In collaboration with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, The Post is showcasing stories from U.S. citizens about their visions for the American dream in 2026. Among them is Chinweze Ahaghotu, who serves as the Head of Portfolio Management at Galderma, a global pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatological innovations. Ahaghotu oversees investment in research and development for new dermatological drugs.
Chinweze Ahaghotu’s journey is deeply rooted in his family’s story of immigration. His parents left Nigeria in the 1960s, with his father arriving in Washington, D.C., to pursue an undergraduate degree, eventually earning a PhD and a long-standing position as a professor at Howard University. Following her husband, Ahaghotu’s mother also emigrated from Nigeria and achieved a graduate degree.
For Ahaghotu’s parents, the American dream was about more than personal success; it was about securing a better future for their children by becoming U.S. citizens.
Like many children of Nigerian immigrants, Ahaghotu was encouraged to pursue a career in medicine. However, he quickly realized that becoming a medical doctor wasn’t for him. The sight of blood made him squeamish, and he found hospital environments somewhat bleak. Nonetheless, his passion for science, especially biology and pathophysiology, was undeniable. The idea of contributing to human health was something that always inspired him.
Reflecting on his career path, Ahaghotu admits it’s challenging to determine whether this was his own dream or one shaped by his parents’ aspirations. Yet, his enthusiasm and passion for being involved in the healthcare field have been constant throughout his life.
It’s hard to know if [this career] was my dream or whether it was a dream that came from my parents, but as far as I can remember, being involved in human health is something that I’ve always been excited and passionate about.
I absolutely do believe in the American dream. Fundamentally it starts off with the notion of a dream — that you can actually actually believe in an idea or an aspiration. That, by itself, is affirming — that you can think about more than you right now.
The American dream is intrinsic and fundamental to the founding of this country, it’s enshrined in the Declaration of Independence: all people are created equal; we are all entitled to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. The American dream is open to everyone.
The American Dream Video Project showcases real stories that illuminate pathways to opportunity. Featured at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), this series is part of the Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. MCAAD is Washington, DC’s newest cultural institution, offering interactive exhibits and stories about achieving the American Dream. For more information, visit mcaad.org.
