When I think about Dr. Bolanle Oyerinde — our beloved Dr. B, or as many of us fondly call her, Big Mommy—I honestly don’t know where to begin.
I’ve had the privilege of experiencing her as a boss, a mentor, and a mommy, and I can confidently say that meeting her has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
One of the first things you notice about Big Mommy is her warmth. She has a way of making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. She doesn’t just mentor people; she pours herself into them. She invests in their growth, their wellbeing, and their future. Being around her challenges you to become a better person because her kindness is so intentional and so genuine.
There are many lessons I have learned from her, but a few have stayed with me in ways that continue to shape my life every single day.
I remember a conversation we had about purpose. Dr. B asked us to write down what purpose meant to us and what it would look like for us to truly say we were living in purpose. At the time, it seemed like a simple exercise, but that question has stayed with me over the years. Even now, whenever I feel stuck, uncertain, or at a crossroads, I find myself asking, “Rachael, what does purpose mean to you?” That lesson has become a compass for me, helping me refocus whenever life feels overwhelming.
Another lesson I will never forget is something Big Mommy often says about light. She taught me that in every season of life, God gives us enough light for the step we are currently on. I don’t have to see the entire journey before I move. I don’t need to have everything figured out. I simply need to trust God for today’s light and walk faithfully with it. Then, when it’s time for the next step, there will be light for that step too.
That perspective has brought me so much peace. Whenever I’m tempted to worry about the future or stress about what’s ahead, I remember those words and remind myself to focus on the light I have today.
Spiritually, Dr. B has also been an incredible example. One thing that has always stood out to me is her dependence on the Holy Spirit. In everything she does, she seeks God’s direction. Watching her live that way taught me the importance of not rushing ahead of God but learning to pause and ask, “Lord, what would You have me do?”
And then there’s something else that may sound simple, but it has helped me tremendously: centering myself. I actually learned that from Big Mommy. She taught us the importance of being still, grounding ourselves, taking a deep breath, and regaining our focus before moving forward. It sounds like such a small thing, but there have been many moments in life when that practice has helped me reset, regain clarity, and keep going.
As I sit here sharing these memories, I realize there are so many more lessons I could talk about. Every memory seems to lead to another one. That’s the thing about Dr. B—her impact is difficult to summarize because it shows up in so many areas of your life.
What I can say is this: I am grateful. Grateful for her wisdom. Grateful for her guidance. Grateful for her prayers. Grateful for her example. And grateful that at a significant point in my life, I had the opportunity to learn from her.
Big Mommy is more than a mentor. She is more than a boss. She is a builder of people, a nurturer of purpose, a mother to many, and a woman whose influence continues long after the conversation has ended.
I hold her in the highest esteem, and I would recommend her to anyone, any day, any time. My life is richer because of her, and I know I am not the only one who can say that.
- RACHAEL BATURE