- Ms. Monalisa Okojie tell us about your success with Upward African Woman, what is your vision for the next 5 years?
To date, we have successfully provided funding for women to return to school to complete training that will enable them to become financially stable and a boost to their self-esteem.
We would like to maximize the participation of our programs with more support from professional women in the health, education and business community through a continuous funding commitment.
2. Mrs. Monalisa Okojie, what is the key to your success as a businesswoman and philanthropist. What advice would you give to young girls who want to follow your steps?
I believe it’s not enough to want something in life — you must also prepare yourself to receive it. It isn’t enough to work hard. You must work smart.
Remember:
A. You will only regret the things you did not do.
B. Every step you take towards realizing your goals should be carefully thought out.
Remember: Success Comes From:
a. Knowledge: Know where you are going and how you are going to get there.
b. Do not give in to negative criticism.
c. Learn to subdue the counterproductive voice in your own mind.
d. Run towards those who share your vision and away from those that try to
block it.
3. Mrs. Monalisa Okojie why it is important to have a healthy balance and sleep 8 hours a day?
Doing what you love to do is invigorating. Life is very much a balancing act, and we are always just a step away from a fall. We are constantly trying to move forward with our purpose, to achieve our goals, all the while
trying to keep in balance the various elements of our lives.
If any aspect of our life draws a disproportionate amount of energy, we have to shortchange the other aspects. That throws us off — and we are unable to move forward on life’s tightrope until a balance can be reestablished. We have to deal with any areas that are taking too much energy and put them in perspective, align them, so that we have energy
available for all areas.
It’s important to understand that others cannot do this for us. No one can think, breathe, feel, see, experience, love or die for us. It’s up to us to balance all the different.
BIO:
Monalisa Okojie is President & Founder of Upward African Woman. She is also Founder and CEO of Nehita Inc, an exquisite jewelry collection based in Los Angeles, California. A practicing attorney in her native home. For more information, visit: www.upwardafricanwoman.org