Advocate, Scholar, Mom, Changemaker

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD is a global human rights and disability justice activist-scholar, consultant, advocate, author, educator, and parent in a neurodiverse, multicultural, twice-exceptional serodifferent biological and adoptive family. A prolific writer and social scientist/activist with both lived and learned expertise whose work focuses on participatory research, meaningful community involvement, intersectionality, and accessibility, Morénike, a recognized leader and content expert in various collaborative endeavors, serves as founder/principal operator of Advocacy Without Borders, a nonprofit initiative offering lectures, advocacy, research, and related projects as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion training. 

Morénike, who resides in the US, maintains membership within several executive boards and is a highly sought after keynote lecturer and public speaker who has presented at the White House, the United Nations, and numerous peer-reviewed international conferences. Notable publications of Morénike’s include over a dozen monograph chapter contributions, digital scholarship, peer-reviewed articles and editorial work.

As an advocate, a mother of several children with disabilities, and a multiethnic disabled adult of color living with chronic illness, Morénike is deeply passionate about community leadership and empowerment that integrates our full selves and is inclusive of all.

Morénike’s LinkedIn, books, scholarly and creative publications, and various other items can be reviewed at https://LinkTr.ee/MorenikeGO

Hi! I’m Morénike Giwa Onaiwu (Morénike GO is my first name plus my last initials, for short). Among other things/roles, I am the Founder and Principal Operator of the best little nonprofit you’ve (probably) never heard of, Advocacy Without Borders, whose mission is “to encourage ALL people to make a difference…regardless of their differences.” Thanks for being willing to get to know me a bit better.

(Please be forewarned that this is [intentionally] NOT a “professional” intro; please check out other sources for that. This is me just being free and extremely informal…as if I’m chatting/infodumping with a friend. I’ll start off by addressing my name, as it’s something most people find unique as it’s not a common name in the Western world, and then afterward I’ll share other things.) 

My name, which is NOT pronounced like the shoe brand, means “Cherished One” in my family’s native language. I am a multiply disabled and multiply neurodivergent Black demi non-binary woman who uses both she and they pronouns.  In addition to being disabled, I’m also living with chronic illness (my diagnoses include autism, ADHD, rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, [mild] young-onset dementia, Sjogren’s, PCOS, Hashimoto’s, immune deficiency, and various psychiatric conditions). I’m an “Xennial,” so I’m neither young nor old (I tell my children I’m “grown and sexy”). However, in some ways I feel that I have/am an “old soul” though in many ways I’m very much a kid at heart as well…it’s complicated.

I’m the proud daughter of immigrants who came to America from Africa and ended up staying here in the US permanently, where my siblings and I were raised and where I still reside. I lived my earlier years in various parts of the Midwest (I was born in Minneapolis, so I’m an eternal Prince fan – my wheelchair is named “Purple Reign” [pretty sure you can guess what color I went with]) before my family moved further south; in adulthood I have lived in states in the Midwest, West Coast, and Gulf Coast. So basically, I was born in the Midwest, educated on the West Coast, and I live in the South (“dirty South…dirty, dirty, can y’all really feel me…” Oh yeah, that. I tend to script [a lot] like I was doing just now with that song lyric; I’m Autistic [specifically AuDHD] and can’t remember a time in my life where I didn’t engage in some form of echolalia, or repetition.  [In case you were interested, the script above is a line from the old song “Are You That Somebody” by the late Aaliyah, by the way.])

In terms of faith/spirituality, I’m a Christian, though an inclusive NOT a “conservative evangelical” one (i.e., I absolutely believe in evolution; I think many Biblical concepts are important metaphorical rather than concrete facts; I don’t perceive science and faith as opponents. I wasn’t raised with religion; faith is something I explored in adulthood), and as a person of Global Majority I embrace the rich cultural aspects that are interwoven into the practices of many faith traditions, particularly with regard to my indigeneity. I view and try to live out my spirituality as something that is deeply connected with my core values for human rights and social justice to help make positive change, not as a weapon for harming or judging others or trying to force them to believe/think/live a certain way; that’s NOT my place. I believe in “demonstrative faith” that is actionable and empathetic toward everyone, period.

