Oprah Winfrey, a public figure known to Americans and other countries around the world, rose from a poor girl to one of the most popular daytime talk show hosts richest of his time. His entrepreneurial success contributed to his ability to overcome obstacles as a minority. As an African American woman, she faced discrimination and entrepreneurial obstacles that should have discouraged her from pursuing her dream. Through passion, perseverance, and hard work, Oprah successfully launched her own production company, Harpo Productions, Inc., which has now grown into an empire. As a minority entrepreneur, he inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter how unachievable it may seem. Oprah Winfrey's Rise to Success Oprah was born on January 29, 1954, to Vernita Lee, a single teenager at the time (NNDB, n.d.). She initially lived with her grandmother in Kosciusko, Mississippi, while her mother sought work elsewhere. Although she grew up poor as a minority, Oprah was well versed in her academic studies. At the age of six, she moved to Milwaukee to live with her mother, who found work as a housekeeper. As a teenager, Oprah was sexually assaulted several times. (Academy of Achievements, 2013). This abuse took an emotional toll on her. This then compelled her to support the "Oprah's Bill", which established a national database of convicted child molesters (NNDB, n.d.). At age 14, Oprah moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to live with her father, Vernon Winfrey. Thanks to her strict disciplinary rules, Oprah thrived, becoming an honor student and winning awards in her speaking and dramatic performances (Academy of Achievement, 2013). At age 19, she was offered a job at WVOL, a radio station catering primarily to the African-American list......middle of the newspaper......and difficult times as an African-American woman American woman who ventures into positions that no other African American woman has achieved. She gained much of her fame from her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, but her success didn't stop there. As the founder, chairwoman and CEO of Harpo Entertainment Group, Oprah Winfrey has become one of the most influential women in the entertainment production industry. Not only is she a powerful entrepreneur, but also a charismatic interviewer who has won the hearts of many Americans. She had the courage to follow her intuitions and the perseverance to bring the project to fruition. Oprah has made an impact on others through her sincere focus on giving back to various charities. Oprah continues to take on new projects to expand her growing business. Oprah Winfrey is a powerful figure in society who will continue to be an inspiration to people from all walks of life around the world..