Oby Nwabuzor Keeps Community in Mind with Recent Appointment to Wisconsin's Public Health Council
Oby Nwabuzor. (Picture by Rob Randolph)
To be a Black woman from the Northside of Milwaukee, sometimes the world can see you differently, but Oby Nwabuzor didn’t let the naysayers stop her from achieving. Nwabuzor was recently appointed to Wisconsin’s Public Health Council where she will advise the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, the legislature, and the public on the progress in implementing DHS’ 10-year public health plan.
As a proud Milwaukee Public Schools alumni, Nwabuzor is being a voice for the community and for those who look like her.
“Black girls and boys in the city can see me and say it’s possible,” said Nwabuzor. “I believe a lot of us didn’t see a lot of Black people in higher places in Milwaukee” but now they do.
Nwabuzor is Nigerian and has immigrant parents. She is proud to say that her parent’s sacrifices didn’t go in vain. Nwabuzor understands the struggles of the community, specifically in Milwaukee, which is why she is honored to be in such a role.
While on the council, Nwabuzor plans to use her position to push toward actual action and not just conversations. She wants to break the barriers around racial equity in Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.
This isn’t Nwabuzor’s first and only time that she's used her platform to be a voice for the people.
By looking at Nwabuzor’s job experience you can see that community is what drives her work. Some of her titles include Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Community Impact Director, and Community Liaison.
“In order to make change you have to be at the table,” she said. She also added that you have to make your voice heard while at the table.
Nwabuzor found her place and it’s helping the community.
“Serve endlessly and serve with your whole heart,” said Nwabuzor.