I grew up in disenfranchised communities as my family was “working class” (which I think seems to be a modern euphemistic/nice way of saying “kind of poor” without actually saying that?), but what we lacked in finances we compensated for with creativity and love. I’m a product of public schools and as a kid aspired to become an ambassador (until I realized how poorly-suited my personality would be for such a role). Instead of that, after college I worked in the nonprofit sector as well as in research, refugee resettlement, and public health followed by a stint as a stay at home parent, then going to graduate school, and later education, research, and a combination of different roles followed. I did a lot of volunteer and advocacy work throughout that journey (and I still do). 

I’ve been a vegetarian since I was a teenager. I have been likened a bit to an ethnic version of a “crunchy granola” mom because of my affinity for natural hair (before alopecia resulted in the loss of much of my hair, I had shoulder length locs; now I primarily wear scarves and braided wigs), co-sleeping, baby-wearing, and self-weaning/extended breastfeeding tendencies. However, I tend to disagree with that assessment (I actually hate the taste and texture of granola, frankly, plus it’s not my style to proselytize and/or “police” others about their parenting/hair/food/lifestyle choices; you’re totally free to drink a Fanta and eat hot dogs and Cheetos around me without fear of a lecture). I would say I’m just me.

I’m a consultant and transdisciplinary researcher by day and a mom/writer/activist all the time. Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to engage in quite a bit of public speaking, training, and collaborative research and have discovered that these are things that I really, really like. However, I’ve always known that I loved reading and writing, as that is my “true” language, where I understand as well as express myself best; I am also a proud author of and/or contributor to several academic and non-academic publications and creative works.

What am I like (other than extremely verbose/”long-winded”), you might be wondering? If you’re into Myers-Briggs, I’m an INFJ, and according to the “Birds of a Different Feather” assessment, I’m an owl. I’m pretty sure I’ve taken some other personality (HEXACO? What color is your parachute? Idk…) and/or leadership type things too, but I can’t recall any of the other results; sorry. (Before JK Rowlings lost her mind and revealed herself to be a huge bigot, I used to say, “If we were at Hogwarts, I’d absolutely be in Ravenclaw, but I’d have lots of HufflePuff and Gryffindor friends. Maybe I would befriend a Slytherin or two, but I’d have to watch my back around them…because Slytherin, you know.”) As a Z fighter (DragonBall Z/Super/etc.), I’m probably sorta Gohan-esque.

I’m happily married to a hardworking and handsome fellow neurodivergent Blerd (Black nerd) who is very tall, funny, cishet, truthful, spiritual, kind, and supportive; I love him with every molecule of my being. I’m the proud mom of several amazing children who are elementary through college aged who are my everything. Some of them I gave birth to; others I didn’t, and our family is multicultural, multinational, serodifferent, and neurodiverse. I also have awesome siblings, parents, in-laws, nephews, nieces, niblings, and I’m a “Nana” too! I live for my family; they are the most important thing to me in the world, and I believe that families come in all sizes, all types, and all colors.

I prefer books to TV, prefer texting/otherwise using mobile devices to small talk, and pre-pandemic I would choose a flight over a lengthy road trip without hesitation; now I’d strongly prefer a virtual alternative if available. I’m a jeans, t-shirts, and flip flops kind of girl, but will rock a miniskirt, heels, and makeup if I’m in the mood.  (And look good in it too!) I like ethnic food, various genres of books and music, sappy movies and action movies, and I love children. (Which is a good thing because I have a houseful of kids.) My favorite snacks are fruits (specifically strawberries, sliced apples, cantaloupe, mango, purple plums, tangelos, persimmons, pineapple, pears, guava, peaches, kiwi, pluots, and honeydew melon – but only if they’re sweet) and sugar snap peas with hummus.

I’m a “Type A” (perfectionist-type) person who wishes I was more “Type B” (relaxed and spontaneous). I’m kinda weird, but most people get used to it. I treasure honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. If you don’t screw me over or stab me in the back, once I’m your friend you have a loyal friend for life as I’m very much a “ride or die” chick. I am notoriously bad at maintaining regular contact with people, but they’re always in my heart and thoughts.

