Grace Jerry Alache, Disability Rights Advocate, Mentors Participants at FAME Foundation

FAME Foundation welcomed Disability Rights Advocate, Grace Jerry Alache, as a guest mentor for a special mentorship session with participants of the HerSTEM Cohort 3 Phase 2 on February 24, 2026. The session brought together students from the Abuja School of the Deaf, Kuje, and women with disabilities participating in the HerSTEM program for an engaging conversation centered on confidence, identity, and growth.

From the start, the atmosphere was warm and interactive. With the support of sign language interpreters, participants were able to follow the conversation closely and contribute their thoughts and experiences. The gathering created a space where everyone could listen, learn, and speak openly.

Madam Grace shared reflections from her personal journey, encouraging participants to embrace who they are and believe in their potential. She spoke about the importance of building meaningful connections, supporting one another, and being confident enough to take up space in rooms where opportunities exist.

She also encouraged participants to view disability differently, not as a limitation, but as another way of experiencing the world. By accepting themselves and understanding their rights and abilities, she noted, young people can begin to challenge the stigma and barriers that often surround disability.

Drawing from her own experiences, she shared how her early platform began in church, where she used music and speaking opportunities to raise awareness about disability issues. Over time, those moments grew into a larger platform for advocacy and impact. She reminded participants that today there are even more spaces, especially online, where their voices can be heard and their ideas shared.

The session naturally opened up conversations about some of the challenges participants face in their daily lives, including discrimination, exclusion, and bullying. Madam Grace acknowledged these realities while encouraging participants to focus on learning, developing skills, and speaking up for themselves and others.

Participants responded with honesty and enthusiasm, sharing personal stories and asking questions. For many of them, the session was not only an opportunity to learn but also a chance to see possibilities reflected in someone who has navigated similar experiences.

The mentorship session ended with group photographs and shared smiles, capturing a moment of connection and encouragement for the HerSTEM participants as they continue their journey of learning and growth.