The 2024 V4A Award Nominees

In over a decade, Vitendo 4 Africa (V4A) has annually recognized and celebrated individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted immigrant families in the St. Louis region. The V4A award is presented to distinguished individuals or organizations with a reputable record of support and community service within the immigrant community.
Here is the list of V4A 2024 Award recipients.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AWARD – WEZESHA AWARD
ST LOUIS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP) is a premier, comprehensive life and career readiness program that equips high school students in the St. Louis region with work readiness skills. SLIP provides employment preparation training, eight-week paid summer internships, and year-round educational and career development opportunities to high school students.

SLIP provides a world of hope and opportunity through partnerships with underserved youth and businesses, resulting in stronger communities. Our goals are:

  • To provide inspiration, support, professional development, and training to high school students with financial needs so they can obtain valuable internships in professional settings.
  • To provide life skills for our students and alumni through year-round programming to position them for improved educational and, ultimately, full-time employment opportunities.
  • To provide our business partners with access to motivated, well-trained, talented employees, and to foster diversity within the workplace.

SLIP has served the St. Louis community for over 30 years with nearly 5,000 participants experiencing a 98% success rate by completing summer internships and pursuing their postsecondary goals.

HARLAN HODGE

Harlan is the product of a benevolent conspiracy among teachers, preachers, and social workers on a mission to mend a broken and disconnected world. As a master storyteller, engaging personality, captivating speaker, and relentless Belonging Advocate, Coach Hodge creates connections that work. In his internationally acclaimed book, Character Chess: 10 Life Lessons Through The Game of Chess, Coach Hodge leverages the game of Chess as a metaphor for developing high performing individuals and teams. He is also the founder of Black Health Matters St. Louis, a podcast dedicated to connecting Black People to health centered communities.

Harlan is a serial connector who believes that “Anything in isolation is dead or dying.” Over the past 25 years, he has partnered with schools, non-profits, and charitable corporations to build a network of support systems for the disadvantaged. His mission is to see every person with many connections. He leads a team of interpreters, facilitators, and inclusion advocates at one of country’s largest healthcare systems. He is a passionate researcher, speaker, author, film maker, and Chess Player. He is also a nationally recognized facilitator and certified trainer.

Harlan is an Alumni of Tennessee State University, The University of Missouri St. Louis and The Brown School at Washington University. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. He is a partner at Imagine Services, a communications, facilitation, and training company.

EPHREM ANDEMARIAM

Ephrem, a proud native of Ethiopia and Eritrea has passionately dedicated himself to serving African immigrant youth by creating opportunities for them to develop both their soccer and social skills. Over a decade ago, he founded the IBEX Soccer Cub , which has since impacted hundreds of immigrant children. Many of these young people have now grown into successful professionals in the corporate world, and they are giving back to the community in various ways.

For many years, Ephrem has also been instrumental,  as a board member and a volunteer , in the planning and hosting of the Cup of Nations Youth Soccer Festival, the largest community soccer tournament in St. Louis. His ongoing work continues to positively impact countless immigrant youth in the St. Louis region.

In addition to his soccer-related contributions, Ephrem  has worling a d still working as and educator at various academic institutions in the region and in Africa. This includes UMSL, Washington University in the region and University of Legion in Ghana where he has supported numerous students on their academic & career journeys.

Ephrem is the founder of the St Louis Habesha Network, a community based organization focused on youth Empowerment within the Ethiopian and Eritrean community in St Louis.

Ephreim also worked at the International Institute for many years helping newly arrived Africs. Refugees.

Congratulation Shujaa Ephreim Andermariam

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AWARD – WAKILI AWARD
NALINI MAHADEVAN

Nalini S. Mahadevan is the Principal Attorney with MLO Law LLC, a woman-owned and woman-run law practice since 2003, specializing in Immigration, Estate Planning, and Business Law. Her clientele includes both corporate employers and individuals. Her law practice is certified by the City of St. Louis Local Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE). Also, it is certified for WOSB (Women Owned Small Business) with the Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). MLO LAW LLC is headquartered in St. Louis and has two additional offices in Chicago and Atlanta.

Nalini’s career started as a corporate lawyer in India before relocating to the United States. She holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting, an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, and a JD from Saint Louis University School of Law. She taught Law Practice Management and Immigration Law as an Adjunct Professor at Saint Louis University School of Law.

