(Stacie Banton)
Youth empowerment is incredibly important. It gives young people the confidence to believe in themselves, to follow their aspirations, and to contribute significantly to the advancement of their nations.
Numerous female leaders have received global recognition for their exceptional contributions to youth empowerment. One such example is Miss Mercy Gilbert, a world-renowned Youth Empowerment Advocate, Businesswoman, Media Personality, Philanthropist, Politician, Coach, Mentor, and PR & Marketing Expert.
Director at Edukate Africa
Miss Gilbert serves as the Director of Edukate, a well-known private sector organization focused on providing education financing, scholarships, and international study opportunities for Nigerian students. With a strong focus on merit, need, and supporting higher education, Edukate has awarded scholarships to numerous Nigerian students. On January 29, 2026, at the University of Lagos, Edukate Africa, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and the Federal Ministry of Education, will hold the “disruptED Africa Summit.” Miss Gilbert will be attending this significant event.
CEO at the British African Business Forum and Gilbert Media Group
Miss Gilbert is also the CEO of the British African Business Forum, a bilateral organization that aims to boost investment and trade between the UK and Africa. Connecting African leaders and companies with their counterparts throughout the continent is one of the organization’s main goals. Miss Gilbert has also established herself as a remarkable media personality. She is the Founder and CEO of Gilbert Media Group.
Political Career
Miss Gilbert is a prominent member of the London Conservative Party and serves as the Deputy Chair of the Petts Wood and Knoll Conservative Association. She is an Advisor and Negotiator to Governments, First Ladies, and Royals. She made history as the first Black woman to be elected chair of the Petts Wood and Knoll Conservative Party branch.
Awards & Recognitions
Throughout her career, Miss Gilbert has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Chairman Award, the Mayor’s Award, and the 2023 International Woman of the Year. Highstone Global University in Texas awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community development worldwide.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon
Miss Gilbert’s success story is incredibly motivating. Her success was not handed to her; it was earned through resilience and hard work.
Success comes to those who embrace challenges. Miss Gilbert is a wonderful illustration of this. To become the woman she is now, she put forth a lot of effort and conquered numerous obstacles.
Born in Zimbabwe, she moved to the UK at the age of six and was later adopted by a Jewish man. Her hard work, dedication, and resilience have earned her recognition at a global level. She is a devoted mother to five children schooling in top schools globally.
It wouldn’t be inaccurate to argue that Miss Gilbert has emerged as one of the most influential female advocates for youth empowerment because she has made education more accessible to numerous African students through Edukate Africa.
About The Author
