Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu is a woman who defied the odds and achieved her dream of getting a higher education. She was born in Tonteldoos, near Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, South Africa, where she faced many challenges such as poverty, poor education system, lack of resources and development, and an unplanned pregnancy. She had to give up…
Sthembile Mngwengwe is a 40-year-old woman from South Africa who has achieved her dream of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). What makes her story remarkable is that she worked as a cleaner at the same university for 14 years before becoming a student there. Sthembile graduated from…
In the bustling landscape of Maryland’s business realm, one name stands out for its remarkable journey from immigrant roots to self-made millionaire status: Adissa Barry. Her story is not just one of success but also resilience, determination, and a passion for entrepreneurship that transcends borders. Originally hailing from Burkina Faso, Adissa Barry has called the…
In a landmark achievement that reverberates across academia, Professor Oghenetega Ighedo has made history as the first black woman to earn a PhD in Pure Mathematics at the esteemed University of South Africa (UNISA), breaking a 149-year-old jinx and paving the way for future generations of mathematicians. Born in Nigeria, Professor Ighedo’s journey to mathematical…
In the realm of academic achievement and trailblazing feats, 13-year-old Alena Analeigh Wicker stands as a shining example of determination, resilience, and unwavering ambition. Hailing from Fontana, California, this remarkable young girl has shattered records and defied expectations by becoming the youngest Black medical school student in American history. Alena‘s journey to medical school began…
In a narrative that transcends continents and defies expectations, Dr. Catherine Nakalembe’s journey from badminton courts in Uganda to the prestigious halls of NASA reflects the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. Hailing from the vibrant city of Kampala, Uganda, Dr. Nakalembe’s early aspirations were rooted in the world of sports. With…
In a heartening tale of resilience and determination, Jaines Andrades has defied the odds to ascend from a janitorial role to a nurse practitioner at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all that with unwavering commitment, anything is possible. Ten years ago,…
Dr. Alexandra Bastiany has made groundbreaking strides as the inaugural Black woman to achieve the status of interventional cardiologist in Canada. Her journey from childhood ambition to professional accomplishment serves as a guiding light for aspiring medical professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Raised in Montreal, Dr. Bastiany was immersed in the world of science…
In a triumph that challenges long-standing racial biases and defies the odds, Monifa Phillips has made history as the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Glasgow, marking a monumental milestone in the institution’s 568-year history. From the outset, Phillips confronted the pervasive notion that black individuals are not…
In a historic milestone for Albany High School, Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield has etched her name into the annals of the institution as its first Black valedictorian in 152 years. With an exceptional near-perfect GPA and a trailblazing spirit, Onovu has shattered barriers and set a new standard of academic excellence. Established during Reconstruction shortly after the…
