Choosing Yale and Giving Back
Faced with an enviable decision, Ekeh leaned toward Yale University, where he formed lasting friendships that helped shape his aspirations. Even before stepping into college, he displayed a commitment to helping others. He founded a college mentoring program to guide fellow students in securing admissions into elite universities—a testament to his selflessness and the spirit of Nigeria.
A Journey from Nigeria to the U.S.
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ekeh moved to the United States with his family at age eight. Adjusting to a new country wasn’t easy; he struggled with U.S. history classes and often wondered why they had left their comfortable life in Lagos. However, his parents constantly reminded him of the opportunities they sought.
Determined to make the most of those opportunities, Ekeh excelled academically, becoming his school’s salutatorian with an outstanding 100.5% GPA. He later conquered his struggles with history, passing the AP History Exam with flying colors—proving that perseverance always pays off.
A Passion for Science and Medicine
Ekeh initially planned to major in neurobiology or chemistry, aspiring to become a neurosurgeon. His passion for research led him to study the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on Alzheimer’s, earning him recognition as a 2015 Intel Science Talent Search semifinalist. One of his proudest moments was rushing home to share his findings with his family, knowing his work could contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements.
A Shift Toward Policy and Advocacy
Although he enrolled at Yale to study neurobiology, Ekeh later discovered a deep interest in political science and government, particularly in healthcare policy and civil rights.
A defining moment came during his sophomore summer when he worked as a legislative fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus. There, he learned about the erosion of the Voting Rights Act and its effects on marginalized communities. This experience reshaped his career path.
Championing Voting Rights
In 2017, Ekeh co-founded Every Vote Counts (EVC), a student-led, nonpartisan organization aimed at increasing voter turnout and expanding voting access. EVC quickly spread to over 50 college campuses, promoting civic engagement, voter education, and pro-democracy reforms.
His influence extended beyond activism. His writings on voting rights and policy have been featured in The Washington Post, BuzzFeed News, The Hill, and Real Clear Policy, while his work has been cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Editorial Board, and USA Today.
Current Role and Ongoing Impact
Today, Ekeh serves as a Special Assistant to the President at the Brennan Center for Justice, where he focuses on legal and policy initiatives to protect voting rights.
From an ambitious teenager excelling in academics to a national advocate for democracy, Harold Ekeh’s journey reflects the power of resilience, passion, and purpose-driven leadership.