By: Awa Conteh
In this week’s episode of Gambian Trailblazers, we feature Jainaba Ceesay, a dedicated leader with over 20 years of experience in banking, finance, and consulting. Jainaba’s journey, from her first days in banking to founding EBROSSO Consulting, reflects a deep commitment to empowering communities and supporting small businesses. Jainaba has built a career that uplifts underrepresented communities, especially underrepresented groups in the United States and Gambia. Her work focuses on fostering opportunities and resources to drive transformative change across The Gambia, Maryland, and beyond.
Jainaba’s journey in finance and banking began at Gambia Senior Secondary School, where she specialized in Commerce. Encouraged by her family’s background in trade and entrepreneurship, she felt a calling to pursue a path in finance.
“I knew that a career in finance could help me continue my family’s legacy while making an impact,” she shared with The Alkamba Times.
Jainaba went on to pursue Commerce at an advanced level and then started her career in 2001 as a bank teller. Just a few years later, she was promoted to Financial Center Manager. This set her on a path of professional growth, leading to her founding EBROSSO Consulting on the day she graduated with an Executive MBA in 2017.
Through her consulting firm, Jainaba helps tackle challenges small businesses face, especially those addressing critical issues like healthcare and education.
“I’ve seen how small businesses can bring innovative solutions to problems that are often left to nonprofits or government. Working with these entrepreneurs requires a lot of empathy, as they’re often navigating deeply rooted societal issues”, she said.
Jainaba has earned prestigious awards throughout her career, including BB&T Bank’s Sterling Performer Award, M&T Bank’s President’s Council Award, and the Outstanding Adjunct Award from Bowie State University in the United States, where she resides with her family. She believes these recognitions reflect her approach to leadership:
Today, as part of Mtech at the University of Maryland, Jainaba helps bring new inventions to life, especially focusing on underrepresented communities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“As technology advances, we need to make sure that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds have access to resources,” she says.
Jainaba’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs to adjust and grow with changing technological demands.
When asked how she balances her roles as a professor, consultant, and tech leader, Jainaba explains that it all feels connected: “My purpose is to make a positive impact, so I see each of these roles as pieces of a bigger picture.”
Jainaba also taught entrepreneurship and leadership from 2018 to 2022, encouraging her students to dream big, work hard, and uphold high ethical standards. Her teaching philosophy has influenced many young people who have started businesses.
Innovation and technology are central to Jainaba’s vision for the future, especially for small and mid-sized companies. She believes that businesses should continuously evolve to meet their customers’ needs regardless of size.
“Every business should aim to understand its customers’ current and future needs to stay relevant,” she emphasized.
One of Jainaba’s proudest achievements is her work with underrepresented communities, particularly through her annual Black Founders in I-Corps event. Each year during Black History Month, this gathering celebrates Black entrepreneurs, sharing their stories, challenges, and successes.
“As someone from a minority background, it’s incredibly fulfilling to uplift others in my community,” she shared.
For young Gambians, especially women who aspire to lead in business or entrepreneurship, Jainaba offers some heartfelt advice: “I love my fellow Gambians and respect their resilience. I encourage them to stay open-minded, connect with the right people, and take advantage of every opportunity.”
In 2019, Jainaba founded 100 Diaspora Women, an organization that empowers African women in the diaspora and on the continent.
“Our mission is to give African women the resources they need to make a difference in their communities,” she explained.
She aims to help bridge gaps in access to resources, collaboration, and support networks so African women can lead and transform their communities.
Jainaba Ceesay’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and purpose. Her journey from a young student passionate about Commerce to a community advocate and business leader reflects a deep-rooted commitment to impactful change. As Jainaba continues her work, she remains focused on creating opportunities for others, especially those in underrepresented communities, proving that true success lies in empowering those around us.
Her story reminds us that no matter where we start, each of us has the power to create lasting change. It challenges us all to shine our own lights, look beyond ourselves, and serve as beacons for others. Be sure to join us again next week on Gambian Trailblazers for another inspiring episode, where we’ll continue spotlighting individuals impacting their communities. Let’s keep shining together!
