Ayobayo Kolapo, an MBA candidate at Clayton State University, has been named a recipient of the Society for Advancement of Management’s Regional Outstanding Student Award. This honor recognizes her extraordinary accomplishments in both academic and professional settings, and her deep commitment to ethical leadership and organizational excellence.
With a background in chemical engineering and years of experience in the global energy and consulting industries, Ayobayo has distinguished herself through a career marked by innovation, strategic thinking, and social impact. Her professional journey includes consulting roles across Nigeria, Chile, and the United States, where she has contributed to multimillion-dollar gas infrastructure projects, sustainability initiatives, and international investment strategies. Whether developing gas policy for Lagos State or supporting a $300 million LNG plant investment in Nigeria, her work reflects both technical precision and visionary leadership.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ayobayo brings a strong sense of purpose to every role she undertakes. As an active member of SAM and the incoming President of the CSU SAM Chapter, she has embraced leadership not as a title but as a responsibility to uplift others and drive meaningful change. Under her guidance, SAM has become a platform for student development, peer mentorship, and applied business learning. Her structured, people-centered approach continues to strengthen the chapter’s impact and reputation.
In her own words, Ayobayo credits SAM with shaping her into a high-value professional—one who leads with clarity, communicates effectively, and makes decisions informed by data and empathy. Her growth as a leader has not gone unnoticed. Faculty advisor Dr. Reza Kheirandish praises her as a “formidable force” with the rare ability to combine analytical depth with authentic connection, calling her “a valuable asset to any organization.”
Ayobayo’s story reflects the very best of SAM’s mission: to develop leaders who act with integrity, think critically, and make a difference in their communities and industries. As she continues her academic and professional journey, her example offers inspiration to students, mentors, and future managers alike.