The Esther’s Company

2130. Olanrewaju Olaleye

Set up in 2009, the faith-based non-denominational charity helps support women, families and young people from abusive relationships, those from challenging circumstances, single parents and young people in care, with the aim of creating opportunities for people to talk and learn from each other. Ola has set up a range of networks to help support people, including a programme to help 16-30 year olds who are digitally excluded and a platform that focuses on teenagers and young adults in the Black community. She also runs MaxiMND, a programme offering training on confidence and capacity building for women in the BAME community, which includes regular conferences, seminars and workshops to bring together and empower women. ‘The Esther’s Company’ also offers training in areas such as using social media platforms to generate income and entrepreneurship, as well as CV writing, help with preparing for interviews and coaching.

In a personal letter to Ola, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 

“Inspired by your faith, you wanted to help people who had been through difficult circumstances, such as care leavers or survivors of abusive relationships and substance misuse. And through your fantastic charity, The Esther’s Company, you are doing exactly that – providing a vital support network, offering coaching, mentoring, employability workshops and listening services.

“With your incredible commitment and compassion, you are helping to change people’s lives and fulfilling your mission of building a more inclusive and harmonious society for all.”

Ola’s local MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, Lisa Cameron, said:

“I am delighted that Ola Olaleye has been nominated for a Points of Light award and that she has shown innovation, determination and compassion by founding ‘The Esther’s Company’ to provide coaching, mentoring, employability workshops and listening services for women, families and young people in Glasgow’. She is making a huge difference to the most vulnerable and has made our constituency extremely proud.”

Ola said:

“Being acknowledged for this award is a great honour for me as it acknowledges the dedication behind founding ‘The Esther’s Company’. Establishing ‘The Esther’s Company’ was driven by my deep-seated desire to witness individuals from the black community seamlessly integrate and prosper in our society. Undoubtedly, this recognition serves as a powerful source of inspiration and motivation.

“Sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me and ‘The Esther’s Company’. Together, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society for all.”

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