I love learning new things, especially about different cultures, but I get excited learning about almost anything, really. As such, I can spout interesting factoids about all kinds of random stuff. I’m the type of person who enjoys a scholarly debate yet still likes to watch cartoons (Steven Universe, anyone? That’s my favorite show; I once gave a keynote address about it. I also really like Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, hence the reference to Gohan earlier. I really like MCU, DCU, and MHA too). I’m not afraid of hard work but I also treasure opportunities to rest, laugh, and just be.

I am a firm supporter of justice and human rights for all and I believe in the power of community. I believe strongly in the inherent value of all people, and a lot of that is reflected in my work as well as my faith. I enjoy learning new things and I value diversity. I think it’s brave to admit when you’re wrong and even more so to learn from it. I hate extremities of weather (very cold or very hot) and there is probably not a scenario that I will encounter that does not evoke a memory of a related song lyric or a TV/movie phrase. Being barefoot feels good (as long as they’re isn’t gross random debris underfoot, YUCK! Sensory NIGHTMARE!!!); especially being barefoot on the beach. In fact, everything is better at the beach…almost any beach, because the beach is my happy place.

I’ve been involved in advocacy since working with refugee youth in low-income housing projects and volunteering as an academic mentor to at-risk students in local public schools during my undergraduate years of college. A lot of my work focuses on intersectional issues, including but not limited to disability justice, HIV, participatory research, digital and public pedagogy, global health, racial and gender equity, nontraditional leadership, transformative narrativism, and more. I care about a lot of causes and a lot of people, and though I’m just one person, I sincerely try to use my life, my voice, my resources, my intellect, my connections, my…whatever to help effect positive change in our world. It’s something that’s deeply meaningful to me.

So while I can definitely play, be silly, and enjoy life (you gotta have balance – or at least strive to anyway), I do believe that I have a responsibility to put in the work while I’m on this earth to try to make it a better place. I will never stop…I don’t know what else to do but this. It’s who I am, how I was made. Everything about me all points back to this – a desire to make a difference. I want to live my life knowing that I fought hard for justice, for inclusion, and when I’m gone I want to leave a legacy of love and purpose. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do that.

Thanks for spending a little time to get to know more about me. I’ve got five not-so-little mouths to feed (kiddo six is grown, has a job, and feeds herself!), so if you have the interest and the means, please consider making contact for one or more (paid) speaking engagements, consulting work, editing, research, guest lecturing, sensitivity reading, training, curriculum development, and/or writing projects. (If you’re an individual or a grassroots community-based group with limited funds, especially one led by multiply marginalized people, and are worried about paying, still hit me up. Perhaps we can discuss discounts and/or an ethical “quid pro quo” arrangement – after all, my work is about the message, not the money, plus Advocacy Without Borders is a nonprofit after all). Otherwise, please take a look around, and feel free to contact my team with any questions/feedback via email: Staff@AdvocacyWithoutBorders.org

Feel free to check out various links that provide more info about me at https://LinkTr.ee/MorenikeGO

Founded by transdisciplinary activist-scholar Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, the mission of Advocacy Without Borders is to encourage ALL people to make a difference…regardless of their differences.

Advocacy Without Borders is dedicated to promoting meaningful community engagement, social justice, education, and collaborative partnerships. We exist because ALL voices matter, and because all people deserve an opportunity to strive for growth and change. 

Led by principles of intersectionality, disability justice, neurodiversity, and radical inclusion, we particularly seek to amplify perspectives of communities such as racial and gender minorities, youth, survivors, people with disabilities, and other historically and/or multiply marginalized identities. When Advocacy Without Borders was created, a concept that our founder Morénike had long envisioned came to life – the simple yet critical need for all people to discover their “inner advocate.” 

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose primary activities include grassroots community mobilization and awareness activities, training and education, digital humanities, advocacy-focused scholarship, public speaking/presentations, and qualitative research. 100% of our funds are utilized to carry out charitable work.

We’d appreciate your support! Learn more and/or donate: https://AdvocacyWithoutBorders.org