Stella Abu

Experience

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  Westville enterprise

  Jan 2014 - Jan 2015

  Technical writer
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  Sarkis Travels Limited

  Aug 2015 - Feb 2017

  Ticketing/Front Desk Officer
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  Cooperative Mortgage Bank

  May 2017 - Jan 2022

  Cooperative Mortgage Bank is a mortgage institution providing financial services to the low and middle-class through their cooperatives and associations, using innovative best practices. As the Product/Project Manager, I led and managed a team to create agent banking products tailored for the unbanked in remote areas of Nigeria, aiming to augment the saving culture among cooperative societies by digitalizing their financial transactions.Some of my key achievements include:▪ I led a dedicated team of 8 members to develop a mobile application that offers convenient and secure financial services, integrated with mPOS devices, enhancing cash withdrawal services and digital financial access for rural and urban communities.▪ Strategically reduced product and infrastructure costs by 65% by outsourcing resources, seizing opportunities, and making informed business decisions.▪ I launched an agency banking product that attracted over 200 new agents in the first month and oversaw the training of the inaugural group of agents. ▪ Boosted business development, bank visibility, and customer base in rural areas by 30% within the first 5 months, contributing to the bank’s expansion and visibility.▪ I continuously iterated the digital products based on user feedback and emerging market trends. Show less

  • Head, Product/Project Manager, Agency Banking.

    Feb 2021 - Jan 2022

  • Executive Assistant to the Managing Director

    May 2018 - Jan 2022

  • Business Development Executive

    May 2017 - Apr 2018
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  Coopvest Limited

  Jan 2022 - now

  Coopvest is a Fintech company rooted in the Cooperative Movement in Nigeria and Africa. As the Chief Operations Officer, my role primarily revolves around leading Product Development and Operational Functions within the company. In this capacity, I drive business growth, overseeing daily operations, and establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor team progress.Some highlights of my achievements include:▪ Leading a cross-functional team in developing two data-driven mobile applications to promote financial inclusion.▪ Managing financial performance by overseeing product budgeting, forecasting revenue, and ensuring efficient resource allocation.▪ Directing teams to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness while developing and executing business strategies to drive long-term growth and success.▪ Establishing and managing strategic partnerships within the Fintech space, resulting in a 55% increase in revenue and expanded market reach.▪ Conducting customer surveys to align product offerings with user needs, leading to an impressive 85% growth in loyal customers.▪ Collaborating with stakeholders and top management to define and prioritize the product roadmap for our target audience. Show less

  • Managing Director

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Chief Operations Officer

    Jan 2022 - Nov 2024
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  Codevixens Academy

  Mar 2023 - Jul 2023

  Product Management Coach

  Codevixens Academy is a female-focused tech academy marked by a passion for making a difference and dedicated to empowering women by providing free training and support to help them break into the tech industry. As a Product Management Coach, I played a pivotal role in empowering women with free training and support to kickstart their careers in Product Management. My passion for making a difference was evident as I:▪ Empowered over 25 students with comprehensive knowledge of product management principles and tools, significantly enhancing their ability to develop and implement outstanding product strategies.▪ Shared personal experiences and strategic advice, guiding participants through their product management journey and overcoming industry challenges.▪ Conducted hands-on training and research activities aligned with the Program Curriculum, fostering critical Product Manager skills among participants.▪ Inspired confidence and leadership, enabling participants to take ownership of their product decisions.▪ Elevated the proficiency of aspiring product managers by delivering personalized coaching and building their competence in product development. Show less

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  Nobellum

  Jun 2023 - Jun 2024

  Program Manager

  Nobellum Enterprise is a Black-owned, non-profit social enterprise dedicated to empowering the Black business ecosystem and fostering digital networking and resource access for entrepreneurs in STEM, driving socio-economic upliftment. As the Program Manager, I serve as the main point of contact for Founders throughout the program lifecycle, offering support with requests, managing partnerships, and coordinating events, ensuring a supportive environment for Black founders.Some of my key achievements include:▪ Successfully onboarded over 23 diverse founders through collaboration with community groups and a cross-functional team of over 20, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition into the program and resulting in a remarkable 30% increase in program enrollment compared to the previous year.▪ Fostered partnerships that enabled founders to participate in prestigious events and showcase their businesses on esteemed stages, such as the City of Toronto Small Business Forum. Notably, six founders from the program made history as the first Black entrepreneurs to take the main stage, vying for pitch awards from a $10,000 funding pool.▪ Ensured accuracy and timeliness in the distribution of award funds, fostering trust and satisfaction among program participants and stakeholders.▪ Coordinated workshops, coaching events, and program meetings, effectively communicating important deliverables to startups in the program and the community, significantly contributing to the growth and success of participating startups.▪ Implemented Needs Assessment Forms and regular check-ins, resulting in a notable 35% increase in founders' goal attainment rates and improved readiness for demo day presentations.▪ Collaborated with internal stakeholders to maintain program excellence and align with our organizational goals. Show less