Bola Ibidapo wears multiple hats, serving as co-founder and executive director for a successful nonprofit while also working on her law degree from the University Texas School of Law. A 2015 public relations graduate, Ibidapo plans to combine her Gaylord College background with her law degree to one day work in education or for a nonprofit. She recently shared about her professional work, why she decided to attend law school, advice for those wishing to follow a similar career path and more.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Gaylord College?
My favorite moment was presenting my capstone project, which I took under Dr. Katerina Tsetsura. It was probably the most challenging course I took during my entire college career, but it was so worth it. My group worked extremely hard to present to our client ways to encourage students to apply for the Gaylord graduate program. We were the second group to present and made a dance video afterwards to celebrate. This was before TikTok was cool, yet.
Do you have a favorite faculty or staff member from the college?
One of my favorite faculty members was hands down the late Professor Owen Kulemeka. He was such a fun, bright spirit and every student loved him without trying. I was fortunate to be in his crisis communications course. The subject matter was always lively, for we had to study moments where practitioners had to respond to the public during unexpected and tragic moments. However, Professor Owen always made it so much more fun. I miss him greatly!
How did your career path lead you to law school?
After graduating, I went off to work for the claims and litigation department for Chubb Insurance. I worked there for five years and was exposed heavily to the legal world and litigation in general. However, I also founded and operated two nonprofits--The Too Fly Foundation and The Queen Talk. It was as if my public relations skills I gained at Gaylord and my legal exposure I was getting at Chubb collided and really opened up my eyes to the idea of going to law school. I am currently pursuing education law and hope to be general counsel or compliance officer for a school district or nonprofit one day.
Describe your current role(s).
I currently wear multiple hats. First, I am in my second year at the University of Texas School of Law, where I have the leadership roles of vice president of my student government; co-executive director for Law Students for Black Lives; and a society coordinator, which helps guide law students during their first year in the program. Outside of law school, I am the co-founder and executive director for the Too Fly Foundation, which provides travel grants and passports scholarships to underrepresented youth so they may study abroad.
What do you consider to be the most significant moments of your career so far?
The most significant moment of my career thus far has been the extreme growth of my nonprofit, Too Fly Foundation. We have helped over 175 students see the world and impacted over 500 students through our unique programming. In February 2022, we were featured on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" alongside actor and producer, Tyler Perry. It has been really awesome to see in that moment all the hard work I and my team have put in to be recognized with such honor. It has also added to our continue momentum of growth.
How did Gaylord College prepare you for your future career?
The writing skills I developed in Gaylord have impacted me at every stage since I graduated. At my job, I was always drafting memos for my superiors or legal counsel. At law school, my ability to be organized and concise in my writing is all thanks to my teaching at Gaylord College. For my nonprofit work, I am constantly drafting press releases and curating communication pieces for our public. Even though I did not go off to be a public relations practitioner, every skill that I learned has aided me in my professional journey.
What advice would you give to current students aspiring to start their own nonprofits or attend law school?
For students who want to start their own nonprofit, I will give the same advice I give to people I often help during their own start-ups--test out your mission and be a good steward of small impact. For example, if you want to open up a homeless shelter, I would ask what small things are you already doing to make an impact. How are you already doing good on a small scale before you even begin trying to create this mega-nonprofit? Do that first. For students that want to go to law school, I would advise that when you pursue this journey, truly ask why you want to do it. Everyone's "why" is different and valid. But that "why" will be the reason you persevere and finish. It is so easy to worry about what everyone else is doing, so you have to stay true to your "why." If you don't know your why...wait and figure it out first.
What do you do for fun outside of work and school?
I absolutely love to travel, whether it is a road trip or finding a new place I have never been before. I also love live music and art. I have been a choir nerd my whole life, so anything artsy is my favorite thing to check out.
Are there any other organizations or projects you’re involved with that you want to highlight?
One organization I will forever highlight is Loveworks Leadership of Norman, Oklahoma. During my time at OU, I interned and co-coordinated programming. Although I am back in Texas, I still am a proud supporter. They have been an inspiration in my own work as a nonprofit founder and executive director. Loveworks Leadership is truly revolutionary in how it impacts students.