She was recognized and awarded the 2020 STL Business Journal Most Influential Business Women Award and the Champions for Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2022 by STL Business Journal. Nalini is also one of the honorees for the YWCA Metro St. Louis 2023 Leaders of Distinction. All General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) awarded her law firm, MLO Law LLC, the AGC 1st Honoree in 2020 and 2023 for participating in and supporting the construction industry community.

 One of Nalini’s earlier legacies is being one of the founding members of the South Asian Bar Association of Metropolitan St Louis (SABA). She recently co-founded a group to empower immigrant women in St. Louis called Immigrant Professional Women’s Network (IPWN) in STL.

Nalini currently sits on the Board of Directors for Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) and a member of St. Louis University School of Law, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. She is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL), the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HCCSTL), the South Asian Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (SABA), Creve Coeur-Olivette Chamber of Commerce, and the Asian Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis (AACCSTL).

 Nalini graduated from the FOCUS Leadership St. Louis program in 2014 and the SBA Emerging Leaders Program in 2021. She served as a mentor for the St. Louis Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday program in both 2022 and 2023. A former board member of FOCUS St. Louis and AGCMO, Nalini remains actively engaged with these organizations.

A former alderperson of Frontenac City Council, Nalini is extensively engaged in community development. She also volunteers as an advisor to several local non-profits from the Indian community in St. Louis. Nalini is a mentor with SCORE, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground – she does one- to-one mentoring as well as conducting business workshops. She also serves as an outside General Counsel for PhinixGroup of Companies. She is a well-respected attorney with a great sense of humor, making her a frequent speaker for the Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Association of St. Louis (BAMSL), World Trade Center, St. Louis, Chamber of Commerce organizations, non-profit groups, and women business owner groups. Nalini is no stranger to the world of social media – she blogs, tweets, and has informational videos on YouTube talking on valuable topics related to the areas of her law practice.

LEDA RILEY

Leda Riley has been a vital member of the Magic House team since 2017. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from St. Louis University, Leda became deeply involved in the World Traveler Gallery, which opened in the summer of 2018. Since then, she has played a key role in exhibit design, community engagement, and developing educational programming centered around cultural exhibits both at the Museum and throughout the broader St. Louis community.

One of Leda’s notable achievements came in 2018 when she led the successful Kenya Kids project at the Magic House. This immersive exhibit allowed thousands of St. Louis children and their teachers to discover what life is like for children in Kenya, a country rich in both technological advancements and longstanding traditions. The exhibit created five interactive environments where children could explore the similarities and differences between their lives and those of children in Kenya. Since then, Leda has continued to celebrate Kenyan culture by organizing the Jamhuri Day celebration every summer for Kenyan children at the Magic House.

Leda’s passion for education and cultural exploration drove her to further her studies. In May 2022, she completed a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute in Chicago, with a specific focus on the impact of cultural exhibits on early childhood development. Her research delved into how imaginative play within cultural settings fosters social and emotional learning in young children.

Leda’s dedication to enriching the lives of children through cultural understanding has left a lasting impact on both the Magic House and the St. Louis community. Her work continues to inspire curiosity, empathy, and global awareness in the young minds she touches.

MENTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD – MSHAURI AWARD
ONADIPE ADENKULE

Dr Adekunle Onadipe is a retired scientist and people manager with more than 35 years’ experience in the development and production of biopharmaceuticals using microbial and mammalian cell culture technology. From 2006 to 2023, he was an Associate Research Fellow in Bioprocess R&D, Cell Line Development at Pfizer Inc., St Louis, Missouri, where he led scientists responsible for the development of mammalian and microbial cell cultures for biotherapeutic drugs and vaccines production.

Dr Onadipe joined Pfizer Limited, Sandwich UK in 2005 in Discovery Biology with responsibility for optimizing cell culture processes to produce cell-based assay reagents. Prior to this, he worked for 15 years at Lonza Biologics plc., Slough UK where he was a Principal Group Leader whose group was responsible for developing biopharmaceutical drugs for large, medium and small biopharmaceutical companies.

Dr Onadipe is a microbiologist by training. He obtained a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Benin, Nigeria and a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Surrey, Guildford UK. 

During his 35-year career, Dr Onadipe made impactful contributions to the development of a number of FDA approved biopharmaceutical drugs, including Zenapax for prevention of kidney transplant rejection, Ajovy for treatment of migraines, Mylotarg for acute myeloid leukemia, Besponsa for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Prevnar 20 vaccine for pneumonia, Trumenba vaccine for meningitis B, and COMIRNATY® mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.5 variant. Vaccines in clinical trials include a Lyme disease vaccine and a vaccine against Group B Streptococcus infection of newborn babies.

