Michael Showunmi

A blue gradient background with white text has “The D-30 Disability Impact List” at the top centered above “2024 Honoree” which is in between two laurels. Below, text “Michael Showunmi (he/him), Nigeria” is to the left of a picture of Michael, which fills the right. Michael is a dark-skinned man with a goatee. He is wearing a suit and smiling. At the bottom left corner is text “Diversability, #D30DisList”.

Michael Showunmi

He/him/his

Founder & Executive Director, Raising Star Africa

Nigeria

Michael Showunmi is a social entrepreneur and founder of Raising Star Africa, a nonprofit supporting children with disabilities to become self-reliant. A Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus and OneYoungWorld delegate, he spoke on "Education for All" to over 2000 leaders from 190 countries in Belfast, UK. He renovated a public inclusive school in Sari Iganmu, Lagos, improving accessibility for 55 disabled children. He has provided over 1700 educational materials for more than 500 disabled children and empowered 100 disabled children and young adults with vocational and digital skills. His efforts have supported disabled entrepreneurs with business grants, fostering financial independence. His initiatives have increased confidence and a sense of belonging for over 50,000 persons with disabilities in Nigeria, altered perceptions about disability, and reduced stigmatization in over 55 Lagos communities. He was the first runner-up in the disability empowerment awards by BudgIT in Nigeria.