About Oli
Empowering Change Through Medicine and Activism
Aspiring Pre Med Student at Phillips Academy | Published Author (Research) | Intern at Barnea Lab | President Of Youth4GlobalChange | Young Activist |
Hi! I’m Oli, a 17-year-old embodying a vibrant fusion of Kenyan and Nigerian roots, standing proud as my family’s first-generation African American. My essence is intricately woven with a fervent passion for medicine and an unwavering dedication to activism—foundations that define who I am.
By 13, I found myself as the youngest speaker at a major Black Lives Matter protest outside the Rhode Island State House, amidst a crowd of over a thousand. This event, attended by doctors and medical students from Brown University among many activists, was not just a platform for my voice but a testament to the impactful role of youth in societal transformation.
My passion for medicine is deeply personal, tied to the loss of my beloved grandmother in February 2021 due to the lack of healthcare access in rural Kenya. This tragedy laid bare the stark healthcare disparities faced by black communities, galvanizing my resolve to pursue medicine. It’s more than a career; it’s my mission to close the healthcare equality gap.
My journey into activism wasn’t typical; it began in third grade. While most kids have memories filled with playgrounds and cartoons, mine was distinctly marked by an ambitious drive to effect real-world change. Standing in the state house alongside my classmates, we spoke to the senate with the fervor of seasoned activists, advocating to outlaw the commercial sale of ivory. This victorious endeavor lit a lifelong fire for advocacy within me.
2021 was a defining year for me. In November, I founded Youth4GlobalChange, a nonprofit aimed at empowering young minds. Our mission is broad, tackling social justice issues, easing the transition into high school, and addressing various life challenges. Collaborative efforts with organizations like C12 in Kenya, engagements with schools, support for the Prince to Kings initiative, and volunteering at the local Jewish community centre have not only expanded impact but also enriched my perspective on community service.
Becoming a doctor is a dream shaped by my life’s narrative—my activism, the profound loss of my grandmother, and the pressing need to confront healthcare disparities. Each step forward is driven by my desire to make a difference, especially within black communities and the broader African healthcare scene. I’m motivated by the conviction that healthcare should be a universal right, and I’m dedicated to leading this charge.