Away from the laboratory, Dr Onadipe led the Global Black Community, a Pfizer St Louis Colleague Resource Group for 8 years. This is a group of Pfizer colleagues who are committed to the recruitment of Black talent into Pfizer, educating all Pfizer colleagues about Black history and culture, advocating for Black talent in Pfizer, inspiring the younger Black generation to explore STEM careers, and earning greater respect in society by contributing positively to the Black community outside Pfizer. Dr Onadipe is a member of the St Louis Community College Foundation Board and has been a member of the Project Lead The Way Advisory Committees for Wentzville, Pattonville, Hazelwood, Ferguson & Florissant School Districts.

Dr Onadipe is passionate about encouraging Black students to pursue STEM careers. He takes every opportunity to interface with, advice and mentor students. He mentors undergraduate, graduate, doctorate and post doctorate scientists through the American Society for Microbiology and the SHINE (STEM HBCU Industry Network Exchange) Mentee Programs.

IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR AWARD – MJASIRIAMALI AWARD
TAPIWA MUPELEKI AND FAITH NKOMO-JEWEL RIDE

Tapiwa Mupereki is the Co-Founder and CEO of JewelRide, a healthcare mobility company based out of Edwardsville, IL. JewelRide works on improving access to healthcare in the IL Metro East region and the greater St Louis metro area through provision of non-emergency medical transportation for people going to a variety of medical appointments. Tapiwa and his wife, Dr Rutendo Faith Nkomo founded JewelRide in September 2019 after realizing how transportation constraints critically affected how people accessed their medical appointments. Dr. Nkomo is currently the Chief Medical Advisor for JewelRide. He has previously worked on large scale global health programs including leading technical assignments and presentations in Africa, Europe and the United States. He has also practiced pharmacy with CVS and Walgreens in the past. 

Tapiwa started his career as a pharmacist in his native Zimbabwe at the country’s largest referral center, Parirenyatwa group of hospitals where his love for public health blossomed. He is a board member of Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA), a St Louis, MO based organization working on lifting people out of extreme poverty.

 In June 2024, JewelRide was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion award by the NAACP Edwardsville branch in recognition for the efforts to build a diversified and dedicated workforce. In October 2022, Tapiwa was given the Excellence in Edwardsville award by Mayor Art Risavy for his contribution to the community. He holds an MS in International Health Policy and Management from The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Boston, MA where he was also nominated to be the commencement speaker on behalf of his graduating class of 2011.

 In a space of about four and half years, Tapiwa has led JewelRide to a current staff of 30 diligent team members coming from diverse social and professional backgrounds. Tapiwa believes that JewelRide will continue to grow and positively impact lives locally and beyond.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD
GREATER ST. LOUIS INC.

Greater St. Louis, Inc. was founded on January 1, 2021, combining the strengths of five legacy civic organizations into one that is unified around a common vision and strategy for fostering inclusive economic growth in the 15-county St. Louis bi-state metropolitan area.

The organization represents a best-in-class, evidence-based framework to align, structure, and invest significant resources to create a St. Louis regional economy that is both more competitive and more inclusive.  By working collaboratively, we aim to build regional capacity to create high-quality jobs, drive an economic agenda focused on long-term growth, and have the greatest collective community impact.­

Greater St. Louis, Inc. is guided by a CEO-led board of directors, and supported by regional businesses of all sizes, from small storefronts to global brands. 

CHARITY IKPE

Charity Ikpe is an accomplished and dedicated professional currently serving as the Air Dominance, Mechanical Structural Engineering (MSE) Capability Leader at the Boeing Company. In this role, she leads a team of 23 Mechanical engineers across various programs, including F/A-18, F/A-15, T-7A, MQ-25B, VC-25B, and proprietary programs. She is also MSE staffing focal in which she interview & hires mechanical engineers from various hiring events to meet the resources needed across the entire Air Dominance organization. With over 5 years of experience at Boeing, Charity initially joined the company as an F/A-18 A-D structural engineer. There, she provided structural analysis to support aircraft sustainment and modification for the Navy, focusing on areas such as the forward fuselage, outer wing, inner wing, and control surfaces.

