Who is Osayamen Asemota-Bartholomew?
Osayamen Asemota-Bartholomew is the founder and CEO of The Gift Agency, a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) specializing in strategic communications, brand visibility, and event marketing. With 15+ years of leadership across media, nonprofit, education, and economic development sectors, she empowers mission-driven organizations through purposeful strategy, equity-centered coaching, and transformative community engagement.
When Purpose Meets the Pivot
In the spring of 2020, as the world adjusted to lockdowns and uncertainty, many organizations hit pause. Osayamen Asemota-Bartholomew chose to pivot. At the helm of Project REAP—the nation’s most recognized diversity initiative in commercial real estate, she led a groundbreaking transformation, turning a traditionally in-person program into a global virtual academy. The result? A record-breaking class of 190 fellows and a precedent-setting shift in access, visibility, and inclusion.
That bold decision, fueled by vision, not fear, captured the essence of Osayamen’s leadership: agile, intentional, and deeply rooted in equity.
“True leadership means adapting quickly, prioritizing people, and still striving for excellence—even when the world changes overnight.”
A Legacy of Voice and Vision
Osayamen’s path has never been conventional. From her early days in entertainment and media, working with names like Universal Music Group/Def Jam and Rocafella Records, she learned the power of visibility, not just in promotion, but in purpose. She earned her Bachelor of Science in English-Communications through the Lincoln-Temple joint program, followed by a Master of Arts in Communication Arts/Media Management from the New York Institute of Technology.
This foundation in communication, creativity, and cultural fluency laid the groundwork for a career defined by meaningful narratives and mission-driven leadership.
“Equity, excellence, and empathy are the values that connect every chapter of my work—across every industry and initiative.”
Building Organizations That Build Others
Osayamen’s career reflects a consistent theme: building capacity where it’s needed most.
In the nonprofit and community development space, she has led high-impact communications and program design for organizations like the Real Estate Executive Council (REEC), Women of Color in Community Development (WCCD), and Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). At ACC, she spearheaded the launch of the Green Bank for Rural America, a national model for rural climate finance, while elevating the organization’s brand among funders and stakeholders.
“Your mission deserves more than visibility—it deserves growth, reach, and real impact.”
At Project REAP, her leadership reshaped how the commercial real estate industry approached diversity and inclusion. She launched the ULI/REAP Virtual Academy, the largest and most inclusive cohort in the program’s 20-year history, and co-created a powerful seven-point Call to Action urging C-suite leaders to invest in minority professionals, HBCUs, and diverse suppliers.
Through her efforts, sponsorship revenue, alumni donations, and national recognition soared. Her voice became one of strategy and substance, trusted by legacy institutions and startups alike.
“Inclusion doesn’t wait for perfect timing. It grows through courageous decisions.”
The Gift Agency and the 5 Commitments
In 2023, Osayamen relaunched The Gift Agency (TGA), a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) that had been originally founded in 2004. This wasn’t just a business decision—it was a personal realignment.
With The Gift Agency, she channels her decades of experience into strategic communications, talent development, and brand storytelling for mission-led organizations. Under her guidance, TGA has led high-profile campaigns for clients such as the Pension Real Estate Association Foundation, REEC, Open Access, and Women of Color in Community Development—each project reinforcing TGA’s commitment to results that last beyond the spotlight.
Simultaneously, Osayamen launched Coaching by Osa, a leadership and empowerment coaching practice rooted in her proprietary framework: The 5 Commitments to a Better You™—Self-Care, Health, Relationships, Money, and Purpose/Career.
“I help leaders stop running on empty and start leading from alignment.”
Through keynote speaking, panels, and workshops, she empowers emerging leaders—especially women and professionals of color—to lead from within, protect their peace, and build from a place of wholeness.
Mentorship & Legacy
Recognized by Crain’s as a Notable Black Leader & Executive and by Real Estate Weekly as a Leading Lady in Real Estate, Osayamen is not only a strategist—she’s a connector, a mentor, and a catalyst for others.
“Leadership is about lifting while you climb. You belong there. Your presence is the strategy.”
From advising national coalitions to mentoring students of color in commercial real estate, her legacy is shaped by the doors she’s opened and the people she’s empowered to walk through them.
Grounded in Joy and Intention
Away from the boardrooms and Zoom calls, Osayamen lives what she teaches. Her mornings are reserved for movement, stillness, and spiritual grounding. Whether she’s cooking with her family, curating community events, or simply finding moments of joy, she approaches life with the same intentionality that defines her leadership.
“Creativity shows up everywhere—for me, it’s in music, in the kitchen, in time with my children. I find peace in creating joy and connection.”
Vision for the Future: Scaling Purpose, Amplifying Impact
Looking ahead, Osayamen’s mission is clear: to help more leaders, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, step into roles of aligned influence and systemic impact.
She continues to expand The Gift Agency’s work with partners who value substance over spotlight. Through storytelling, strategy, and community-building, she is shaping a future where visibility isn’t the goal—impact is.
“We don’t just market. We move missions forward.”
Editorial Note
Osayamen Asemota-Bartholomew’s journey reminds us that leadership is not just about position—it’s about purpose. Whether building brands, launching national programs, or mentoring the next generation, her work is infused with presence, clarity, and care.
Her life’s work challenges us all to pause, realign, and ask: Are we chasing attention, or building results?
