Early Life and Education: Owolewa was born in Nigeria to a father from Omu Aran in Kwara State and a mother from Ilesa in Osun State. From a young age, Dr. Owolewa had a clear vision for his life's purpose – to make a meaningful impact by advocating for the voiceless and establishing a representation of those often overlooked in America's socio-political landscape. Raised in Newton, Massachusetts, and Boston, he attended Boston Latin School and graduated in 2008. In 2014, Oye earned a doctorate in pharmacy from Northeastern University before relocating to Washington to practice pharmacy.
Career: Starting his career as a pharmacist in 2014, Owolewa has made significant contributions to the field. He received the Cardinal GenerationRx Champions Award, showcasing his commitment to community well-being.
Political Journey: Upon earning his doctoral degree in Pharmacy, Dr. Owolewa recognized the need for a larger platform to continue championing equality for minorities. Packing his bags, he headed to Washington, DC, a city where hundreds of thousands of Americans remained disenfranchised. Upon arriving in the capital, Dr. Owolewa fully immersed himself in the local community, participating in local elections that provided an avenue for advocating universal voting rights. Oye's political journey began in 2018 when he was elected as a D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Ward 8, District 8E. His dedication to D.C. statehood earned him the endorsement of the Capital Stonewall Democrats in May 2018, and in a sweeping victory in 2020, Dr. Owolewa secured a seat in the U.S. Congress as the U.S. Shadow Representative for the District of Columbia, becoming the first Nigerian-American to be elected to a federal position in the United States.
Advocacy: Owolewa is passionate about D.C. statehood, emphasizing the limitations the district faces without it. In an article titled "The Time Is Now For D.C. Statehood," he highlights the challenges D.C. residents face, advocating for their right to self-governance and representation in national policy. His fight for equality for minorities extended to ensuring increased enrollment of minority students in pharmacy and other healthcare programs, a commitment he actively pursued through his involvement in student government.
Community Engagement and Achievements: As a commissioner, Oye worked tirelessly to bring resources to underserved communities. Notable achievements include increasing science enrichment programs in elementary schools, enhancing traffic safety measures, and contributing to the establishment of a Senior Day Center.
Climate Change Activism: In July 2022, Owolewa joined a campaign protesting the Supreme Court's decision to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's authority on regulating greenhouse gases, emphasizing the need for more action on climate change.
Personal Life and Mentorship: Beyond his political and professional endeavors, Oye dedicates his time to mentorship, exposing D.C. elementary students to science through hands-on learning. His commitment to reducing prescription drug abuse earned him the Cardinal Health Generation Rx Champions Award.
Electoral History: Dr. Oye Owolewa has successfully retained his position as the U.S. Shadow Representative in both the 2020 and 2022 elections, demonstrating the trust and support of the D.C. community.
Dr. Oye Owolewa's journey from a pharmacist to a passionate advocate and shadow representative reflects his commitment to the well-being and empowerment of the District of Columbia. His tireless efforts for D.C. statehood, community engagement, and dedication to important causes make him a noteworthy figure in American politics.
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