Ogechi Chinemerem Ugwulebo

Ogechi Chinemerem Ugwulebo (February 10, 1971) is a Nigerian-American software engineer, information security professional, and community leader. She is a widely recognized Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), serving as an information security specialist at HealthSmart. She is the founder and CEO of Women in STEM Leadership (WISL) and the founder and president of the Association of Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals (ANWEP). She is known for her contributions to cybersecurity, women's empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
==Early life and education==
Ugwulebo was born on February 10, 1971, in Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria. She is the second of eight children born to her parents, Chief Harry Nwemeh and Lolo Charity Nwemeh, who were both teachers and placed great importance on education. Her father was a mathematician trained in the United States and taught mathematics at Bishop Lasbrey Teachers Training College, Irete, before entering politics as the vice chairman of Isiala Mbano LGA. In 1996, her family relocated to the United States.
Ugwulebo completed her primary education at Bishop Lasbrey Teachers Training Elementary School at Irete in Imo state and her secondary education at Owerri Girls Secondary School, Owerri also in Imo state. In 1993, she earned a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. She pursued a second bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in 2001. In 2017 Ugwulebo obtained a Master's degree in cybersecurity from the University of Dallas. Ogechi also earned the prestigious CISM certification from ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association).
==Career==
In 2002, Ugwulebo began her career as a software engineer in the healthcare sector, working at companies such as Saint Mary's Health Network, Renown Health/Hometown Health, and Galactic Performance Solutions, where she specialized in web and software development.
Currently, she serves as an information security specialist at HealthSmart in Irving, TX, a position she assumed in 2018. Her role involves implementing data protection measures, analyzing security procedures, enterprise risk management, and information security governance. Ugwulebo also conducts security assessments, maintains IT controls, addresses vulnerabilities, and promotes security awareness through training. She is responsible for account management and user access reviews.
===Women's Empowerment and Entrepreneurship===
Ugwulebo is a committed advocate for women's empowerment and entrepreneurship. She is the founder and national president of the Association of Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals (ANWEP). Established in 2017, ANWEP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prioritizes women's empowerment by focusing on increasing the participation of girls and women in STEM education and careers. ANWEP achieves this through various initiatives such as mentorship programs, outreach endeavors, coding workshops, and boot camps. Moreover, the organization extends professional and entrepreneurial mentorship and support to women seeking refuge from domestic violence and sexual abuse within their immediate community.
Furthermore, Ugwulebo is the visionary leader behind Women in STEM Leadership (WISL), which she founded in 2019. WISL is dedicated to supporting and promoting women's involvement in leadership in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The organization endeavors to advance women into leadership roles in the predominantly male-dominated STEM landscape, spanning from classrooms to boardrooms. WISL achieves its vision by offering an array of programs encompassing leadership development, coaching, networking opportunities, and mentorship for women at all stages of their careers.
WISL is renowned for hosting the WISL International Conference, a notable gathering that unites women in STEM leadership globally. The conference strives to bring together accomplished women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, providing them with an opportunity to share their expertise, foster professional connections, and ignite motivation in one another. Through engaging keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, valuable workshops, and meaningful networking sessions, the WISL International Conference empowers women, fosters a supportive community and amplifies the impact of women in STEM leadership on a global scale.
As a respected figure in her field, Ugwulebo also serves as the Board Chair of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Worldwide (AWEP). Through her multifaceted initiatives, she strives to create meaningful opportunities and platforms for women to succeed and make significant contributions in their respective fields.
==Awards and Recognitions==
In 2019, Ugwulebo received the "Woman of the Year" award from the Association of Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals (ANWEP) in acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions and leadership. In the same year, The Igbo Community Association of Nigeria, Dallas Fort Worth (ICAN DFW) during their 2019 Business Banquet, presented the Merit Award to Ogechi Ugwulebo in appreciation of her dedication and outstanding leadership in the empowerment of women in the DFW community.
==Personal life==
Ugwulebo has dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States, residing in Dallas, Texas. She is married to Basil Ugwulebo, and together they have four children named Chinedu, Chijioke, Tochi, and Cece.
==Gallery==
==References==
==External links==
* WISL website
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* WISL on Facebook
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* WISL on Twitter
* WISL on TikTok
* AWEP website
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* ANWEP on TikTok
* ANWEP on Facebook
* ANWEP on Twitter
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Category:1971 births
Category:Software engineers
Category:University of Calabar alumni
Category:University of Nevada alumni
Category:American people of Nigerian descent