Board Of Directors
Chair of the Board
Dr. D’Andrea Weeks
D’Andrea Weeks, Ed.D. has been involved with Vitendo4Africa in some way since 2012 and is the chair of the board of directors. She is currently the director of business director for the Texas International Education Consortium, a consortium of 33 universities across Texas. D’Andrea has over 20 years of experience leading productive teams and streamlining internal operations. As a grant writer and strategist, she has won over $4M in federal and foundation grants. As a thought partner and catalyst for non-profits and institutions of higher education, she has consulted on a diverse range of topics from global education, educational innovation, educational leadership, program development, evaluative inquiry, curriculum review, grant writing, institutional matchmaking, and non-profit board development. These projects have spanned five continents and multiples states in the United States.
As an adjunct faculty at Lamar University, D’Andrea has co-taught courses in Strategic Planning, Global Communication, Global Leadership Issues, and Academic Research Writing. D’Andrea has also been a Peace Corps volunteer in Eastern Europe, a social worker at a school for the deaf, and a transition specialist for deaf-blind youth and adults. D’Andrea received her Doctorate in global educational leadership from Lamar University. After living on three different continents and traveling in over 20 countries, she has chosen to settle down in St. Louis, Missouri.
Board Vice Chairman
Sebastian Mwangi
Vitendo4Africa is truly a vehicle for immigrants and refugee families—helping many individuals and families reach destinations they have long dreamed of but often lacked access to. When Geoffrey shared his vision for Vitendo4Africa with me, I immediately recognized it as a space where my passion, skills, and values aligned. It affirmed my long-standing commitment to helping people navigate systems, access resources, and build stronger, more connected communities.
I have always been driven by a desire to support others by connecting them to the help they need and creating pathways for opportunity. At Vitendo4Africa, this mission comes to life through intentional collaboration, advocacy, and service to immigrant and refugee families. Being part of an organization that centers dignity, empowerment, and community has been deeply meaningful to me.
My professional background in finance has equipped me with strong analytical, planning, and stewardship skills that support the organization’s sustainability and growth. In addition, my experience working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds across the globe has strengthened my ability to approach challenges with cultural humility, empathy, and a global perspective. These experiences allow me to contribute thoughtfully to strategic decision-making and to help carry forward the vision and mission of Vitendo4Africa.
Serving on the board has been both purposeful and fulfilling. I am honored to support an organization that not only uplifts immigrant families but also creates lasting impact by empowering individuals to thrive, lead, and give back to their communities.
Board Members
Dr Christiva Vivit
Board Member
Dr. Christiva Vivit is a dedicated professional and community advocate who serves as a Board Member of Vitendo4Africa (V4A). She brings a deep commitment to advancing the well-being of immigrant and refugee families, with a particular passion for education, health, and community empowerment.
With her academic training and professional experience, Dr. Vivit offers thoughtful leadership and a strong analytical perspective to the V4A board. She is especially interested in initiatives that promote mental well-being, family stability, and access to culturally responsive resources for immigrant communities. Her approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
Dr. Vivit is a strong believer in the power of community partnerships and holistic support systems to help individuals and families thrive. She values Vitendo4Africa’s mission to welcome, connect, and empower immigrants and refugees and is proud to support programs that uplift youth, strengthen families, and build long-term resilience.
As a board member, Dr. Vivit is committed to providing strategic guidance, ethical leadership, and advocacy to ensure V4A continues to grow its impact and remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
Patavee (Patty) Vanadilok
Board Member
Patavee (Patty) Vanadilok is an immigration attorney who loves her clients and loves the practice of immigration law. Whether her clients are refugees on the path to obtaining U.S. citizenship, immigrant entrepreneurs launching their startup idea, businesses hiring foreign workers, immigrant investors creating jobs in the United States, international students transitioning to their professional careers, or families reuniting with relatives from abroad, Ms. Vanadilok feels privileged to support each and every one of their dreams.
Dr. Wambui Waruingi
Board Member
Dr. Wambui Waruingi is a neonatologist at St Louis university practicing at Cardinal Glennon. She is new to the Missouri area having lived in Ohio for 9 years. She was born in Nairobi, Kenya and completed medical school training at the University of Nairobi before relocating to the USA with her family. She is a mother of five children ranging from 1.5 to 22 years of age. He interests include her Christian faith, reading, travel, cycling and fitness. Wambui brings to the table a good understanding for what training in the health field entails for women, and is interested in mentoring young people with ambitions in the health care field. She is also willing to mentor middle and high school students in any health related or STEM project
Dr. Christopher A. Gearin
Board Member
Dr. Christopher is the Director of the Higher Education Leadership Doctoral program and faculty at Maryville University. He obtained his Doctor of Education from Maryville University, his Master of Education from Harvard University, and his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Westfield State University. Dr. Gearin was a college president for over 20 years. He was also a Director at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where he served on the Advisory Board to the Administrative Dean and received a merit award for his accomplishments as an administrator. He has been appointed to many advisory boards and was also the Board of Education President for an elementary school. He received the State of Missouri Meritorious Public Service Award for his service as the Chairperson for an advisory board to the Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education. He is a longtime social justice advocate for the international community.
Geoffrey Soyiantet
Founder: Vitendo 4 africa
Vitendo4Africa provides a forum for discussion of common issues, aspirations and solutions for the advancement of individuals and groups from African Immigrant community in Missouri. we are committed to promote and preserve the diverse African History, Music, arts, and cultures. Vitendo4africa sponsors events organized by Immigrant Communities in St louis and other neighboring cities.
