Amara Okonkwo's story is one of transformation and determination. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, she dreamed of studying at a world-class university but faced significant barriers to accessing the guidance she needed.
When she joined AODI's Global Mentorship Program in 2023, she was matched with Dr. Sarah Chen, a Cambridge alumna who had navigated similar challenges. Over six months of structured mentorship, Amara refined her scholarship applications, developed her personal narrative, and gained confidence in her abilities.
"My mentor didn't just help me with applications," Amara recalls. "She helped me see myself differently. She showed me that my background wasn't a limitation—it was my strength."
In 2024, Amara was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, where she now studies Public Policy. She has since launched a social enterprise focused on expanding educational access in underserved Nigerian communities.
"AODI gave me more than mentorship. It gave me a network, a vision, and the tools to make it real. I want to help other young Africans experience the same transformation."