BiKé Ojomo

04/21/2026

𝟓 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐄𝐈𝐁 𝐖𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) conversations are happening more than ever, but there are still common misconceptions that hold organizations back:

𝟏. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞.
It includes lived experiences, abilities, perspectives, gender, culture, and more.
𝟐. 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧..
Representation is important, but without inclusive systems, people don’t feel valued or heard.
𝟑. 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬.
Impact matters more than intent. We must be willing to listen, learn, and adjust.
𝟒. 𝐃𝐄𝐈𝐁 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐑’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
It requires commitment at every level: leadership, teams, and organizational culture.
𝟓. 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐄𝐈𝐁 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡
Conversations are a starting point, but real change requires action, accountability, and leadership.

DEIB is not a checkbox; it’s ongoing, intentional work.
The question is: What actions are we taking today to move beyond awareness into impact?

Photo - Dr. Aikyna Finch

01/20/2026

A parent’s deportation or detention is an incredibly stressful and frightening experience for a child at any age.
Children may struggle to understand what is happening, and as they process the separation and sudden changes in their lives, they may show emotional distress, behavioral changes, anxiety, or withdrawal.
This document highlights practical ways to support children during this difficult time, offering guidance for caregivers, educators, and community members.
It was developed by child mental health professionals to ensure the information is thoughtful, trauma-informed, and grounded in best practices.

Please share this resource with anyone who may need it or who supports children in caregiving, educational, or community roles.
Support and understanding can make a meaningful difference during moments of uncertainty and loss.

FYI - I have the Spanish version if you need it. - Inbox me.

12/12/2025

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of sitting through our Mid-Year MNLEND Fellows Presentations which is the last class for the year, and listening to all 17 fellows share their journey so far was truly inspiring. They reflected on what they’ve learned, their clinical observations, the progress they’ve made on their projects, and the expectations they’ve set for the second half of the program.

We were also joined by several MNLEND alumni, who came to network with the current fellows, answering their questions, offering guidance, and exchanging contacts for future collaboration.
Seeing that connection across cohorts reminded me of the strong community and sustained impact this program creates.

Watching the growth, confidence, and purpose of each fellow has reaffirmed why the MNLEND program is so important, and why I continue to advocate for its existence and impact.

I’m excited to share that applications are now open for the 2026–27 MNLEND cohort.
• Early Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
• Final Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

If you have any questions or are considering applying, feel free to reach out to me directly as the program coordinator.
I’m always happy to support future fellows on their LEND journey.

11/24/2025

A few weeks ago, our current 𝐌𝐍𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓–𝟐𝟔 𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 gathered for our annual group photo, though we missed a few fellows who couldn’t be there that day.
Every year, this moment captures more than faces; it captures the diversity, purpose, and passion that make MNLEND such a powerful community.
Our program brings together fellows from a wide range of professional backgrounds: OT, PT, nutrition, pediatrics, social work, psychology, community advocacy, lived experience disability fellows, parents, and many more.
As the program coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know most of our fellows personally, their stories, their motivations, and the reasons they chose this program.
Now that we are midway through the year, standing together for this photo reminded me once again of the heart of MNLEND: 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. It is inspiring to watch each fellow grow into their voice and commitment to disability justice.

I’m excited to share that applications are now open for the 𝐌𝐍𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟕 𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 - https://lnkd.in/gPVtgkna

If you have questions or are considering applying, feel free to reach out to me directly. - bojomo@umn.edu

- Early Application Deadline: January 5, 2026.
- Final Application Deadline: March 2, 2026.

Looking forward to welcoming the next group of leaders and advocates into this transformative program.

11/12/2025

#50. As I step into the beginning of a new decade today, I am so grateful. I can’t help but pause and look back at the woman I’ve become, the storms I’ve walked through, the mountains I’ve climbed, and the countless moments of grace that carried me when I didn’t think I could go any further. 🙏🏾

Turning 50 isn’t just about getting older; it’s about breaking barriers, embracing freedom, and walking boldly into a new decade filled with purpose and peace.

God has been faithful in many ways I could never put into words. His grace has sustained me, His love has refined me, and His mercy has given me a new beginning.

Here’s to growth, to healing, to laughter, to new adventures, and to the beautiful unknown ahead.

I’m standing here stronger, softer, wiser, and so thankful.

“Grace didn’t just bring me here it made me who I am.”

10/03/2025

TGIF, - Even if you’re the only one who sees how far you’ve come, your progress still matters.
Every small step, every quiet victory, every choice to prioritize your wellness adds up.
Don’t let anyone else define your worth or your journey. You are the only one who knows the depth of your growth.

Reflect on what makes you happy, celebrate your wins, and keep moving forward at your own pace.

08/20/2025

We officially welcomed our new MNLEND 2025–26 cohort this week!
While the number of fellows is smaller than last year, each one brings unique expertise, ranging from nutritionists and social workers to OT/PT professionals, family advocates, psychologists, etc. Their diverse perspectives are what will make this year so impactful.

I also had the opportunity to debut my very first teaching session in a graduate-level class, an experience that truly reflects how my journey as the MNLEND Coordinator has helped me grow, achieve goals, and overcome challenges along the way.

On Day 2, we introduced the fellows to the 12 MCH competencies and invited them to write a one-page reflection so we could get to know them better. We ended the day with a wonderful picnic, where MNLEND alumni joined us to welcome the new cohort and share their experiences as past fellows and their work in the community as well as networking.

As we round up the orientation, I am looking forward to getting to know each fellow individually, their passions, their goals, their vision and the impact they hope to make, and I am excited to support them as they grow through the MNLEND program this year.

Here’s to a year of growth, knowledge, inclusivity and meaningful impact.

07/27/2025

Sometimes, those you approach with humility, who are meant to protect and guide you, can be the very ones you need to be most cautious of.
Always remember to let God. 🙏🏼

Have a nice weekend everyone.

07/12/2025

Had to share this.

In many Sub-Saharan African countries, there is still a profound lack of understanding and awareness about autism. Children living with autism are often misunderstood, misjudged, and mistreated simply because they cannot speak, hear, or behave like other children. Instead of seeking help, therapy, or support, some families and communities may label these children as cursed, abnormal, or a source of shame.

As a result, many children with autism face heartbreaking realities, they are beaten, tortured, hidden away, or emotionally and physically abused. In the most extreme cases, they are seen as not fit to live, denied their basic rights, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.

This stigma and neglect reflect a deeper need for education, compassion, and cultural change. Every child, regardless of ability, deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
It’s time to raise our voices, change the narrative, and advocate for inclusion, understanding, and justice for children with autism across Africa.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1F2iryz31P/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/20/2025

Coordinating the 𝐌𝐍𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 has been nothing short of a 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 for me, both personally and professionally. It has been a true honor to interact with and get to know each of the fellows throughout the year. Their diverse professional backgrounds, lived experiences with disability, and the unique perspectives they each bring have deeply enriched the program and inspired me in countless ways.

This outgoing cohort was especially 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐨𝐧 with their projects. I took the time to carefully review each of their final research project posters, and it was incredible to witness the 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 from their very first day to the last. Their dedication, passion, and thoughtful work reminded me exactly why I chose to be part of this program. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of learning and collaboration, especially when you're surrounded by the 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

As we close out this cohort, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. I eagerly look forward to welcoming the next group of fellows and seeing the talent, insight, and professional knowledge they will bring to the 𝐌𝐍𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲.

Institute on Community Integration

06/18/2025

Institute on Community Integration

06/14/2025

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