I was born in Nigeria, West Africa. Igbo is my mother tongue. When I was 4 years old, my homeland was at war, our family was in chaos and was all separated. As a doctor in Nigeria, my Father arranged to have us smuggled out of the country. I spent the next few years in Portugal and then moved to London, England while we waited for our immigration papers. On February 18, 1976, I became a Canadian. This was one of the happiest moments of my life.

I grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Our home was a busy place. With 9 children, 6 uncles and aunts, many acts went unnoticed. My uncle, whom I trusted to protect me, stole my innocence, spoiled my youth and almost destroyed my life. I now talk about these incestuous incidents because I have come to understand that it was not the physical act that damaged me, it was the secrets that I had to keep. The destruction was caused by the fear of people finding out, the shame of not being able to tell my father or my friends and the pain of feeling so alone. I share this experience with over 100,00 students, parents and educators every year. It is important to teach them that the act is severely damaging, the after effects can be even more destructive. My father always said "…you are a woman, you are a black and you are going to have a tough time, so you have to excel." As a young woman living in the Maritimes, the best way to excel is to get good grades and to go to university. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. My original goal was to practice law, but ultimately that changed. When I told my father that I didn't want to be lawyer, he gave me 400 dollars and said goodbye. With a little red suitcase I set out to explore my newly found freedom, in the big city.

I started working in Toronto as a sales clerk in a retail store. Unable to make ends meet, as minimum wage didn't cover rent and food, I was forced to evade the landlord by hiding out in the park, pan-handling to supplement my income. I eventually went on welfare. In 1990, a bank manager changed my life. He approved a loan that enabled me to attend Ryerson Polytechnic University, where I received my Real Estate license. The stock market was plunging, a recession was on the horizon and to compound the dismal economic outlook, I was entering a profession without the standard tools; I had no car, no pager, no cell phone. I did not have any business contacts or Real Estate experience. It wasn't surprising that 30 companies turned me down. It took a lot of perseverance, but I was finally given a chance.

In 1991, I sold my first home. With the little commission in my pocket, I was able to use public transit to see my clients- I had been quite a sight, transporting my 'open house' signs on a bicycle! I set goals for myself, and knocked on 100 doors a day. The hard work paid off. By 1993, just 2 years after starting in real estate, I achieved the highest distinctions and awards in my profession.

Through all of the struggles I found a way forward. The teens in my audience are hungry for help and inspiration. I use my experience to help encourage all young people, and anyone else whom may be challenged, to pursue their dreams.