O. Rerhi Onomake

Began a career in the financial sector as a mortgage loan officer in 1997, followed by earning a real estate license in 1998. Early exposure to lending and property ownership revealed powerful insights: that access to the right information and guidance can open doors not just to homes, but to lasting generational wealth. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor College, and holding real estate certifications and designations including ABR, SRS, SRES™, RCS-D™, PSA, RENE, RSPS, SFR, AHWD, and serving as an RPR Certified Trainer, the focus has remained on helping communities—especially those historically marginalized—build legacies through ownership, education, and economic mobility.
In 2014, co-founded the Global African Business Association (GABA) with a vision to support African, Caribbean and African Diaspora entrepreneurs, many of whom launch and sustain their ventures through self-funding. GABA was created to serve as a bridge—connecting urban communities in the U.S. with global markets in Africa and the Caribbean, while providing a platform for meaningful business engagement, policy advocacy, and opportunity creation. Over time, the organization has evolved into an impactful robust economic development entity

I am driven by the understanding that entrepreneurship remains a powerful pathway to long-term financial stability, but many aspiring business owners lack access to critical tools and insights. Programs that focus on financial literacy, strategic planning, and market access can shift outcomes in ways never previously imagined—offering a roadmap not just to income, but to equity, ownership, and legacy. When individuals who make up communities are given the right resources, the potential for community transformation is exponential. The work continues—building bridges, opening doors, and planting seeds for a more financially empowered future which is a collective benefit that positively impacts all.