Meet Aishat Okunuga, she is a Nigerian licensed pharmacist with a passion for improving the healthcare system. Recognizing the need for efficiency in the industry, she pursued a dual master’s of business administration and health administration program at Georgia State University. Aishat excelled in her studies, graduating at the top of her class with an impressive GPA of over 4.0.
Throughout her time at Georgia State, Aishat demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. She served as the community events board lead for the Society for Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Business (SDEIB), where she led career development sessions and fostered connections with alumni. She also served as the secretary for the Graduate Business Association and as the treasurer and secretary for the Future Healthcare Executives (FHE) association.
Her passion for finance and technology led her to accept an associate role with the world’s largest asset management firm with over 10 trillion in assets under management after completing her MBA. She continues to expand her financial knowledge, as she is a CFA level 1 candidate preparing for the February 2024 exam.
Before venturing into finance, Aishat made significant strides in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as a Retail Pharmacist at Tabade Pharmaceuticals Ltd in Lagos, Nigeria. In this role, she not only managed pharmacy operations but also spearheaded community health campaigns, showcasing her dedication to public health and community welfare.
Aishat’s commitment to personal development is evident through her extensive skill set, which includes certifications in data analytics, business intelligence, and financial analysis.
Aishat’s long-term goal is to marry her passion for healthcare and pharmacy with her newfound interest in finance to contribute to the healthcare finance industry. She is fluent in three languages and enjoys traveling, particularly road trips. Her longest drive to date is a 15-hour one-way trip from Atlanta, GA to Toronto, Canada. Aishat is a member of various professional associations, including NBMBAA, and INFORMS.
In her free time, Aishat enjoys playing soccer and has represented the Nigerian team at her alma mater. She continues to seek out new learning opportunities and is excited about the possibilities that technological advancements such as AI and data science can bring to the healthcare industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Aishat is a multifaceted individual with a passion for languages, sports, and Academia.
Her research work on the Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS stands as a pivotal moment in her career trajectory, shaping her professional path and influencing her subsequent endeavors. The work also highlights the fact that HIV disproportionately affects certain key populations, including sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and transgender people, accounting for 65% of global HIV infections, and 93% of new infections outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
As Aishat continues to carve her path at the intersection of healthcare, finance, and leadership, her dedication to driving positive change remains unwavering. With her diverse skill set, extensive experience, and boundless determination, Aishat Okunuga is poised to make a significant impact in her field and beyond.
Aishat’s journey is marked not only by her professional accomplishments but also by her commitment to giving back to her community. She actively volunteers with non-profit organizations and youth clubs, where she imparts essential financial literacy skills to kids and youths, empowering them to make informed decisions about their finances and futures.
Her dedication to personal and professional growth is evident in her pursuit of continuous learning. From obtaining certifications in data analytics to participating in programs like Panthers on Wall Street at her graduate school, Aishat continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise.
In this interview with Joseph Sunday from Bridge Africa Technologies LTD about Nigerians making a great impact in their respective fields, She shared insight into her journey and the challenges of being a medical professional and a financial expert thus building a bridge to connect her two worlds.
Q1. Can you tell us about your journey from Nigeria to where you are today, and how your upbringing and early experiences have shaped your career path?
ANSWER: Certainly. My journey from Nigeria to where I am today has been one of determination, resilience, and continuous growth. Growing up in Nigeria, I was deeply influenced by my parents’ emphasis on education and community service. Their unwavering support and encouragement instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact in the world.
From a young age, I was inspired by the healthcare professionals in my community who dedicated their lives to helping others. As they say charity begins at home, my father is a dentist who doesn’t hesitate to contribute to society, seizing opportunities to donate medical equipment to clinics in low-income areas to increase access to care. Shoutout to my mother also who saw my potential as a studious kid and helped carve the pathway to success. These amazing people nurtured my interest in healthcare and laid the foundation for my career path. After completing my Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus, I returned to Nigeria, completed the required internship at Tabade Pharmacy, and was retained full-time afterward. The experience as a community pharmacist allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian healthcare industry especially in aspects of financing healthcare infrastructures which further solidified my commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes.
