ABOUT
Express Igbo is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the Igbo language. Currently, our main initiative in doing this is offering low-cost Igbo language education to people in the diaspora.
EXPRESS IGBO MISSION STATEMENT
We, the EXPRESS IGBO ORGANIZATION, are a community of individuals dedicated to
promoting and preserving the Igbo language by providing comprehensive Igbo language
instruction to the global community. We are committed to: creating interactive social events,
language exchange programs, and cultural activities, increasing the appeal of Igbo culture and
history across the Igbo diaspora, and collaborating with related organizations that help promote
Igbo language, history, and culture.
FOUNDATIONAL VALUES
The three foundational values of Express Igbo are:
a. ENGAGING with the lessons of Igbo history across the diaspora.
b. UPHOLDING inclusion through community-building.
c. CHAMPIONING the use of all human languages.
Founding Date
April 2014
Founder & Director of Operations of the Advisory Board
CHUKWUMA OKEKE
Dr. Chukwuma Okeke founded Express Igbo back in 2014 due to his passion for the Igbo language and culture. A native of Imo state, Chukwuma spearheaded the first few classes before the very first e-board was formed. After stepping down as the president, Chukwuma serves as the Director of Operations on the Advisory Board
TOOCHI NGWANGWA
President
Toochi is a New York and DC barred attorney. As an international trade associate, she counsels private equity firms and corporations and conducts due diligence related to their day-to-day operations. In the past, she co-chaired the Africa programs in the Association of Women in International Trade. Toochi received her J.D. from Columbia Law School and her B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University, where she minored in Mandarin Chinese. She speaks Mandarin Chinese fluently.
UCHENNA EMECHE
Vice President
Uche love most things Igbo and is really excited to serve as Historian on the executive board. She is a Washington DC native. She is currently working in healthcare leading practice improvement and healthcare transformation efforts.
The poeticism of the language and the strength of the Igbo culture keeps her going.
TBD
Historian
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PETER CHIKE
Director of Funds Development
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CHIDINMA ADIELE
Secretary
Ndewo! I’m Chidinma Adiele. I’m from Abia State, specifically Ngwa Land. I have a Bachelor’s in Biology from Kennesaw State University. In my free time, I like to travel, play the piano, and watch YouTube.
KEM ALILY
Director of Digital Initiatives
A former participant in the Express Igbo classes, Kem joined the executive board in the summer of 2020. Kem is proud of his roots in Imo State and hopes to inspire and aid those who want to reconnect with Igbo traditions. He currents works in the Tech Industry.
CELESTE IROHA
Director of Marketing and Communications
Celeste’s family is from Abuja State and Anambra State. She has been on the executive board since 2019. Celeste is a college student attending the University of Maryland in College Park. She believes that with her position, she can really share the culture of Nigeria through the mission of Express Igbo.
NKIRUKA OKEKE
Deputy Director of Digital Initiatives
Nkiru's has been a part of Express Igbo since 2014. Express Igbo and the preservation of the Igbo language is a passion of hers. She currently works as a Software Engineer.
PAYMAN AZADI
Treasurer
Payman Azadi is a first generation Iranian American who was born, raised and currently lives in Maryland. He currently works as a Senior Accountant at Saggar and Rosenberg, P.C. He is passionate about service and considers it to be a core tenant of his faith. He is passionate about history and learning about different cultures. He was introduced to ExpressIgbo through his wife. Since then, he helped in the grant writing process before officially joining the board. He is excited and committed to the work of Express Igbo and is happy that he can use his skill sets in accounting to support the team. He is also looking forward to Express Igbo's beginner class so that his entire family will be multilingual.
TBD
Director of Education and Product Development
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