At just 26, Bukola Olayinka is proving that you don’t have to fit into one box. From leading healthcare projects in the U.S. to building a luxury dessert brand inspired by her mother’s legacy and even stepping onto the pageant stage to launch her STEM to End Hunger initiative, she is rewriting what it means to be a young Nigerian woman in tech, business, and community leadership. In this interview with Inside Success, she opens up about her journey, the struggles that shaped her, and the vision driving her across every role she plays.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what drives you across all the different roles you play: project manager, entrepreneur, and community member?
My name is Bukola Olayinka, and I am a 26-year-old from Lagos State. Although I was born in Nigeria, I relocated to the United States with my family when I turned 9. Since then, I have pursued growth with determination, earning a master’s degree in engineering management. Today, I work as a project manager for a healthcare company, where I lead projects that include service implementations, process improvements, and clinical research coordination. Beyond my career in healthcare, I also run a business. Through B.B. Sweets, I design and deliver customised luxury grazing (charcuterie) and dessert tables for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. What drives me is impact. Whether I lead a project at work, expand B.B. Sweets, or engage with my community, I channel my energy into creating opportunities for others and inspiring people, especially young Nigerians, to dream bigger.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you that has shaped who you are today?
Most people don’t know that I struggled with self-doubt early in my career. At first, being the youngest in the room and often the only woman of colour on the team created a constant battle in my mind. Those moments made me question whether my voice truly mattered. However, as I pushed forward, I gradually learned to trust both my voice and my abilities. That shift completely changed the trajectory of my life. Because of it, I now step fearlessly into leadership spaces, and I use my platform to empower others with confidence and purpose.
Growing up, what experiences or influences steered you toward engineering and eventually project management?
My dad influenced me the most towards engineering because he is an engineer himself. He encouraged me to take up space in a male-dominated field. I’ve always been curious about how things work. Growing up, I was encouraged to ask questions, build things, and never limit myself. Engineering felt natural because it allowed me to solve problems. In 2020, during the COVID lockdown, I took this time to explore the tech industry, learning about agile methodology and project management, as well as AI. During my master’s programme I took a deeper dive into project management in different industries, and it became a passion because it gave me the tools to bring innovative ideas to life.
Looking back at your journey, were there defining moments that pushed you to start B.B. Sweets and explore life beyond tech?
Absolutely! My mom is a business owner as well; she owned a catering and event decorating company. I used to always watch her make these beautiful cakes and come up with the most delicious dessert recipes, so I guess that’s why I ventured into desserts. My love for baking and being able to continue my mom’s legacy is what made me start B.B. Sweets. The defining moment was realizing I could merge creativity and entrepreneurship. B.B. Sweets started as a passion project but taught me discipline, marketing, and business management. It reminded me that I am multi-dimensional, not just an engineer, but a creator and a businesswoman.
What inspired your journey into engineering and project management, and how has it shaped your approach to leadership in tech?
Engineering taught me to think critically, and project management taught me to think strategically. Together, they shaped me into a leader who values structure, innovation, and collaboration. I lead with empathy, knowing that empowering a team creates the best solutions.
With technology evolving so quickly, what trends do you find most exciting, especially for young women looking to enter the field?
I’m excited about the rise of AI, data science, and clean technology. These are tools that can transform industries and even fight issues like food insecurity, which is close to my heart. For young women, these trends mean new opportunities to innovate and take leadership roles in shaping the future.
How did B.B. Sweets come to life, and what lessons from engineering and project management have you applied in running your business?
B.B. Sweets started from my love for baking, creativity and making moments special through desserts. From engineering, I applied problem-solving and process optimisation, and from project management, I brought planning, budgeting, and execution, all of which turned a passion into a structured, growing business.
Balancing a career in tech and running a small business isn’t easy, what challenges have you faced, and how has technology helped you scale or stay organized?
One challenge has been time management. Technology has been my lifesaver. Tools like automation, digital planners, and social media scheduling platforms allow me to stay consistent with my business while excelling in my career.
What motivated you to compete in Miss Diaspora Nigeria USA, and how did the experience shape you personally and professionally?
What inspired me to join MDNU was the opportunity to amplify my voice and passion through a cause that resonated with me. I wanted to represent my culture with pride and use the platform to launch my STEM to End Hunger initiative, which is focused on empowering underprivileged children in Nigeria by giving them access to food, educational resources, and exposure to technology and engineering. I believe in creating solutions through innovation, and I want to show young Nigerian girls, especially in the underserved areas, that they belong in the world of STEM, not just as participants, but as leaders. Even though I wasn’t crowned queen, the experience was transformative; it pushed me out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more confident in my voice and purpose, and deepened my commitment to community service.
What lessons did you take away that you now apply in your career, business, or community work?
I learnt the power of resilience and grace under pressure. Pageantry taught me that even if you don’t walk away with the crown, you can still walk away with purpose, confidence, and a stronger voice.
You’re involved in SOAWP and TECH TALK, how do these organizations empower women, and how has your involvement influenced your own growth?
SOAWP (The Society of African Women Professionals Inc.) and TECH TALK create spaces where women are seen, heard, and supported. Being involved reminded me of the importance of mentorship and representation seeing other women thrive gives me courage to step into bigger rooms and invite others to join me.
What role do you see yourself playing in helping more African women thrive in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership spaces?
I see myself as a bridge. I want to create programmes, like my STEM to End Hunger initiative, that provide access to education, mentorship, and opportunities. My goal is to help African women see themselves as innovators and leaders, not just participants, while providing the tools for them to thrive.
How do you personally define success, given that you wear many hats, tech professional, entrepreneur, socialite?
Success for me is about impact and balance. If I’m using my gifts to make life better for someone else, while still growing personally and spiritually, then I’m succeeding.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you in tech, business, or community engagement?
I plan to expand STEM to End Hunger into a formal organization that reaches more underserved communities, launch more tech-related mentorship programmes for Nigerian youth, and continue growing B.B. Sweets as a creative outlet and business venture.
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