Wendy Osefo

Dr. Wendy Osefo is the essence of a Renaissance woman — professor, political analyst and entrepreneur. Nigerian-born Wendy is a Maryland native with a strong personality who knows how to hold her own and speak her mind when it comes to standing up to the other ladies.

Wendy’s life and upbringing embody the ultimate immigrant journey. Growing up with a single immigrant mother who put herself through college, Wendy learned firsthand the value of hard work and never thought of excuses or failure as options. Now an award-winning television personality and progressive political analyst, she’s on a quest to fulfill her insatiable appetite to succeed and obtain the American dream. Wendy received a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University, a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Rutgers University where she made history by becoming the first Black woman to earn a PhD in public affairs/community development.

Wendy, who is currently a professor, is also a philanthropist who has sought to give back by supporting the next generation of leaders as the founder and CEO of the 1954 Equity Project, which provides tools, mentorship and resources to underrepresented minorities to help them thrive in higher education. Prior to her professorship, Wendy served as the Director of Family and Community Engagement for President Barack Obama’s anti-poverty initiative, DC Promise Neighborhood. When she’s not busy traveling to exotic destinations or on date nights with her husband, Wendy loves to cook for her family. She also has a penchant for interior design that led her to start her own home essentials line, ONYI Home Essentials. She recently completed her first book, “Tears of My Mother,” which explores family, culture, ambition and the immigrant experience and was released in 2022 under the Simon and Schuster imprint. Wendy launched her weekly YouTube series, “The Dr. Wendy Show,” which covers topics ranging from pop culture to politics with new episodes airing every Monday at 4p.m. ET.

Wendy has been married for 13 years. She and her Nigerian husband, attorney Edward Osefo, met as teenagers, were friends for several years before making it official after graduating from college and have been together ever since. They have three beautiful children together – 11-year-old son Karter, 9-year-old son Kruz and 5-year-old daughter Kamrynn.