Wendy Osefo is a Nigerian-American political analyst, academic and television personality. She stars in the main cast of Real Housewives of Potomac, and became the first woman in the Real Housewives franchise’s 14-year run to carry a doctorate. Her passionate and ambitious personality has made her a rising star in both the entertainment and political fields.

Osefo, born in Nigeria and raised in Maryland, has had a long career in political education, and now works as an Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education alongside her starring role in Real Housewives. Previously, she worked under Barack Obama as part of the DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative, a program concerned with fighting poverty. Osefo’s academic background and work in political commentary has imbued her with an articulate speaking style making her an engaging and passionate figure on screen. She has appeared on news broadcasters such as Fox News engaging in political debate and critique.

She has won several awards for her work, most notably: the Baltimore Sun’s One of 25 Women to Watch and she was named a 2018 Black Women in Media honoree for her work in media and television. Furthermore, she was the first black woman to earn a PhD in public affairs/ community development. Her passion for this subject led her to establish and run as CEO the 1954 Equity Project, which provides under-represented minorities with the tools and skills to pursue academic interests in higher education.