Name: Chikanma Okoisor  

Hometown: Midland, Michigan, U.S. Chikanma looking through a large magnifying glass light at a desk with piezoelectric equipment

Activities outside of Key Club:  

Coding, running track and field, writing poetry

Past Key Club International leadership experience  

Lieutenant governor, Truly International Task Force member representative 

Why did you decide to run for the Key Club International board? Chikanma and a fellow Key Club leader pose smiling in front of a banner that says "A Century of Service"

When the opportunity arose to run for the international board, I felt it was something I should consider despite how terrifying it sounded initially. I ended up running because it was a chance for me to contribute my voice in a meaningful way, and I was eager to take part in something that could make a larger difference. 

What are you most looking forward to this year? 

I am particularly excited about getting to know more about my districts’ traditions and participating in their conventions. 

What do you like most about Key Club International? Chikanma grins while holding a large plush peach and wearing a bright T-shirt that says "go for gold"

Its ability to unite individuals from different corners of the globe through the common thread of service. It’s inspiring to see how we can learn from each other’s diverse perspectives and engage with people from various backgrounds. This sense of community and shared purpose is what makes Key Club truly special. 

What is your favorite Key Club memory? 

The first Service Leadership Conference I attended in 2023. I went with two other members from my club, and it was incredibly refreshing to witness the diversity in the room. The passion everyone had for service was palpable, and it was eye-opening to realize just how massive Key Club really is. 

Why did you join Key Club? 

Joining Key Club was a significant step for me, especially as I transitioned to a new school in the U.S. from Nigeria. I wanted to immerse myself in my new community in Midland, and I saw Key Club as the perfect opportunity to do just that. Through service, I hoped to not only meet new people but also to learn from their experiences and perspectives. It felt like a way to connect with my surroundings while contributing positively to the community. 

What is your career ambition? 

Electrical/computer engineer working on research in sustainable energy. 

Somewhere you would like to visit in the future: 

I hope to take my mom to Singapore someday. 

What is the best advice ever given to you? 

Remember who you are. 

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

I wanted to be an inventor or a cardiologist. 

Favorite book: 

“Don’t Look Back” by Achute Adeng 

Favorite food or snack: 

Stir fry 😋 

Favorite animal: 

Kitten