Building a Better Community: Oby Nwabuzor’s Vision for Milwaukee
Oby Nwabuzor is deeply committed to her community. “Milwaukee is home,” she says, expressing her wish for a better environment for everyone. Her journey began at Rufus King High School, where she joined an Amnesty International group. Later, at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she worked to help people register to vote.
Initially, she dreamed of playing in the WNBA, but an injury changed her path. Instead, she found her passion in community advocacy. “Community has always been central to everything I do,” she remarks. She wanted a role that allowed her to connect with people directly.
Holding a doctorate in public health, Oby works at the crossroads of health and housing. She founded Envision Growth, a company focusing on health-driven real estate development. Their goal is to create healthier communities through thoughtful investments in spaces like homes, schools, and parks.
Oby’s projects include restoring homes for affordable housing and collaborating with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. As the Director of Social Drivers of Health Strategy for Advocate Health, she plays a vital role in shaping health strategies across Wisconsin.
Kirsten Beyer, who advised Oby during her doctoral studies, highlights her innovative approach. “Oby brings together public health and real estate in a way that’s rarely seen,” Beyer notes.
In Milwaukee, Oby discovered significant disparities in living conditions while working for the American Heart Association. This eye-opening experience motivated her to make a change. Many see these issues as reasons to leave the city. For Oby, they fuel her commitment to improving lives.
Her work isn’t just about real estate; it’s about creating systems that foster community health. “She builds systems that last,” says her mentor, Ossie Kendrix. Oby embraces a quiet strength that inspires respect and collaboration.
Outside her professional life, Oby continuously seeks to grow her skills. She’s engaged in various projects, from commercial development to revitalizing neighborhoods. Her leadership in public health has attracted over $1.7 million in funding for initiatives like improving access to healthy foods.
A first-generation Nigerian American, Oby draws inspiration from her family’s legacy. Her grandfather was a significant figure in Nigeria, advocating against colonialism and establishing a law firm in 1949 that still operates today. This lineage of advocacy informs Oby’s commitment to community service.
Oby also credits her spirituality as a guiding force in her work. She believes that her faith drives her to be a “vessel” for positive change. Even during challenging times, like the COVID pandemic, her faith urged her to pursue further education.
In May, she earned her doctorate, solidifying her role in bridging public health and real estate. Beyer praises her ongoing dedication to making a difference. “It’s not just one achievement; it’s her consistent commitment to a better future.”
Oby Nwabuzor embodies the spirit of change. Her unique blend of expertise in public health and real estate aims to create communities where people thrive. As she continues her work, she remains focused on her vision of a healthier, more connected Milwaukee.
For more on the impact of public health on community development, you can explore resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the American Public Health Association.
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