From youth mentor to woman of distinction

May 3, 2010 | Community News | Archive 2010

Congratulations to Tito Daodu, one of ten Manitobans honoured recently with a YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award for unique and exemplary contributions to the development of others in our community.

Tito Daodu told Winnipeggers the impact United Way and West Broadway Youth Outreach have had in her own life during a media conference announcing United Way's 2009 campaign achievement.

Tito has become a good friend to United Way through her involvement with agency partner West Broadway Youth Outreach, where she attended after school programs as a young girl, and where she remains involved as a homework tutor and senior volunteer while attending medical school.

It was at West Broadway that Tito - a Nigerian-born refugee who by the age of eight had already lived in four countries, been deported from one, and hadn't seen her father in years - discovered a love of learning.

At the time, her mother was working three jobs and going to school. "I was so excited to have something to do after school," Tito said during a media conference announcing United Way's 2009 campaign achievement. "Staff supported me and made me believe I had unlimited potential."

As a tutor, Tito enjoys encouraging kids to do their homework and challenge themselves the same way she was encouraged and challenged.

"I've seen kids who were whole grade levels behind catch up in school," she said. "It's incredible how a program like this can completely change a child"s life."

Tito received her award during the 34th annual YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012