Name: Abi Olukeye
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 41
Title/Company: Founder & CEO, Smart Girls HQ
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Education: BS, Computer Science & MBA
Current personal or leadership goals:
I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D., which is helping me grow as a systems thinker and collaborator — learning how to connect research, policy, and practice in ways that scale equity-focused innovation. On a personal level, I’m also learning to pace myself — to lead with sustainability and purpose, not just productivity.
What advice would you give to current Leadership Charlotte participants?
My biggest advice would be: show up fully and stay open. LC isn’t just about networking or checking off a box — it’s about challenging your assumptions, expanding your worldview, and connecting with people who care deeply about this city. Don’t be afraid to let what you learn challenge you and stretch your leadership in new directions.
What’s a lesson that you learned through LC that has stuck with you and why?
One of the biggest lessons I took away from Leadership Charlotte was the power of really listening — especially to people with perspectives, experiences, and values different from my own. Our cohort was incredibly diverse in terms of lived experiences, and during some of the more challenging sessions, I learned how much deeper my understanding of community issues became when I paused my assumptions and truly heard someone else’s point of view. That lesson has stuck with me — in both personal and professional spaces — and continues to shape how I lead and collaborate today.
What would you like to see Leadership Charlotte alumni get involved in and why?
I’d love to see Leadership Charlotte alumni come together around one of the LC program themes each year — like Justice, Education, etc — and commit to deepening our collective learning and action around that topic. It could be a way to keep the spirit of the program alive beyond graduation, while also creating opportunities for alumni to stay engaged, grow together, and make a meaningful, ongoing impact in the community.
Favorite way to spend a weekend in Charlotte:
If the weather’s nice, I love spending time outdoors — exploring a local festival, trying out a new activity or experience, and wrapping up the day by checking out one of the many new restaurants popping up around town. There’s always something new to discover in Charlotte, and I enjoy soaking up the energy of the city with family and friends.
Favorite nonprofit or community organization in Charlotte and why:
Both the Dottie Rose Foundation and DigiBridge are incredible organizations creating STEM opportunities for young people in Charlotte. What makes me an especially big fan is that they’re led by my friends and colleagues, whose passion and dedication I’ve had the privilege to witness firsthand. I love supporting and cheering them on as they continue to make a meaningful impact in our community.