Prof. Adefunke Ekine is an accomplished academic and grassroots leader with a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is passionate about dismantling systemic barriers to girls’ education, particularly those rooted in gender-based violence. As an advocate for the girl child, Prof. Ekine is also a community builder, change agent, and voice for the marginalized. Her leadership has shaped YcDEI’s focus on transformative education and empowerment.