My leadership journey started in earnest in high school. I participated in a program for student leaders in Las Vegas, Nevada, and later became student body president. As a young Black woman who led a school of predominantly white students, I was keenly aware of both the energy of pride and resentment surrounding my election.

One of my main initiatives was the creation and implementation of “Brotherhood Week” (looking back, not the inclusive title I intended) during which we organized an assembly for people to share words, art, and music representing their diverse identities. I still remember the emotion I felt seeing some of my peers stand on the stage and share so intimately. My hope was that it had a positive impact on their sense of belonging.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou, poet, author, civil rights leader

As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants born in Nevada, a significant part of my young American life was spent attempting to bridge differences - between myself and others and between others who I cared about in my personal and school lives. I also was aware of the importance of not losing sight of my authentic self and found unique ways to express myself through words, music, dance, and fashion.

During college at Stanford, I pursued a degree in international relations, lived in Mexico twice (Morelos and Puebla states), and interned briefly at the United Nations in Switzerland. I was also active at different points on campus as a Resident Assistant (phew!), member of various student groups, a student staff member at the Black Community Services Center, and an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor.

After college, another major influence on my development was as a fellow in Public Affairs with Coro Southern California. It was a nine-month, imperfect, experiential journey with eleven other peers, and started the same week of the events of 9-11. I learned a lot about myself, how others perceive me, and my capacity for resilience and growth. And, through meaningful interactions with private, public, and nonprofit decision-makers as well as intense group work, we emerged with much improved critical thinking, analytical, governance, and leadership skills.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai, novelist

With newfound knowledge and networks in domestic affairs, I still felt the pull to explore international opportunities and decided to pursue graduate studies in international affairs and economics. That led to consulting work and full-time positions with international financial institutions, educational exchange organizations, think tanks, and social justice nonprofits as well as in-country travel in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Venezuela, and Trinidad. I eventually transitioned to East Asia where I taught English and co-designed educational projects in mainland China for a year before living four more months in Taiwan for language study.

After East Asia, I returned to the United States and redirected my global experiences into inclusive and multicultural public health, learning and development, and career development initiatives. I’ve also benefited from the knowledge and relationships I cultivated after graduating from two Aspen Institute leadership programs.

During the next phase of my journey, I’m excited to focus on designing and facilitating more group and individual learning experiences and increasing pathways for underrepresented groups to reach their highest potential. I also enjoy conducting speaking engagements on topics aligned with my values.

Thank you for reading highlights from my journey! To learn more about my coaching and facilitation work, visit thebipocleader[dot]com.

In service,

Nnenna (she/her)