OUR STORY
Out of Personal Hardship, Global Action
There will always be the less privileged, the hungry, and someone needing a helping hand. You, my daughter, have a choice to do something about it. Aivy, a little drop of water makes the ocean... one person at a time.
- Mom
As a 9-year-old girl in Nigeria, Open Gates International (OGI) President & Founder, Brigitte O'Michaels, couldn't understand her mother's boundless generosity. Why was mom always giving away their food? Little did she know, her mother's compassion for others would go on to shape her entire life.
There will always be the less privileged, the hungry, and someone needing a helping hand. You, my daughter, have a choice to do something about it. A little drop of water makes the ocean...one person at a time.
In April 2017, Brigitte found herself on the brink of survival. Alone, traumatized, and facing the overwhelming reality of raising her children alone, she has since committed herself to supporting other women facing their darkest moments - helping them rebuild their strength and rediscover their purpose. In 2019, Open Gates International started its flagship program, QueenMakers International. This program has grown to provide domestic violence and trauma support, mental health services, leadership development, and an annual Gurl, Fix Your Crown Retreat for women in need of a helping hand.
In 2019, OGI also launched Biddie's Soup Kitchen. A nod to Brigitte's mom's unwavering compassion for her community, the Soup Kitchen provides meals to families in need, in Nigeria. Since its founding, OGI has bolstered its programming to also include community development work, youth empowerment programming, and global outreach. In 2024, OGI received 501c3 status and is currently laser focused on managing sustainable growth for the organization while building capacity to empower and uplift even more women, children, and families with OGI programs.
