Annie Okoro

I really credit my success to the support of my family, mentors, and faith community, as well as my strong passion for helping children succeed. I really value and appreciate all of the professors and advisors that I've had, especially Dr. Carolyn Winiford, who has supported my academic journey and allowed me to advocate for myself. They've given me perspective and changed my mindset about my career goals and my aspirations. They've helped me utilize resources, talk to people, relate with people, and gain the knowledge that I feel like I don't have but may need. And they've stood by me and said, 'I'm your cheerleader, and whatever it is that you feel like is best for you, go for that.' I really appreciate that so much - it does make me very emotional sometimes. I think a lot of times people think that your college journey has to be so lonely, and it's not. You have to be able to trust in some people, you have to be able to bear your burdens onto other people, because this life is not meant to be lived alone. We all need people, we all need mentors, we all need family, we all need some sort of circle or support system that helps us be able to keep pushing forward. My mom is also my support - she's an educator and a principal, and I admire her willingness to want to just grow and develop more and more and not just stop. That really inspires me.

The best career advice I’ve received has come from several mentors who have supported me throughout my academic journey. Dr. Carolyn Winiford, along with other professors and academic advisors, has played an important role in guiding me and encouraging me to pursue opportunities that align with my passion for community service and health education. Their mentorship has helped me stay focused on my goals and remain confident in the path I am pursuing.

I also draw a great deal of inspiration from my mother. Her dedication to education and commitment to lifelong learning have strongly influenced my own ambitions and work ethic. Watching her example has reinforced the importance of perseverance, growth, and using education as a tool to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

The advice I would give to young women entering my field is to seek out mentors, stay curious, and continue building experiences that help you grow both personally and professionally. Mentorship can provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and perspective as you navigate your career, and it’s important to learn from people who are willing to support your development.

I also believe it’s important to remain open to new opportunities and surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. Having a strong support system and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone can make a significant difference in both your personal growth and long-term career success.

I really feel like the attention needs to be on the children right now, because when they say they are the future, that's the reality. I think sometimes people think that's like a cliche thing or something to just sound nice and sound great, but we need to ask ourselves - are we valuing the children? When I think about when I want to have kids, sometimes, especially in my generation, you see a lot of trends of people deciding, oh, maybe I don't want to have that anymore because we're heading somewhere where it's not gonna be possible for them to live and flourish in this world. That really concerns me. I think one of the biggest opportunities is being able to combine education with health outreach and community programs. By focusing on community outreach programs that target kids, specifically in underserved areas, we can contribute to their learning and development in meaningful ways. That's really where I see the opportunity to make a difference.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, community, faith, and personal growth. I believe that helping others—especially children—develop confidence and access to opportunity is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. Being able to contribute to someone’s growth, whether academically, emotionally, or socially, is something that continually motivates and inspires me in the work that I do.

Faith and community also play a central role in my life. I am actively involved in my local church, where I serve on the praise team and help host events for the congregation. Through our outreach efforts, we provide resources such as food and supplies while connecting with members of the community to better understand and support their needs. I value the opportunity to collaborate with others who share a passion for service, and I believe that working together with diverse skills and perspectives allows us to create a stronger, more compassionate community.

I also believe strongly in the importance of maintaining a supportive network of family, mentors, and community connections. Life is not meant to be lived alone, and having people who encourage, guide, and support you makes a tremendous difference in both personal and professional growth. I am deeply grateful for the support system in my life, including my family, mentors, and my fiancé, and I credit these relationships with helping me stay grounded, motivated, and focused on living a life of purpose and service.