Uchenna Okoye

Alumna Uchenna Okoye graduated with highest honors in 2011 with her AA in Journalism. Since then, she has excelled in STEM, acquiring a Master of Science and is now an entrepreneur and founder of Gemstone, an app she designed for learning African languages. We are delighted to introduce her to our Alumni & Friends community.

Uchenna, where did you grow up and what motivated you to attend Broward College?
I grew up in Nigeria, and when I came to the U.S., I was largely motivated by finances to attend Broward College. At first, I thought going to a community college right after high school wasn’t a good decision, but I quickly realized it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Broward became the seedbed where I learned to believe in myself.

Can you tell us about one or two moments that stand out about your time at the College?
Two moments stand out clearly for me: first, the video I created showcasing Broward College, which was such a proud moment; second, the incredible support I received from my professors, especially when my Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship application was lost in the online system. They made sure it was found and submitted. That level of care left a lasting mark on me.

Did you have any favorite professors or people at the College who were important to you as a student?
Yes, absolutely. Dr. Lulrick Balzora was an exemplary leader who poured so much into our lives through the Honors Society. Dr. Sheila Jones was also one of my favorite professors. And another professor in history, whose name escapes my memory, who worked closely with Dr. Balzora, and played a pivotal role in guiding me through my Jack Kent Cooke application and ensuring that my application was found when it was lost in the online system. Their leadership, care, and persistence shaped my academic journey.

Were there any particular resources at the College that were important to you when you were a student?
The scholarships and funding for trips were very important. I was able to visit places like Yale, and our food and expenses were covered. For me, as an international student paying out-of-state tuition, this level of support made a huge difference.

Were you a scholarship recipient as a student? If so, how did that assist you?
Yes, I received many scholarships, including the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. As an international student, these scholarships were pivotal — they not only relieved the heavy financial burden but also made it possible for me to focus on thriving academically.

Where did you go after Broward College? What was your path? How did what you learn at the College prepare you for your path?
After Broward, I transferred to the University of Florida and later went on to complete my Master’s degree in Computer Science at DePaul University. Broward College was truly foundational; it gave me confidence, opened opportunities I never imagined, and instilled resilience. Everything I achieved afterward was built on the firm foundation that Broward gave me.

What do you wish other people knew about Broward College, something you think is a best kept secret or something that makes our college standout among other institutions?
Broward College is like a seed that, once planted, receives all the watering it needs to thrive in life. It’s not just a stepping stone — it’s a place where professors care deeply, where resources are abundant, and where students are prepared to go anywhere in the world. I wish more people knew that starting at Broward is not a limitation but an incredible opportunity that can launch you to the highest levels of success.