Rachel Inegbedion is a female founder and expat who recently spoke about her expat life. She is a leader who has made a name for herself in her field. Her insights into the challenges and rewards of living abroad are valuable for anyone considering a similar experience.
1: Tell us about your journey.. You are originally from Nigeria and now you live in St Andrews, Scotland? Where have you lived and worked? What challenges have you faced along the way as a female expat?
My life’s work centres on recognising opportunities, exploring innovative approaches, mobilising resources, managing risks, and building viable systems and organisations. I am a Nigerian and have lived most part of my life working in Nigeria and partnering with other international organisations in the United States, United Kingdom and other parts of Europe to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. I manage the Special Needs Initiative for Growth, a Nigerian-owned NGO that is concerned with providing resources, support and practical programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). We train PWDs in demand-driven IT vocational skills and career development to support their employment or self-employment. In my leadership, I provide mentorship and work with other organisations to offer internship opportunities where they can integrate their skills. As a female expat, I can say that apart from the hurdles that come with an average daily life, as we can all know it, I have not had any reason to feel less of myself or encounter challenges that feel so cumbersome for me not to break through. It has been a great learning curve for me as I use my experience to empower others to believe in themselves and pursue their greater heights.
2: You are doing incredible work with the non-profit known as ‘Special Needs Initiative For Growth’ (Initiative for National Growth Africa) where you empower persons with disabilities. Tell us more and how this initiative got started.
While visiting a home for individuals with disabilities, a life-changing incident occurred. Upon a visitor’s arrival, the residents sang a welcoming song and participated in prayer. One of the young women, who had a melodious voice, sang longer than the workers anticipated. I witnessed a worker strike the young woman and order her to quiet down. My anger was palpable. I addressed the situation with the home’s head, and the worker apologised. However, I realised that this was not just an isolated incident, and a significant shift in how people with disabilities are perceived was necessary within my community in Nigeria. I began to envision the possibilities and realised that the hardest part of creating change is taking the first step. My advice to anyone looking to make a difference is to begin without worry about failure, obstacles, or judgment. Just start, and that’s what I did.
Established in 2017, the Special Needs Initiative for Growth (SNIG) is a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria that is dedicated to equipping persons with disabilities (PWDs) with the necessary resources, support, and practical programs. Our main focus is on providing demand-driven vocational training in IT skills and career development to help PWDs secure employment or become self-employed. As the leader of SNIG, I provide mentorship and collaborate with other organisations to offer internship opportunities that allow PWDs to apply their skills and gain real-world experience.
Most of our projects within the past five years have helped increase the socio-economic prosperity of 8,976 youths with disabilities in Nigeria such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, visual impairment and cerebral palsy who are currently undergoing programmes through an internship, part-time jobs, full-time jobs and entrepreneurship.
Due to my team’s passion and work, the organisation has received several recognitions from within Nigeria and across the globe.
3: What advice do you have for women who are looking to advance their career and specifically overseas in countries that are foreign in culture, work environments and language?
- Conduct thorough research: Before committing to work in a foreign country, conduct extensive research on its culture, work environment, and language. Understanding the customs and norms of a country can help you navigate the workplace more efficiently and establish better relationships with your colleagues.
- Build networks: Building professional networks is essential for career advancement worldwide, and even more critical when working in foreign countries. Attend industry events and join professional organisations to meet people in your field and develop connections.
- Learn the language: If you are working in a foreign country with a different language, put effort into learning the language. This can help you communicate better with your colleagues and foster stronger relationships.
- Keep an open mind: Working in a foreign country can be a challenging but enriching experience. Keep an open mind, be adaptable, and embrace the new experiences and difficulties that come your way.
- Find a mentor: A mentor who has experience working in the same industry and culture as you can be an excellent source of guidance and support while navigating your career in a foreign country.
- Look for opportunities: Don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities and take on fresh challenges to grow and advance your career, regardless of where you are in the world.
