Today we’d like to introduce you to EE Okpa.
Hi EE, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been in real estate service before I migrated to the US in the mid to late 89s. Got certified as a General Real Estate Appraiser in Texas in 1992, becoming the first native African in Texas to be so certified. Before then, from 1988 to 90, served as asset/property manager and later Regional Appraisal Manager for FSLIC/FDIC as a Receiver. Left formal employment in 1990, and in 1993, became self-employed. Ran for Mayor of Dallas in 2003, less than 8 years after becoming a US citizen, and again the first native African to run for mayor of a US major city. 2022, sought nomination for Texas Congressional District #32 as a Republican. Elected secretary of the board of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce in 1997, and in the history of the oldest African American chamber, was the first foreign-born to serve in that capacity and ended up as one of the four vice chairs, in addition as Chair of Business Development Committee. Former Texas Governor Perry appointed me to serve on the Product Development and Small Business Incubator – PDSBI of the Texas Economic Development Bank. I served for 7 years. In 2021, Texas Gov Abbott appointed me to serve on TSSB – Texas State Securities Board, one of five board members. When not rendering public service, I am heavily involved in commercial real estate development projects. In 2019, during the Trump administration, I was appointed to the US EXIM Bank Sub-Saharan Advisory African Committee, which was renewed in 2021 by the Biden administration. I also provide business advisory and consulting to foreign interests wanting to do business in the US. There are many experiences I have gathered since living in Dallas, the only city I have lived in since migrating to the US.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life without challenges and obstacles is hardly non-existent. Am in business to address clients’ needs as well as self-positioning to be effective and relevant. All that may be easy, but it requires commitment and dedication. I overcome challenges and obstacles by staying informed on current issues and making relevant decisions.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Real Estate and economic development are what I engage in domestically and internationally- Advisory and consulting services. I have many firsts in my career, but what am most proud of is when I deliver for my clients.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I don’t look at life in such a light. I work on what I want to achieve and throw myself in for whatever comes. I didn’t my education and experiences by luck; I worked for it. If things don’t happen as I wanted, I take them in stride. I have no expectations but am always expectant that way, I minimize being overly disappointed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.okpa.com
- Facebook: Ejike Okpa
