Tech entrepreneur and visionary leader Sarah Kadoon Ajekwe is transforming the safety technology landscape through SheltHer, a groundbreaking mobile and wearable platform designed to empower individuals to seek discreet emergency assistance when traditional phone access is compromised. Spanning a powerful journey from Nigeria to Toronto, Ajekwe’s entrepreneurial path redefines how digital tools can directly respond to real-world vulnerabilities and enhance personal security worldwide.
Rooted in a profound question—what if someone in danger could call for help without having to openly reach for a device?—SheltHer emerged from Ajekwe’s own lived experiences. Following harrowing personal encounters in Accra, Ghana, and an escalating stalking incident later that year, Ajekwe solidified an innovative concept initially explored alongside co-founder Sylvia Mwitumi. Rebuilt from the ground up and officially launched in 2025, SheltHer addresses a critical global vacuum, aligning directly with UN Women reports highlighting technology-facilitated violence, online harassment, and stalking as critical modern concerns for women and girls.
Currently expanding her venture while pursuing an MBA in Technology Leadership at York University’s Schulich School of Business, Ajekwe has cemented her status as a dynamic academic and civic force. Recognized by Schulich as a visionary leader, she serves as the York University President’s Ambassador, Athletics Manager, and International Ambassador Lead.
Under her leadership, SheltHer has rapidly cultivated a grassroots community of over 100 individuals, secured early adopters, participated in competitive accelerator programmes, and successfully hosted targeted community wellness events.
The venture’s innovative model and social impact have already garnered widespread industry validation, including multiple awards and over $10,000 in non-dilutive funding. Ajekwe’s momentum reached new heights following her standout performance at the inaugural K4 Black Innovation Alliance (K4BIA) Summer Summit in Toronto—a collaborative initiative between Keiretsu Forum Canada and Narro Ventures aimed at bridging capital gaps for high-potential Black founders. Outperforming a highly competitive pool to secure a third-place distinction, backed by ecosystem champions like the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) and the Black Opportunity Fund, Ajekwe continues to showcase exceptional strategic marketing acumen and scale SheltHer’s footprint within North America’s inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Beyond her foundational work with SheltHer, Ajekwe remains deeply dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital leaders. Through her collaboration with Tech 4 Her Africa and IBM, she has mentored more than 200 African women in marketing and design. This commitment to community upliftment mirrors her overarching philosophy: technology should not only build businesses, but also actively solve the everyday safety and societal challenges experienced by vulnerable populations.
As SheltHer continues its rapid expansion in Canada and internationally, Ajekwe stands at the forefront of a rising generation of African founders translating personal resilience into scalable, high-impact innovations. By anchoring product design in the lived realities of individuals facing emergencies, SheltHer is pioneering a new standard for discretionary safety technology, proving that purpose-driven innovation can effectively bridge borders to create safer, more resilient global communities.
