User talk:Folasade2369

Iya T Folasade-Osunfunke Obahnjoko was born in the city of Osogbo, Nigeria on February 3, 1969 to Adefunmi Obahnjoko and Olabisi Shakur-Saeib.

She came to the United States in 1976 with her father to reunite with her Mom and the rest of her siblings.

Education

Iya attended the Uhuru Sasa Shule (that is Swahili for Freedom Now School). She graduated and entered The Erasmus Hall/Academy of the Arts. Due to a crowded class, she was given a scholarship to attend The Juilliard School. She graduated and took a few years off to fulfill a dream to become a beautician. To do that, she attended Wilfred Beauty Academy (nee' Broadway). After completing the course, Iya went to take her State Board exam. She passed it on the first try. After working several years in the industry, she went to college on a scholarship. She worked hard to achieve her accomplishments. She received her A.A. in business management. She stayed a couple more years to receive her MFA in Dance Anthropology...following behind the footsteps of the legendary Katherine Dunham! She worked with the youth in her community to bring the world of dance to them.

VOLUNTEER/WORK In 1996, Iya wanted to give back to those who have given to her. She began to volunteer at GMHC the agency that was and is still. .First in the Fight of HIV/AIDS. Within a few years, she was asked if she was interested in a position opening soon. She said yea and a few months later, she became an employee of GMHC.

DIAGNOSIS

Years went on and she began to feel weak. She was awakened with abdominal pain and noticed her navel was leaking. It turned out to be a umbilical hernia, due to stress. It was safety removed but ailments ensued: after some time, her walking ability became sparatic. It then slowed down until she had to resign from the job which she loved. Now she's disabled and on a variety of meds to help her. She's healing each day by not allowing her ailments tebe a crutch...but more strength! Kudos and Love to you Iya!