Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist and international development expert. She is known for her role as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), making her the first woman and the first African to hold this position. Okonjo-Iweala has also served as Nigeria's Finance Minister and has worked at the World Bank, where she focused on poverty reduction and economic development. Born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala earned her degrees from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to global economic policy and is recognized for her advocacy on issues such as trade, health, and education.