Onome Ako

Onome Ako is the Chief Executive Officer of Action Against Hunger Canada, an international humanitarian organization working to combat hunger and its root causes in 50+ countries. As a champion of community-driven solutions, she leads efforts to create lasting impact, addressing one of humanity’s most fundamental rights—the right to food. Her extensive career in the social impact sector reflects her commitment to equity, justice, and building a world where everyone can thrive.

With 20 years' experience, Onome has worked with organizations such as Amref Health Africa in Canada and World Vision Canada leading initiatives in 30+ countries. Her academic achievements include a B.A. in English Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria), an M.A. in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria), a Diploma in French Language from Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Françaises d'Abidjan (Cote’D’Ivoire) and an M.Sc. in Management of NGOs and Social Policy from the London School of Economics (UK). She also holds an ICD.D certification from the Rotman School of Business, underscoring her expertise in governance and strategic leadership.

Onome is passionate about developing future leaders and frequently speaks at universities and colleges, including University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and University of Waterloo. She serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) and is a member of the advisory committee for Centennial College’s International Development program.
Onome is a member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), a global organization of preeminent women leaders where she engages with a diverse network to advance leadership excellence.

As a storyteller, Onome brings her advocacy for equity and belonging to life through her writing. She is the author of I Am Cherished / Mon nom est Kikelomo, published by Scholastic Canada. Inspired by her Nigerian heritage and Canada’s multicultural society, the book, named one of CBC’s “50 Canadian Kids Books to Read in Fall 2024,” celebrates diversity and identity and is a required reading at Lakehead University for an English course titled “Being Black in Canada”. Her chapter in the leadership anthology Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen and Lead chronicles her journey as a black female leader, offering insights on leading with authenticity and courage. Onome’s reflections on her leadership journey through poetry and her interactive and thought-provoking blog, Poolside Reflections combines everyday moments of learning to swim with her daughter with profound leadership lessons.

Onome’s contributions have earned widespread recognition, including the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award for Social Change, World Vision Canada’s “Voice of the Children” Award, and a place on the 2020 Canadian Women in Global Health list. She was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 in 2021.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Onome has lived in multiple countries and now calls Canada home. Embracing her identity as a proud Nigerian, African, Canadian, and global citizen, she is guided by a singular focus: to create opportunities for others to thrive and build a more equitable world.