SOYEMI TOLUWALASHE SOGBENGA

Grassroots Health Leader | Grant Specialist | Non-Profit Development Generalist

Lagos, NG.

About

Highly motivated and results-driven professional with a robust background in public health, mental health advocacy, and non-profit development. Proven expertise in grant acquisition, program coordination, research, and strategic leadership. Adept at driving social impact initiatives, fostering community engagement, and leveraging data-driven insights to achieve measurable outcomes. Committed to advancing health equity and sustainable development through impactful leadership and collaborative partnerships.

Work

Lagos State University College of Medicine

Research Assistant, Department of Behavioural Medicine (SPREAD PROJECT)

May 2025→ Present

Summary

Aids in the design, implementation, and evaluation of community-based mental health interventions, contributing to critical research and program development.

Highlights

Assists in the design, implementation, and evaluation of community-based mental health interventions targeting suicide prevention for adolescents.

Currently involved in writing literature reviews and submitting research protocols to advance mental health understanding.

Serves as a session facilitator, leading group-based mental health sessions and engaging participants in focus group discussions and interviews.

Action with Africa (ENACTUS)

Judge

Jun 2024→ Present

Summary

Evaluates social enterprise proposals for sustainable development and entrepreneurship.

Highlights

Reviewed and evaluated social enterprise proposals submitted by student-led teams across Africa as part of the Enactus “Action with Africa” program, aimed at advancing sustainable development and entrepreneurship.

Assessed proposals based on innovation, feasibility, social impact, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reviewed proposals addressing pressing issues such as climate action, health equity, and economic inclusion.

Frontiers Research Group Fellowship

Founder

Mar 2024→ Present

Summary

Established and lead a fellowship program focused on enhancing research capabilities for early-career researchers.

Highlights

Developed a comprehensive series of bi-monthly webinars focused on research writing, data management, and publishing strategies for early-career researchers.

Currently guiding 82 early-career researchers in mastering research proposal development, manuscript writing, and peer-review processes to improve research quality and publication outcomes.

Introduced training on statistical software (SPSS, R, Python) and tools like EndNote for reference management, resulting in a 20% increase in publication rates among participants.

Youth Innovation Challenge (MIT-SOLVED)

Reviewer

Jan 2023→ Present

Summary

Evaluates proposals for innovative approaches and impact potential in health projects.

Highlights

Utilized expertise in social impact to evaluate program applicants based on set guidelines and scoring rubric.

Selected proposals based on innovative approaches, impact potential, and inclusive design thinking.

Collaborated with funders to review 18 health projects during the semi-final stage competition for $100,000 grants funding.

General Hospital, Isolo

Medical Intern/House Officer

Jun 2024→ May 2025

Summary

Provided comprehensive medical care and managed diverse patient cases across multiple departments, ensuring high-quality healthcare delivery.

Highlights

Delivered comprehensive medical care to patients across Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology departments, under the supervision of senior clinicians.

Conducted routine and emergency clinical procedures, including venipuncture, catheterization, suturing, and basic life support interventions, ensuring patient safety and effective care.

Diagnosed, treated, and monitored patients with a broad range of medical conditions, ensuring timely and effective clinical management.

Resolution Project

Mentor

Dec 2023→ Jan 2025

Summary

Provides guidance and support to students developing and implementing projects addressing societal challenges.

Highlights

Provided guidance and support to students in developing and implementing projects addressing societal challenges, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Conducted regular one-on-one and group mentoring sessions, offering advice on project management, problem-solving, and effective communication.

MyItura

Investment Analyst

Apr 2024→ Dec 2024

Summary

Conducted comprehensive risk and return evaluations for potential grant investments, significantly contributing to company revenue growth.

Highlights

Evaluated risks and returns on potential grant investments and partnerships, providing data-driven recommendations to leadership for strategic organizational decisions.

Successfully identified key investment opportunities, securing a ₦2 million grant that resulted in a 4% increase in company revenue.

Millennium Campus Network

Programs Coordinator

Jul 2023→ Dec 2023

Summary

Coordinated a global fellowship program, empowering student leaders to drive social impact initiatives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Highlights

Coordinated over 5,000 student leaders across 20 nations participating in the Class of 2023 Millennium Fellowship, a program launched by United Nations Academic Impact and MCN.

Served as the primary liaison for student leaders, providing guidance, capacity-building resources, and mentorship to support the design and execution of social impact projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Supported 33 student-led projects, significantly impacting communities across Nigeria.

Lagos State University Medical Students Association Research Club

Founder and President

Jan 2021→ Dec 2023

Summary

Established and led a research club, significantly increasing student involvement in scholarly publications and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Highlights

Facilitated members' involvement in research publications, resulting in contributions to scholarly journals and conferences.

Secured interdisciplinary collaboration by forging partnerships with faculty, research institutes, and student organizations, leading to multifaceted research initiatives.

Lagos State University College of Medicine

Research Student, Department of Public Health and Primary HealthCare

Jan 2021→ Dec 2023

Summary

Conducted extensive literature reviews and data analysis for thesis development in public health.

Highlights

Conducted a comprehensive review and synthesis of existing literature, collated data, and drafted sections of the thesis, including the introduction, methodology, and results.

