Executive Officers
The Board of Directors sets the overall vision for the organization, while the day-to-day operations are performed by the members of the Executive Committee. .
President
Kelechi Okere
president@afrimetro.org
Kelechi Okere works as a regional sales director at Elsevier Inc., a leading global publisher of scientific, technical and medical information and online databases. He is a graduate of Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a masters degree in English in 2001 and 2007, respectively. He enjoys writing and is a contributor to My Word: Contemporary Writers on the Words They Love or Loathe, edited by Molly McQuade.
Vice President
Elvis Njere
vicepresident@afrimetro.org
Elvis Njere works as a Life Sciences consultant with Quintiles Transnational Corporation, New York. His educational background is in Biology/Chemistry, Public Health, and International Affairs. His life experiences in Africa and the US has influenced his decision to be an active participant in the development of Africa. He currently designs effective and sustainable health policies that will enable the African continent to better compete in the 21st century. He is also helping to build clinics, develop a robust ambulatory care service, and source for healthcare grants and subsidies for less industrialized parts of Africa. His goal is to help most African countries to create initiatives that will bolster their economic and healthcare systems.
Elvis is passionate about life, people, Africa, and healthcare. In his own words, he “hopes to improve health systems to make the world a better place: one life, one person, and one country at a time.
Fundraising
Brittania Stewart
fundraising@afrimetro.org
Brittania Stewart is an attorney working in New York.
Treasurer
Dolapo Adedapo
treasurer@afrimetro.org
Dolapo Adedapo is a consultant with Public Health Solutions working in conjunction with The New York City Department of Health. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University (SBU) in Biology and Anthropology. At SBU she was an active member of the African Student Union and she strongly supports initiatives that contribute to the development of Africa and the betterment of its people. She is from Osun State in Nigeria and through her experiences residing both there and abroad sees a dire need for health care reform. She is currently working on an initiative to supply mobile clinics staffed with medical personnel and supplies to help meet the needs of Nigerians who live in more rural areas with little to no access to medical care. She is fluent in English and her native language of Yoruba. She is an avid reader and has a strong passion for traveling and enjoying different cultural experiences.
Public Relations
Emmanuel Esochaghi
publicrelations@afrimetro.org
Emmanuel “Manney” Esochaghi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance from Rutgers University and is currently completing his graduate work in economics, also at Rutgers. Before enrolling in the graduate program full time, Manney worked as an associate to a financial advisor in the Global Private Client Group at Merrill Lynch. As an Africa, finance, and business enthusiast, Manney also keeps busy by being part of the development teams for a few early-stage firms where he plays critical roles ranging from raising capital to marketing, and management consulting. Upon completion of his degree, he wants to dedicate his career to the economic development of Africa.
Community Outreach
Nekpen Osuan
communityoutreach@afrimetro.org
Nekpen Osuan holds a Masters degree in Economics and Education from Columbia University and graduated with Honors from Baylor University where she studied Economics and Leadership. Having been a member of the founding class of DMI Scholars, a former U.S. Congressional Intern and a Starting Bloc social innovation fellow, Nekpen is passionate about community service, political engagement, and partnering with non-profit organizations looking to create social change. Nekpen currently lives and works in New York City supporting efforts to close the educational achievement gap at a charter school management organization, in line with her life's calling to promote access to quality education for the poor and marginalized. Prior to her current role, Nekpen completed a year-long service fellowship working with underprivileged youth at the MATCH Charter High School in Boston and served as a Resident Fellow at the International House of New York. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in debate on education reform and international policy, reading biographies, and cooking international cuisine.
Membership
Tunde Lawson
membership@afrimetro.org
Tunde Lawson is an auditor within the advisory services of an accounting firm based in New York City. He holds his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Information Systems Technology. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports (and is an avid Lakers fan), film and spending time with family and friends. He is strongly committed to fighting the war against poverty in Africa.
Networking
Onyi Adaora
newtworking@afrimetro.org
Onyi Adaora hails from Anambra State, Nigeria and studied Public Relations at Howard University in Washington, DC. She began her professional career in politics as press secretary for a commissioner and later made a name for herself doing PR and marketing in the entertainment industry. She continues her work both in the public and private sector. Her passion and interests lie in the arts – acting, music, writing - sports, and traveling. She plans on using her skills and talents to create an outlet for giving back to the global community and allowing the voices of the underprivileged to be heard.
Professional Development
Chinyere “Cece” Onyenekwu
professionaldevelopment@afrimetro.org
Chinyere “Cece” Onyenekwu practices as a doctor of optometry in New York and is excited to continue to contribute her expertise to AfriMETRO.