However, I soon realized that to effect meaningful change on a larger scale, I needed to expand my skill set beyond pharmacy. This realization led me to pursue a dual master’s degree in Business Administration and Health Administration at Georgia State University in the United States. It was a challenging transition, but my upbringing had taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability, which helped me navigate the unfamiliar terrain.
Throughout my academic journey, I embraced opportunities for leadership and personal development, taking on roles in student organizations and participating in research projects. These experiences not only enriched my learning but also shaped my understanding of the intersection between healthcare, business, and leadership.
Today, as an Associate at an asset management firm, I draw upon the lessons learned from my upbringing and early experiences to drive innovation and excellence in my work. My journey from Nigeria has instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude, resilience, and determination to make a positive impact in the world, and I am committed to continuing this journey with purpose and passion.
Q2. How did your background in pharmacy influence your decision to pursue further education in business administration and health administration?
ANSWER: My background in pharmacy played a significant role in shaping my decision to pursue further education in business administration and health administration. As a pharmacist, I gained valuable insights into patient care, medication management, and healthcare delivery. However, I also recognized the broader systemic challenges facing the healthcare industry, including issues related to access, affordability, and quality of care.
This realization prompted me to explore opportunities to broaden my skill set and deepen my understanding of the healthcare landscape. I saw business administration and health administration as complementary disciplines that could provide me with the knowledge and tools needed to address these challenges from a broader perspective. I saw firsthand how obtaining an MBA degree influenced my manager’s decision-making at Tabade Pharmacy and it became a no-brainer.
By pursuing a dual master’s degree in business administration and health administration, the goal was to garner knowledge on the business and administrative aspects of healthcare. As we all know, healthcare in itself is a business, one that can be capital intensive as well from every aspect of drug discovery to new technologies used in care delivery. I wanted to equip myself with the skillsets required to drive innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness within the healthcare system. I saw these disciplines as platforms for effecting systemic change, improving healthcare delivery, and ultimately, enhancing patient outcomes.
Moreover, my background in pharmacy gave me a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare and business, highlighting the importance of effective management, financial stewardship, and strategic decision-making in delivering high-quality care. By integrating my pharmacy expertise with business and health administration, I believe I could contribute to advancing the healthcare industry and making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Q3. Can you share with us a specific experience or project from your time as a Retail Pharmacist at Tabade Pharmacy in Nigeria that significantly impacted your career trajectory?
ANSWER: Certainly. One specific experience from my time as a Retail Pharmacist at Tabade that significantly impacted my career trajectory was spearheading community health campaigns focused on medication adherence and disease prevention.
As a community pharmacist in Nigeria, I am usually the first point of contact for patients, whether it’s recommending over-the-counter medications for common health concerns or referring a patient to seek medical attention, i garnered my patients’ trust and got to now them. This helped me recognize the urgent need to address the growing issue of medication abuse and unmanaged “silent killer” conditions in our community. The Nigerian urge to use antibiotics for any sudden inconvenience whether it is as a self-prescribed therapy to “wash their system” after unprotected intercourse or for a cold. The most concerning were people who had been diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure after an acute episode who stopped taking their medications abruptly believing they were healed, or due to financial constraints or other circumstances.
So, with the support of my colleagues, management, and some pharmaceutical company representatives, I took the initiative to organize and lead a community health campaign aimed at educating patients about the consequences of abusing accessible medications like antibiotics such antibiotic resistance and how it can adversely affect their health, I also educated them on the importance of religiously adhering to medications for chronic disease to prevent acute episodes and the dangers of unmanaged silent killers and lastly, we conducted some free diagnostic testing and haded out resources to support patient care.
These campaigns involved collaborating with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies to deliver educational workshops, distribute informational materials, and provide access to testing and counseling services. We also organized community outreach events, such as health fairs and seminars, to engage with individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and empower them with knowledge and resources to protect themselves and their loved ones.
