Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao is a prominent figure with a diverse background and a significant impact on various fields. Born and raised in the village of Chivhu in Zimbabwe, she later emigrated to the United States in 1977, where she embarked on a multifaceted career as a medical doctor, activist, public speaker, educator, diplomat, and entrepreneur.

Her educational journey includes a bachelor's degree in General Chemistry, a master's degree in organic chemistry, and a Doctor of Medicine degree, all of which she obtained after graduating from Fisk University and Meharry Medical College. Her specialty in medicine was family medicine.

Chihombori-Quao has a rich medical career, having practiced medicine for 29 years in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During her career, she also founded medical clinics and served as the Medical Director for Mid Tenn Medical Associates and the Smyrna Ambulance Service from 1996 to 2012.

In addition to her medical work, Chihombori-Quao is known for her advocacy and activism, particularly concerning the historical impact of the Berlin Conference of 1885, which divided African territories and is seen as a root cause of some of the continent's ongoing challenges. She has been a vocal proponent of reuniting African states and the African diaspora.

From 2012 to 2016, Chihombori-Quao served as the Chair of the African Union-African Diaspora Health Initiative (AU-ADHI), where she mobilized health professionals in the diaspora to assist with Africa's healthcare challenges. She also held the position of the International Chair of the African Union-Diaspora African Forum Americas (AU-DAF) since 2010, advocating for engagement and participation in Africa's development.

Notably, in January 2019, Chihombori-Quao launched the "Wakanda One Village Project," aimed at establishing five African Centers of excellence across the continent. These centers would feature state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, hotels, industrial homes, shopping centers, and more, with offers of land from Zambia and Zimbabwe to kickstart the initiative. This project underscores her commitment to uplifting Africa and engaging the African diaspora.

Chihombori-Quao's dedication and contributions have not gone unnoticed. She received the "Women of Excellence Award" at the African Union Summit in 2015 and was recognized by the late President Nelson Mandela of South Africa with an achievement award in 1996 for her contributions to Africa. Furthermore, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and has received several other awards throughout her career.

While her tenure as the African Union representative to the United States came to an end in October 2019, her impact as a medical practitioner, diplomat, and advocate for African unity and development continues to resonate, making her a significant figure in both African and diaspora communities.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arikana_Chihombori-Quao