Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC

Sr. Nkechi Lilian Iwuoha, PHJC, Ph.D., is a Nigerian-American member of the Congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (PHJC). Since October 2022, she has served as Chair of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) Board of Directors, bringing to the role a deep commitment to justice, leadership, and the flourishing of African communities.

In 2025, Sr. Nkechi was elected to the Congregational Leadership Team of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and currently serves as the Second Councilor in the General Leadership (Generalate) of the international congregation, headquartered in Dernbach, Germany. Prior to her election to General Leadership, she served for eight years as a member of the USA Provincial Leadership Team of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. In her current role, she helps guide the mission and ministry of the congregation across nine countries worldwide.

Sr. Nkechi has an extensive background in law, public policy, education, and social justice. Prior to entering religious life, she worked among the Sidama people of Ethiopia as a Gender Advisor with Irish Aid, supporting community development and empowerment initiatives. Earlier in her ministry, she also served as a Case Manager for homeless women and children at Sojourner Truth House, accompanying vulnerable families and helping them access services and resources to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Throughout her ministry, she has remained a passionate advocate for human dignity, equity, and transformative leadership.

An accomplished author and educator, Sr. Nkechi has written Walking in the Worn-Out Shoes of St. Katharina: A Symbol of Transformation and The Interconnectedness between African Proverbs and Sayings with Christianity. Her scholarship and public engagement focus on social justice, human trafficking, law and public policy, and the criminalization of poverty.

Sr. Nkechi earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law and Public Policy from Walden University, Minnesota. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana, where she teaches Ethics in Criminal Justice and Introduction to Corrections. Her leadership, academic expertise, and commitment to faith-inspired advocacy continue to strengthen AFJN’s mission of promoting justice, peace, and human dignity throughout Africa and the African diaspora.