Dr Unoma Ndili Okorafor, a Nigerian-born computer scientist and entrepreneur, has made significant strides in business and philanthropy. As the founder and CEO of Herbal Goodness, she has transformed a personal passion into a thriving enterprise while championing the education of African girls through her non-profit organisation.
Unoma Okorafor, the entrepreneur
In 2011, while pregnant with one of her children and living in McKinney, Texas, Okorafor craved natural and organic fruits, especially papaya (pawpaw), a fruit she had grown up eating in Nigeria. She had always known papaya as a rich, nutrient-dense fruit that supported digestion and overall well-being. However, she discovered that many of these fruits, such as papaya, were either unavailable or genetically modified in US grocery stores.
This realisation ignited her determination to provide organic, non-GMO superfoods to the market, leading to Herbal Goodness’s establishment. The company’s inaugural product, papaya leaf tea, was introduced to offer consumers a natural and healthful option.
The company collaborates closely with farmers to ensure all ingredients are organically grown and sustainably harvested. This approach guarantees the highest quality for consumers, supports agricultural communities, and fosters economic growth.
Over the years, Herbal Goodness has expanded into a diverse range of premium organic superfoods, including herbal teas, dietary supplements, and powders. The company’s commitment to quality and wellness has resonated with a global audience, establishing It as a reputable brand in the health food industry. Reports show that the company’s annual revenue is approximately $9.5 million.
Okorafor founds Working to Advance African Women (WAAW) Foundation
One notable thing about Unoma Okorafor is her passion for education and empowering African girls in (STEM); it all began long before she became a successful entrepreneur. Growing up in Nigeria, she witnessed the depth of gender disparity in education, particularly in STEM fields. Many bright young girls were discouraged from pursuing careers in science and technology due to cultural norms, lack of resources, and limited role models.
Determined to make a difference, Okorafor founded the Working to Advance African Women (WAAW) Foundation in 2007, four years before launching Herbal Goodness. The organisation’s mission is to increase African girls’ participation in STEM.
Starting with personal funds and a small team of dedicated volunteers, the WAAW Foundation began offering scholarships to young African women pursuing STEM degrees. But Okorafor knew that financial aid alone was not enough. To create a lasting impact, the WAAW Foundation expanded into a full-scale NGO that offers mentorship, coding boot camps, teacher training, and leadership development programmes across multiple African countries.
Demonstrating a profound commitment to social impact, Okorafor allocates 10% of Herbal Goodness’s profits to support girls’ education in Africa and empower the next generation of female leaders and innovators.
Her journey with Herbal Goodness shows how entrepreneurial success can harmoniously align with social responsibility. Through her leadership, Unoma Okorafor provides quality health products and contributes meaningfully to the empowerment and education of African girls, embodying a business model that thrives on profit and purpose.
