Nigerian Ukeme Awakessien Jeter has been reelected as the Mayor of Upper Arlington, Ohio, in the US. This makes her one of the few Black women to lead a predominantly white suburban community in the United States.
Background
Born and raised in Nigeria, Awakessien Jeter is originally from Akwa Ibom state. She arrived in the United States in 2000 to study engineering at the University of Maine. There, she was often one of the only Black students in her classes.
“That was the first time I felt like ‘the only’, but it also taught me resilience — to stand out not by choice, but by excellence.” She recalls.
After earning her degree and later an MBA, she pivoted toward law, earning a Juris Doctor in Ohio and joining Nationwide Insurance as counsel.
Historic Decision to Run For Mayor
She moved to Columbus, Ohio, in 2018 as a single mother of two. She was determined to create a stable, nurturing environment for her children. She settled in Upper Arlington, drawn by its walkability and strong schools.
“When my daughter came home from kindergarten asking to straighten her hair so she could fit in, I knew we had work to do,” she said. Instead of moving away, she chose to stay and help change perceptions from within.
Her decision to run for city council in 2021 was born from that experience. “I wanted my kids and every child to see themselves reflected in leadership,” she said.
She became the first Black person ever to run for city council in Upper Arlington, winning her seat in a competitive race that drew widespread community attention. Her election as City Council President and Mayor soon followed, marking a historic first.
Stint as Mayor
As mayor, Awakessien Jeter quickly earned a reputation for bringing fresh eyes to city government. She asked questions others might overlook.
Her tenure has been defined by a focus on community inclusion, sustainability, and economic accessibility, often advocating for policies that make Upper Arlington a more welcoming city for families of diverse backgrounds.
“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room,” she said at her re-election rally. “It’s about ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping where we’re going.”
Her re-election in 2025 signals broad community confidence in her vision for a modern, connected, and inclusive Upper Arlington. Supporters credit her with helping bridge generational and cultural divides while improving city engagement and accountability.
In her victory speech, Awakessien Jeter reaffirmed her commitment to “building communities of belonging.”
“We’ve made progress, but our journey continues,” she told cheering supporters. “Upper Arlington’s strength lies in the diversity of its people — in our willingness to listen, learn, and lead together.”
Beyond city hall, she teaches and mentors at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. She was appointed Assistant Dean there in April 2025. Her work focuses on leadership and diversity in the legal profession. This mirrors her broader mission to expand opportunity wherever she serves.