We recently connected with Chinyere Christy Ibekwe and have shared our conversation below.
Chinyere Christy, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Reflecting on my life’s trajectory — from being a professional basketball player, to a fashion designer, entrepreneur, event producer, humanitarianism , and now pursuing a career in psychology, it is very evident that my parents laid a strong and enduring foundation that has guided me through every transition.
First and foremost, my parents instilled in me a profound sense of moral integrity and spiritual grounding. From a young age, they emphasized the importance of having a personal relationship with God and taught me that faith should serve as the foundation upon which I build my life. In our home, God was not only a presence but a guiding force, one that informed how we treated others, how we made decisions, and how we understood our purpose in the world. I was taught to be a person of character, to act ethically and compassionately, regardless of external observation. This emphasis on internal accountability has been a consistent guiding principle in both my personal and professional life.
Additionally, my upbringing was grounded in faith, discipline, and cultural pride. Raised in a strict, religious Nigerian household, I was immersed in values that emphasized education, resilience, and reverence for tradition. While my career choices may not have initially aligned with conventional Nigerian expectations, the foundational principles they instilled remained ever-present and deeply influential.
My parents also fostered a relentless pursuit of excellence. In every field I have entered, I have strived to lead with purpose, impact, and a commitment to excellence. These values were seeded at home.
Perhaps most profoundly, my parents evolved alongside me. They allowed space for my growth, even when my path wasn’t the typical Nigerian “doctor, lawyer, or engineer” route.
Over time, their support shifted from cautious observation to full celebration of my unique path. This willingness to adapt and affirm my journey reflects a deep, unconditional love and belief in who I am becoming.
Ultimately, my parents raised a strong leader, but still a servant. My life’s work is centered around advocacy, healing, and community uplift. Their parenting has not only shaped who I am, but also how I hope to shape the world around me. Thank you to Honorable Austin and Agatha Ezinne Ibekwe you both are the REAL MVPS!
Chinyere Christy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I began playing basketball at a very young age and quickly distinguished myself as a talented athlete. My abilities on the court led to national recruitment during high school, affording me the opportunity to visit some of the most prestigious collegiate programs in the United States. Ultimately, I chose to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the nation’s most esteemed institutions, a decision that allowed me to remain close to my family and home in Los Angeles, California.
Following a successful collegiate career at UCLA, I transitioned into professional basketball, playing internationally in over five countries. My global experiences not only expanded my worldview but also introduced me to a wealth of opportunities beyond athletics. I recall a pivotal moment while in Belgium when I quietly affirmed to myself that my journey as a professional athlete had come to a meaningful conclusion.
Subsequently, I was honored to represent my home country, Nigeria, as a member of the national team, competing in the Olympic qualifiers and the All-Africa Games. After this chapter, I returned to Los Angeles and immersed myself in the fashion industry. I designed for a range of high-profile clients, including celebrities such as Teyana Taylor and Lil Kim and later produced major fashion events, most notably the YERE Fashion Show. This event, organized under my production company House of Yere, was created as a platform to empower emerging entrepreneurs, models, actresses, and other creatives by showcasing their talents while fostering community and professional networking.
My passion for service also led me to the world of pageantry, where I utilized the visibility of my title to advocate for and support marginalized individuals in my community. Further expanding my impact, I established a performing arts academy specifically for young girls, with the mission of nurturing and celebrating their unique talents.
Throughout my journey, I have resisted being confined to a single identity or profession. I believe in the vast potential within myself and aim to live a life marked by purpose, exploration, and continual growth. Presently, my professional focus has shifted toward the field of mental health. As a case manager, I work with adolescents facing mental health challenges and behavioral issues—work that aligns with my calling to support healing and emotional well-being.
One of my deepest aspirations is to return to Africa and contribute to transforming the perception of mental health, particularly in Nigeria. In many Nigerian communities, mental health is often stigmatized and therapy is misunderstood or dismissed. I aim to challenge these misconceptions and advocate for the normalization and benefits of mental health care across the continent.
Though I will always identify as an athlete, my advocacy now also extends to supporting fellow athletes navigating mental health struggles. Whether I am designing, traveling, mentoring, or offering therapeutic interventions, I view my life as a continuous journey of progress rather than perfection. My diverse experiences are a testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and purpose-driven living.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I’ve built a strong reputation by consistently being reliable, resourceful, and honest. My community affectionately calls me the “People’s Princess” because I have a natural gift for bringing people together in the name of meaningful causes. I’m deeply relatable and proudly serve as a voice for the voiceless. I genuinely love people, I love helping others, giving back, and curating unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re attending one of my events or sitting in my healing chair, I strive to create an environment that leaves you feeling better than when you arrived.
Have you ever had to pivot?
As from being in Washington DC standing next to Michelle Obama and being so inspired to go out and accomplish anything, There came a point in my life when I had to pause and ask myself: are the people around me helping me grow, or are they holding me back? I asked God to remove anything that does not serve me. That moment sparked a necessary shift. I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a close friend of mine named Soso. What he said to me that day wasn’t the most comforting, but the intention behind his words was clear—it came from a place of love. Sometimes, the truth doesn’t come wrapped in softness, but it arrives with purpose. And sometimes, we need people who are willing to lovingly redirect us, even if it stings at first.
That conversation changed everything. I realized I had to distance myself from certain individuals in order to grow. And once I did, my life began to elevate. I’m now surrounded by a circle of truly supportive friends and family. I’ve learned that elevation often requires isolation, and for that lesson, I’m truly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chinyerechristy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chinyerecchristy/
- Other: A women of God
Image Credits
Chinyere Christy Performing Arts Academy
First Lady Michelle Obama