About - Damilola Ogundimu

About Me

Who is Damilola Ogundimu?

Damilola Ogundimu, a 17-year-old Nigerian-American, is a senior at Chadwick Academy in Palos Verdes, CA. From a young age, Damilola has been passionate about fashion design, videography, and advocating for people of color and young women. In 7th grade, she created a compelling video addressing racism and celebrating the beauty of Black people. Her dedication to anti-racism continues as she actively participates in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at both out-of-school and in-school, leading discussions, presentations, and affinity groups. Through DemocraShe a nonprofit dedicated to increasing women’s involvement in politics and government, she participated in a panel discussion supporting her mentor, Chelsey Goodan, and her award-winning book, Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls, where she addressed topics related to teenage girls, beauty standards, and body image. Damilola’s leadership journey extends to her volunteer work with local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and community coalition. Damilola serves as a youth commissioner for the city of Gardena, attending and helping in city events, advocating for marginalized communities, and encouraging youth engagement.

Throughout her high school years, Damilola has devoted herself to community service and advancing DEI efforts. As a Senior Ambassador with Girl Scouts, she actively learns more about her community in the greater Los Angeles community through multiple workshops and community engagement opportunities. She is an Admiral, serves on the Athletic Council and the Student Diversity Council, leads the Black Student Union and Black Girl Magic, and is the founder and president of the Fashion Club. As an Admiral, she contributes to admission events and campus tours, for her school. As the President and Founder of the Fashion Club, Dami has established a community for students passionate about fashion at her school. Recognizing that her school lacked resources and opportunities for fashion design, she created a space where like-minded individuals could come together to explore their creativity through design and sewing. On the Athletic Council, she helps to prepare ideas for school engagement in athletics, but she also helps the council with conducting school-wide events like “Staff vs. Student Basketball Games.”.

On the Student Diversity Council, she helps to ensure her school is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. She is currently continuing a project to introduce sustainable pads in women’s restrooms across campus. As a leader of the Black Student Union and Black Girl Magic, she can bring together other black students on her campus to a safe space where they can engage with others who look like them and where they can feel comfortable and judgment-free at their predominantly white institution.

Last summer, she participated in the Pathways to Health Careers (PHCA) internship, working as a Community Health Youth Worker at Charles Drew University. In this role, she applied public health principles to address local issues, collaborating with community organizations to develop awareness campaigns on mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

She is also a part of the Centers for Talented Youth (CTY), and last summer she engaged in a CTY program opportunity at Johns Hopkins University that entailed learning about epidemiology research. She gained a better understanding and love for research, especially on diseases and health. Volunteering and shadowing at a dermatology office since freshman year, Dami has learned interpersonal, customer service, and office skills. She has also gained a liking for helping people, especially elderly people. Gaining a love for health and skin. Her experience at the dermatology office sparked a passion for skincare, leading her to pursue the Girl Scout Gold Award, focusing on raising awareness about teen skin conditions to help teens like herself build confidence.

In addition to her advocacy work, Dami’s creative pursuits play a crucial role in her impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she sewed masks for a local women’s shelter to enhance health resources and promote well-being. She also photographs and creates art addressing social justice issues.

A dedicated athlete, Dami plays varsity basketball and softball at her school. In each sport she leads as a team captain. As a rising senior, she aims to continue her leadership journey by bringing additional resources to her councils and groups, while enhancing her community through initiatives that promote DEI, health and well-being.

Skills

Here’s a refined list of my skills:
* Customer Service
* Mentorship & Interpersonal Skills
* Public Speaking & Presentations
* Research
* Strong Work Ethic
* Collaboration & Teamwork
* Professionalism
* Excellent Communication
* Self-Motivation
* Global citizen
* Sewing

Teamwork and Leadership skills:

Professional and Technical Skills

Communication skills

Personal Qualities

Professional Summary/Testimonials

As an advocate for underserved communities, she has expertise in public speaking and mentorship. Skilled in promoting equity and engaging with diverse community groups, she demonstrates exceptional interpersonal abilities and a dedicated work ethic. She is a proven leader in youth empowerment initiatives. She is ambitious and highly organized with excellent ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.

Dami is a stand out student who is a natural leader. Her compassionate leadership style has helped create space for other black female students to thrive at our primarily white institution. As advisor for the black girl magic affinity group, I have had the honor to see her grow into a dynamic leader whose creativity, dedication and persistence revitalized this program and expanded it beyond its original purpose.
Additionally, in my capacity as Director of summer STEM programs, her curiosity and willingness to explore complex topics and new things in science technology engineering are great indicators of a bright future in STEM.

Dr. Dijanna Figueroa, Ph.D.
^{Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Chadwick School}

I have had the privilege to work with Damilola for the past three years in her role as a MacFarlane Scholar. Her insightful thoughts and creativity continuously propel our group forward as we explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals while exploring our local communities here in Los Angeles and across the globe in South Africa and Japan. Damilola’s resilient nature and amicable attitude have helped her assume a leadership role within the group and helps build a stronger community of learners.

Thomas Hattori
^{Director of Global Education, Chadwick School}

As a member of the MacFarlane Scholars Program, Damilola actively engages in experiential learning as she develops into a global leader. As a part of the MacFarlane Scholar Program students choose their global theme from the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Damilola has collaborated and helped the group to plan programming for global trips that is centered around global issues with a goal of learning then connecting back to their local communities.

Dr. Marielle Sallo, Ed. D
^{Upper School Dean of Students, 9th and 10th Grades, Chadwick School}

As the Recreation Program Administrator for the City of Gardena, I have known Damilola Ogundimu for over Five (5) years.
Damilola has been an outstanding City’s Youth Commission member and became the City of Gardena’s Youth Commissioner two years ago. From her hard work and dedication, she will become an outstanding student and person in life.
Damilola is a good role model for her peers, a dedicated student, and has an exemplary attitude. She has proven to be a take-charge person. She demonstrates that she can successfully develop and implement plans at the commission meetings. I am confident that she will continue to succeed in her studies and become a productive citizen in life…

Nikki Sweeney
^{Recreation Program Administrator, City of Gardena}

Dami is one of the most self motivated, dedicated, and driven young women I know. She has been shadowing me in my dermatology practice since she was in middle school. Dami works hard and is always eager to learn. She will be an asset to whatever school she chooses to attend.

Dr. Simone Mckitty, M.D.
^{Dermatologist}

Damilola Ogundimu has shown extraordinary dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact on the Chadwick School and community. Her exceptional qualities and involvement in various organizations and initiatives is widely recognized by faculty and classmates alike. She is widely respected as a MacFarland Scholar on our campus, and has traveled widely to learn about other societies as a part of her school work.

Dr. John Aden, Ph.D.
^{Marine Biologist, Director of Innovation and Design, Interim Director Chadwick Ocean Institute, Chadwick school}

From the moment I met Damilola, I’ve watched her grow into an incredibly beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate young woman. As a senior in high school, she’s preparing to take on college and the world with grace and purpose.
Recently, Damilola, spent time volunteering at Majestic Residential Care, where her warmth and creativity shone through. She engaged effortlessly with our residents, elderly patients, and staff members bringing smiles to their faces and creating meaningful artwork for the facility, including a beautiful monthly calendar.
Her kindness, creativity, and independence would make her an asset to any college community, and she has all the qualities to excel in the medical field if she chooses that path.
With her drive and compassionate spirit, I have no doubt she will make a positive impact wherever she goes.

Kemi Oluwole
^{Kemmy Osilesi, RN, MSN, AGNP, Administrator}
^{Majestic Residential Care Inc.}