Moji Akinde is a Chicago-born, Lagos raised, Nigerian American who proudly sits at the intersection of  “my mother raised me right” and “who’s going to check me?” She is a business strategist, radical problem solver, and blind spot checker, who effortlessly transitions between cross-functional strategic thinking and tactical execution.

Favorite aunty to a few, loyal friend to many, art lover, and nap enthusiast, Moji intentionally invests in the people, things and moments that bring her joy and fulfillment. From solo travel across the world, to philanthropic contributions and fundraising for communities that need it the most, she remains rooted in the belief that the love of humanity deserves to be celebrated.

In her professional role as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Discover Financial Services, Moji leverages her passion for justice and equity to analyze, develop, and deploy strategic DE&I initiatives that help identify and remove systemic barriers to equitable opportunities, and create a workplace of belonging where every team member can be their true authentic self.

With a career spanning across hospitality, non-profit, financial services, and social impact investment organizations, Moji understands the need for urgency and intentionality in creating access for communities that need it the most. She serves as member and donor at Chicago Foundation for Women’s South Side Giving Circle (SSGC), where she contributes to mobilizing philanthropic resources of women on Chicago’s South Side and South Suburbs, to invest in the economic, social, and political power of Black women and girls. She comes from a family of three wives and thirteen children, is an avid solo traveler, and once had a career in modeling that landed her on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Life quote: “Life is short - buy the ticket, buy the shoes, drink the wine.” – An African Proverb