Dr. Amira Ogunleye was born in Egypt and immigrated to the United States with her father, a single parent traveling with his three young children. Her first years in America were spent in poverty; Dr. Ogunleye watched her father work 2-3 jobs at a time and still barely able to provide for his children- a common thread to many immigrant stories. Her father recognized the value of education for his children and instilled in Dr. Ogunleye, a strong work ethic and the opportunity presented by her access to education. Dr. Ogunleye went on to become the youngest graduate of Howard University’s College of Dentistry at the age of 23 years-old. Dr. Ogunleye became co-owner of a dental practice with her sister, Beautiful Smiles, located in South Florida. She soon was known as the dentist to the stars and built herself as the premier celebrity dentist and trusted choice by Hollywood actresses and professional singers and professional athletes in both the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Amare’ Stoudemire, Gabrielle Union, and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, to name a few. Dr. Ogunleye has never forgotten her roots. As a child, she did not have access to regular or quality medical or dental care. She experienced first-hand disparities in healthcare and was determined to use her power and celebrity status to give back and help equalize the playing field for those that do not have access to dental care. Her efforts allow hundreds of underprivileged children in the community to receive teeth screenings, cleanings, and braces free of charge. She gives away four gift cards every month for single-parent homes to purchase groceries for their children. She has used her skills as a cosmetic dentist to do many smile makeovers to improve the smiles of those who suffer from self-esteem issues or whose dental problems led to overall declining health. As a minority woman, business owner, wife, and mother, Dr. Ogunleye has also accepted the responsibility to uplift other women through women’s empowerment initiatives as a passionate public speaker and her actions in her community. She recognizes the power and insight she has developed as an African, an immigrant, a woman of color, and an American. She developed her HBCU education while maintaining a sense of pride in her unique identity and viewing it as an asset and not a social deficit. Mentorship and charity is a priority in her daily routine. As the Keynote speaker for The Momference, she has uplifted countless moms. She encouraged, inspired and ignited a flame as the Keynote Speaker for the She is a CEO Gala, and she continues to use her voice at various speaking engagements to impact the next generation. Dr. Ogunleye believes that you do not have to be a politician or pursue a full-time career in activism to be an advocate for social justice and social change. She exemplifies the need for professionals, persons with access and power, across all industries and professions to step up to the social responsibility plate and create other seats at the table. Her hard work and dedication to dentistry have earned her honorary awards in dental research, and her work has been recognized by the Washington D.C Dental Society, the New York Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. She has been seen on NBC and the CW discussing Dental activism and Women’s Empowerment, she has been featured in Forbes, as well as Business Insider highlighting her career in dentistry, and has been recognized by the Washington Post as a voice for minority mothers. Dr. Ogunleye is married to retired NFL star and current Head of Sports and Entertainment at the financial institution UBS, Adewale Ogunleye; the couple share a daughter and a son.
