As Seen On
Meet Aya Eneli M.A. J.D. – Motivational Speaker & Best Selling Author
If you are like me, you have dreams and hopes that are yet to materialize, you see them and yet somehow, they are just out of your reach. I have felt that way about many things in my life – my career, spiritual growth, having kids and my marriage. One thing I have learned through all the ups and downs of life is that there can be growth and transformation even in the hard times.
YOU are the magnificent being you are today, because of all you have overcome and endured. What I know for sure about you is that you are the type to never give up on your dreams. And since you are here, in this space, I also know that you are choosing not to give up on that romantic love and relationship of which you’ve always dreamed. I celebrate and applaud you, my friend.
If you’ve already read my book, Reclaim Your Life: Guidance for Wives at the Crossroads, you know I am transparent about my experiences. So, who is Aya?
I am the third child of seven children born to Christian parents. I heard I was a very happy baby, though my personality changed after some childhood trauma. I have always had a zest for learning, devouring and writing books at a young age. I have never shied away from leadership even when it has come at great personal cost.
Born in Columbus, Ohio to parents of Nigerian origin, I was raised in Nigeria and many of my experiences there shaped my sensibilities. At age 17, I returned to the United States of America and eventually attended The Ohio State University where I earned four degrees in seven years including a Master’s degree in African/African American Studies and a Juris Doctorate.
While in college, I worked seemingly a million jobs. Everything from being a research assistant to flipping burgers at Wendy’s, waitressing at restaurants, taking phone orders at Victoria’s Secret, offloading UPS trucks, being a law clerk, mentoring “at risk” kids, interning at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, being a Resident Assistant and later a Graduate Administrative Assistant, teaching workshops and seminars, etc.
I was a child star in Nigeria, appearing in two popular children’s programs. As an 8-year-old, I was the keynote speaker for Nigeria’s International Year of the Child celebration, sharing the stage and airwaves with government leaders and other high achievers.
I have spent the last 30 years of my life, designing, implementing and teaching success and leadership strategies in higher education and to a variety of corporate and religious entities in the US, Europe and Africa. My clients include The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, First National Bank of Texas, Wellstone Health Partners, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, General Motors, the Michigan Department of Education, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
An attorney, best-selling author and newspaper columnist, I am a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher and Speaker and I continue to offer keynote addresses, workshops, seminars, and coaching. In 2016, I founded IT (Intelligent & Talented) Girls to serve and empower girls ages 11-17 years old. I continue to serve as CEO of Aya Eneli International, teaching success and leadership strategies designed to empower and equip individuals to create and live lives of purpose.
Over the years, I have come to be known as the Abundant Life coach, based on my first book, Live Your Abundant Life. I have been fortunate to be recognized for my work including being featured in the Encyclopedia of Pathbreaking Women at The Ohio State University and have been featured in various media including Entrepreneur magazine, MSNBC, Black Enterprise and the Detroit Free Press. I have also had the honor of serving as past president of the Rotary Club of Belton, Texas and the past Chair of the Communities in Schools, Greater Central Texas Board. I currently sit on the Central Texas College Foundation Board.
Nonetheless, my professional successes did not automatically transfer to my marriage. I found myself woefully unprepared to build a loving, thriving marriage. This book and this site are dedicated to those of you who may be facing your own challenges whether it is in finding a love of your own or in saving your marriage.
I pray you are blessed by my story and the stories others will share here. Your being in this space is definitely a blessing to me.
Testimonials
“By their fruits, you shall know them”.
Sabine C.
I can attest to the fact that she is motivational and has a proven track record of helping her clients attain a high level excellence. In my time working with Aya as her coaching client, I have excelled professionally, and was named the Pharmacy District Manager of the Year for Rite Aid Corporation. I have thriving relationships and I am more physically fit. I have identified my purpose in life, a key knowledge that drives my day to day decisions. Aya has also been a prayer partner, helping me pray through some tough situations.
Aya and I have known each other since our high school days and I believe one of the best decisions I made as an adult was choosing to work with her professionally.
Cyd West, Senior Vice President
Pastor Angela Bradley
What I learned from that time encouraged me not to quit my work (which I had been considering). Since then, I’ve been promoted and I love what I do even more. The greater responsibility that I now hold rests on a firmer foundation in me. I learned a lot and even these years later, what I discovered about myself then, I used in the interview for my current job. One of the ladies from our cohort then, has been a source of personal inspiration and encouragement to me very recently. I am grateful for the push I got from that group to propel me to my current success. As Aya says, “Success leaves clues”. It’s true. The path to success is not hidden or just by happenstance or for the elite. We all can learn. I encourage any woman who feels the call to another level of greatness in her life to contact Aya. There is no way you can work with her and remain the same.