It was a night of celebration and recognition as Impact Space Inc. honored changemakers at the 5th Annual Impact Awards on January 26, 2025. The global event brought together individuals and teams from across the world, shining a spotlight on those driving meaningful change in their communities.
From the United States to Zimbabwe, the ceremony bridged time zones and distances, proving that dedication to impact transcends borders. Stories of resilience and leadership filled the evening, reminding everyone that real change starts with action.
The evening was led by Vanessa Richard-Bassey, host of the Impact Africa Podcast, who brought a dynamic presence to the event. Her engaging storytelling and sharp wit kept the momentum alive throughout the ceremony, making sure every honoree felt seen and celebrated.
One of the most exciting aspects of the virtual event was the interactive atmosphere. The live chat was filled with reactions, words of encouragement, and a flood of emojis as attendees celebrated the winners in real time.
Recognizing the Changemakers
Founder and CEO Irene Nyarko set the tone for the evening, reminding everyone that the awards were not just about individual achievements but about a collective movement driving meaningful change.
Impact Volunteer of the year: George Wagabi (Nairobi, Kenya)
The awards started with Impact Volunteer of the Year, George Wagabi (Team Kenya), who made a tremendous difference in the Kenya Care Drive, supporting children with special needs. His dedication went beyond just volunteering—he played a key role in organizing resources, ensuring the children received essential support, and fostering an inclusive environment. His ability to mobilize, inspire, and uplift those around him made a lasting impact, earning him well-deserved recognition.
Impact Member 2024 (Community MVP): Emmanuella David (Lagos, Nigeria)
Emmanuella David was recognized for her consistent dedication to uplifting the Impact Space community. With over three years of active participation, she has contributed more than 100 positive shares and 400 engagements, reinforcing the values of collaboration and inspiration.
Leadership Excellence: Team Nigeria Wins Big
The Impact Leadership 2024 category was highly competitive, but Team Nigeria emerged as the standout winner. Their ability to coordinate efforts and create meaningful impact secured them the top spot.
🏆 Leadership Winners – Team Nigeria:
- Emmanuel Oguche
- Saviour Uchi
- Ernest Azu
🥈 2nd Place – Team Kenya:
- Samuel Waswa
- Maurine Kabo
- Lydia Owiro
🥉 3rd Place – Team Uganda:
- Susan Akampurira
- Jonathan Clay
Their leadership efforts have strengthened the community and set a standard for others to follow.
Honoring the Honorees
Several individuals were recognized for their active participation in Impact Space programs and their contributions to their communities:
- Nnanke Ofem (Calabar, Nigeria) – Honored for her engaging and inspiring contributions, keeping the community energized with over 500 posts throughout the year.
- Eteng Eteng Bassey (Calabar, Nigeria)
- Rumbidzai Chemhere (Harare, Zimbabwe)
- Ruby Brown (Accra, Ghana)
Their commitment to making a difference has not gone unnoticed.
The night ended with the recognition of Impact Space Africa Employee of the Year, Saviour Uchi, for his exceptional contributions and leadership. Awardees also received mini-grants ranging from $25 to $200 to fund their ongoing impact initiatives.
And for those who didn’t take home an award? A special dinner awaited them, a reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about showing up, making a difference, and continuing the journey.
As Irene Nyarko closed the evening, she left everyone with a powerful message:
“Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we continue the work. Change happens in every moment we choose to make a difference.”
With attendees joining from across continents and time zones, the awards showcased the truly global nature of Impact Space, uniting changemakers from the United States to Zimbabwe in a shared mission of transformation.
Congratulations to all the winners and honorees. The work continues. 🚀🎉