Gained proficiency in Epi Info for survey data management and analysis.

Lagos State University College of Medicine

Research Student with Professor K.O Wright

Jan 2021→ Dec 2022

Summary

Collaborated on research projects related to public health and environmental science.

Highlights

Collaborated with Professor K.O Wright to collect research data, conduct experiments, and perform literature reviews on projects focused on the use of biofuels for cooking and its health implications.

GrantMaster

Grant Writer

Jan 2020→ Dec 2022

Summary

Successfully secured significant programmatic funding for public health initiatives through compelling proposal writing.

Highlights

Secured $75,000+ in programmatic funding for various initiatives, including a Google-sponsored project.

Wrote proposals emphasizing innovative public health solutions, achieving a 65% approval rate.

Grand Challenges Canada

Young Innovation Reviewer

Dec 2021→ Jan 2022

Summary

Reviewed and provided constructive insights on mental health-focused proposals for grant approval.

Highlights

Successfully reviewed 110 mental health-focused proposals, providing constructive insights on areas for improvement and strengths to approve eligible grants.

Protostar Initiative

Grantee and Project Lead

Jan 2020→ Dec 2020

Summary

Led a grant-funded intervention project addressing mental health gaps in rural communities, from securing funding to comprehensive evaluation.

Highlights

Successfully secured $1000 in grant funding to lead an intervention project aimed at addressing the critical gap in mental health information and support within a rural community.

Orchestrated community engagement and outreach efforts to introduce the intervention, working closely with local community leaders and stakeholders.

Implemented rigorous evaluation methodologies, including pre- and post-intervention surveys and qualitative interviews, to assess the intervention's impact on mental health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Volunteer

Founder and Executive Director

Protostar Initiative

Jan 2018→ Present

Founded and led a non-profit organization dedicated to combating mental health stigma and discrimination through advocacy and support programs.

Highlights

Established a non-profit organization geared at tackling stigmatization and discrimination of mental health conditions through advocacy and support programs.

Reached more than 2,000 teenagers in local communities and connected over 100 people to mental health professionals.

Chairman, Electoral Committee

Lagos State University Medical Students Association

Jan 2022→ Dec 2023

Oversaw and coordinated the association's election processes, ensuring fairness and compliance.

Highlights

Elected based on merit to oversee and coordinate the association's 2023 election processes.

Developed and implemented transparent electoral guidelines to ensure fairness and compliance.

Advisory Board Member

Born This Way Foundation

May 2021→ Dec 2022

Served as a regional and country ambassador, contributing to the planning and execution of key programs and campaigns.

Highlights

Served as a regional and country ambassador involved in planning and execution of programs, campaigns, and projects central to the foundation's mission.

Peer Support Mentor and Country Ambassador

PeaceFirst

Apr 2021→ Dec 2021

Provided critical review and consultative support for social impact projects and grant applications in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Highlights

Provided review and consultative inputs on budget development, project planning, and evaluation to social impact projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Reviewed grant applications to ensure alignment with organizational goals and impact.

Application Reader

Mandela Washington Fellowship

Sep 2021→ Oct 2021

Evaluated program applicants for the flagship Young Africa Leadership Initiative.

Highlights

Evaluated program applicants based on set guidelines and scoring rubric, leveraging expertise in social impact.

Successfully reviewed 42 applications, including essay applications and resumes.

Judge and Mentor

Hultprize Competition at Lagos State University

Aug 2020→ Dec 2020

Evaluated and mentored student teams for a global social entrepreneurship competition.

Highlights

Selected teams for the regional finals based on scalability, innovation, and revenue stream.

Provided mentorship to 3 student teams, refining and reviewing business ideas and models for competition advancement.

Campus Director & Fellow

United Nations Millennium Fellowship

Aug 2018→ Sep 2018

Facilitated training and social impact development for student participants in a global fellowship program.

Highlights

Selected as one of 530 participants across 13 nations from over 5,000 applicants.

Facilitated bi-monthly training on servant leadership, project management, and social impact development for 20 students.

Education

Lagos State University College of Medicine

Sep 2016→ Jun 2023

Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery Medicine, Surgery Grade:

Courses

Undergraduate thesis: Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Elder Abuse amongst residents of Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State

Awards

Best House Officer in Department of Paediatrics

Jan 2024

Isolo General Hospital

Opportunity-Student Magazine Feature

Jan 2023

Lagos State University College of Medicine

Most Influential Leaders in Lagos State

Jan 2022

Lagos State

Recognized among the top 50 most influential leaders.

Most Reputable Students

Jan 2022

Lagos University Student Union

Recognized among the top 100 most reputable students.

Nominee for Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize

Jan 2022

Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson

Honorary Ambassador, SDG Awareness Campaign Tour

Jan 2022

SDG Awareness Campaign Tour

Honorary Ambassador, Excel Minds Academic Group

Jan 2022

Excel Minds Academic Group

United Nations SDGs TALENT Representative

Jan 2022

UNLEASH INNOVATION LAB

Selected as a representative of Nigeria for the 2022 United Nations SDGs TALENT.

