MEET THE FINALISTS: #EYMA2025

Funke Oham: Inspirational Mother Of The Year Finalist

Funke Oham

Funke Oham is a trailblazing professional, an award-winning mentor, and a beacon of strength

and inspiration. Balancing a thriving career, personal commitments, and the nurturing role of a

devoted mother, she epitomises the modern-day "supermum," excelling both in her professional

life and family responsibilities.

Overcoming significant personal challenges, including the heart-wrenching experiences of

conception struggles and baby loss, Funke discovered her purpose in empowering women

globally, particularly those navigating the often difficult paths of motherhood and loss. Through

her unwavering dedication to maternal health, she has become a passionate advocate for

women, spreading awareness about the importance of support, self advocacy, and resilience.

Funke’s extensive contributions as a mentor, coach, author, and speaker have had a profound

impact on countless lives. She has built a platform through writing, public speaking, and

mentorship, championing women’s strength in the face of adversity.

Her relentless drive to lift others up has earned her several prestigious awards, including the

Exceptional Community Champion Award, the Wise Women Life Turnaround Award, and the

BBC London Radio Make A Difference Bravery Award in 2024. Her exceptional support for

women was further acknowledged with a letter of congratulations from the Mayor of London,

commending her compassion and tireless efforts.

As a devoted wife and mother of two sons, Funke has consistently demonstrated the delicate art

of balancing a thriving career, personal goals, and family life. Her approach to motherhood is not

just about caregiving, but about instilling values of strength, resilience, and empowerment in her

children. She has become a role model for mothers, showing that with determination, anything

is possible.

Funke’s leadership extends beyond her own journey. As a mentor, she has inspired countless

individuals, particularly women, to break barriers, challenge norms, and step into their own

leadership potential. Through her guidance, many of her mentees have gone on to achieve

professional success they once thought impossible. Recognised with two Mentor of the Year

Awards and the Civil Service Developing and Supporting People Award, her commitment to

mentorship is unparalleled.

An accomplished author, Funke has penned her first book Always a Mum: How I Survived My

Baby Loss, which addresses the complexities of motherhood in the face of grief and finding

purpose through pain. In 2021, she launched The Waiting Room, an online support community

for women (and men) dealing with conception struggles and baby loss. Her latest work, Believe:

A Memoir of Loss, Hope, and Trusting Again, offers readers a powerful narrative of healing and

hope.

Funke’s academic background, including a degree in Psychology and an MSc in Organisational

Knowledge from Cranfield University, coupled with her qualifications as a Life and Performance

Coach, has shaped her holistic approach to personal growth and leadership development.

Through her work, she continues to inspire, mentor, and coach individuals across schools,

universities, and the professional world, empowering them to rise above challenges and thrive.

Her work has resonated across women’s conferences, leadership forums, and career events,

where her vibrant energy and authentic messages inspire women to live with purpose, embrace

their full potential, and overcome obstacles with grace and strength.

Funke Oham is a true testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of motherhood, and the

incredible impact a woman can have when she dares to integrate her dreams, her career, and

her family.