Posts tagged #Storytelling

Resilience and Reward: How a Hackathon Sparked a Global Opportunity

Adventure Travel

November 22nd, 2022, marked a pivotal moment when 22-year-old Oluwadamilare Ololade emerged victorious at the inaugural Tourism Hackathon Nigeria. His winning innovation, Travel Bunny, was a testament to his talent and ingenuity. While Damilare celebrated his well-deserved triumph over 26 other bright participants, behind the scenes, a less visible but equally crucial journey unfolded.

The path to launching the hackathon had been fraught with challenges. Initial local support proved elusive, with numerous doors closing and promises unkept. However, a turning point arrived with the invaluable support of the UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) team. Even then, the crucial element of a winner’s prize remained unsecured until the eleventh hour. A representative from UNWTO offered a game-changing proposition: sponsoring the winner’s attendance at a global UN conference in 2023. It was an opportunity seized without hesitation.

The subsequent year was a whirlwind, dedicated to bringing the second edition of the hackathon to life. This endeavor was a true labor of love, made possible by the unwavering commitment of a resilient team and loyal collaborators who refused to be discouraged.

Throughout the uncertainties, Damilare’s conduct was exemplary. Despite delays in the realization of his prize trip, he remained patient, focused, and incredibly gracious. His integrity served as a powerful motivator, fueling the determination to persevere.

Last year saw our paths diverge in exciting ways. Damilare’s innovative spirit led him to another significant victory, securing a substantial ₦10 million (~ USD 6,000) grant and technical support at Wema Bank’s Hackaholics 5.0. Simultaneously, I had the honor of speaking at the 1st UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

As time moved forward and the intensity of those early days began to recede, an unexpected email arrived last week, bringing with it a profound sense of fulfillment.

The 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit is scheduled to take place next month in Livingstone, Zambia. And representing Nigeria on this global stage will be none other than Oluwadamilare Ololade. 🙌🏾🇳🇬

The joy this news brings is difficult to articulate. A vision nurtured over the years has come full circle.
Deep gratitude is owed to the incredible individuals who played a vital role in this journey: Natalia Bayona and ELCIA GRANDCOURT, thank you for your unwavering belief in this vision. Addaia Arizmendi, your behind-the-scenes magic was indispensable. Ifeoma Okafor-Obi, Niyi Aderibigbe, Segun Ogunleye, and Dr. Hakeem Onasanya, thank you for your crucial local incubation support.

To my dedicated team – Tope, Shade, Wemimo, Jide, Ovo, Sadiq, and John – your tireless efforts were the bedrock of this success. And thank you, Amaka, for providing us with a platform in Year 2.

Together, we have transformed an initial idea into an impactful platform that has:
✅ Supported 15 promising startups,
✅ Empowered over 150 tech-savvy entrepreneurs
✅ Received international recognition at the G20 India Summit 2023 as a leading model for digitalization in tourism.

My commitment to championing innovation and nurturing talent across the African continent remains steadfast. I am always eager to collaborate with those who share this vision.

Here’s to the power of bold ideas, the resilience of dedicated builders, and the enduring nature of dreams.
Let’s continue to build together. 💛🌍

Saved by the Clock

Life

A Night to Remember at the Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase

Some moments in life are exciting and emotional, this was one of them. Stepping onto the stage to present KintraceAI for the first time at the Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase was a moment I won’t forget. The room was full of energy, with founders and an engaged audience. You’d never guess it was freezing outside.

My presentation started smoothly. I talked about KintraceAI, our mission, and the work we’re doing. But as I reached the end, I got to the most personal part, why this project means so much to me. KintraceAI isn’t just about technology; it’s about keeping memories alive, starting with my late father’s story. We’re using KintraceAI to create his autobiography so that his experiences and wisdom live on.

At that moment, emotions took over. It became hard to speak. Just when I felt overwhelmed, the clock saved me. I had run out of time and had to step off the stage.

The night was full of emotions, pride, gratitude, and reflection. But more than anything, I feel thankful. Thankful for the chance to share KintraceAI, for the amazing founders who shared their visions, and for the startup community that keeps pushing forward.

A big congratulations to every founder who participated, and a special shout-out to the winners, Dimitri Njila and Adanna Amechi. This is just the beginning. There’s a long journey ahead, but we’re building something truly meaningful.

To everyone who has supported me, thank you. Your belief in this mission keeps me going.

Here’s to keeping memories alive and shaping the future. Let’s keep building.

Kintrace Merch Has Landed!

Stuff

Where to begin? First off, a huge shoutout to the talented designers at Greyscale Design Co., led by Jide Akinlabi – they did an absolute madness with the brand identity! I still remember the excitement when I first saw the logo; it instantly stood out from the pack.

Now, seeing it on the merch, I’m convinced we made the right choice. The design just pops!

See if you can interpret the logo. There are at least two visual representations in it—Bonus points if you get the third one that recently emerged (because good things always work in 3’s 😉).

Special thanks to my friend CAN LIAO for making this happen. Your support means the world!

Also, I’m thrilled to say that 2025 is off to a flyer – exciting things are already in motion, and the Kintrace journey is just getting started. 🚀

Stay tuned for more updates from the Kintrace community. Let’s make this year unforgettable!

Finding Inspiration: Where Stories Come to Life

Adventure Life Nature Travel

“We need stories to understand ourselves.” – Salman Rushdie

At Kintrace, we believe that inspiration for storytelling can be found in the most unexpected places. Recently, our journey of discovery led us through a day of meaningful exploration that reinforced our mission to preserve family narratives.

To commemorate our 6th anniversary, we embarked on a journey through Waterloo’s rich tapestry of stories. Our day began in a local bookstore, where we encountered Yahaya Baruwa, author of “Struggles of a Dreamer” – a powerful novel chronicling an immigrant’s journey. Baruwa’s own story is remarkable; his family emigrated to Canada in 2001 when he was 12, and his novel has resonated with over 55,000 readers.

The Waterloo Museum’s exhibition, “Waterloo From Above 200 Years of Change,” offered a profound testament to the power of preserving stories. The exhibition traced the city’s transformation from early Indigenous communities to its current vibrant landscape. One particularly moving narrative was that of Levi Carroll, a Black freedom seeker whose family history is deeply interwoven with Waterloo and Kitchener’s historical fabric.

What struck us most was the exhibition’s innovative approach to storytelling. Historic maps, aerial images, and even LEGO recreations of iconic structures demonstrated the myriad ways we can connect with and preserve our past. It’s a reminder that stories are not just about words, but about creating meaningful connections across time and space.

These experiences reaffirmed Kintrace’s core mission: building a future where no story is lost. Every family has a unique narrative waiting to be discovered, preserved, and shared.

We’re curious: Where do you find inspiration for stories? What narratives in your family or community deserve to be remembered?

At Kintrace, we’re committed to helping you capture and celebrate those irreplaceable moments that define who we are.