Why She Was Nominated:

Dr. Okoh spent the early part of her career treating young patients in inner cities—first as a scholar in the National Health Service Corps and later as a pediatric dental director at Greater Philadelphia Health Action, the city’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center. Last summer, she opened her own practice in a northern suburb of Philly, where she continues to treat patients and families with her compassionate approach.

Why She Became a Dentist:

Dr. Okoh grew up in Brooklyn, the oldest of four children of Nigerian parents who both passed away before she was 11. While she was a student at Columbia College, a friend took her to visit her mother at work, and Dr. Okoh witnessed what it was like to be a pediatric dentist. “I grew up in the inner city, went to community health clinics, didn’t always live in the nicest places. And it just really resonated with me that this woman, who was also Nigerian, had this office, and was helping people and having this autonomy—it was very appealing.”

Something People Don’t Know:

Dr. Okoh is a YouTuber and vlogger who shares her journey of healthy African-American hair and fashion with her followers.