Skip to main content

Grow. Together. With Purpose.

ito eto is an Igbo word that means to grow.
It is an admonition and an invitation — to evolve, to stretch, to remain alive to possibility. Growth, after all, is essential for life and for community.

At ITOETO, we believe that growth happens through connection — between those who thrive in structure and those who navigate uncertainty with curiosity and courage. Both are needed to build communities that advance while staying true to shared values.
About ITOETO
About Nkem
About Michael
About ITOETO

Our work in the Canadian philanthropic arena connects us with social innovators and changemakers who are redefining how impact happens. In a shifting regulatory and financial landscape, we saw the need for a more collaborative, transparent, and efficient way to support the people driving social progress.

ITOETO was founded to simplify how society supports changemakers — to create a bridge between philanthropy and finance. Together, our founders bring over 40 years of global experience across industry, government, and investment. But more than expertise, they share a commitment to growth — to helping ideas, communities, and capital move toward their fullest potential.
About Nkem

Nkemjika E. Kalu, Ph.D.
Co-Founder | Strategist | Product & Impact Leader
Turning complex challenges into clear, actionable strategy.

Dr. Nkemjika Kalu is a strategic thinker and systems builder with over 15 years of global experience spanning government, technology, philanthropy, and enterprise. As Co-Founder of ITOETO, she brings a rare blend of analytical depth and human-centered design to help funders and organizations collaborate more effectively for greater impact.


Nkem’s leadership experience spans The Northpine Foundation, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, and several consulting and innovation roles across North America and Africa. Her work bridges sectors and disciplines, aligning diverse teams and resources to deliver clarity, innovation, and measurable outcomes.


Holding a Ph.D. in Political Science and an MBA in International Business from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Nkem is recognized for her ability to translate complexity into practical, scalable solutions. She builds the connective tissue between purpose, people, and performance to create systems that endure.

Connect on LinkedIn

About Michael

Michael Sacke
 Co-Founder | Impact Investor | Strategic Finance Leader
Bridging institutional finance and social impact with disciplined strategy and vision.

Michael Sacke is a seasoned investment professional and purpose-driven co-founder with over two decades of international experience in impact investing, asset management, and financial strategy. Having worked across Canada, Switzerland, and South Africa, he brings a global perspective to building ventures that balance strong financial performance with measurable social outcomes.

Throughout his career, Michael has held leadership and advisory roles with respected organizations including Aon, the Northpine Foundation, and Rally Assets—guiding institutional portfolios, shaping sustainable investment frameworks, and helping mission-driven entities achieve lasting financial resilience.

A trusted voice in the evolving field of impact finance, Michael combines fiduciary rigor with an entrepreneurial mindset, aligning capital with purpose to drive scalable, enduring change. He holds a Master’s in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University, an Honours degree in Investment Management from the University of Johannesburg, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics from the University of South Africa.

Connect on LinkedIn