Rita Ezenwa‑Okoro is a dynamic creative culturist and visionary leader who harnesses the transformative power of play and performing arts to inspire youth leadership, foster psychosocial resilience, promote civic participation, and cultivate safer community norms. As a renowned thought leader, speaker, author, and creative strategist, Rita has directly empowered over 5,000 youths and women entrepreneurs, sparking ripple effects that have positively impacted countless families and communities worldwide.

 

At the forefront of global change, Rita serves as the Founding Member and Executive Director of the Global Play Brigade (GPB), a movement dedicated to softening borders through the universal language of play. Under her leadership, GPB has flourished into a vibrant global community spanning 105 countries, offering over 650 free Playshops via Zoom and WhatsApp, and connecting 20,000 individuals through improvisation, storytelling, and creativity. Her innovative programs have fostered hope, healing, and human connection across continents, reaching countries like India, China, Nigeria, Argentina, Australia, and beyond.

 

Rita’s commitment to social transformation extends to her role as the founder of the award-winning Street Project Foundation, recognized by the United Nations and BMW Group’s Intercultural Innovation Award. This organization champions inclusive, arts-led leadership programs tailored for at-risk youth across Africa.

 

Her accolades include being a Mandela Washington Fellow, recipient of the Lagos State Award of Excellence in Youth and Entrepreneurship Development, a three-time global fellow of the International Society of the Performing Arts (ISPA), and the distinction of being the first Nigerian to serve on ISPA’s prestigious board.

 

Author of Doing. Being. Becoming. For the Love of the Creative Arts, Rita chronicles her inspiring journey as a grassroots creative youth organizer in Nigeria. Beyond her professional endeavors, she channels her passion through her Marketing Communications firm, ROC, and enjoys life as a movie enthusiast, public speaker, singer, and global traveler, embracing her identity as a true global citizen.