In 2017, the world took notice of a remarkable achievement by Ifeoma White-Thorpe, a 17-year-old Nigerian-American student who earned acceptance into all eight Ivy League universities. Fast forward to 2024, Ifeoma has not only fulfilled her promise as an academic powerhouse but has also made strides as a leader, innovator, and advocate for change. Recently, she celebrated a significant milestone: graduating from Harvard Law School and passing the New York Bar Exam, cementing her status as a trailblazer in both education and law.
A History of Excellence
Born to Nigerian parents, Ifeoma’s journey began in New Jersey, where she graduated as the student body president of Morris Hills High School. Her outstanding academic record and leadership skills earned her acceptance to Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia, along with prestigious institutions like Stanford.
Her passion for global health and public policy initially guided her choice of Harvard University, where she pursued a dual concentration in Government and Chemistry. At Harvard, Ifeoma demonstrated her leadership acumen, serving as Vice President of the Harvard Undergraduate Council and founding the Harvard Undergraduate Black Premedical Society.
A Rising Star at Harvard Law
Ifeoma’s transition to Harvard Law School was equally impressive. There, she held prominent roles, including President of the Recording Artist Project Pro-Bono Clinic and Sponsorship Chair for the Harvard Black Law Students Association. Her dedication extended to clinics and initiatives like the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation and the Sports Law Clinic, showcasing her commitment to legal and policy-driven solutions for underserved communities.
In May 2024, she graduated with her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law and soon passed the New York Bar Exam, earning the title of “Esq.” Her accomplishment is a testament to her determination, discipline, and unrelenting drive for excellence.
Advocating for Black Voices in Publishing
Even while navigating the rigorous demands of law school, Ifeoma launched KOLO Publishing, a company dedicated to amplifying Black women’s voices in literature. Motivated by her own experiences as a writer and advocate, KOLO Publishing serves as a platform for BIPOC authors to retain control of their intellectual property and share their stories authentically.
Her publishing house debuted its first book, Hey Queen, in 2023, signaling Ifeoma’s impact beyond the courtroom and into the creative world.
A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
Ifeoma’s journey is marked not only by academic accolades but also by a profound commitment to service. From volunteering at food banks and teaching CPR in underserved communities to advocating for health policy reform, she embodies a spirit of giving back. Her accomplishments have been recognized nationally, with awards such as the Coca-Cola Scholars award and a proclamation from the New Jersey Senate.
Looking Ahead
As a newly minted lawyer, Ifeoma White-Thorpe is poised to make a significant impact in law, health policy, and advocacy. Her story, from an ambitious teenager earning acceptance to the Ivy League to a Harvard Law graduate and CEO of a publishing house, inspires countless individuals to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals.
With her legal expertise and passion for equity, Ifeoma is not just shaping her own destiny but also paving the way for others to follow. The world awaits the next chapter of her incredible journey.
Emily Ramirez, a remarkable young woman from Heights High School, Texas, has etched her name into academic history as the overall best graduating student of her class in 2020. Her dedication, perseverance, and brilliance earned her the prestigious title of valedictorian and an impressive acceptance to ten of the United States’ most esteemed universities.
Emily’s academic achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Among the universities offering her admission were Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Duke, Stanford, Wellesley, Pomona, and Rice. After careful consideration, she decided to attend Harvard University, citing her long-held dream of studying there since her days at Harvard Elementary School and her sister’s enrollment as a sophomore at the institution.
While thrilled with her accomplishments, Emily faced a bittersweet moment as the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to her senior year celebrations. She had eagerly anticipated her graduation ceremony as an opportunity to share her success with classmates, teachers, and family. Despite this, she remained optimistic, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the support she received throughout her journey.
“I have been looking forward to our graduation ceremony since the start of my senior year, especially after I made valedictorian,” Emily shared. “Even if I don’t get to celebrate it in the way I originally planned, I’m grateful for what I’ve accomplished.” Read more about Emily here.