An example of another such campaign that I was instrumental in conducting was a “free health check and education day” where I led a team of medical youth corpers to conduct diagnostics and demystify common healthcare myths. As a youth corper, I served on the leadership team for the Editorial Community Development Service (CDS group as we famously refer to it), this team collaborated with the medical CDS group in delivering health awareness in Oshodi a major market in Lagos, the idea was to meet the people where they are, most people find it hard to take time off work for their health and these might even be worse for business owners whose profit can be drastically affected even from missing a single day of work. So by visiting their stalls and spending as little as two minutes educating them about their health, we might have been able to motivate them to be proactive with their health thereby promoting disease prevention and encouraging timely health screening.
The impact of these campaigns was profound, both on the individuals we reached and on me personally. I witnessed firsthand the power of education and awareness in combating misinformation and encouraging people to seek testing and treatment. These experiences deepened my passion for public health and community outreach and inspired me to pursue further education and opportunities to make a difference in the healthcare field.
Overall, these experiences reinforced the importance of proactive leadership, community engagement, and advocacy in addressing healthcare challenges and shaping public health policies. It served as a catalyst for my continued involvement in public health initiatives and fueled my commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations.
Q4. Your academic achievements, particularly your impressive GPA and leadership roles during your graduate studies at Georgia State University, are commendable. How did these experiences contribute to your personal and professional growth?
ANSWER: Thank you, but you flatter me! My academic achievements and leadership roles during my graduate studies at Georgia State University have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth in several ways.
Firstly, achieving a high GPA and excelling academically i think are just naturally expected of you as a Nigerian and more as a first child, i had to be a role model for my siblings and make myself and my family proud but in addition, I found that academic success instills in me a sense of confidence and competence that empowers me to tackle complex challenges and pursue ambitious goals with determination and resilience. There’s a great feeling attached to knowing you are exceptional at something, which is why i strive to be the best at whatever I do.
Secondly, taking on leadership roles in student organizations such as the Society for Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Business (SDEIB) and the Graduate Business Association (GBA) afforded me invaluable opportunities to develop and hone my leadership skills. As a leader, I learned how to effectively communicate, collaborate, and inspire others toward a common goal. These experiences taught me the importance of empathy, integrity, and servant leadership in fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
Moreover, serving in leadership positions allowed me to expand my professional network, forge meaningful connections with peers and mentors, and gain exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. These interactions enriched my learning and broadened my horizons, shaping my worldview and informing my approach to leadership and teamwork.
Furthermore, my involvement in leadership roles enabled me to apply theoretical concepts and academic knowledge to real-world situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This experiential learning fostered critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, which have proven invaluable in my professional endeavors.
My academic achievements and leadership roles at Georgia State University have been transformative experiences that have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. They have equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry and make a meaningful impact in my chosen field.
5. Could you elaborate on your research work on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and its impact on your career trajectory?
ANSWER: Certainly. My research work on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS has had a profound impact on my career trajectory. Conducting research in this field allowed me to delve deep into understanding the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and socio-economic determinants of HIV/AIDS within specific populations. This research provided me with invaluable insights into the complex interplay of biological, behavioral, and structural factors driving the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
One significant aspect of my research was investigating disparities in HIV/AIDS prevalence and access to care among underserved communities. By analyzing epidemiological data and conducting community-based studies, I gained a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the barriers to healthcare access faced by marginalized populations. This awareness heightened my commitment to addressing health inequities and promoting health equity as a fundamental tenet of public health practice.
Moreover, my research on HIV/AIDS epidemiology equipped me with essential research skills. These methodological skills have proven invaluable in my subsequent academic and professional pursuits, enabling me to conduct rigorous research, evaluate evidence, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in healthcare policy and practice.
My research experiences fostered a passion for public health advocacy and community engagement. Recognizing the importance of translating research findings into actionable interventions, I became actively involved in community outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, promoting prevention strategies, and increasing access to testing and treatment services.
Q6. As a fixed-income specialist in asset management, you play a crucial role in enhancing trading efficiency and client outcomes. How do you leverage your diverse skill set and experiences to excel in this role?
ANSWER: In my role as a systematic trader, I leverage my diverse skill set and experiences to excel in enhancing trading efficiency and client outcomes in several ways.
