Money Moguls

Oprah Winfrey: “Rags to Riches”

For those of you who have dreams of becoming rich and famous, Oprah is most definitely a wonderful example of a “rags to riches” story. Oprah grew up in Mississippi and was a survivor of abuse and the trials and tribulations that come with achieving success. She has proven that it is possible to use your talents to not only make yourself successful, but also to help others succeed.

Everyone knows the talk show mega-star Oprah Winfrey. You do not even have to say her last name to identify her, just Oprah is sufficient. Oprah earns an average of $260 million per year. She is not only the wealthiest of celebrities, but is also one the most powerful women in America. When Oprah talks people listen and act.

Oprah is well diversified. She is an actress, an educator, a radio personality, and a dedicated charity activist. Oprah, the wealthiest African-American woman, built a $40 million school in South Africa. The school’s purpose is to educate girls from poverty-stricken South African families. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy is initially enrolling 150 students but expects to expand to 450 students. Oprah always refers to the girls within the school as her ‘daughters’ just as they refer to Oprah as their mother.

Oprah is very focused on the empowerment of women and children by assisting them further their education and increasing opportunities for those communities that do not have the means to create sufficient opportunity for their young people. Oprah is hoping to provide a better quality education than the existing public schools can offer. Through these higher educational standards, Oprah hopes to create skilled women who can contribute to a failing economy.