FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2022
Africa Faith and Justice Network Announces New Board Leadership
Washington, DC – The Africa Faith and Justice Network’s (AFJN) Board of Directors has elected a new Executive and welcomed a new member. AFJN is a 501(c)3 organization with Catholic missionary congregations and numerous Africa-focused coalitions of all persuasions. AFJN works to advocate for just relations with Africa and in partnership with African people as they engage in the struggle for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
The new Chair of the Board is Sr. Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC. She is in her second term on the Leadership of the American Province of her Congregation (Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ), and has served on AFJN’s Board of Directors since 2020.
“During the years that Sr. Nkechi served on AFJN’s Board, her passion for the mission of AFJN and her insights and forward thinking really impressed me as well as other members of the Board” said Sr. Florence Deacon, OSF, Former AFJN Board Chair. “Being part of the Provincial Leadership for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, she already has strong leadership experience and a firm understanding of working with other Catholic organizations and individuals.”
Sr. Iwuoha is a Nigerian member of the PHJC American Province with a strong legal and social education background. Prior to joining the PHJC Sisters, Nkechi worked among the Sidama people of Ethiopia, Eastern Africa as a Gender Advisor for the Ireland Aid to Ethiopia. She is also an author and educator.
“I have been very impressed with Sr. Iwuoha’s innovative thinking about ways that we can be even more impactful and garner more awareness about AFJN’s work and mission” said Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, AFJN Executive Director “I believe that her passion for Africa and knowledge of the major issues on the continent will be invaluable to the Board and to AFJN’s mission.”
In addition to Sr. Nkechi as the new Board chair, the Board of Directors also elected a whole new slate:
- Vice Chair – Sr. Maura Browne, SNDdeN
- Secretary – Rev. Bill Christy, CSSp
- Treasurer – Jemima Andan
Sr. Maura has served AFJN in a myriad of capacities including, as Associate Director, Executive Director, Board of Directors Members, and as AFJN Interim Director in 2021. She has a deep love for Africa and her people, having traveled to fifteen countries. Rev. Christy most recently served as Board Vice Chair and is currently part of the Campus Ministry Team at Duquesne University. Ms. Andan, the newest addition to the Board, was appointed in October 2022 and comes from a strong business and finance background, currently working at Citibank.
“I am honored and truly humbled to be able to serve alongside such a dedicated team” said Sr. Iwuoha, newly elected AFJN Board Chair. “We all embody the life of AFJN. l am grateful for Sr. Browne; her years of service and history of the organization which she will continue to share with us. To Rev. Christy am thankful for his skills in administration and finally to Ms. Andan who is our newest member to join the board; am happy for the gift of youthfulness and new vitality that she brings. To the board members that elected me, I am thankful for the trust in me and for offering me this opportunity to serve the people of Africa through AFJN.”
Board Biographies are viewable on AFJN’s Staff and Board webpage.