Nnenna Ofobike Lewis '97 | Be More than – Do More than – Be a Girl!
Be More than – Do More than – Be a Girl!
When does it all start? At what point does discernment and formation begin? For Nnenna, it was the eighth grade.
One day her very faithful parents told her she was going to the Elms. A young, meek, insecure 13-year-old, she was unprepared for what was to come. She arrived with butterflies and soon discovered it was not about image -- she did not need to be cool -- and her fears about attending a new school were unfounded; she did not need to be someone she was not. She quickly became comfortable and the insecurities began to fall away.
Fast forward to Junior year. Attending Kairos as a Junior changed her life forever. She could hear the spirit, feel a connection. Through the environment, mood, fellowship; the letters from friends, teachers and family broke her apart.
Her values took shape at the Elms.
She was in the right place at the right time surrounded by the right people. She was pointed in the right direction.
The Elms allowed her to find her voice in an enabling environment. She had a solo at the winter concert; she fell in love with basketball and played for the Elms. She learned what it felt like to speak and to be heard.
20 years in public service thanks to those days at the Elms.
Following graduation from the Elms Nnenna attended and graduated from The Ohio State University (BA in Political Science with a minor in African American and African Studies) and Harvard University (Master of Public Policy, concentration in Political and Economic Development). Nnenna has spent a major part of her career working for the U.S. Department of State and has accumulated, as she writes, “20 years of experience designing and leading international exchange, public diplomacy, and humanitarian assistance programs that advance U.S. foreign policy goals, strengthen communities and democratic institutions, and build global partnerships—particularly across Africa and Europe.”
In 2013 she was transferred to Mozambique. The transition was like arriving at the Elms as a new eighth grader. It was different; she felt isolated. It was Christmas and the temperatures were unbearably hot. She wrote and published an emotional post in her Elms Facebook group, sharing her holiday distress. That heart-wrenching message made all the difference. Within two weeks, more than 20 Christmas cards arrived from Elms classmates and friends! To this day her closest friends are from the Elms, “It’s a small but powerful circle of two – one who lives in D.C. and one in Akron.”
Her foundation for life developed during her time at the Elms.
All-girls’ schools help build life’s toolbox. Through self-awareness and discovery, a girl learns the value of self-care and friendship. Self-doubt became self-confidence, and not overshadowed by imposter syndrome. Learning in a growth mindset environment, mastering the next steps is always possible.
Resilience became a part of Nnenna’s basic make-up. Currently serving as the acting deputy director of the Office of Global Educational Programs* at the U.S. Department of State, when asked how it felt to be in a role that could begin or end at a moment’s notice, Nnenna shared the following, “During this time of government overhaul, I made the decision to step up and fill the role. I approach my work calmly knowing that a genuine and authentic commitment to the work before us wins the long game. I love the job! It blends the sacred part of my identity – African American.”
Favorite teachers? Mrs. Fippin, Sr. Maura, Mrs. Kermizis – because they were strong, resolute, and charismatic. And Nnenna fondly recalls Mrs. Keller the Admissions Director who was elegant, poised, articulate and inspirational.
Nnenna Ofobike-Lewis is more than just a girl!
*In her Senior leadership role in the U.S. State Department, Nnenna is responsible for U.S. international education strategy. She provides direct support to a 35-person team managing academic exchange programs in 150+ countries, expanding study abroad for Americans, and bringing global talent to the United States to advance foreign policy goals and long-term strategic partnerships.