Essie Ndem was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but relocated to Columbus, Georgia at the age of six. She is the 2017-2018 Miss Akwa Ibom USA and a first-year law student at Mercer University School Law, with a legal interest in international business law. She acquired a Bachelors of Arts in English, with a concentration in Professional Writing at Columbus State University. After a ten-year absence from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria she returned in 2014 and was astonished by the potential in the youth. She wanted to execute projects that would further opportunities for academic achievements. She began collaborating with school officials on educational activities and projects. There began the birth of Young Professional Development initiative, YPD.

Her passion to launch YPD initiative was galvanized by her personal experiences in academics and the entertainment industry. During her undergraduate years, she signed to a modeling and talent agency where she ventured into showbiz. She was promoted to Director of Education for Barbizon USA, a company that teaches and mentors the youth in modeling, acting and personal development. Many of her students attained great successes, including enrollment into the Princeton journalism program, signing and relocating to a major modeling agency in Japan, and featuring in movies and cinemas. The transferrable skills she acquired in both industries enriched her professional stance.

Now it is her mission to bring this innovative concept of utilizing all talents and skills to invoke professionalism in the youth of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Essie Ndem is an advocate for youth development and a champion for change.