#MAKEITHAPPEN: MODUPE OZOLUA
For Women’s Month we are profiling inspiring women who are making a difference in Africa. In keeping with the theme of #makeithappen we’re bringing you one woman a day for the entire month – innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs and influencers
Today, Nigerian-American businesswoman Modupe Ozolua tells us about her journey from flipping burgers in the United States to becoming a cosmetic surgery philanthropist with her eye on Africa.
ELLE: Tell us about your current job and how you got there.
I am a social entrepreneur. I have been an entrepreneur since I was 21 years old in the United States. In 2001, I pioneered cosmetic surgery in Nigeria, which gave me access to underprivileged people that required reconstructive surgery but couldn’t afford to pay for it and weren’t receiving financial assistance to pay for their procedures.
This disturbed me so greatly that, in 2003, I founded a non-profit organisation, Empower54, which was dedicated to providing desperately needed humanitarian assistance, such as medical missions and hunger eradication, along with a variety of educational, women/girl empowerment and refugee programs for underprivileged Africans.
Some of our out-reach programs include donations of clothing and toys to underprivileged Africans both in remote communities and refugee camps. Desmond Tutu is our patron.
ELLE: Your first ever job?
I worked making burgers at McDonalds in Natick, Massachusetts (USA) when I was 17 years old.
ELLE: When you were a little girl you wanted to be…
A fashion designer.
ELLE: Any calming mantras you say to yourself before a stressful meeting?
‘Everything will work out as it should.’
ELLE: Biggest hurdles in your working life?
Finding competent and dedicated employees. Regardless of educational qualification, I now identify those with potential. I mentor them and keep my fingers crossed.
ELLE: This year’s women’s month theme is #MakeItHappen- what does that mean to you?
It reaffirms the fact that I can achieve every and anything to which I apply myself.
ELLE: If you were to choose a different career, what would it be?
A doctor.
#GirlPower!
Mo' I love how you are touching lives and reaching out positively...WHAT AM I SAYING?
I love you!