Firstly, my background in pharmacy and healthcare administration has honed my analytical skills and attention to detail, which are crucial in analyzing market trends, identifying trading opportunities, and optimizing trading strategies. This analytical mindset allows me to navigate complex market dynamics and make data-driven decisions that drive positive outcomes for our clients.
Secondly, my academic background in business administration has equipped me with a strong foundation in finance, risk management, and quantitative analysis. I leverage this knowledge to develop innovative solutions and strategies that enhance trading efficiency, mitigate risk, and maximize returns for our clients’ portfolios.
Furthermore, my experience as a graduate teaching assistant and involvement in student organizations has sharpened my communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. These interpersonal skills enable me to effectively collaborate with team members, communicate complex ideas to stakeholders, and build strong relationships with clients.
Additionally, my research experience in public health has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to serving the needs of others. I apply this empathy-driven approach in seeking the best execution for clients while constantly staying ahead of technological trends and incorporating them to deliver great performance results.
I believe that my diverse background and experiences empower me to bring a unique perspective to my role at my current firm. By leveraging my analytical acumen, financial expertise, interpersonal skills, and commitment to client success, I strive to deliver exceptional value and exceed expectations in enhancing trading efficiency and driving positive outcomes for our clients.
Q7. Your pursuit of continuous learning is evident through your participation in programs such as Panthers on Wall Street and your commitment to obtaining certifications in data analytics and finance. How do you stay motivated to expand your knowledge and skills, and what role do these initiatives play in your professional development?
ANSWER:I stay motivated to expand my knowledge and skills by maintaining a growth mindset and a deep-seated passion for learning and personal development. I believe that continuous learning is essential for staying relevant and competitive in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape. My commitment to obtaining certifications in data analytics and finance are driven by a desire to continuously challenge myself, broaden my horizons, and acquire new skills that can enhance my professional capabilities.
These initiatives play a pivotal role in my professional development by providing me with opportunities to explore new areas of interest, gain exposure to industry best practices, and network with like-minded professionals. Panthers on Wall Street, for example, offered me valuable insights into the workings of the financial markets and allowed me to connect with industry experts and peers who share my passion for finance.
Similarly, obtaining certifications in data analytics and finance enables me to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in these fields and develop specialized expertise that can add value to my role and beyond. These certifications not only validate my skills and knowledge but also serve as tangible evidence of my commitment to professional growth and excellence.
Moreover, engaging in continuous learning initiatives fosters a culture of curiosity, innovation, and adaptability within myself and my team. By staying curious and open-minded, I am better equipped to embrace change, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities for growth and advancement in my career.
Q8. With your extensive experience and expertise, what advice would you offer to aspiring professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare finance industry?
ANSWER: To aspiring professionals seeking to make a significant difference in healthcare finance, I advise embracing interdisciplinary learning to grasp the multifaceted nature of the industry.
Stay updated on evolving trends through industry publications and professional networks to anticipate shifts and seize opportunities. Cultivate robust analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex data and regulatory requirements effectively.
Uphold ethical standards by prioritizing transparency and stakeholder well-being in financial practices. Foster strong relationships with stakeholders to foster collaboration and growth. Finally, remain adaptable to industry changes, embracing innovation and learning from challenges.
By embodying these principles and maintaining a commitment to continuous learning and ethical leadership, you can drive positive change and contribute to the advancement of healthcare finance, ultimately improving patient outcomes and financial sustainability.
Q9. Can you share a specific instance where your leadership skills were put to the test, and how you navigated the situation to achieve a positive outcome?
Certainly. One instance where my leadership skills were put to the test occurred during my time as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Georgia State University. I was tasked with managing a large class of over 300 students in a synchronous hybrid format, which presented several logistical challenges.
One particular challenge arose when we encountered technical issues with the online components of the class, causing disruption to students’ learning experiences. Additionally, coordinating questions and feedback from both in-person and online students required careful organization and responsiveness.
To navigate this situation and achieve a positive outcome, I took a proactive approach. First, I immediately communicated with the faculty member leading the course to address the technical issues and ensure that all students had access to course materials and resources. I worked closely with the university’s technical support team to resolve the issues promptly and minimize disruptions to students’ learning.
