News & Commentary written by Dorothy Nairne

Dr. Dorothy Nairne is a dynamic serial entrepreneur with an illustrious career spanning over three decades in entrepreneurship and public health. Committed to eliminating poverty, her unwavering life’s mission revolves around environmental justice and spearheading the creation of well-paying jobs, all while celebrating African cultural heritage. As the youngest of six children, Dr. Nairne’s childhood experiences traveling from her home in Wisconsin to visit Jamaica, her father Sidney’s homeland, and rural Louisiana, her mother Virginia’s roots, deeply impacted her. Witnessing the pervasive effects of poverty during these trips ignited a passion within her to combat this societal issue.

Dr. Nairne’s entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Africa Loves Babies in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she lived and worked on behavior change related to HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support. Collaborating with hundreds of community groups and securing funding from the World Bank, she garnered international recognition, including an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Her extensive work across more than twenty African countries between 1998 and 2016 laid the groundwork for her Louisiana based venture Project Possible, which aims to manufacture sugarcane waste into biodegradable tableware.

Rooted in her education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and furthered by her Ph.D. in International Affairs and Economic Development from HBCU Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Nairne stands as a beacon of both knowledge and action in her field. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Nairne finds joy in her role as a parent to three adult children. While she maintains a deep passion for travel to far-flung destinations, she is often found at home in Napoleonville, indulging in her love for cooking flavorful, spicy meals and participating in mixed martial classes at the local gym.