In collaboration with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, The Post is spotlighting stories of US citizens reflecting on the meaning of the American dream as the country approaches 2026. Among these voices is Chinweze Ahaghotu, who serves as the Head of Portfolio Management at Galderma, a global leader in dermatological pharmaceuticals. Under his leadership, the company invests in pioneering research and development of new skin treatments.
Chinweze Ahaghotu’s journey is deeply rooted in the aspirations of his parents, who immigrated from Nigeria to the United States in the 1960s. His father arrived in Washington, DC, where he pursued higher education, ultimately achieving a PhD, and dedicated many years as a professor at Howard University. Following her husband, Ahaghotu’s mother also secured a graduate degree after moving from Nigeria.
Their goal was clear: to embrace the American dream and provide their children with opportunities for a better life as American citizens. This dream often included aspirations for their children to enter prestigious professions, such as medicine.
Like many children of immigrants, Ahaghotu faced the expectation of becoming a medical doctor, a common sentiment among families striving for success in a new country. However, Ahaghotu realized early on that the medical field wasn’t his calling due to his aversion to blood and the somber atmosphere of hospitals. Despite this, his passion for science, biology, and human health was unwavering, guiding him toward a career where he could make a significant impact without the clinical setting.
I knew I didn’t want to be a medical doctor because I don’t like blood. I’m squeamish around those things, the entire hospital setting tends to be a little depressing to me. But I’ve always loved science, I’ve always loved biology, pathophysiology. The notion of being involved in human health always resonated with me.Â
It’s hard to know if [this career] was my dream or whether it was a dream that came from my parents, but as far as I can remember, being involved in human health is something that I’ve always been excited and passionate about.
I absolutely do believe in the American dream. Fundamentally it starts off with the notion of a dream — that you can actually actually believe in an idea or an aspiration. That, by itself, is affirming — that you can think about more than you right now.Â
The American dream is intrinsic and fundamental to the founding of this country, it’s enshrined in the Declaration of Independence: all people are created equal; we are all entitled to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. The American dream is open to everyone.
The American Dream Video Project showcases real stories that illuminate pathways to opportunity. Featured at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), this series is part of the Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. MCAAD is Washington, DC’s newest cultural institution, offering interactive exhibits and stories about achieving the American Dream. For more information, visit mcaad.org.