By Ayo Onikoyi

There are not many people who understand how to bridge the gap between agriculture, economics, and big data, but Oluwatosin Mary Ogunsola does. As she puts it, “The intersection of data science and agricultural economics offers powerful opportunities to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from climate change to food security.”

Mary is a rising star, whose academic journey spans continents and whose professional expertise is transforming industries. Her impressive career trajectory—from a Bachelor of Technology in Agricultural Economics in Nigeria to a Master of Science in Agricultural & Resource Economics in South Africa, and an MBA specializing in Business Intelligence and Big Data in the United States—positions her as a leader in harnessing the power of data to drive meaningful impact.

Reflecting on her journey, Mary highlights the importance of adaptability and vision: “Every challenge has a solution; data gives us the tools to uncover it. Whether working with smallholder farmers in Nigeria or applying machine learning in the corporate world, the goal remains the same—creating solutions that matter.”

At Suffolk University, where she completed her MBA in Business Intelligence and Big Data, Mary mastered tools like machine learning, predictive analytics, Python, and SQL. These skills empowered her to transform raw data into actionable insights, optimizing decision-making in fields ranging from agriculture to finance. She shares, “Data is the new oil. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about understanding patterns, anticipating challenges, and driving change.”

Her work in agricultural economics during her MSc at the University of South Africa solidified her commitment to addressing climate change. Partnering with the Limpopo Province’s Department of Agriculture, Mary explored how climate variability impacts food security, recommending data-driven strategies to mitigate its effects. “Food security is not just about producing more—it’s about sustainability, resilience, and understanding how environmental shifts affect livelihoods,” she notes.

Now, at the forefront of data science applications, Mary contributes to major projects, including leveraging AI at Citi Bank to improve customer experiences. Her unique blend of agricultural economics and business intelligence ensures that she stands out as both a problem-solver and a visionary. Recognized for her expertise, she has served as a judge for prestigious business recognition awards in the United States.

Her versatility extends beyond disciplines and sectors, with hands-on contributions in both academic research and corporate innovation. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, Mary worked on projects that optimized crop yields, enhanced irrigation systems, and assessed the economic impact of climate change. Her ability to apply data science tools to agricultural challenges underscores her unique capacity to bridge the gap between technical expertise and real-world application. She explains, “The tools we have today—machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI—can transform agriculture by helping farmers and policymakers make better decisions.”

Mary’s work is not just limited to agriculture. Her deep knowledge of business intelligence and predictive analytics allows her to provide strategic solutions that foster growth and efficiency for businesses. From improving supply chains to predicting customer behavior, Mary demonstrates that data-driven insights can drive success across industries. “At the heart of it all is impact—whether it’s empowering farmers or helping businesses innovate, I believe data holds the answers to our most significant challenges.”

Mary’s vision for the future is clear: “We must use data not just to solve problems, but to create equitable, sustainable systems. Whether it’s helping businesses innovate or empowering farmers with knowledge, the impact can—and must—be global.”

Her resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of knowledge make Mary a role model for future leaders. In a world where challenges are increasingly complex, Oluwatosin Mary Ogunsola is a shining example of how passion and expertise can converge to shape a brighter, more sustainable future.