Dr. Uche-Ezeala Ij is a wife, mother, philanthropist, entrepreneur, award winner, global speaker, transformational community leader, and the CEO of Without Walls Inc. 

Uche-Ezeala Ij and her family are proud to call Canada & Fort McMurray home (close to two decades) after she discouraged her husband from fly-in, fly-out work arrangements. Her love, appreciation, and true acknowledgment of the rich indigenous culture in the Wood Buffalo area inspire her active involvement, advocating for continuous growth and infrastructural development in our region. After the wildfire, to help close the academic gap among students, she started a small business – KUMON, an afterschool program that mentors children and youth to develop life skills, she creates jobs for young adults, and empowers families.

She is an Economist, holds an MBA from Imperial College London, UK, and has a doctorate in Leadership and Strategic Management.

She began her rewarding career in the energy sector close to two decades. She held several leadership roles, and over the years, has successfully applied project management principles to develop teams that strategically implement decisions and reach goals. As a US & Canadian certified supply chain management professional, she aims to use her skills to ensure local and global businesses operate ethically, promote efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and integrity management, and foster synergies to achieve accountability. Her business network spans Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

A dedicated community volunteer, she believes that building synergies and collaboration among all stakeholders is key to the region’s progress and ongoing growth. Her motto is “Together We Build a Stronger Region.” She is committed to giving back to her community by participating in local church activities, volunteering for social profit groups, serving on several boards, and participating in council-appointed committees.

Dr. Uche-Ezeala’s advocacy, community impact, and authentic leadership have earned her nominations and recognition for numerous awards, including Woman of Inspiration, WB 50 under 50, Diversity Award, Community Development Award, Black Business Excellence Award, Woman in Politics’ Champion Award, Citizen of the Year nomination, Small Business Award, and Business Leader of the Year Award by the chamber of commerce. Recently, the West Africa (ECOWAS) Youth Council appointed her as a ‘Youth Ambassador.’

With a deep sense of humility and passion for the people’s well-being and the region’s growth, I am eager to represent your voices and serve you as your Ward 1 Councillor.

God Bless.