OHIO graduate, international leader discusses her career, shares advice for current students

When HE. Ambassador Dr. Lorraine Koobokile speaks about purpose, she does so not from theory, but from lived experience across continents, communities and causes.

A 2022 Ohio University Ph.D. graduate in Counselor Education and Supervision, she has emerged as a global voice at the intersection of mental health, gender equity and humanitarian leadership who has been recently appointed as a WOLMI Peace Ambassador to the United Nations.

As the executive director of OHIO’s Center for International Business Education and Development (CIBED), Andrew Pueschel, Ph.D., first had the privilege of formally meeting Koobokile in Gaborone in 2025 at a dinner hosted by OHIO alumnus, educator and mentor Beatrice Selotlegeng. Pueschel met Koobokile again in 2026 when she engaged with Ohio University alumni and faculty, resulting in the future mentorship of OHIO students when they will travel to Botswana in 2027 for the Global Consulting Program.

Her journey from Botswana to Athens, then back to Botswana and onto the world stage reflects both personal resilience and a deep commitment to advancing inclusive development.

Today, through her leadership of Shalom Wellness Center, her advocacy for women and vulnerable youth through her non-profit organization Women of the Now Generation, and through her continued connection to OHIO, she exemplifies what it means to translate education into global impact and to inspire others to do the same.

Pueschel had the honor of sitting down with Her Excellency where they reminisced about her experience at OHIO and discussed her present hopes and vision for the future.

Dr. Koobokile discusses how her time at OHIO shaped her career

You were recently appointed as a WOLMI Peace Ambassador to the United Nations—it is an extraordinary milestone. What does this role mean to you personally, and how does it align with your life’s mission? 
This role means that I get to be a voice in a global platform as I believe In promoting mental health as an essential component of peace and development, building peaceful and resilient communities, and supporting humanitarian initiatives that improve quality of life. I get to influence policy and leadership to create sustainable social change. 

As an Ohio University alumna, how did your Ph.D. experience in Counselor Education shape the global work you are leading today, particularly in mental health and community development? 
As an alumna of OU, education strengthened my commitment to evidence-based practice, ethical leadership and community engagement. The university’s emphasis on serving communities and developing global citizens reinforced my belief that mental health is not only a clinical issue but also a foundation for sustainable development.

You have built an impressive career at the intersection of mental health, entrepreneurship and humanitarian advocacy. How do these areas come together in your work, and why is that intersection so important right now?
Today I apply those principles in Botswana by promoting accessible mental health services advocating for women and children, supporting trauma informed care and contributing to community development initiatives. My work bridges psychology, counseling, leadership and policy leadership recognizing that healthier individuals build stronger families and more resilient communities.

During my visits to Botswana, I had the privilege of seeing your impact firsthand, including your engagement with other local, national, and global dignitaries as well as OHIO alumni and faculty. What does it mean to you to continuously expand your network with OHIO (and beyond)? 
For me, continuously expanding my network with OHIO and beyond is about building mutual learning and collaborations and bridging cultures, disciplines and sectors. Together, we can create healthier, more resilient and more inclusive communities. Expanding my network is therefore not just a professional pursuit,  it is an extension of my lifelong mission to serve, lead and inspire positive change. Every connection has potential to improve lives through knowledge, exchange and mentorship. 

Creating lasting positive change

Your organization, Shalom Wellness Center, is restoring hope through mental healthcare and life coaching. What makes your approach unique, and how is it changing lives in Botswana and beyond?
At Shalom Wellness Center, we believe that healing is more than overcoming illness—it is discovering wholeness. We provide compassionate, evidence-based psychological and counseling services that empower individuals, families, organizations and communities to thrive. By integrating mental health, leadership, education and community development, we help people build resilience, restore hope and create lasting positive change.

You’ve founded and led initiatives like Woman of the Now Generation (WONG), empowering women and girls. What progress have you seen in advancing gender equity, and what challenges still need global attention?
We have achieved the following at WONG:

• Promoting gender equity through advocacy, leadership development and participating in the Commission of Status of Women Conference at the UN. 
• Supporting orphaned and vulnerable children through education, psychosocial support, mentorship and access to essential services.
• Raising awareness of mental health and emotional well-being.
• Building partnerships with communities and stakeholders.
• Encouraging women's leadership and addressing issues of gender-based violence and empowerment through ministry initiatives.

The following global challenges still need to be addressed:

• Gender-based violence still remains a crisis and is very much pervasive and on the rise in many nations; unequal access to education, employment, leadership, land ownership and finance remains a challenge too.
• Poverty and economic inequality and barriers to education, healthcare, protection and more comprehensive psychosocial support for OVC’s is needed.
• Climate change has impacted nations and thus has effects on agriculture, economies, livelihoods and ecosystems.

The importance of finding your why in life

From the United Nations to Times Square recognition during Women’s Month, your visibility continues to grow. How have you used these platforms to amplify your message and inspire others to take action?
While I was attending the Commission of Women in New York this year March,, I was featured on a billboard in Times Square as one of the Influential Women to Watch in 2026. I believe in being a global voice, making a positive impact in the lives of people as a God given mandate and raising the Botswana flag high!

As a best-selling author of multiple books, including your latest on student success, what advice would you give current Ohio University students who want to pursue purpose-driven careers?
I would encourage students to find their why in life and find out what their next level is and pursue it intentionally. Because as humans we evolv, and our careers can, too. So look for opportunities to learn and grow. If you think you have arrived, you will become stagnant. I believe that the sky is not the limit, there are solar systems out there waiting to be explored!

Ohio University emphasizes experiential learning and global impact. From your perspective, how can alumni and students collaborate more intentionally to create meaningful change in communities like those you serve?
I think that possible collaborations for exchanges, research, work fellowships, internships and work would be awesome both locally and internationally. 

What are your most memorable moments from your time at OHIO, and for the OHIO alumni who are inspired by your journey, what are some tangible ways they can support your work as well if you can get more engaged at OHIO? 
My professors were excellent …the lessons were engaging and I was stretched beyond my comfort zone. I enjoyed the "Bobcat Spirit with Rufus," attending the Homecoming parades and football games. I believe in working hard but also engaging in extracurricular activities like the annual African Student Union celebrations. I attended Cybercafe once where we discussed blackholes - that had absolutely nothing to do with the my homework that I was doing while I was listening, but It was mentally stimulating!
In the future, I would love to engage in speaking assignments at OHIO and get more engaged with the OHIO Alumni Network.