Ekio Collective believes that education, culture and life experiences are just a few of the many things that shape our worldview and existence. Ekio Collective represents the melding of knowledge and cultures. In the Izon (Ijaw) language, the word Ekio means “wisdom.” The English word Collective represents the blending of the knowledge, skills and experiences of Ekio Collective’s diverse team with the contributions of the people that Ekio Collective serves. Ekio Collective is also a nod to our founder’s African-American (descendant of the enslaved) and Ijaw (Nigerian) ancestry. She honors her roots not only through the agency’s name but also through our work.