Some leaders are born. Others are forged in fire, shaped by adversity, and driven by an unrelenting desire to change the world. Oriel Ekşi is the latter. A survivor. A strategist. A force of nature. As Senior Partner at The Woolf Group, she has transformed her lived experience into a relentless fight for justice, proving that resilience and determination can rewrite even the most difficult of stories.
Her motto? Arte et labore. Aut viam — “By skill or by labor, either way.” It is more than a saying; it is a declaration of intent. For Oriel, success was never handed to her. She built it from the ground up, brick by brick, refusing to accept “no” as an answer. And in doing so, she has become one of the most empowering women leaders to watch in 2025.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Oriel’s journey is one of defiance and determination. She didn’t just overcome the trauma of human trafficking, domestic violence, and systemic failure—she turned those experiences into fuel for advocacy. With an unwavering commitment to justice, she has spent over a decade dismantling barriers for survivors, amplifying their voices, and challenging the systems that failed them.
Now a leader in government relations and strategic consulting, Oriel has played a pivotal role in securing over $10 million in earmarked funding for mission-driven organizations. At The Woolf Group, she has mastered the art of policy influence, coalition building, and survivor-centered advocacy, shaping a world where justice is not just a word but a tangible reality.
The Woolf Group: Driving Change, Creating Impact
At the heart of Oriel’s work is The Woolf Group (www.TWGStrategy.com), a firm that has quickly become one of Washington, D.C.’s most influential forces in government relations, policy strategy, and nonprofit advocacy. As Senior Partner, Oriel has helped shape The Woolf Group into a powerhouse for social impact, specializing in securing government funding, crafting policy solutions, and guiding mission-driven organizations to measurable success.
The firm’s approach is bold and effective, blending strategic lobbying with hands-on advocacy. The Woolf Group stands apart by ensuring that policy isn’t just written—it’s implemented in ways that create lasting change. Under Oriel’s leadership, the firm has become a trusted partner to nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations seeking to navigate the complex landscape of social justice and policy reform.
Tenacity Meets Strategy
If there is one defining trait of Oriel Ekşi, it is tenacity. She built her reputation without the advantage of a household name, crafting a career from pure determination and vision. When doors were closed, she knocked harder. When opportunities seemed out of reach, she created them.
Her defining moment? A conference where she met her now-business partner, determined to make an impression. Armed with nothing but a business card that bore only her name and number, she made a bold offer: a chance to learn, to apprentice, to prove herself. She promised to be the most tenacious person he had ever met. And she delivered.
Leading with Purpose and Power
Leadership, for Oriel Ekşi, is not about titles or accolades—it is about impact. It is about walking into rooms where change happens and making sure those who have been silenced are finally heard. It is about crafting strategies that are not just well-intentioned, but effective, measurable, and transformative.
Her work with Vox Invictus and Survivor Network North Carolina has redefined what it means to center survivor voices in policy decisions. As a trusted policy strategist, she ensures that every initiative she touches is more than a campaign—it is a movement toward systemic change.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Oriel’s vision is not just about policy; it is about people. She is a mentor, an advocate, and a champion for the next generation of leaders. Her advice? Identify your dreams and pursue them relentlessly.
To the young woman who believes her past defines her future—Oriel is proof that it does not. To the survivor who thinks the system is too broken to fix—Oriel is the voice saying, We will rebuild it. To the aspiring leader afraid to take that first step—Oriel is the example that tenacity and integrity will open doors you never imagined possible.
Guided by a Mentor, Paying It Forward
Every great leader has someone who believed in them before the world did. For Oriel, that person was Latiana Appleberry, a trailblazing advocate and leader of Survivor Network North Carolina. Latiana’s unwavering honesty, resilience, and grace under pressure served as a guiding light for Oriel as she navigated the complexities of leadership and advocacy.
Latiana’s influence went beyond advice—it was a model of integrity, courage, and purpose-driven leadership. She taught Oriel the importance of fighting for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. In turn, Oriel now embodies that same spirit of mentorship, ensuring that she lifts others as she climbs. Her commitment to guiding and empowering future leaders is a testament to the impact one strong mentor can have on generations to come.
Balancing Leadership and Motherhood
Beyond the boardrooms and policy discussions, Oriel Ekşi is a devoted mother to a beautiful teenage daughter—her greatest achievement. She knows firsthand that leadership doesn’t stop when the workday ends—it extends into every aspect of life. For Oriel, being a mother is not just a role; it is her most profound and meaningful success.
Despite the high demands of her career, she prioritizes quality time with her daughter, ensuring that love, faith, wisdom, and resilience are lessons passed down through generations. Whether it’s late-night conversations about life’s challenges or simply showing up to cheer at a track meet, Oriel Ekşi approaches motherhood with the same dedication and passion she brings to her advocacy work. She is living proof that women can lead with strength and purpose while also nurturing the next generation with love and intentionality.
Watch Her. Follow Her. Be Inspired.
As one of the most empowering women leaders to watch in 2025, Oriel Ekşi is not just making waves; she is changing the tide. Her legacy is being written in real-time, not just in boardrooms and legislative chambers, but in the lives of those she has uplifted and empowered.
Her story is a rallying cry for every person who has been told they cannot. Because Oriel Ekşi is living proof that you can—through skill, through hard work, and when necessary, by making your own way.
