Deara Okonkwo, 18, will be the first to tell you she’s “ambitious.” At age 17, when most American teens are just finishing high school, Deara graduated from a prestigious university with a degree in English and a minor in psychology. Outside of school, she runs her own dance studio, which opened when she was 16 – a gift from her mom. Deara aspires to open her own charter school and become Secretary of Education someday. Don’t be surprised if she’s the youngest in that role!

What would you say is the most important impact you’ve made?

The most important impact that I’ve made would be the establishment of my dance studio, DeDe Dance Studio. I founded DeDe Dance Studio in 2004, when I was 14 at the time, and with the support of my mother, my aunt Delores, and residents of my community believing in me, I established my organization in 2006, celebrating the Grand Opening of DeDe Dance Studio on my Super Sweet 16.

DeDe Dance Studio has been a blessing to the children and families of South, Los Angeles because it provides children a safe environment to express themselves in positive & creative ways. It brings the families together in harmony to celebrate the diversity in the arts and support youth in positive involvement.

I have worked very closely with hundreds of people ranging from toddlers to adults. Inasmuch as people believe that I am their leader and inspiration, my students in return spark inspiration in me because many of them come from impoverished backgrounds and lack the support that I received from my parents daily yet are resilient and determined, embodying what stands as a strong child.

Who or what inspired you to become a leader? How did it all begin?

My mother, Kendra Okonkwo, inspired me to become a leader. Ever since, I was about 6 or 7, I expressed dreams of becoming world-renowned humanitarian. My mother believed in me and supported my endeavors including starting college at the age of 10, founding a dance studio at the age of 14 and currently pursuing graduate school at 18 years old. My interest in starting a dance studio sparked from the experience of participating in Debbie Allen’s Summer Intensive in 2001.

My parents invested in my childhood and supported my passion for the arts despite the costly tuition. Furthermore, I in return, expressed my appreciation by teaching what I had learned to the kids in my neighborhood. From backyard classes to teaching at my mother’s private school, my mother began to discover my talent of empowering youth through the arts. Many of my dance students began adopting my values, beliefs even some of my clothes habits. Through dance, I encouraged many to see the beauty in diversity. Because of dance, many of my peers finished high school and matriculated to college. Dance enabled me to serve as an inspiration for youth and I am humbled to be the leader.

What three things have contributed to your success?

1. God has chosen me to be his instrument. I am humbled to have been a light for the children in my community and I aspire to take my programs back to my parent’s native home, Nigeria.
    
2. The support of my parents and their believing in me no matter how audacious my goals may have seemed.
    
3. Humility is the key to my success. Had I felt too big of myself in the beginning, I would have never reaped the support of everyone that continuously works to plant seeds with me.

When do you most feel “in the zone”?

I feel “in the zone” when I am conversing with people who believe in me and the work that I do. I also get utmost gratification when I see my kids perform. To witness the excitement and joy in the eyes of the children and their parents makes me overjoyed by the work that I have been called to do.

Is there one story that illustrates why you do what you do?

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your work as a leader?

I learned to talk less and listen more. Despite the cliché, it is essential as a leader. A prudent change agent listens to the voice of his/her people, thinks about their opinions and carefully makes a decision in the best interest of his/her people.

Who are the current leaders or thinkers you admire?

• My mother, Kendra Okonkwo is my role-model. The entire world may not know her name but she indeed is a woman that embodies a true leader. A leader is someone who supports another through trials and tribulations and my mother has been there for me, even when my dreams may have deemed too exceptional. My mother makes sacrifices to support her children and she indeed forfeited innumerable opportunities to invest in my dreams.
   
• I also admire many young leaders such as Talia Leman, Founder/CEO of RandomKid where they believe in ‘the power on ANYone’. She is an audacious philanthropist who I believe will be in charge of the US someday. Her mother Dana Leman is a wonderful woman and is an inspiration for the work I do.
   
• I recently learned about a 17 year old CEO, Jasmine Lawrence- awe-inspiring, I tip my hat off to her. She turned a problem (her hair falling) to her success. (That’s what I name a change agent).
   
• Lastly, a young girl who is firm in her beliefs and walks that which she preaches, Taylor Moore. She is an 18 year old inspirational speaker and TV producer who models a message of excellence, non-violence and abstinence.
   
• Inevitably, President Barack Obama. I learned the wisdom and knowledge of a humanitarian through his book, The Audacity of Hope, and his addresses.

What book has made a great impression on you in the last few years? Why?

The Youth Walk Devotional Bible (New International Version) by Zondervan is what I hold dearest. This bible shed a lot of encouragement and wisdom for me. It not only teaches me how to build my relationship with God but it provides tangible advice for daily struggles in life.

What gives you hope for the future?

My hope comes from the children that I work with. They teach me how to be a better person and they assure me through their actions that they will strive to achieve beyond what God has enabled me to do at my age. Hope also comes from people who believe in me—those who are there, often behind the wings of DeDe Dance Studio. If I could list the names, I would exceed this page but I am sure that my friends and family know who they are and that I appreciate them infinitely.

What advice would you give to aspiring young leaders today?

• Dream BIG and make it a REALITY.
• Talk less. DO More.
• Focus on the good. There is so much prevailing negativity and if you let it overwhelm you, it will occlude you from achieving your goals. They way you focus on the good is by expressing your gratitude (small or big).

Popularity: 87% [?]