Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose RisingOaks Early Learning for your family’s child care needs?
Paul Okoye is a leader of organizational change, culture transformation, dispute resolution and training. As a trusted business advisor with over 15 years of management consulting experience, Paul empowers public and private sector leaders to translate their organizational Mission, Vision and Value statements, business and HR strategies, into desired outcomes.

Paul is a passionate advocate for an equitable world that is lived out in the communities and workplaces. As a leadership consultant and diversity practitioner, Paul is focused on helping organizations and systems overcome barriers related to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). He has designed different resources on inclusion and unconscious bias for a variety of organizations and communities. Paul is a trainer and speaker on topics such as anti-racism, power/privilege/ prejudice, EDI, and conflict management.

How has being a Director on the Board benefited you personally and professionally?
I'm still new to the board. That said, I expect to learn from other board members, to challenge and be challenged by new and innovative ways to provide service to the families and children we support.

What would you say to a member who is contemplating joining the board but is not sure what they can bring to the table or whether they have the right skill set?
There is no such thing as "the right skill". Every skill, every experience, every expertise offers RisingOaks an extra lens with which to challenge us, our systems and our services to care for our increasingly diverse families and children.

Share a fond memory from your childhood that has stayed with you over the years? How has this and other similar moments influenced your parenting style?
I've always cherished the memories of sitting outside with my dad and watching the sun go down, and the moon appear. Also the beauty of taking long evening walks with my dad. Those memories remind me of how important it is to spend time, share memories, and just truly commit to growing up together with your kids.

How do you find work-life balance and still meet your commitment to RisingOaks' Board?
I do not find "work-life" balance, because it is an elusion to find a way to perfectly balance work and life. Instead, I choose to focus on what's most important to me at each stage of my life.

What is a favourite book that you've enjoyed reading with your child?
The "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series.