Meet Ifunanya Nweke

Hi Ifunanya, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I believe that confidence is knowing that you have something of value to give. I also believe that community thrives when that giving becomes reciprocal. So if I’m doing the math correctly, it means that I believe that individual confidence is the key to thriving communities.

But where does confidence come from? This brings me to a pervasive thought I’ve had for the last 10 years, “A Bird in Hand is Worth 2 in the Bush”

This is an old adage that many of us have heard but may not fully understand (or see how it connects to confidence), so let me break it down for you.

This is a hunting adage (sorry non-hunters) that essentially says that if you have one bird, you can use it to catch or gain another, and another. BUT HOW?

After years (quite literally a decade) of thinking about this adage, it hit me – the only way you can gain another bird in the bush is to first understand the the value of the bird you have in hand; assess and recognize its assets that you can use to leverage for another bird. The bird’s feathers, its calls and coos are elements that once you understand, you can use to attract another bird out in the bush.

This is the same thing for confidence: To gain confidence, I must first properly asses myself and recognize the value I hold. What are the things that come naturally to me, what are things I’m naturally drawn to and interested in? What are traits that people around me consistently highlight? Where are my opportunities for growth?

Knowing these things about myself helps me know where I can add value and voila, you have it, confidence!

This is what I did. I took time to document myself (quite literally, this is in a Google doc). I titled the document “Who is Ifunanya” and within the document I have a matrix I created to outline my strengths, interests, talents and weaknesses. I also used this document to outline everything I want to accomplish in my life. This document is a constant reminder of who I am, according my my perception and my words. Any time I forget who I am, I visit my “Who is Ifunanya” document to remidn me, once again all the ways that I bring value.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
You know, I do alot, and I think the best way to share what I do, is by sharing my bio:

Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Ed.D. is an Empowerment Engineer and the foremost advocate at the intersection of Entertainment, Education, Workforce Development and Disability Advocacy. Dr. Nweke is the Founder and Executive Director of an innovative and award winning 501c3 nonprofit organization called Jazz Hands For Autism that provides tech-enabled avenues for success for neurodivergent musicians. Ifunanya holds a Bachelors in Anthropology, a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership & Management and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the USC Rossier School of Education. She has been recognized by former California Congresswoman Karen Bass, former California Senator Holly Mitchell, California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto, 43rd District and was honored as one of 40 Emerging Civic leaders in Los Angeles County by the Empowerment Congress

Dr. Nweke serves as a professional member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy and as co-chair of the curriculum subcommittee within the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

Dr. Nweke has been called to speak at various conferences and institutions including the Art Directors Guild, AFRICON, Trojans For Applied Behavior Analysis, A Supported Life Institute, the College Planning and Transition Conference for Learners who Are Neurodiverse, the GRAMMY Museum, the USC Marshall School of Business, the USC Price School Public of Policy, the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the UC Womxn’s Leadership Conference.

Dr. Nweke is also a singer-songwriter, a published author who recently released her debut self-help book, “20+ Lessons From My 20s” and was talent orchestrator for the historical Hollywood Bowl show headlined by GRAMMY award winning artist Burna Boy in October 2021.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Faith – Starting an entrepreneurial journey is a starting a journey into the unknown. I’ve found that what keeps me on course, especially on the hardest days when I want to quit, is my faith and my belief that I was sent to do this work, so God has already provided the access and provisions I need to see it all the way through. All this to say, I recommend that as an entrepreneur, you need to have a belief system that is greater than yourself, so that when you get to the end of yourself, you can still find reason to keep on.

Fun – I’ve given myself permission to enjoy the ride. Since I was young, I’ve always tended towards the scenic route. What this means is that I’m going to choose to walk the path that causes me to grow, yes, but not at the expense of my joy and jovial nature. Fun and play have also been integral in my journey. When times are hard, I find something to make me smile, and that gives me just enough energy to take my next step.

Family – My support system is so important to me. My family, both my biological and chosen family (friends) speak life into me when I need it the most. They celebrate with me, mourn with me and just hold space for me to be authentic and this is super helpful for me, on this journey.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Setting Boundaries: Knowing when to say yes and when to say no is a skill that I’m actively learning. I’m also discovering that this skill helps prevent burnout and helps me put my best foot forward.