From Ikigai to Impact: Adamaka Ajaelo Leads Conversation on Joyful Leadership at Lyft’s Women Leadership Summit

On October 16th, 2025, Lyft’s Women Leadership Summit brought together 350+ team members across 13 organizations and five office locations for a powerful day centered on purposeful leadership, community, and connection. With the theme “Driven to Connect: Purposeful Leadership, Powered by Community,” the event brought together voices from across 13 organizations and multiple leadership levels celebrating the impact that women make when they lead with intention.

Among this powerful lineup was our Founder and Executive Director of Self-eSTEM, Adamaka Ajaelo. Adamaka facilitated a roundtable titled “Cultivating Joy: Finding Your ‘Ikigai’ at Work and Beyond,” where she explored how aligning purpose with one’s work can create joy-driven careers and lasting fulfillment. Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being” or “a life purpose.” While it can encompass one’s career or finances, Ikigai is ultimately about finding joy, balance, and fulfillment in everyday life. “At Self-eSTEM, we see firsthand how purpose and community can transform lives,” Adamaka shared. “That same spirit of connection is at the heart of this summit and the heart of leadership.”

Moderating the in-person session was Jasmine Darnell, Global Head of Culture & Belonging at Lyft and a new advisory board member of Self-eSTEM. Jasmine brought her deep expertise in building inclusive cultures to the conversation, helping participants connect the concept of Ikigai to practical ways they can lead with authenticity and balance in their roles.

The collaboration between Lyft and Self-eSTEM showcases what’s possible when mission-driven organizations come together to build community. Together, participants raised $6,200 (and counting) for Self-eSTEM. Funds raised during the event will directly support Self-eSTEM’s mission helping girls and women from underrepresented communities build confidence, leadership skills, and technical expertise to thrive in STEM fields. Lyft’s commitment to fostering community and empowering women mirrors Self-eSTEM’s vision: a world where every girl can see herself as a creator, innovator, and leader. By partnering through platforms like the Women Leadership Summit and the UpLyft ERG, both organizations are helping to drive equity and purpose forward, one connection at a time. “Joy and purpose are powerful catalysts for change,” Adamaka reminded attendees. “When we lead from that place, we don’t just grow individually we uplift entire communities.”

Join The Movement 

At Self-eSTEM, we believe in empowering the next generation of Women to succeed in STEM. 

Visit www.selfestem.org to learn how you can contribute through donations, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship.Together, we can create a future where every young woman has the opportunity to thrive in STEM.

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