 Charity’s exceptional skills and expertise were recognized, leading her to take on the role of Boeing Global Services Engineering Realignment Program Manager, reporting directly to the Vice President/Chief Engineer. In this capacity, she successfully aligned functional and capability leaders with changes implemented across the Boeing enterprise. Additionally, Charity served as the BGS F/18 Super Hornet Project Manager, overseeing more than 60 Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) with a revenue exceeding $37 million. She effectively managed integrated resources for both BGS and BDS, collaborating with engineers, project and program managers, as well as finance professionals to address areas of need and ensure timely program deliverables.

 Prior to joining Boeing, Charity spent a decade at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where she began as a Satellite Systems Engineer. Her contributions included supporting the deorbit of ERBS, participating in the launch and early orbit operations for Space Shuttle Discovery on the historic Return to Flight mission (STS-114), and serving as a thermal structural engineer on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Charity presented at the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) for the JWST project.

Charity is deeply committed to promoting racial equity in her community and within at the Boeing company. She was selected as one of the 25 Racial Equity Task Force founding member across the Boeing Enterprise. From Sept 2020 to 2022, she provided guidance to the Steering Team, which includes CEOs from various divisions, the Chief Legal Officer, Chief Human Resource Officer, Chief Government Operations Officer, and Chief Communications Officer. Her insights and contributions help shaped the Boeing strategy for racial equity.

Charity holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. She recently achieved her Technical Leadership Certification from Washington University and is currently pursuing her studies in the Executive Masters International Business (EMIB) program at St Louis University. In recognition of her accomplishments, Charity received the prestigious 2020 Women of Color Technology Rising Star Award.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Charity is a devoted wife and a mother to Kayla & Gabriel, ages 13 &12. After taking a six-year career break to raise her two children, she founded Engineers In Heels, a 501c3 STEAM organization aimed at exposing underrepresented students to STEAM education in the USA and Nigeria. In 2019 she and her children spent 2 months in Nigeria, running STEM camps. They also raised funds to provide school benches & desk for 155 students in a disadvantaged school. Charity is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and actively participates in Boeing’s K-12 STEM community outreach initiatives. She is currently coaching First Lego League Challenge team of 9 students that meets out of her house on Friday evenings.

Charity is a devoted Christian and a member of the Apostolic Faith Church, STL. She has been in her church choir all of her life and also plays the flute in the orchestra. In her spare time, Charity enjoys playing & singing with her family music ensemble. She also showcases her creativity by baking and decorating beautiful wedding cakes. Her dedication to her community and passion for youth STEAM education make her a true inspiration.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – HUDUMA YA JAMII
MICHELLE KURIA

Michelle Kuria is a senior at Hazelwood West High School, where she excels academically and actively contributes to her school community. Outside of school, Michelle is committed to Vitendo 4 Africa’s Art Therapy program, where she has served as Program Coordinator for the past two years. In this role, she leads children through activities designed to help them express their emotions and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Her ultimate goal leading the program is to destigmatize mental health within the African community, starting with the youth.

Beyond Art Therapy, Michelle co-founded Start Your Path STL, an initiative aimed at connecting immigrants and refugees with local nonprofits while informing the community on the cultures that reside in St. Louis. As Social Media Coordinator, she has educated peers, managed outreach, and amplified community voices.

Michelle’s dedication to service, leadership, and culture drives her efforts. With her experience, she aspires to pursue a career in Public Relations, where she hopes to promote authenticity and sincerely tell the stories of others.

SAMUEL MOKWA

Samuel Mokwa is a senior at Pattonville High School and a dedicated mentee in the Vitendo 4 Africa (V4A) mentorship program. Born in St. Louis to Congolese immigrant parents, Samuel draws inspiration from his father, whose influence has shaped his strong commitment to community service and leadership.

As a key member of V4A’s TRACTION team, Samuel played a pivotal role in leading a highly successful road safety campaign in the St. Louis region. This work earned the team the prestigious Show Me Zero Award from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Despite his busy schedule, Samuel finds time to volunteer at his church, assisting in both the technology and youth programs. He also lends his skills to his high school’s backpack program and enjoys hobbies like photography and car repair. Samuel has completed several leadership programs, including the UMSL Bridge Program and FOCUS Youth Leadership, and currently works as a construction assistant intern at Millstone Weber.

Samuel plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, with aspirations to continue making a positive impact on his community.

