When Sola first came across a job posting for Build Health International (BHI) as a student at the Boston Architectural College, one detail stopped her in her tracks: the organization had projects in Nigeria. “I thought, okay, that’s interesting—healthcare,” she recalls. “But when I saw that BHI was working in places where I’m from, where I was born, that really got me excited.”
For Sola, joining BHI wasn’t just about the work—it was about representation, impact, and a rare opportunity to contribute to meaningful progress in communities that felt like home. “It’s not very often that I see companies doing work in Nigeria,” she says. “So that really drew me in.” Since then, Sola has worked on a range of projects, each with its own challenges and significance. But one that stands out is the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (formally the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases) at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Nigeria. “I like that project because it’s focused on education,” she explains. “It’s allowing young Africans to train in genomics and biomedical research—and it’s putting the tools right in Africa, so the knowledge stays there, develops, and grows.”
The long-term vision behind ACEGID is what makes it so powerful to Sola. “We don’t want dependence on others. We want people developing their own solutions, because what works in Nigeria won’t necessarily work in North America. This kind of training ensures that the next generation of scientists can build something that’s right for their communities.” In Sola’s view, this approach is key to what high-quality healthcare infrastructure should be: not just buildings, but systems that meet people’s needs and improve health outcomes. “It’s about saving lives—especially making sure pregnant women don’t die in childbirth, making sure children come out alive, and ensuring families are cared for throughout the process,” she says. “That’s what high-quality healthcare looks like to me.”
But buildings alone aren’t enough. What excites Sola most about BHI is the way the organization thinks beyond design and construction. “One thing I’ve always heard Jim [Ansara] say is that BHI doesn’t just complete a project and move on. And that’s true,” she says. “We wouldn’t be involved with a place like ACEGID if we didn’t share the same vision. It’s not just about what we build—it’s about what that space is going to accomplish. It’s a partnership, and that doesn’t end when the ribbon gets cut.” That long-term mindset also means navigating unpredictable environments with flexibility and focus.
“We don’t always work with the biggest budgets or in ideal conditions. But we ask ourselves, ‘What’s the best we can offer with what we have?’ That’s our mindset—and it allows us to get creative, stay adaptable, and deliver the best results for the people who will use these facilities.”
Despite the challenges, Sola is hopeful. “Yes, the world is on fire in many ways,” she says. “But I also feel a lot of hope when I look at places like Nigeria and other countries in Africa. These are places filled with people who have enormous dreams, immense talent, and a drive to keep building. That’s what gives me energy—seeing that potential and knowing BHI has a role in supporting it.” For Sola, being part of BHI is more than a job—it’s about shaping a future where communities build and own their progress. “We’re helping create the conditions for people to thrive,” she says. “And that’s the kind of work I always hoped I’d get to do.”
Sola’s furry friend, Ginger, and all of the other office pups keep spirits high and bring smiles to every workday.
This story is featured in our 2025 Annual Report. Read it here!
About the Author: Emma Harkness serves as the Communications and Partnerships Coordinator at Build Health International. She is passionate about global health equity, advocacy, and storytelling to drive social change.