Zain E. Asher Inspires Peck Community at Author Luncheon

When Zain E. Asher’s mother, Obiajulu Ejiofor, immigrated to London from Nigeria in the 1970s, she likely didn’t imagine the monumental challenges—or triumphs—that lay ahead. In her memoir, Where the Children Take Us, Asher recounts the remarkable journey of her mother, a widowed immigrant who refused to let tragedy or adversity define her family’s future. 

This powerful story of resilience took center stage at The Peck School Parents Association’s annual Author Luncheon, where Asher, a news anchor at CNN international, shared insights into her family’s incredible journey from survival to success.

The event opened with warm remarks from Head of School Andy Delinsky, who celebrated the transformative power of storytelling. 

“A great book stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page,” he shared. “It can teach, comfort, and inspire; it can ignite passions or even change how we see the world. And it’s amazing how books help build community—bringing students, families, and friends together around shared stories and experiences.”

Over lunch, Asher captivated the room by reading from the first chapter of her memoir, drawing listeners into the life of her mother, Obiajulu. A survivor of genocide, famine, and crushing grief, Obiajulu defied the odds to raise four high-achieving children, including Asher, her brother and Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), a medical doctor, and an entrepreneur.

The audience listened intently as Asher described how her mother’s Nigerian upbringing shaped her parenting style. Through tough-love strategies, like a family book club, curating Black success stories as inspiration, and removing distractions, Obiajulu instilled discipline, grit, and a relentless belief in the power of education. Her vision wasn’t just survival—it was excellence, Asher explained.

The luncheon ended with a vibrant Q&A session, where conversation about parenting styles, how to foster academic success, and the importance of belonging resonated deeply with the audience.

“Providing her children with ‘uplifters’ was another important strategy Zain’s mother used to help them see how far they could go,” said Cymone Williamson, Peck’s Director of Community Connections and Belonging. “These uplifters were individuals who shared similar identities with Zain’s family and had achieved excellence. Through their stories and images, Zain’s mother reminded her children that anything is possible with strong values and hard work.”

“This resonates with Peck’s commitment to ‘rising by lifting others,’ Williamson continued.  When students are given the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the work and accomplishments of others, it inspires confidence, determination, and belonging—values we strive to instill every day.”

Co-chaired by Peck Parents Ali McMahon and Stefanie Bolton, the Author Luncheon exemplified the enduring strength of community and the universal lessons found in Asher’s extraordinary memoir: that the values we hold—courage, resilience, and a commitment to growth—can transcend boundaries, generations, and even tragedy.