Furthermore, I implemented strategies to facilitate seamless communication and engagement with both in-person and online students. I established clear channels for students to submit questions and receive assistance, ensuring that no student felt left behind or overlooked. Additionally, I provided regular updates and support to the faculty members, enabling them to focus on delivering high-quality instruction to the class.
Through effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration, we were able to overcome the challenges we faced and maintain a positive learning environment for all students. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, resilience, and teamwork in leadership, and it further solidified my commitment to supporting student success and fostering a culture of excellence in education.
Q10. Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations, and how do you envision contributing to the healthcare finance industry in the years to come?
Looking ahead, my long-term goals and aspirations revolve around merging my background in healthcare and pharmacy with my expertise in finance to drive positive change in the healthcare finance industry. My overarching vision is to leverage my unique skill set and experiences to contribute to the financial sustainability of healthcare systems, improve access to quality care, and ultimately, enhance patient outcomes.
In the years to come, I aim to play a leadership role in shaping healthcare finance policies, practices, and innovations. I envision collaborating with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and healthcare providers to develop and implement strategies that optimize resource allocation and improve access to healthcare financing through innovative finance. These are a range of financial solutions and mechanisms that can be used to bridge the gap between traditional forms of healthcare development funding and the financing required to achieve development goals.
Furthermore, as I continue to evolve in my current role, i am committed to identifying opportunities for investments in healthcare that have the potential to improve resource allocation and maximize value to patients. I always aim to give back to society, so one of my goals is to one day be able to use my skillsets to benefit small non-profit clinics by developing a platform where people like me who have the required skillsets that these clinics need to make data-driven decisions but cannot afford without compromising patient care. The vision is to match experts in various fields of healthcare finance such as revenue cycle management, cost containment strategies, budgeting and financial planning, and data analysis to deliver their services for free. I find that entry to mid-level employees like myself who might not have a ton of money to donate to their favorite causes might be more willing to commit to donating their time which is just as valuable.
By partnering with employers, they might also be able to match their employees’ hours in monetary amounts, ultimately they get a sense of fulfillment and a clinic somewhere gets free financial management and now has a large budget for patient care. As an advocate for equity and inclusion in healthcare, this vision is near and dear to my heart, it also ensures that financial resources are allocated equitably to address disparities in access and outcomes.
Healthcare is an industry that is known to be inefficient in managing its resources, this would further allow clinicians to focus on care delivery and hopefully help to decrease the costs associated with managing a clinic thereby fostering a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all individuals and communities.
Lastly, I see myself continuing to pursue opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, such as obtaining advanced certifications and participating in industry initiatives and research projects. There might even be a PhD program somewhere in the future, but I am committed to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices in healthcare finance, where I can remain a trusted advisor and thought leader in the field.
As Aishat embarks on the next chapter of her journey, her resilience, ambition, and unwavering dedication serve as guiding beacons, inspiring others to dream big and pursue their passions relentlessly. With each step forward, Aishat Okunuga continues to redefine what is possible, leaving an indelible mark on the world around her.
From her humble beginnings in Nigeria to preparing to become a registered financial representative in the US, Aishat’s journey exemplifies the power of passion, education, and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams.
Throughout her academic and professional endeavors, Aishat has demonstrated a relentless commitment to excellence and a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact in the world. Her pursuit of interdisciplinary learning, leadership roles, and continuous self-improvement reflects her unwavering dedication to personal and professional growth.
Moreover, Aishat’s ability to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and leverage her diverse skill set and experiences underscores her resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Her story serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians aspiring to pursue careers in healthcare, finance, or any other field.
Aishat’s journey reminds us that success is not determined by where we start, but by the determination, perseverance, and resilience we exhibit along the way. Her story encourages young Nigerians to dream big, pursue their passions with fervor, and never lose sight of their potential to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from Aishat’s story and strive to emulate her spirit of resilience, determination, and continuous growth. By embracing the values of education, perseverance, and service to others, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams, just like Aishat Okunuga.
