The American Dream Reimagined: How NICC Set the Foundation for Global Entrepreneur Sahr Lebbie
Monday, July 27, 2026
As Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are honoring the incredible alumni whose journeys began on our campuses and rippled out to change the world. Few stories embody the transformative power of an NICC education quite like that of Sahr Lebbie.
Today, Sahr is a powerhouse entrepreneur living in Muskego, Wisconsin, overseeing multiple thriving companies that employ hundreds of people across two continents. But before he was managing international supply chains and multi-million-dollar healthcare operations, he was a student looking for an affordable chance to build his future.
From West Africa to Northeast Iowa
Sahr originally left Africa to explore what the "American Dream" had to offer, arriving in Iowa to study at a private liberal arts school. However, after just one semester, the reality of steep private college tuition set in.
"NICC was much more financially beneficial to me," Sahr reflects. "That was one of the biggest factors in how NICC provided the right atmosphere for me."
Transferring to NICC allowed Sahr to balance his high ambitions with real-world affordability. He stepped into the College’s nursing program, driven by a deep personal passion he uncovered while working as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).
"I felt there was a level of connection and passion in caring for people. I worked with a lot of people who had healthcare needs, and eventually, I wanted to improve the kind of services I could provide to them."
A Launchpad for Leadership
Sahr graduated from NICC in 2009 with his associate degree in Nursing (ADN), but his impact on the Peosta campus extended far beyond the classroom. He was deeply embedded in campus life, serving as the Student Senate president and participating actively in the TRIO Student Support Services program.
When he wasn’t leading student government, Sahr could often be found in his favorite campus hangout: the Learning Center.
"One of my favorite memories was in the Learning Center—there were always snacks there!" Sahr laughs. But it was also a place of productivity. Sahr used his sharp analytical skills to tutor his peers in statistics, earning an income while helping fellow students succeed.
He credits much of his success to the small class sizes and the steady encouragement of influential faculty members like Paul Campbell, Kathy Davis, Chris Davidson and a Learning Center staff member named Jerry. "It was an environment that prepares you for the career path you're going into," he says. "We discussed a lot in class with other classmates about how everyone was motivated to go forward."
Building an Empire Built on Care
That shared motivation carried Sahr far. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Chamberlain University in 2013, he moved to Wisconsin. It didn't take long for his entrepreneurial spirit to kick in. Recognizing where gaps in patient care existed, Sahr realized he could address those needs better by working for himself.
In 2015, he launched Holistic Home Health Care and Holistic Hospice. Today, these entities employ between 300 and 350 healthcare professionals, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients in their own homes.
But Sahr’s vision didn’t stop at the U.S. border. Driven to make a global impact, he also founded Global Lite Refinery, an international agro-processing factory based in Africa that processes raw materials into finished products. The venture has created vital economic infrastructure, providing employment to roughly 500 people.
Sahr’s remarkable career arc and contributions to the healthcare field even earned him a nomination and induction into the 2023 NICC Hall of Fame.
An Impact Beyond Northeast Iowa
Reflecting on NICC’s 60-year legacy, Sahr views the institution as a vital resource that extends far beyond the borders of Northeast Iowa.
"Students from NICC are desirable," Sahr notes, pointing out the program's historically high board passing rates and strong employability. "There are a lot of students who graduated from NICC who are everywhere, providing wonderful healthcare services."
Now, as a father, Sahr’s endorsement of the college is personal. With his own daughter preparing for college soon, he views NICC as the ideal launching pad for the next generation. "As a startup, it gives you the platform to figure out what you want to do."
When asked to summarize what the college ultimately meant for his life, Sahr doesn't hesitate:
"Because of NICC, I could create my own business and employ many people. My financial status and life have significantly changed. To manage 350 employees takes a lot of work—but NICC prepared me for that."