Sade’ Oyeyemi is a dedicated marketing professional, volunteer, and passionate advocate for food security and mental health. From her work at The Foodbank to her involvement with the Junior League of Dayton, Sade’ brings heart, creativity, and a spirit of service to everything she does.

Read on to learn more about Sade’ and her story in our latest Meet Our Members spotlight:

Rooted in Service

Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Sade’ grew up as the youngest of five (and the only girl!) She shared that most of her mother’s family still lives in Illinois, while her father’s family lives in Nigeria. She hopes to visit soon!

Since moving to Dayton about 25 years ago, Sade’ has immersed herself in education, personal growth, and community service. She earned a certification in Small Animal Science from MVCTC and later earned her Associate of Arts in Theatre Performance at Sinclair Community College.

Today, Sade’ works at The Foodbank, Inc. as a Marketing Content & Grants Support professional, where she specializes in marketing, social media, media relations, and donor stewardship. She also fills in when needed in The Foodbank’s drive-thru, mobile pantries, and mass distributions.

“Unexpectedly, in the summer of 2023, I was in between jobs,” she said. “A previous coworker told me about open interviews at The Foodbank, I applied, and was hired! It wasn’t a typical job interview. The Foodbank hires based on both head and heart, so I was actually hired for a different position than the one I initially applied for. They believe that most skills can be taught, and I’ve gained much of what I know through hands-on experience and strong leadership.”

“Coincidentally, my theatre degree comes in handy when it comes to public speaking for TV appearances and events,” she added. “It’s been essential in helping me build meaningful connections and better understand the needs of our neighbors and clients.”

Journey to the Junior League

Community connections go far in Dayton. In fact, it was through The Foodbank that Sade’ learned about getting involved in the Junior League of Dayton and became a member in 2024.

“My supervisor introduced me to the Junior League of Dayton as she has many connections with active and sustainer league members,” Sade’ explained. “What drew me in was the opportunity to be part of an organization that aligns with the empowerment and leadership development of women. So far, I’ve enjoyed stepping into new spaces, connecting with leadership-driven women, and getting involved in various volunteer opportunities.

“Volunteering has always been a passion,” she added. “My dream is to one day be able to volunteer every day without the need for a traditional job. The Junior League serves as a reminder to continue prioritizing volunteering and contributing to our community.”

Life Beyond Work

Outside of work and volunteering, Sade’ finds joy in life’s little adventures. She loves collecting niche perfumes, treasure hunting at local shops, and getting together with friends for mini road trips. In Dayton, you might find her unwinding at Salar’s happy hour, sipping boba from Blossom Juicy Bar, or catching a comedy show at The Funny Bone.

One thing people may not know about Sade’ is that she has an exceptional memory. “Whether it’s small gestures or big efforts, I never forget the people who have helped me along my journey,” she shared. “I carry eternal gratitude for them.”

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Sade’ said, “Be even bolder. Embracing your true self draws the right people to you, and you never know who you might be inspiring along the way.”

An Inspiring Vision for the Future

In addition to food security, Sade’ is passionate about another cause close to her heart.

“While I’d love to address all the complex and multifaceted issues facing the Black community, if I had to focus on one, it would be mental wellness and support systems,” she shared. Improving mental health would provide a foundation to tackle other issues that hinder our progress and overall well-being.”

With her drive to uplift others, her dedication to servant leadership, and her commitment to continuous growth, Sade’ is an incredible force in our community. We’re so glad she’s sharing her time and talents with us as a member of the Junior League of Dayton!

Interested in Becoming a Member?

Learn more about the benefits of joining the Junior League of Dayton!