In a heartfelt and inspiring session at the Google Ghana office at the Women Who Build program on the 9th of June 2026, Forbes Next 1000 honoree Dina Neely shared her remarkable journey from the streets of Detroit to the shores of Africa. As a mompreneur, electrical contractor, STEM advocate, and international speaker, Neely’s conversation with host Courtney was more than an interview it was a masterclass in faith, grit, and purposeful action.
An Immediate Connection to the Motherland
Making her first trip to the African continent, Neely was visibly moved by her experience in Ghana. “I connected so much with the land immediately,” she shared. What struck her most was the relentless entrepreneurial spirit she witnessed. Women selling with babies strapped to their backs, undeterred by weather, embodied a level of resilience that deeply inspired her.
She drew parallels between this drive and the “Motor City” ethos that shaped her in Detroit a city known for resilience, grittiness, and creating something from nothing. “As Americans, we work hard, but this is a different type of work. This is relentless work.”
Defining Success as Freedom
When asked about her definition of success in this new chapter of life, Neely offered a powerful response: freedom. Freedom to be, to do, and to move about the world as the Lord leads. This philosophy recently manifested in her decision to spend 45 days in Africa leaving her business and children behind in obedience to a higher calling.
“I am a very obedient person,” she emphasized. “I haven’t always been that way, but I am now. When we are obedient to the call, it can open up so many doors.”
From Government Worker to Founder: The Raw Backstory
Neely’s founder story is one of both triumph and heartbreak. Starting her career at 18 with the City of Detroit, she built valuable relationships with officials, inspectors, and contractors. After marrying an electrician and having two children back-to-back (Madison and Jonathan), she stepped away from her job to support her husband’s business while raising their family.
Nine years later, she had a bold realization: She could start her own electrical contracting company, win government contracts, and subcontract work to her husband. She studied, earned her electrical contractor’s license, and launched the business. Just three months later, her marriage ended.
Left with a new business, two young children, and no immediate revenue, Neely turned to prayer and the encouragement of mentors. “The Lord said, ‘You’re gonna do exactly what I told you to do.’” With faith and support, she pushed forward. Within the first few months, the company generated six figures in revenue.
“My children have always been my why,” she said. “When I looked at them, I knew I couldn’t disappoint them. I had to make sure our future was secure.”
Motherhood as the Ultimate Teacher
Neely openly credited motherhood with shaping her leadership. It taught her patience, the power of allowing things to unfold in their own time, and the importance of juggling multiple roles without guilt. “We are multifaceted. We can do many things, and we can do them well.”
She also shared vulnerable insights during the Q&A about navigating divorce while raising children — leaning on prayer, forgiveness, and using her kids as motivation. Her children, now 20 and 18, have acknowledged her hard work and the grace she showed during difficult seasons.
Launching STEM Kits in Africa: Done is Better Than Perfect
A highlight of the session was Neely’s exclusive sneak peek at her new STEM kits, designed to expose young girls (and boys) to science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on circuit-building experiments. Though still in beta form, these kits embody her philosophy: Done is better than perfect.
Just two weeks before arriving in Ghana, she felt a clear call to launch. The timing proved divine the kits will debut in Nigeria, where she’ll speak to 200 young girls, with interest already coming from a technical college for broader distribution.
Her goal is simple yet profound: to spark possibility. “I’ve always enjoyed science and tinkering… How great would it be to bring that to other young women?” Neely sees tremendous untapped potential in African girls, who are highly educated but may not always envision themselves in technical trades or entrepreneurship.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders and Women
Neely’s message was clear and empowering:
- Build the table. “Never wait on permission. Build the table, don’t wait to be invited to it.”
- Curate your circle. Create the support system you need when family and friends can’t fill every role.
- Say yes. “I started from absolutely nothing. My ‘yes’ is what got me here, and your ‘yes’ will do the same for you.”
- Focus on legacy. As a global and social impact entrepreneur, Neely wants every young person she meets to walk away believing they can achieve anything.
Looking ahead, she envisions her STEM kits multiplying, inspiring countless young creators, and creating opportunities across borders.
A Lasting Impact
The session ended with applause and emotion, as Neely wiped tears while reflecting on what her children might say about her as a mother. The room was filled with women who saw themselves in her story proof that resilience, faith, and bold action can turn personal challenges into platforms for generational change.
Dina Neely’s visit to Ghana wasn’t just a trip. It was the beginning of a larger movement to connect the diaspora, empower girls in STEM, and remind all of us that our biggest breakthroughs often come when we choose obedience over perfection and possibility over fear.
If you’re a woman entrepreneur, mother, or dreamer feeling called to something bigger take Dina’s words to heart: Your “yes” is enough to start. The table is yours to build.