- Take care of yourself: Working in a foreign country can be stressful, so it’s important to prioritise self-care. Make time for self-care activities and discover ways to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation, to remain focused and perform at your best.
4: You were featured on the Voice of America – Such an achievement – please tell us about it!
I have been featured in Voice of America since 2021, mainly because my team and I at the Special Needs Initiative for Growth have been fortunate to use technology, policy, capacity building, and career development to empower persons with disabilities. Due to our leadership and efforts in providing learners with disabilities the right learning opportunities, we were recognised by the United Nations Secretary-General Envoy on Youth as one of the 10 young leaders inspired to change the world during the COVID-19 crisis. In 2021, the Zero Project in Austria recognised our organisation as the leading Nigerian Civil Society Organisation for best innovative practices in employment and ICT for persons with disabilities.
Our project on Career Development Initiative For Mothers with Cerebral Palsy Children in Nigeria was selected as the 2021 Champion for the World Summit on Information Society – ITU 2021 Prizes in the Enabling Environment Category.
Google named us Google Leap Takers for showcasing IT’s incredible impact on our world. These milestones motivated the Voice of America to feature us. I also had the privilege to share strategies on the participation of persons with disabilities in elections and public life, advocating for accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and inclusive democracy. It has been a rewarding experience to use platforms like VOA to inspire positive attitudes and change towards inclusion.
5: The awards you have won and affiliations are incredible! How did you get involved and what advice do you have for women who also want to advance their profile?
I would not say I got involved chasing awards. For me, it was all about putting hard and smart work along with my team to uplift the lives of persons with disabilities. I never thought about earning awards – they came as recognition of our consistent contributions. The spotlight came to us because of our genuine work.
Advice for women:
- Focus on continuous skill development and acquiring new knowledge.
- Build strong professional connections. Attend events, join communities, and collaborate.
- Never be afraid to speak up – ask for raises, promotions, leadership roles or partnerships.
- Look for a mentor who has already achieved what you aspire to.
- Don’t avoid challenges – calculated risks help you grow and evolve.
6: What is life like for you in Scotland as a female expat?
Scotland is a welcoming and friendly place to live, with a rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community. Although I come from tropical Africa, I have grown to enjoy Scotland’s climate. The country offers a high quality of life, excellent education, healthcare, and social systems, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
I enjoy Scottish traditions such as Ceilidh dancing and local dishes like Haggis and Scottish broth. For me, Scotland feels like home because of the meaningful relationships I have built with students, staff and the St Andrews community.
7: As a global leader & citizen, what are some of the most pressing issues women face at this current time and how do we overcome them?
Key challenges:
- Representation: Limited opportunities for women, including women with disabilities, in leadership, politics, and entrepreneurship.
- Barriers in education and employment: Unequal access to resources makes it difficult for women to fulfil their potential. Equal access to education is vital.
- Violence against women: Domestic abuse, harassment, and violence remain widespread. Cultural change, education, and enforcement of laws are necessary.
- Healthcare access: Many women globally still lack basic reproductive and maternal support. Strong partnerships between governments, organisations, and communities are key.
8: As a mentor, what advice do you have for young females looking to move abroad, start their career or make a difference in the world?
- Have confidence in your abilities.
- Learn about the culture and customs of your host country.
- Build a strong professional and social network.
- Find a mentor with experience in your career or in your new country.
- Be adaptable and open to new experiences.
- Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound).
- Maintain a positive mindset while learning from both successes and failures.
9: What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy meditation, taking time away from digital devices to reflect and plan. I read, research, pray and spend time with family. I also enjoy watching movies and comedy – anything that makes me feel happy and balanced.
10: Lastly, where would be your dream place to Live/Work/Travel to?
Perhaps in the next five years, I would share this aspect. Because for me life is a process my preference could definitely change or be redefined in a minute, day or a month’s time. I think I would rather just leave my curiosity to wonder of my dream place to Live/Work/Travel for now. For now, it is what it is. Thank you.
Connect with Racheal: https://biolinky.co/rachealinegbedion