CHRISTIANNA SOLANKE

Christianna is an inspiring young leader dedicated to making a positive impact in her community. Over the past five years, she has played a key role in Vitendo 4 Africa’s Annual Gala and special events, showcasing her commitment to service. Her involvement with the African Chamber of Commerce St. Louis highlights her skills in outreach and community engagement.

As a member of the award-winning V4A TRACTION team, Christianna has helped raise road safety awareness among non-English speakers, demonstrating her passion for advocacy. She has actively campaigned for local candidates running for office, reflecting her passion for civic engagement. Additionally, her volunteer work at an animal shelter and multiple internships reflect her desire for personal growth and service.

In addition to her volunteer efforts, Christianna excels in youth empowerment and mentorship, often taking on leadership roles. Her participation in the FOCUS Youth Leadership program, where she collaborated on a mental health advocacy project, illustrates her dedication to important social issues. Currently, she is part of the Outdoor Youth Corps program at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where she partners with organizations like Great Rivers Greenway to create a more sustainable environment, such as removing invasive honeysuckles from their trails.

As a senior in high school, Christianna is preparing to further her education in political science and international affairs and relations, aiming to continue her journey as a leader and advocate for change. Christianna has enjoyed her time with V4A, appreciating the numerous opportunities it has given her, and the chance to meet other people her age, especially from all over the state.

DADIE KAGARAMA

Daddie Kagarama is a dedicated leader and co-founder of the Missouri Rwandan Community Association, a vital organization that fosters community development and cultural exchange among Rwandans in St. Louis, Illinois, and Columbia. Her leadership in organizing meetings and events has helped connect the Rwandan community with essential resources in the region. As the treasurer of the association, she oversees financial management and project coordination, ensuring the success of various initiatives.

Daddie’s leadership extends beyond her own community, as she has played a key role on the organizing team for the Vitendo 4 Africa (V4A) annual gala for several years. Her commitment and contributions to the African community in St. Louis are truly a blessing to the region. Dadie also volunteers with other organizations like The Big Brother and big sister of Eastern Missouri to mentor young people in the region.  

In addition to her community work, Daddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology and serves as a Senior Analyst at Envirologix Biotechnology.

EMERGING LEADERS AWARD – KIONGOZI AWARD
ANNE SANKALE

Anne Sankale is a senior at Fort Zumwalt East High School and a distinguished mentee in the Vitendo 4 Africa (V4A) mentorship program. A dynamic student leader, Anne has consistently championed inclusivity and driven meaningful change through her various leadership roles. As President of the Student Council, she initiated the school’s first-ever Multicultural Night, celebrating the rich diversity of over 20 nationalities. She also launched programs like Unified Kickball, which provides opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to engage in sports.

In her role as Youth Project Manager for V4A, Anne has led impactful road safety campaigns aimed at non-English-speaking members of the African immigrant community. This work earned the team the prestigious Show Me Zero Award from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

She also founded the Fort Zumwalt East TRACTION club, dedicated to promoting road safety awareness among young drivers. Through creative initiatives such as prom safety assemblies and video news platforms, the club reached over 2,000 students and staff, making a lasting impact on the school’s culture of safety.

Anne’s commitment to leadership extends beyond her school. She is an active participant in several prestigious programs, including FOCUS St. Louis, Youthbridge Youth Empowerment, and the 4-H Missouri Youth Program. She has also served on the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank’s Student Board of Directors, gaining valuable insights into economic and financial equity.

Anne’s dedication to community service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Missouri  Show Me Service Youth Volunteer of the Year award, the President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award,  Essence of PPI Award, and the V4A Emerging Leader Award. Her unwavering commitment to creating positive change continues to inspire those around her.  

ISMAIL BOTCHWAY

Freshman, Washington University in St. Louis
Founder, Bowties By Botchway

Ismail Botchway is a young entrepreneur with a passion for empowering young men through his company, Bowties By Botchway, which inspires them to dress for and achieve success. As a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis, Ismail is majoring in Political Science on a Pre-Law track, and he is a prestigious John B. Ervin Scholar.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ismail has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Legislative Chair of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. St. Louis Chapter, and President of the St. Louis Kappa League. He currently serves as the Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, representing over 8,000 students, and has interned at Armstrong Teasdale LLP for two consecutive summers.

Ismail’s commitment to social impact extends beyond his school and community. After a tragic shooting at his high school, he co-founded Community St. Louis, a diversity and inclusion organization that now provides mental health resources to over 1,500 students. Additionally, he co-founded the Conflict Resolution Center of St. Louis Student Led Peer Mediation program, promoting conflict resolution in public and charter schools.

