From Engineering to City Hall: A Conversation with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

In this compelling episode of the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast, host Lola Adeyemo speaks with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, who made history as the first person of color to serve as Mayor of Upper Arlington, Ohio. Born in Nigeria and educated across multiple countries, Ukeme shares her remarkable journey from engineer to lawyer to civic leader. Her story illuminates the unique challenges and opportunities faced by immigrant professionals in America, while offering practical insights for career development and community engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of intersectionality as a personal "fingerprint" Ukeme explains how being a Black immigrant woman who has lived in eight cities across four countries shapes her unique perspective and experiences
• How visa restrictions can impact career choices - Her transition from engineering to law school was partly driven by H1B visa limitations, highlighting the complex challenges immigrants face in career planning
• The importance of strategic networking - Rather than just focusing on assigned tasks, immigrant professionals need to look up, look out, and connect with others in spaces aligned with their career vision - Why representation matters in local government
• A personal experience with her daughter's struggle to fit in at school motivated Ukeme to get involved in local politics and create change at the community level
• Breaking through cultural norms - From her father's progressive decision to send her to study in America to her own choice to enter politics, Ukeme demonstrates how challenging traditional expectations can open new paths for success

From Engineering to City Hall: A Conversation with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

In this inspiring episode of the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast, host Lola Adeyemo sits down with Ukeme (pronounced "Ukemi") Awakessien Jeter, a Nigerian-born leader who made history as the first person of color to serve as mayor of Upper Arlington, Ohio. Their conversation spans immigration, education, career transitions, and the importance of civic engagement.

A Journey Across Continents

Ukeme's story begins in Nigeria, but quickly becomes global. Born to a father in the oil and gas industry, she spent her formative years in Muscat, Oman, before returning to Nigeria for high school. Her father's progressive decision to send her to the United States for college in 2000 marked the beginning of her American journey, where she arrived alone without family connections.

Breaking Through Barriers

Armed with an engineering degree from the University of Maine and later an MBA, Ukeme navigated the complex world of corporate America while managing visa restrictions. When faced with career limitations due to H1B visa constraints, she made the bold decision to reset her path by attending law school. This transition exemplifies her determination to overcome systemic barriers and create new opportunities for herself.

From Professional Success to Civic Leadership

What propelled Ukeme into politics wasn't ambition but maternal concern. When her daughter, attending kindergarten in predominantly white Upper Arlington, expressed a desire to straighten her hair to fit in, Ukeme recognized the need for change at a community level. This personal experience led her to become increasingly involved in local governance, eventually running for and winning the historic position of mayor.

Advice for Immigrant Professionals

Ukeme emphasizes the importance of looking beyond just doing good work. While immigrants often focus on excelling at their assigned tasks, she advocates for strategic networking aligned with one's vision and dreams. Her message is clear: don't wait for permission or introductions – take initiative and move directly toward your goals, whether in corporate America or civic engagement.

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Connect with Lola Adeyemo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeyemopm/

Connect with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ukstopia/

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