Oprah Winfrey recently celebrated a momentous achievement in the life of one of her former students, Bongeka Zuma, who graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from Stanford University’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 16, 2024
Zuma, who hails from a small community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, had previously attended the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG).
Established by Winfrey in 2007, OWLAG has been a beacon of hope for many young women striving for educational excellence.
In an Instagram post shared by Winfrey, she expressed profound joy at Zuma’s accomplishment and said her journey from OWLAG to becoming a medical doctor was significant.
Zuma’s academic journey included graduating summa cum laude from Spelman College and earning a master’s degree from Oxford University in England.
Winfrey recounted how Zuma’s determination and belief in her dream of becoming a doctor never wavered, despite the challenges she faced.
The media mogul highlighted that out of over 3,000 applicants to OWLAG’s first class, only 152 were accepted, making Zuma’s achievement all the more remarkable.
“This graduation was extra special,” Winfrey wrote. “She never gave up, and with the support of good friends, fellow OWLAG sisters, and professors, we all celebrated her achievement with great pride.”
Reflecting on her motivation behind founding OWLAG, Winfrey previously shared that she aimed to provide opportunities for girls who, like herself, faced adversity in their upbringing.
The school has been a testament to her commitment to empowering young women through education.
Winfrey reiterated that the girls of OWLAG are her greatest joy and likened them to daughters she never had.
Her support for their journeys underscores her dedication to nurturing the potential of young women globally.
Congratulations to Dr. Bongeka Zuma on her outstanding achievement!
