Until July 4th, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream has U.S. citizens sharing their interpretations of the 2026 American Dream. One of them is Chinweze Ahagotu, who heads Portfolio Management at Galderma, a global pharmaceutical company, where he oversees investments in the research and development of new dermatological treatments.
My parents immigrated from Nigeria in the ’60s. My dad arrived in Washington, DC, to pursue his college education, ultimately earning a Ph.D. and becoming a professor at Howard University. My mother also came here later, completing her own education.
They had a clear vision of the American Dream—becoming citizens and creating a better life for their children.
As their child, they hoped I would become a doctor, which, I think, isn’t uncommon for many immigrant families.
But I didn’t want to pursue medicine; the sight of blood really isn’t for me. Hospitals feel a bit grim. Still, I’ve always had a passion for science, especially biology and pathophysiology. The idea of contributing to human health has always excited me.
Honestly, it’s hard to say if this career path was my own dream or something my parents projected onto me. Yet, I’ve been passionate about human health for as long as I can remember.
I wholeheartedly believe in the American Dream. It starts with the idea that you can truly believe in your aspirations. Just having that belief suggests you’re capable of envisioning a future beyond your current situation.
The American Dream is vital to this nation’s foundation, outlined in the Declaration of Independence—it asserts that all people are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This dream is accessible to everyone.
The American Dream Video Project showcases authentic stories that highlight opportunities. This initiative, presented by the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), is part of the center’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary. For more information, you can visit mcaad.org.
