Carve Your Own Identity

Nigerian-Born Remi Duyile Embodies the American Dream Through Her Life’s Work And Shares With The Next Generation  

By Cecil Merkerson III

Coming from very humble beginnings as the youngest of her family, Remi Duyile has taken every opportunity given to her and produced at the highest level.

After migrating to the United States thirty-nine years ago, she credits her father, who was a high chief in Nigeria who served the community and was well respected, with bestowing upon her the drive and work ethic to reach heights worthy of his children.

“My father was amazing. He showed me what love is and what’s important in life as he taught us that hard work and perseverance would ensure your success anywhere,” Duyile said.

Remi attended the University of the District of Columbia for undergrad and received an MBA in finance. Upon graduating, she began her career as a bank teller after not having much work experience other than babysitting to pay for her college tuition. To be a banker appealed to Remi, and she welcomed the opportunity.

“Growing up, I wanted to be a banker,” Duyile said. “I saw how they dressed. They always made people smile, and I wanted to look good and help people solve their problems.”

After receiving several no's from different banks citing that she was overqualified for the position, she was finally offered a job as a teller. Within three months of being hired, she was promoted to commercial teller. Remi, however, did not settle there. She had high aspirations knowing then she wanted to be the Vice President of a banking institution. 

“I wanted to start with the smallest position so that I could understand the plight of small beginnings,” Duyile said. “I would offer to go to the customer service area to see if anyone needed help as it allowed me to learn and cross-train myself.”

Even as a teller, the fiscal manager brought an aura about herself that was recognized by those around her as she wore a suit to work every day. She dressed for her future.

With the experience she obtained through working various jobs at the bank, she confidently applied to a management trainee program because she could run the bank. However, she wasn’t the typical candidate, and they did not typically hire from within the company. “I applied, went into the interview, and I told my boss I would be late for work. As soon as I got back, my boss called me to the office and told me they want to hire you,” Duyile said. “I was one of the best in the program because I had all the experience of everything they were teaching in training.” 

Duyile moved through the ranks of management from retail and mortgage banking to business banking to premiere banking serving high network clients. She had served over 600 clients from lawyers, businessmen, doctors, accountants in her portfolio at Bank of America when she left the bank to start her own mortgage company. The active visionary also launched a non-profit company in 2007, Legacy Premier Foundation, focusing on underserved communities (with an emphasis in financial literacy and business and human capital development).

Her trials and tribulations, and connections at the bank propelled her to succeed once she branched off into entrepreneurship. These are lessons she learned throughout her life. She has passed them on to her children, who are massive successes, including her daughter who attends the prestigious Ivy League Cornell University. One of her sons works for Google, and the other is a government contractor. 

Along with her children, Duyile’s husband, Wale Duyile, has been the light, for her career and has helped guide her to the success she has today and moving forward.

“My journey of life has been supported by my darling husband for over three decades. Blessed to be married to my soul mate who helps bring and support the best in me,” Duyile said. The couple has three children: Bobby, 31, Ayo, 30 and Wunmi, 25.

Duyile believes that immigrants in Prince George's County must not focus on the hardships and wants them to think on positives to make sure they get where they want to in life.

“Being raised in a family that taught us perseverance and hard work is what will distinguish us from not feeling sorry for ourselves,” Duyile said. “When people try to make you a victim you can come out as the victor.”