OUTLIERS Award

Jan 2021

Lagos State University Medical Students Association

Fellow, Young Professional BootCamp (YPB)

Jan 2021

YPB

Orygen Fellow

Jan 2021

Orygen

Fellow, Common Purpose Global Leaders Experience

Jan 2021

Common Purpose

YEF Young Global Changemakers Award (Rising Impact Category)

Jan 2021

YEF

The Diana Awards

Jan 2020

In memory of Princess Diana of Wales; UK

Pollination Project Grantee

Jan 2019

Pollination Project

PeaceFirst Grant Awardee

Jan 2018

PeaceFirst

Publications

Insights into the global landscape of e-cigarette utilization among pregnant women and their offspring from 2015 to 2023

Discov Public Health

Jan 2024

Contributed to research on e-cigarette use among pregnant women and its global implications.

Using polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold (PCR Ct) values for predicting and managing cholera outbreaks: potential, challenges, and future directions

Bull Natl Res Cent

Jan 2024

Co-authored a publication on the use of PCR Ct values for predicting and managing cholera outbreaks, discussing potential, challenges, and future directions.

A narrative review of the RTS S AS01 malaria vaccine and its implementation in Africa to reduce the global malaria burden

Discov Public Health

Jan 2024

Contributed to a narrative review on the RTS S AS01 malaria vaccine and its implementation in Africa to combat global malaria burden.

Seizure Susceptibility in E-cigarette Users: Navigating the Clinical Management and Public Health Considerations

Substance Use: Research and Treatment

Jan 2024

Co-authored a publication on seizure susceptibility in e-cigarette users, addressing clinical management and public health implications.

Research How-Tos: A step by step guide for Medical Students

Contributor to book

Jan 2023

Contributed to a guide for medical students on research methodologies.

Inaccessibility and low maintenance of medical data archive in low-middle income countries: Mystery behind public health statistics and measures

Journal of Infection and Public Health

Jan 2023

Co-authored a publication on challenges in medical data archives in low-middle income countries.

Inequitable access to Ebola vaccines and the resurgence of Ebola in Africa: A state of arts review

Journal of Medical Virology

Jan 2023

Contributed to a review on inequitable access to Ebola vaccines and its impact on disease resurgence in Africa.

Relationship between Patients' Expectations from Medical Professionals and their response towards healthcare services in Nigeria

Annals of Medicine and Surgery

Jan 2023

Co-authored research on patient expectations from medical professionals and their response to healthcare services in Nigeria.

Empowering Formerly Incarcerated Persons as Volunteers to address Mental Health and Substance Abuse Challenges in Correctional Institutions in Africa

BMC Global and Public Health (In Review)

Jan 2023

Co-authored a paper on empowering formerly incarcerated persons as volunteers for mental health and substance abuse challenges in African correctional institutions.

Promoting Brain Health and Preventing Neurodegenerative diseases in Nigeria: A Public Health Perspective

iBrain Journal (in review)

Jan 2023

Co-authored a paper on promoting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases in Nigeria from a public health perspective.

Shortage of hospital bed capacity and overcrowding in emergency tertiary healthcare centers in Nigeria

Ann Med Surg (Lond)

Jan 2022

Authored a publication on hospital bed capacity shortages and overcrowding in Nigerian emergency healthcare centers.

Coping Strategies for medical students during the pandemic: A Nigerian Perspective

Int J Med Stud

Jan 2021

Authored research on coping strategies employed by medical students in Nigeria during the pandemic.

Beyond the COVID-19 Era: An Exploration of Mobile Healthcare Technology and Telepsychiatry in Developing Countries

Harvard Public Health Review Journal

Jan 2021

Co-authored a publication exploring mobile healthcare technology and telepsychiatry in developing countries post-COVID-19.

Neglect of common infectious disease outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic: an impending crisis in Nigeria?

Afr J Clin Exp Microbiol

Jan 2021

Authored a paper discussing the neglect of infectious disease outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Incorporation of design thinking into medical education: Potentials and prospects

J Med Educ

Jan 2021

Authored a publication exploring the potentials and prospects of incorporating design thinking into medical education.

Languages

English

Native

Skills

Public Health

Mental Health Advocacy, Community Health, Health Equity, Epidemiology, Global Health.

Research & Data Analysis

Research Design, Literature Review, Data Collection, Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative Analysis, SPSS, R, Python, Epi Info, EndNote, Research Protocols.

Grant Management & Fundraising

Grant Writing, Grant Acquisition, Programmatic Funding, Proposal Development, Budget Development, Fundraising Strategy.

Project & Program Management

Program Coordination, Project Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Stakeholder Management, Social Impact Projects, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Leadership & Mentorship

Team Leadership, Executive Direction, Mentoring, Capacity Building, Strategic Planning, Electoral Process Management, Community Engagement.

Clinical Skills

Medical Care, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Clinical Procedures, Patient Monitoring, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Basic Life Support.

Investment Analysis

Risk Assessment, Return Analysis, Investment Opportunities, Financial Recommendations.

Communication

Technical Writing, Public Speaking, Facilitation, Interviews, Cross-cultural Communication, Presentation Skills.