Tolu Olubunmi

About Tolu Olubunmi

I am a global citizen, engineer by training, and storyteller by nature—with a career defined by building bridges between sectors, countries, and communities to drive lasting change.My journey began in Nigeria and was shaped in the United States, where I navigated life as an undocumented immigrant before becoming a U.S. citizen. Along the way, I helped build the largest immigrant youth movements in U.S. history, served as the only \"DREAMer\" working full-time on federal immigration reform, and co-founded Immigrant Heritage Month. These experiences taught me how to turn personal challenges into strategic opportunities—and strategies into systemic impact.I’ve led global campaigns, advised corporate executives and heads of state, and developed initiatives at the highest levels of the United Nations, including directing the ActNow climate campaign—a global call to individual and institutional climate action.My work centers on the intersection of innovation, equity, and influence—whether shaping public narratives, expanding market access, or guiding institutions through moments of transformation. I bring deep cross-sector fluency, trusted global relationships, and a talent for aligning purpose with measurable outcomes.Alongside my international advisory work, I also founded How To Speak American, an initiative that uses storytelling as a tool for civic inclusion.I thrive in high-stakes environments that require vision, agility, and coalition-building across borders. My next chapter builds on this foundation—grounded in impact, guided by strategy, and committed to bold, global leadership.

Experience

1. Member, Global Future Council on the Future of Migration

   World Economic Forum

   Jul 2016 — Present

   The Network of Global Future Councils is an invitation-only knowledge network that serves as a forward-looking brain trust to the World Economic Forum and the world at large. Each of the 35 councils comprises 25 globally renowned experts from business, government, academia and civil society. The network gives its members a platform to support the Forum\'s vision to better understand and shape global systems in the face of rapid social and technological transformation.

Education

• Washington and Lee University

  BS, Chemical Engineering

  1998 — 2002