Frances Udukwu, Executive MSc Social Business and Entrepreneurship Student
I joined the EMSBE programme to champion Africa’s economic investment development and to channel purpose into something practical and tractable. I believe my early career desires combined with my unique professional experience can make a lasting impact.
Entering the social impact space
Over the last seven years, Frances has transformed industry-leading small to mid-sized organisations across several sectors spanning beauty and wellness, multicultural outreach and capacity building, renewable energy, and health care technology to name a few.
While working across emerging and frontier markets, forming lasting connections to identify market opportunities, building brands, fostering integrated development, and driving revenue growth, she wanted to learn more.
“The programme at LSE connects the dots on how to integrate core business skills with social impact to critically evaluate and address opportunities as well as challenges in our world today.”
Funding her passion
In Nigeria where she currently resides, the macroeconomic situation continues to worsen which has created severe implications on inflation and the depreciation of the naira currency. With that, it has become increasingly more difficult to consider expenditures outside of basic necessities. An opportunity to obtain a masters degree at a leading institution like LSE seemed unimaginable. Frances’ ambitions were supported by the Marshall Scholarship scheme which champions future talented leaders in the field of private action for public benefit.
“The scholarship scheme has not only helped curb cost, but it also serves as a reminder that there are opportunities to develop my skills, knowledge and confidence to contribute to the betterment of society, which has been my long-seated desire. They exist and are no longer out of reach, irrespective of turbulent times.
I really enjoyed joining the student cohort at LSE's Marshall Institute. I try to lead by example within a newly established community, driving awareness and active commitment to making positive change in the world.”
Making a difference to communities globally
With Frances’ experience developing community outreach programmes and supporting social innovations to scale, she is committed to combining social purpose and economic development.
“I envision building a platform that allows young Africans to engage in Africa’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem. The long-term goal is to develop an impact investment fund to make finance opportunities more accessible to resident founders and to encourage institutional financiers’ investment while addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Lagos, Nigeria | Nigerian and American | Venture Builder, Shell Oil Company