Lady Mary Dinah is a name synonymous with compassion, leadership, and transformative change. As the Founder and CEO of the Mary Dinah Foundation, one of Africa’s largest international NGOs, she has dedicated her life to improving the health and well-being of women and children affected by armed conflict, particularly in the North-eastern region of Nigeria. Established in London in 2006, her foundation has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals facing unimaginable hardships.
At the heart of her work is the ZERO HUNGER PROGRAM, a ground-breaking initiative that has provided over 42 million meals to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees across Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad. This program has significantly reduced illnesses and deaths caused by malnutrition, offering a lifeline to those living in crisis zones. Beyond hunger relief, Lady Dinah is deeply committed to child protection and addressing gender-based violence, collaborating with global partners like UNICEF and UNHCR to drive generational change.
Her journey of impact began even earlier with the creation of JOB-LINK, Nigeria’s first private job centre, which connected over 10,000 young people to meaningful employment opportunities in partnership with Microsoft Philanthropies. In 2023, she launched the Mary Dinah Scholarship for Refugees, providing fully funded higher education opportunities for refugees in Cameroon, empowering them to build brighter futures.
Lady Dinah’s remarkable career extends beyond her humanitarian efforts. As an award-winning hotelier, she has held leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, including Four Seasons and Marriott Hotel Group. Her expertise in service excellence, honed over two decades, has seamlessly translated into her philanthropic work, ensuring that every initiative under her foundation is executed with precision and care.
Academically, Lady Dinah is equally accomplished. She holds a Distinction in her Masters in Global Business from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and has completed post-graduate programs in Entrepreneurship at Harvard University. She also boasts degrees from the University of Nottingham, the University of Surrey, and the United Nations, where she studied Diplomatic Leadership. Since 2020, she has been a resident speaker at the United Nations Women in Leadership Global Program in Geneva, sharing her insights on leadership and empowerment.
Her influence extends to global committees and working groups, including The Prince’s Trust, the British Council, and the United Nations Energy sector, where she advocates for sustainable energy solutions for displaced communities. She also serves on the Board of Leaders for Climate Change, further cementing her commitment to creating a better world.
Lady Dinah’s extraordinary contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the British Council Social Impact Award, the British High Commission Future Leaders Award, and the Lagos State Governor’s Award for Outstanding Impact. She has also been recognized by the University of Surrey and the University of Nottingham for her achievements and was named among the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Global Top 100 under 40.
When she’s not changing lives or leading global initiatives, Lady Dinah enjoys exploring new countries and practicing yoga, finding balance and inspiration in her travels and mindfulness practices.
Lady Mary Dinah’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, vision, and service. Through her unwavering commitment to uplifting others, she continues to inspire us all to make a difference, one life at a time.
