Some people wait for opportunities; others create them. Mea Boykins falls into the latter category. A humanitarian, international speaker, and business strategist, she has built a career on resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of impact.

Her journey hasn’t been a straight path—she’s had to pivot, reinvent, and push beyond comfort zones. From founding her own nonprofit to helping over 40 students globally, Mea’s work is rooted in service, strategy, and empowerment. But beyond the accolades and recognition, her mission remains simple: to uplift others and leave a lasting legacy.

In this interview, Mea shares her journey, her strength, and advice for people aspiring to be Mea Boykins. 

CA: Mea, you’re a renowned international speaker and humanitarian. How do you describe your journey and impact?

Mea: My journey was not linear. It started out with me just following my passion of giving back to elevate others and exploring the world, learning different skills from developing my own nonprofit organization from the ground up.

My impact has been profound to university & tertiary students as through my advocacy, I’ve helped over 40 students globally. I started off just doing the work, without any notariety, press or awards, and ending up being recognized globally.

CA: What drives your passion for business development, and strategic partnerships.

Mea: After finishing my education, which includes 2 international Masters degrees & a culminating PhD, I found it difficult to obtain a traditional role, and had to leverage skills I’ve developed through advocacy work to create revenue streams for myself.

CA: Can you share a pivotal moment that tested your resolve? How did you overcome it?

Mea: After years of working hard, I paused my business to complete the PhD and it was literally the worst timing as COVID started months later. After COVID, I lost all my clients because most of my work was in person. I had to pivot and take my business online, developing courses to help people create businesses, learn to strategize and fundraiser and develop partnerships. I also had to focus more on the social media side and develop virtual events for clients. It was the same work, but done differently. I had to completely get out of my comfort zone.

CA: What motivates you to continue driving positive change, and how do you measure success?

Mea: Doing God’s work is the best work and what motivates me to drive positive change for myself others. I used to measure success by money and physical things, but now I measure success in joy, peace and a clear state of mind. Success is having the favor of God!

CA:Your humanitarian efforts have empowered many. What inspires your commitment to giving back?

Mea: I love helping people who are actively helping themselves and seeking to empower others. This is how you can change a generation. I focus on helping empower those who are already mentally focused on being a change agent. Education is one way I empower others because even if I give a scholarship, the student still has to do WORK. Nothing is handed to them. Education empowers communities not just an individual.

CA: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa looking to make a global impact?

Mea: Start where you are and build. Use the World Wide Web to make connections. Whatever your business idea is, find counterparts in different countries. Find partners using sites like Upwork where you can contract people with various skills. You can do it!

CA: What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or initiatives you’re working on?

Mea: I am currently completing PhD in a few months, working on a book and global speaking engagements. I am looking forward to teaching at universities this fall and pursuing more government contracting across Nigeria and Ghana.

CA: What’s one key lesson you’ve learned throughout your journey that you’d like to share with others?

Mea: Never compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own journey and experiences which make them who they are. Most people sell you a dream about who they are, so it’s no point incomparing yourself because no one is showing their worst experiences. Be grateful for who you are and what you have because we each have a mission.

CA: How do you see your work impacting global communities, and what role do you hope to play in driving positive change?

Mea: My work impacts global communities because education empowers. Helping one person obtain a degree can elevate their entire families which in turn impacts the communities at large. My role includes fundraising and providing scholarships.

CA: What personal philosophy or mantra guides your approach to business, humanitarian work, and life in general?

Mea: Create your own opportunities by leveraging your skillset. Find your own lane. Envision who you want to be & what you want to do… & do it yourself. If I want to have certain level events/programs, I emulate those who are more successful. Create your own path!

Mea Boykins’ story is a reminder that success isn’t just about titles or material gains—it’s about purpose, adaptability, and the lives we touch along the way. Whether through education, strategic partnerships, or philanthropy, she continues to break barriers and create opportunities for those willing to do the work. 

As she steps into new ventures, from publishing a book to expanding her impact in global business, one thing is certain—her journey is just getting started.