Miriam Chinonyerem Odabe

Miriam Chinonyerem Odabe has over two years of experience as an entrepreneur. As an undergraduate student, her interest in fashion inspired a startup that retails fashion items. She also has experience as a writer, having written for a tourist magazine. With a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Miriam Chinonyerem Odabe wrote her thesis on public health. She intends to do a master’s in public health to help tackle epidemics and to create awareness in Nigeria. Upon her return from the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Miriam plans to start an agro-enterprise for the production and processing of Nigerian paddy rice. Her aim is to meet national demand with local rather than imported rice, to spur economic growth, to create jobs for the youth, and to source funding for a project that empowers young girls to turn away from prostitution.