Akunna O. Nwamuo: Finding fulfilment in education
Educational background I started my secondary education in El Cerrito California where I attended El Cerrito High School, graduated and received my diploma in 1998. I gained admission to California State University Hayward where I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Entrepreneurial Studies in 2004. I went on to […]
Educational background
I started my secondary education in El Cerrito California where I attended El Cerrito High School, graduated and received my diploma in 1998. I gained admission to California State University Hayward where I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Entrepreneurial Studies in 2004. I went on to further my education and earned an MBA in Strategic Management with a minor in project management from John F. Kennedy University in 2008.
Career Background
Due to the nature of the American system, I was able to start my first part time job while attending secondary school with a fast food restaurant as well as the local shopping mall. My parents taught my siblings and I early in life that if you want something you have to work hard for it. That mentality has followed me into my adulthood.
My first corporate job was with Bank of America in which I held various positions within for five and a half years. I went on to hold great middle management positions within the Finance and IT sectors of Silicon Valley, California. In my spare time I volunteered at my family’s church, St. Johns the Baptiste Catholic Church. In addition, I also co-founded a non-profit Nigeria youth organisation in California named BANYA (Bay Area Nigerian Youth Association).
Corporate Nigeria work Experience
Before I relocated to Nigeria, I secured a management level position from the US in a subsidiary of FIN Bank in Lagos, and later transitioned into a managerial position with the multinational technology company Hewlett Packard also in Lagos. I did my NYSC with NNPC in Abuja.
After spending several years working in corporate America and corporate Nigeria, I wanted to do something that I had a passion for. So I opened a school. I am currently the proprietress of La Petite Academy in, Abuja. Honestly, working with children has always made me happy. I feel extremely fulfilled with what I am doing, and God willing I will be in this line of work until I retire.
Growing up
Growing up was interesting, and fun. Being the youngest of four siblings, everyone had a role in my upbringing. My parents really tried their best to give us what we needed. We spent a lot of family time together. My parents always made sure that we didn’t lose touch of our Nigerian roots so every year we would plan family vacations to Nigeria.
Life lessons
Life has taught me to always believe in onself; Try to stay positive in the midst of any adversity. Be careful in the company you keep and remain prayerful. All these have helped me go through this journey called life.
Balancing work and home
I try to create a list of priorities daily; most days its works. As an entrepreneur you’re always working but I try my best to leave my work in the office so when I am at home I focus on being at home. It is not easy.
Most rewarding part of your career
Being able to work with children. Seeing them every day gives me a special type of joy that I can’t fully articulate with just words.
Aspirations growing up
I always wanted to be in a privileged position to help others as well as be wealthy enough to live an exceptionally good life. Financial freedom was important to me. I initially wanted to become a pediatrician which would give me the opportunity to help children and make good living, but I changed my major and studied Business Admin instead. It still worked out well in the end.
Fond childhood memories
Playing team sports. I was on the basketball, volleyball and track and field team as an adolescent up until my university years and I fully enjoyed the experience and friendships I made with my team members.
Your typical day
I wake up at 6:30am, say a little prayer, look at my phone for messages, look at my schedule for the day, go to the gym, eat a light breakfast, shower, dress up, and head to the office. My schedule changes daily, but my priority is making sure I am around the school to give my staff and my pupils the support they need. Even if I travel and have to work outside of the school, I always make sure I am available to my staff. I usually have long days that end by 8pm.
Most cherished gift
The good health of my family members and mine, especially my parents’.