Charlotte Shields-Rossi | staff writer |

Infeyi Odigbo’s professional journey started in Nigeria, where he received his degree in civil engineering.

He traveled around the world, obtaining two master’s degrees from schools in Belgium and Canada.

Odigbo finally settled down in Pittsburgh in 2001.

He is now assistant vice president and director of operations at Greenman-Pedersen, a civil engineering firm.

Odigbo was one of many professionals present in the Union Ballroom Saturday afternoon for the “Navigating Career Paths” conference, hosted by Duquesne’s African Student Union.

“I do this to encourage people and say, you’re not alone. Others have gone through it, and you’ll get through [it],” Odigbo said.

The conference highlighted seven different African professionals in the field, with a goal of providing students with the opportunity to not only network, but also gain insight on breaking into the workforce.

The event was open to undergraduate and graduate students from universities throughout Pittsburgh.

As guests entered the ballroom in their suits and dresses, they were greeted by music from the Duquesne University steel band.

The African Student Union is a student-run organization with a purpose of fostering community and helping African students navigate cultural differences. They organize social, cultural and professional events similar to the conference.

Collins Oyediran, president of the African Student Union, has created many memories from attending events similar to the conference.

He remembered attending an African wedding that had a turnout of about 300-400 people.

“African students experience all sorts of difficulties with their journey to the United States. The cultural differences, the academics, everything,” Oyediran said, “We host these events to inform them, to give them the information in the job market and how to navigate their studies.”

After attending her first African Student Union meeting, Marion Mongare was looking for more ways she can help out. Oyediran then made her the co-chair of the organization.

Mongare said she was excited to hear stories from the various panelists.

“I think that the best way to learn is by listening,” Mongare said. “Just listening to these professionals who came from similar backgrounds of my own, and seeing where they are now kind of gives me motivation.”

Though the professionals were on different career paths than Mongare, she was able to resonate with their journeys.

She has been to other career fairs, but this conference was different.“I think this one is more interpersonal in a way that is more specific to who’s speaking,” Mongare said.

The panel contained professionals representing various different fields. They each shared their journeys and motivation that got them to the positions they are currently in.

Panelist Feyi Akintola is an immigrant and refugee inclusion lead advisor at Omore Global Partners.

She came to the United States from Nigeria at 11 years old through the diversity lottery system.

Her experience is what motivates her interest in policy and her current position.

Akintola had the chance to return to Nigeria as an adult, which was an eye-opening experience for her.

“I realized that everything that drives me even now is [asking] how can I accumulate lots of knowledge? How can I know people so that whatever knowledge I do have I can take back to my home country,” she said.

Anothr panelist, Kossivi Dantey, is a pathologist and cytopathologist for Allegheny Health Network.

He was originally born in Togo, a French speaking country in West Africa. He immigrated to the United States 24 years ago to start a better life.

Dantey came to the event to influence the younger generation.

“If I can relate to, maybe just one person in the crowd, I think I’ll achieve my goal,” Dantey said.

He hopes to inspire students that are facing the same challenges he had undergone.

“I want to help them see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Dantey said.