Mrs. Kenechukwu Umegwuagu-Francis is a dynamic Nigerian leader whose multifaceted career spans education, banking, counseling, business development, ministry, and social impact. As one of Africa’s most inspiring women in 2025, she stands tall as a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and transformation.
With over a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Mrs. Umegwuagu-Francis has a proven track record in driving growth and building networks. A former bank manager with diverse experience in credit, trade finance, consumer banking, and relationship management, she successfully led major departments in three reputable Nigerian banks. Her remarkable leadership skills earned her accolades including Best Staff in Deposit Mobilization and Product Marketing, and a commendation for Personal Selling Skills.
Her academic journey is as impressive as her professional one. She holds a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Chemistry/Physics from Alvan Ikoku College of Education, a B.Sc in Education/Physics from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, a PG.D in Business Administration from the University of Uyo, an MBA (Marketing) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and is currently pursuing an M.Ed in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Abuja.
Beyond banking, Mrs. Umegwuagu-Francis has committed her life to uplifting others through faith, education, and philanthropy. She founded Divine New-Life Foundation and El-Rehoboth New-Life Foundation, two NGOs focused on alleviating poverty, empowering women and girls, and caring for the vulnerable. These foundations have impacted lives through seminars, skill acquisition programs, education initiatives like ADOPT A CHILD, and outreach projects such as ACT OF RANDOM KINDNESS, Feed a Mouth, and Cloth a Soul.
Her compassion shines in her work with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), where she serves as Finance and Central Coordinator for dioceses in Aba Ngwa North and Kubwa. She’s also the Vice-President of the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild, and Girls’ Guild, and the Country President of Africa Women Summit Nigeria roles through which she actively promotes gender equality and women’s leadership.
Kenechukwu’s certifications from global institutions such as The Institute for Marriage and Family Affairs (USA), Stellenbosch Business Institute (South Africa), and various mental health and leadership programs—equip her to serve effectively as a marriage mentor, grief counselor, emotional intelligence coach, and public speaker.
She is also an author of impactful books, including My Story Must Change, Unlocking Your Potentials, and It Must Happen, with unpublished works focusing on advertising, gender roles in a tough economy, and financial independence.
Mrs. Umegwuagu-Francis has received numerous local and international awards, including the Champion Award from the Institute for Marriage and Family Affairs (USA), the Women Empowerment Champion honor at the Africa Women Summit in South Africa, and the Golden Merit Award for Excellent Leadership from the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa.
Her vision for the future is clear: an Africa where women are fully empowered, gender equality is non-negotiable, and no child, widow, or vulnerable person is left behind. She continues to serve as a mentor, motivator, and advocate for systemic change, making her one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025.
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