Finding Comfort In You with Chika Okoro – 022

The Think Alpha Project - Empowering Minority Millennials to Break Barriers

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In this episode, we discuss finding security within yourself, the impacts of colorism, and the positive outlooks that can come from seeing role models that look like yourself. Chika Okoro became inspired in an unlikely place – a Straight Outta Compton casting call with standards of beauty, skin color and size that labeled her a “D Girl”. Chika’s personal experience with colorism pushed her to make a change and inform others on not only the issues that she faced, but also her hope for the future.

This future would include people being good to other human beings – regardless of accomplishments, wealth, or skin color, and having more balance in the role models and powerful people that our society looks up to. Chika’s mission is to help people to love themselves more, for who they truly are, and remember that it’s okay for us to look and be different than each other – actually, it’s completely normal and should be fully accepted.

Chika is a Southern California native who attended Harvard and earned her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. She now works in brand management and consumer marketing. She is the Head of Consumer Insights Marketing at FabFitFun, where she helped to grow the business from under 300,000 subscribers to an impressive 800,000. She also is a public speaker, focusing on uplifting and empowering young women of color.

Key Topics

Someone Like Me

• We are beginning to see more role models today in TV and Film that can inspire our youth.
• Lupita Nyong’o in Black Panther was the love interest and Viola Davis revealed her natural hair in How to Get Away with Murder!
• It’s okay to put on your wig and go to work, but it’s also okay to be take it off and be comfortable with your natural self.
• Surrounding children with positive black role models can make a huge difference in our society.
• We need to be intentional and take an active role in how our children see themselves and those around them.

Finding Comfort in YOU

• Chika was at Harvard trying to fit in as a black woman who was not wealthy, and just felt that everything was stacked against her.
• The more you become comfortable with yourself, the more people will be comfortable with you – people will like you for who you are.
• You are perfect right now! While it’s okay to grow and learn, believe that you are wonderful.
• It takes time to be secure in yourself and really know yourself – put in the work to get there.

The Journey

• Chika knew that her journey, including the struggles, would make her feel accomplished.
• However, when you draw all of your validation from an achievement, you can take failure really hard.
• Remember that failures are just a learning moment – succeed or fail, you’re an amazing person who is trying, and it’s still worth it.
• The journey is just as important as the outcome, as there is where you will become who you are meant to be.
• Continue to invest in yourself and don’t give up!

Key Quotes

Were not just all trying to be light skin and long hair. I am seeing more acceptance. ([13:53])

How do I make sure my daughters don’t feel the way I felt? ([14:25])

Trying to fit into someones else mold has never gotten me anywhere. ([35:49])

My goodness isn’t defined by accomplishments, it’s defined by who I am as a person. ([40:48])

You can’t be a business leader until you know yourself. ([45:03])

Connect With Chika On

Instagram | Watch Her TEDx Talk

Thanks For Listening!

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