While Dorothy Nyong’o is known globally as Lupita Nyong’o’s mother, she’s a Kenyan First Lady, the director of the African Cancer Foundation, and a talented PR consultant.
The Academy Award-winning actress has cited her mother as an inspiration behind many of her roles. Additionally, Mrs. Nyong’o has been an exceptional support for her daughter throughout her Hollywood career.
Do you want to find out more about the interesting life of a marvelous woman? Keep reading this article for everything you need to know about Dorothy Nyong’o.
Dorothy Nyong’o Biography
Dorothy Nyong’o was born Dorothy Ogada Buyu in Kenya. She was born on December 22, 1957. She’s the oldest, with two younger brothers and five younger sisters.
From a young age, the Kenyan First Lady was keen on her education. Nyong’o attended Panagani Girls’ High School in the 70s.
Then, she went to the University of Nairobi. She also got post-graduate degrees, including a master’s in Organizational Development, from the United States International University in Nairobi.
Dorothy Nyong’o Career
Lupita Nyong’o’s parents
Dorothy Nyong’o has an extensive career in public relations. The consultant has been actively working for over 30 years.
She was able to start her own firm, 7th Sense Communications. The company specializes in communications and production for government institutions and international organizations.
Nyong’o is notable for her charity work. While she’s a successful PR consultant, she frequently offers her services to national and international non-governmental organizations.
These include the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the Family Health Options in Kenya.
That’s not all. The First Lady is also a managing trustee of the Africa Cancer Foundation. She inaugurated the foundation in 2014 and has worked tirelessly since then to provide cancer treatment for those in need.
Due to her efforts in providing early detection services across Africa, Nyong’o was awarded the Harvard Global Catalyst Cancer Advocacy Award in 2019
Dorothy Nyong’o Family
Lupita Nyong’o’s siblings
Dorothy Nyong’o is married to Kenyan Politician, Peter Anyang Nyong’o. Currently, he’s the governor of Kisumu County. The couple shares the same goals in regards to revolutionizing healthcare in Kenya.
Peter Nyong’o was previously the Minister of Medical Services. He’s also one of the founding members of the African Cancer Foundation.
Her Excellency has six children, the most famous of whom is Lupita, the Hollywood actress. When Lupita was born, the family had fled Kenya due to political instability. Then, they settled in Mexico.
Lupita brought joy as well as good luck to the family. Less than a month after her birth, they were able to return to Kenya, where the family resides to this day.
Conclusion
Dorothy Nyong’o is an exceptional woman. Not only is she a pillar of cancer research and treatment in Africa, but she’s also a successful public relations consultant, with a career spanning over 30 years.
Despite juggling such phenomenal career aspirations, Nyong’o was also able to support her husband in becoming the governor of Kisumu County. She also raised six children, one of whom is talented Hollywood actress, Lupita Nyong’o.
