We were lucky to catch up with Dozie Oheri recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dozie , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My decision to step away from my role working for other nonprofit organizations to launch Choose to DO, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering black teens, was a pivotal moment in my career. In the initial stages of building Choose to DO, Inc., I sought guidance from a diverse group of individuals I had encountered on my path – lawyers, friends, fellow entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders. Their insights and support were valuable in shaping Choose to DO, Inc.’s mission and vision.

Through my work, I have witnessed the profound impact that self-esteem can have on a young person’s life. By empowering them with the tools to embrace their worth, we are fostering individual growth and contributing to creating a more confident and resilient generation. As a black female entrepreneur, I am driven by the passion for supporting youth and the desire to be a role model, proving that barriers can be overcome and dreams realized. The journey is ongoing, but each step forward reinforces the significance of Choose to DO, Inc.’s mission in shaping a brighter future for youth worldwide.

Dozie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Growing up as the only girl among four brothers in a household with a Nigerian mother and father, I faced unique circumstances. My parents, though mostly present physically, struggled to provide emotional availability, leaving me to navigate being a young woman alone. This lack of emotional support affected my self-esteem, leading to insecurities. My family’s absence of emotional connection left me feeling isolated and questioning my self-worth.

As I transitioned into adulthood, I recognized the need for change and stumbled on a path of healing and self-discovery. I was determined to reclaim my sense of self-worth and sought a resolution through therapy. This decision was a pivotal turning point in my life. With therapy guiding me, I found the strength within me, learning to nurture my self-esteem as an adult. My upbringing gave me a unique perspective and the ability to empathize with young adults like myself facing similar challenges.

In addition, dissatisfied with my roles working for dysfunctional nonprofit organizations and, as a result, I mustered up my inner strength and courage to leave and establish my nonprofit, Choose to DO, Inc., a nonprofit organization addressing the importance of self-esteem and emotional well-being among young boys and girls facing similar circumstances.

What sets Choose to DO, Inc. apart are its programs that provide a holistic approach to nurturing healthy mental development. By equipping these young individuals with practical skills and accessible resources, Choose to DO, Inc. empowers our youth to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, offering them a unique pathway toward personal growth and a brighter future.

I am deeply proud to be a black female entrepreneur guiding and uplifting youth across the globe to build their self-esteem. As I witness the transformative impact of my efforts, I am reminded of my purpose. There are three key things I want people to know about this journey: first, every young person, regardless of their background, has the potential to flourish; second, self-esteem is not just about feeling good but is a crucial skill set for navigating life’s challenges; lastly, together, we are shaping confident individuals to become changes agents in their communities.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve realized that as an advocate for youth, I am responsible for guiding and mentoring them toward healthier mental well-being and managing my mental health. Recognizing that my experiences and emotions influence the support I offer, I understand the significance of practicing what I preach. By prioritizing my mental health and well-being, I can lead by example, demonstrating to the young individuals I mentor that self-care is a fundamental part of life’s journey. Through this balance, I can offer authentic guidance, empathy, and understanding, creating an impactful and meaningful connection with the youth I am devoted to helping. Being raised in a household where my family didn’t discuss mental health, I struggled with my mental issues in my formative years. Guiding youth through their mental health journey often acted as a mirror, reflecting my past struggles. I quickly realized I needed to confront my triggers as I witnessed them face their challenges.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My commitment to building my reputation with Choose to DO, Inc. comes from my journey of overcoming low self-esteem and emotional struggles, providing an authentic and relatable foundation for youth advocacy work, and garnering trust and empathy from my community and the youth we aim to serve. The holistic approach of Choose to DO, Inc., combining practical skills and emotional support, demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to the well-being of the young adults we help. My transparent leadership, openly sharing my experiences and challenges, fostered a sense of connection with our stakeholders, crediting us as genuine advocates for positive change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://choosetodoinc.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choosetodoinc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choosetodoinc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dozie-oheri/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChoosetoDOInc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEmsc2PY2D63QF8G3jaSUeg

Image Credits
Photos by Josef Phillips