafting her MBA application in Abuja to standing on the stage at the Northwestern University commencement.
“There are seminal moments that stop you in your tracks; moments that change the trajectory of your life forever,” she remarked, emphasizing the profound impact of her Northwestern experience on her personal and professional growth.
Ikhena’s speech was a call to her peers to embrace empathy, integrity, and love as they embark on their future endeavors. She emphasised the importance of understanding oneself to better serve the world, a lesson she learned at Kellogg.
“I have spent the last two years doing what I believe is the work of my lifetime and the work of all of our lifetimes. That is; to learn about ourselves just enough, that we can truly serve this world better” she said.
Shalom’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, touching on themes of social responsibility, and the pursuit of justice. Her address culminated with a call to action, encouraging graduates to use their skills across all sectors to create positive change in the world.
“I hope we ask ourselves: ‘In what ways would the weight of our existence sit on the arc of the moral universe to bend it further towards justice?’” she urged.
She expressed gratitude in her native Esan language, saying “Obulu!” to signify thanks before saying congratulations to the Class of 2024. Her words echoed through the United Center, leaving an indelible mark on all who were present.
Shalom plans to continue her work with the Sawubona Foundation while pursuing opportunities in technology for social impact roles in the United States. Her journey
serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations, proving that dedication,
compassion, and a commitment to change can indeed make a difference in the world.
Shalom extends her heartfelt gratitude to her parents, friends, professors, and the entire Kellogg School of Management community for their unwavering support throughout her journey.