Okra African Grill’s Chef Landed a Spot in Goldman Sachs' Black in Business Program
We are thrilled to celebrate our client, Nina Sodji, owner and chef of Okra African Grill, for her selection as a featured woman entrepreneur in Goldman Sachs' One Million Black Women: Black in Business program. This initiative is dedicated to equipping Black women sole proprietors with the tools necessary to transform their business potential into business growth.
Nina's journey from Togo, West Africa, to becoming a culinary leader in Omaha is a testament to her resilience and passion. After immigrating to the United States in 1994, she initially pursued a career in nursing. However, her deep-rooted love for cooking led her to open an African grocery store in 2004, which later expanded into a restaurant. Facing challenges along the way, Nina's unwavering determination propelled her to enroll in culinary school at Metropolitan Community College, all while raising two young children.
In March 2020, Nina realized her dream by opening Okra African Grill, an homage to the diverse cultures and transcontinental history that have influenced Togolese cuisine. The restaurant offers a fusion of flavors, allowing guests to build their own culinary experience and enjoy dishes made from the heart.
Goldman Sachs' Black in Business program is a free 10-week business education initiative designed to help sole proprietors like Nina learn how to price their products or services, hire their first employee, understand their finances, and more. The curriculum, developed in partnership with the NYU Stern School of Business, covers essential topics such as effective marketing, operations optimization, and access to capital. Participants also benefit from in-person learning at Goldman Sachs headquarters in New York City, strategic advisors, and a powerful network to guide their path to growth.
Nina's participation in this prestigious program not only highlights her dedication to her craft but also underscores her commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity within her community. At Lozafina, we are immensely proud to support Nina on her entrepreneurial journey and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her leadership and culinary innovation.