Dr. Lillian Ajayi Ore's transformative story!

From an early age, Lilian's mother, a Nigerian immigrant, fostered in her a sense of confidence and leadership. She encouraged Lillian to take the forefront at gatherings, a practice that instilled in the young girl a keen sense of diplomacy and problem-solving. This early influence shaped Lilian's passions and ambitions, creating a zealous advocate for global challenges with a desire to serve humanity.

After college, Lillian's aspirations led her to the United Nations, where she represented Nigeria in critical multilateral discussions. Her finesse and determination impressed the Nigerian Ambassador during an interview at his office, leading to her inclusion in the team. Despite her young age, she tackled pressing issues such as Africa's debt crisis and deforestation, negotiating with wealthier, resource-rich countries. Her bold approach won the admiration of colleagues and led to major policy breakthroughs.

However, Lilian felt a yearning for a different kind of impact. She transitioned to a marketing role at Citibank, diving into the world of consumer engagement and digital marketing. As the internet's reliability grew, so did Lillian's skillset. She soon attracted opportunities with Fortune 100 companies and startups, applying her analytical and strategic skills to shape digital marketing strategies.

Lilian's multifaceted background eventually drew the attention of New York University, who invited her to teach. Though initially uncertain about her qualifications as an educator, Lilian accepted the offer, marking the beginning of her academic journey. At NYU, she had the freedom to design courses, delve into pedagogical practices, and assist in student selection, all while advising on emerging trends in digital marketing. Her passion for education has allowed her to give lectures and design programs at other academic institutions and corporations. 

Lilian believed in constant growth. Recognizing a need to hone her teaching skills, she enrolled in the Chief Learning Officer program at Penn. This program proved transformative, refining her pedagogical techniques and facilitating personal and professional development. It also reignited her passion for research.

At NYU, Lilian initiated a research study to understand knowledge transfer among students, aiming to identify barriers to knowledge application. Her insights gained the attention of NYU SPS's board of trustees, allowing her to advocate for faculty development and teaching effectiveness. She was later recognized as a Faculty Innovator. 

Lilian's commitment to education reached new heights during her dissertation research at Penn. Her focus on pedagogical effectiveness and teaching prowess led to recognition by the US Library of Congress, validating her findings and fueling her passion for unlocking individuals' potential. "Research,” she says, “is so important to ensuring that we stay nimble and agile... constantly assessing how we contribute to closing the gaps in our disciplines."

Lilian's achievements as an educator have been recognized twice consecutively, in 2022 and 2023, as one of the top 100 learning professionals. This peer-nominated award acknowledges her innovative approach in the classroom and her fearlessness in challenging the status quo. She attributes this to the CLO program, as, according to her, "The program brings you closer to the realities of the problems... and challenges learning leaders face and their pressing need to design solutions that are relevant in scope and impact."

Recently, Lilian accepted a full-time lecturer position at Columbia. She also serves as the associate academic director of Penn's Chief Learning Officer program, where she completed her doctorate. Her devotion to scholarship, research, and teaching effectiveness continues to drive her, and she remains an inspiration to her peers, serving as a catalyst for change in the educational landscape.

Throughout her journey, Lilian's dedication to helping others discover their capabilities remains her driving force. As a learning leader, she tailors education to meet individual needs, fostering growth and enabling others to thrive. Her mission is not to mold individuals to fit her vision but to facilitate their own self-realization. As she continues to bridge the gap between potential and fulfillment, Lilian Ajayi-Ore is an impact maker, and we at the Chief Learning Officer Ed.D. Program are very proud of her and her success in elevating human potential in the world.