Oprah Winfrey has been called the "most influential woman in the world" and an "International Icon." She's a talk show host, actress, producer, publisher, author and the first African-American woman to become a billionaire.

Oprah was born in Mississippi, but spent much of her in Milwaukee where she attended Nicolet High School. Oprah's mom, Vernita Lee, still calls Milwaukee home.

"I always knew Oprah was going to be something," she recently said in an interview.

She admits she's had to learn to deal with the celebrity of being Oprah's mom, "It used to be very tough," she admitted. "For me to answer all the questions they would ask...And I don't like to cut anybody short...But now I've gotten used to it more and it doesn't bother me."

Vernita said that Oprah has grown into a worldwide force because, "I loved her the way that she loves peoples now."

Vernita's proud of Oprah's Leadership Academy for girls in South Africa. She hopes to visit this summer.

When asked what kind of advice she would give to parents Oprah's mom replied, "The parents don't spend enough time with their children. I spent a lot of time with Oprah."
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