For the Otu family, leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about action. It’s about showing up, serving others, and creating opportunities where none exist. Victoria Inyang-Otu has spent her career building both businesses and communities. As the founder and CEO of VIKEM Homes, she advocates for sustainable housing solutions and economic empowerment, while also playing a key role in global welfare initiatives.
Her daughters, Neriah and Moriah, have followed in her footsteps, forging their own paths in advocacy, mentorship, and leadership. While both are students at the University of Alberta, they are also co-founders of the Purple Tie Foundation, a movement dedicated to empowering Black youth. Neriah currently serves as Vice President and upcoming President of the Black Students’ Association (BSA), using her platform to create space for Black voices and opportunities on campus. Their work has made them visible young leaders, but at the heart of it all, they remain deeply connected as a family.
In this conversation, Victoria, Neriah, and Moriah share their journey, the values that drive them, and the lessons they have learned along the way.
Growing Up in a Home Where Service Comes First
Victoria, your daughters have stepped into leadership at such a young age. How did you foster that mindset?
Victoria: I wanted them to know their voices mattered. From a young age, I encouraged them to explore their interests and lead with confidence. Leadership isn’t about position. It’s about responsibility. They saw me involved in the community and I think that played a role in shaping their approach to service.
Moriah, Neriah, what was it like growing up in a family where giving back was part of daily life?
Moriah: It was natural. We didn’t see community work as something separate from life. It was just what we did. Watching our mom serve, advocate, and create spaces for people made leadership feel less like an obligation and more like a responsibility we embraced.
Neriah: Service isn’t something we do. It’s part of who we are. The idea of using what you have to make an impact was instilled in us early. That shaped how we approach everything, from our foundation work to our personal goals.
Founding the Purple Tie Foundation
You co-founded the Purple Tie Foundation as young students. What sparked that idea?
Moriah: We wanted young Black girls to see themselves as strong and capable. Purple Tie: There is Royalty Withinstarted as a book but became something much bigger. A movement centered on leadership and confidence.
Neriah: One of our biggest challenges was getting people to take us seriously. We were young and that sometimes meant people underestimated us. But we learned that when you know your purpose, you push forward regardless of who believes in it at the start.
Balancing Leadership, Family, and Joy
Your family is so engaged in service. How do you make space for personal time?
Victoria: It’s something we prioritize. One of our traditions is sitting together for long conversations, whether it’s over a meal or late at night. We also make a point to celebrate wins, big or small. It’s easy to focus on the next goal but it’s just as important to acknowledge how far you have come.
Moriah: Cooking together is a big one for us. We put on music, dance around, and catch up on everything. Traveling is another thing we love, even if it’s just a road trip. Just being together without thinking about school or work.
Education, Career, and What Comes Next
You’re both pursuing degrees in Physiology and Biochemistry. What drew you to these fields?
Moriah: We always knew we wanted to be doctors. Our father is in medicine and we have been surrounded by stories of healing and science our whole lives. I chose Biochemistry because I love breaking things down to the smallest details. Understanding how the body functions on a molecular level. It’s fascinating.
Neriah: I picked Physiology because of my background in sports and my passion for women’s health. I want to become an obstetrician, following in the footsteps of the doctors in my family before me.
Advice for Young Changemakers
What advice would you give to young people who want to make a difference but don’t know where to start?
Moriah: Start with what you have. You don’t need a big platform or all the answers. Just a willingness to act. Sometimes the first step is simply speaking up.
Neriah: Find something you’re passionate about and take the first step, no matter how small. Leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about making an impact with what you have right now.
A Mother’s Reflection
Victoria, what have your daughters taught you through their leadership?
Victoria: That this generation is fearless. They don’t wait for permission to lead. They dream big, challenge norms, and step into spaces with confidence. What makes me proud isn’t just their accomplishments. It’s their commitment to lifting others as they climb.
A Family Rooted in Legacy
The Otu family’s story is one of action, purpose, and impact. From their work in advocacy to their commitment to education, they embody the idea that leadership isn’t about individual success. It’s about what you leave behind.As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their journey is a reminder that change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through small, intentional acts of service, through community-building, and through the unwavering belief that no one is too young or too small to lead.
