Kemi Olaniyi is Empowering Community-Led Change Through Strategy and Heart

Kemi Olaniyi
Founder, Kemz Solutions

Kemi Olaniyi is a seasoned project and programme manager whose career spans banking, business technology and community development. After a successful 16-year career with Halifax Plc, Kemi made the bold decision to pivot. She earned a degree in Business Information Technology and began carving a new path, one rooted in social impact, entrepreneurship and empowerment.

Today, Kemi works with community-led organisations and social enterprises, helping them turn ideas into action. As the founder of Kemz Solutions, she supports individuals and grassroots teams to secure funding, strengthen their operations and create lasting impact. Her work is driven by a commitment to helping others unlock their potential and thrive.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Kemi’s journey from corporate banking to community development is marked by a clear throughline: problem-solving, people-first leadership and the belief that everyone deserves the tools to succeed. After stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, she supported London-based businesses through workshops, coaching and events backed by major funding streams. Her results spoke volumes—building high customer satisfaction rates and meaningful relationships along the way.

Now, she applies those same skills to organisations committed to positive change. Whether guiding teams through funding applications or coaching individuals into confidence, Kemi brings energy, clarity and kindness to everything she does. Her passion for helping young people and underrepresented communities thrive has led her to create solutions that meet people where they are and guide them forward.

A Vital Voice at DiNN

Kemi’s relationship with Do it Now Now began as a participant, then grew to include roles as a guest speaker, facilitator and now a second-year member of the Community Advisory Board. In 2023, she launched Kemz Solutions, a social impact business built with DiNN’s support and rooted in the belief that knowledge, access and mentorship can transform lives.

As a Programme Facilitator for the Innovate Now initiative, Kemi continues to share her expertise with new cohorts of entrepreneurs. Her contributions extend beyond logistics or delivery—she helps participants believe in their work, refine their strategies and feel part of something bigger.

Her practical mindset and warm leadership style make her a valued voice on the board, shaping DiNN’s future with insight, creativity and a genuine love for the community.

Creating Space for Others to Rise

Kemi believes that collaboration is key to creating lasting impact. She has seen the power of community time and again, how shared knowledge and mutual support can shift not just individual journeys, but the trajectory of entire organisations. Her commitment to equity and inclusion fuels her desire to bring practical, accessible tools to Black-led businesses and social enterprises navigating systemic barriers.

Looking ahead, Kemi plans to expand her work to projects across Africa, continuing her mission of supporting underrepresented voices and building sustainable, community-driven solutions.

A Final Word

“Do it Now Now is more than a network. It’s a place where you're consistently supported, connected and encouraged to grow. Whether you're just starting or scaling your vision, there’s always a door open here, and a team ready to help you walk through it.”

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About the Community Advisory Board at Do it Now Now

At Do it Now Now, we empower Black people with the skills, tools, and resources they need to lead, influence, and create the future, for themselves and their communities. Our values are clear: We are ambitious. We believe in community. We build trust.

The Community Advisory Board plays a central role in shaping how we deliver on our mission. Made up of individuals who have taken part in our programmes, the board brings lived experience, insight and accountability to the heart of our work. Members understand the journey of Black-led charities and social enterprises and use that knowledge to guide our programme design and resource development.

Through quarterly meetings, the Advisory Board co-produces aspects of DiNN’s strategy, research priorities, and storytelling. Members provide valuable feedback, healthy challenge and forward-thinking recommendations, ensuring that our work remains community-led, impact-driven, and aligned with our vision of systemic equity.

Together, we are building stronger foundations for the next generation of Black leaders.