Awakening the Iconic Woman Within: Ekene Onu’s Mission to Uplift High-Achieving Women
In a world that often celebrates the success of high-achieving women, there lies an unspoken truth—many of them grapple with an internal struggle that remains hidden beneath the surface. Ekene, a former pharmacist turned inspirational force for change, embodies this silent struggle, having navigated the complexities of societal expectations, personal identity, and the quest for fulfillment.
Ekene’s story begins in the sterile aisles of a pharmacy, where she dutifully fills prescriptions and dispenses advice, all while feeling a profound disconnection from her true self. “I knew I did not want to be a pharmacist, but I didn’t have a sense of my personal power, so I went along, and people pleased,” she candidly shares. Like many high-achieving women, she found herself trapped in a cycle of pursuing success defined by others—career, marriage, and homeownership—all while neglecting her own desires and well-being.
This internal conflict often leads to unbalanced relationships and toxic encounters, as Ekene experienced firsthand. Despite appearing successful on paper, she harbored a profound sense of unhappiness, questioning whether she was truly living the life she was meant to lead. “I was considered successful, but deep in my heart, the question was, are you living out the life God intended for you?” she reflects. This introspection is a common thread among high-achieving women who, despite their accomplishments, often feel a disconnect between their external success and internal fulfillment.
Two pivotal moments ignited Ekene’s transformation into a force for change. The first occurred when she became a mother. Gazing at her daughter, who mirrored her own features, she was compelled to confront the truth of her life choices. “It forced me to face some truths, do some work, and say I wasn’t living out my full potential,” she explains. This awakening is emblematic of a broader phenomenon where motherhood catalyzes self-reflection and prompts women to reevaluate their paths.
The second moment of clarity came during a poignant encounter with a woman seeking help at the pharmacy. This woman, seemingly put together but emotionally burdened, began to cry—a moment that struck a chord in Ekene. “She was a strong Black woman carrying the load, doing everything for everyone and never really having the opportunity to have anyone ask her, how are you? How can I support you?” This encounter illuminated the often-overlooked emotional needs of high-achieving women who, despite their outward success, frequently feel neglected and unsupported.
Determined to reclaim her sense of self, Ekene embarked on a journey of self-discovery, focusing on mind, body, and soul. She took a leave of absence from work, dedicating her time to rest, exercise, prayer, and conscious eating. Within six weeks, she experienced significant weight loss and a renewed sense of self. “I wasn’t really around a lot of people at the time. It was just me and my daughter,” she shares. This isolation allowed her to reconnect with herself, a luxury many high-achieving women overlook while juggling their numerous responsibilities.
At the core of Ekene’s transformation lies her faith, which she describes as foundational to her mission. “Being a child of God, knowing how much God loves me, and living in that day-to-day is what transformed me,” she asserts. This spiritual grounding has empowered her to create the Iconic Womanhood Circle, a holistic program designed to elevate women through goal setting, personal growth courses, lifestyle programs, and Christian teachings.
Through her work, Ekene addresses the silent struggles of high-achieving women, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and community support. She encourages women to ask themselves, “What am I supposed to do?” and to trust in the small steps that lead to greater purpose. “Start with what your hands find to do, and build on that,” she advises, reminding women that they already possess the tools they need for transformation.
Ekene’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the necessity of addressing the silent struggles faced by high-achieving women. Her story resonates with many, highlighting that true success is not merely defined by external achievements but by the fulfillment of one’s authentic self. In sharing her experiences, Ekene inspires women to break the silence surrounding their struggles, reclaim their identities, and embrace their potential to live out the lives they were meant to lead.
Ekene Onu is featured in the latest book Forces For Change: Voices of Faith, Hope and Purpose. Be inspired by the trailblazing women in Forces for Change, whose creativity and strength are reshaping the world. This book is perfect for readers passionate about empowerment, leadership, and faith. (Hardcover coffee table book available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Ingram Sparks.