Among his many accolades, Ismail has been awarded the 2023 Yale Bassett Award for Community Engagement and the 2024 Princeton Prize in Race Relations. He also serves on the Saint Louis City Board of Alderman Youth Council and is the inaugural Youth Grant Reviewer for the Saint Louis Mental Health Board, playing a pivotal role in funding youth violence prevention programs, including appropriating over $3.6 million in collaboration with the St. Louis City Office of Violence Prevention.

Ismail aspires to become a litigation and corporate attorney, with the long-term goal of developing state and federal policies that address equitable healthcare, affordable housing, and education for underserved communities..

ADJO HONSOU

Adjo Honsou’s culinary journey intertwines her heritage with her passion for food. Immigrating to the United States from Togo, West Africa at the age of fourteen, she faced the challenge of preserving her cultural cuisine while adapting to her new home in rural Missouri and later, St. Louis.

Adjo was introduced to the art of cooking traditional West African dishes by her grandmother, and as a result, her culinary skills flourished at a young age. However, sourcing authentic African ingredients in Missouri proved to be a formidable task. Undeterred, she embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation, tirelessly researching and discovering local substitutes to recreate the flavors of her homeland. 

Today, Adjo proudly shares her love for West African cuisine with the St. Louis community and beyond. Two years ago, she realized her dream, by creating FUFU n’ Sauce, her own food truck showcasing Togolese specialties at local events and festivals.

Driven by a mission to foster cultural connection and culinary delight, Adjo aims to provide a gateway for the African diaspora to rediscover their roots through authentic West African flavors. Her culinary creations reflect her dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation. Among her signature dishes stands her award-winning Oxtail Palm Nut Stew, a tantalizing fusion of oxtail, aromatic curry spice, palm nut puree, and fiery habanero peppers.

Adjo Honsou’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of food to transcend borders and unite communities in celebration of heritage and taste. 

HUMANITARIAN AWARD – SHUJAA AWARD
URBAN LEAGUE 

The Urban League of St. Louis was founded in 1918, a year after the East St. Louis race riot, by a group of black and white St. Louisans united in response to the racial tensions and challenges the black community faced. Many African Americans, impacted by the riot, fled to St. Louis, adding to the growing number of southern migrants moving north in search of better opportunities. However, they encountered significant hardships—limited housing, substandard schools, inadequate healthcare, and scarce job opportunities, all amid rising racial tensions. In 1917, St. Louis had even passed a segregation ordinance, which was later ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Under these oppressive conditions, the Urban League began its mission to improve the lives of African Americans in the city. The organization sought to help new arrivals adapt to urban life and ease racial, social, and legal tensions. Its strategy has always been research-driven, ensuring that actions were well-planned and targeted toward addressing the community’s most pressing needs.

Over the decades, the Urban League of St. Louis evolved from a social service organization to one that encompasses a broad range of services, including educational excellence, economic empowerment, community development, and civil rights advocacy. Today, it remains a pillar in the fight for racial equality and community strengthening. The League offers a “Roadmap to Equality” through its partnerships with corporations, government, and civic leaders.

Remarkably, the St. Louis League is now the largest Urban League affiliate in the nation, the first to earn a five-star rating, and one of only two that operates across two states—Illinois and Missouri. It serves over 100,000 people annually through 16 facilities and 45 different programs, continuing to lead the way in strengthening communities and diffusing racial tensions.

V4A AMBASSADOR AWARD – BALOZI AWARD
ROSE NJENGA

Rose Njenga is a dedicated mental health nurse in St. Louis with a passion for mentoring children and youth. Originally a teacher in Kenya, she transitioned to nursing upon relocating to the US, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Rose is certified in mental health first aid in Missouri and holds certifications in child psychology and counseling for children and young adults.

As the founder of Girls of Worth, Rose has been instrumental in leading dialogues between immigrant parents and their children, fostering stronger relationships within the community. A staunch advocate for mental health, she has been championing mental health first aid training to dispel stigma, particularly within the African immigrant community.

Rose’s contributions extend beyond her profession. She has facilitated the donation of over twenty wheelchairs and walkers, organized Kenyan National holiday celebrations for local youth, and supported students at Hazelwood West High School by representing Kenya at the Festival of Nations. Rose’s commitment to nurturing her cultural heritage is also evident in her involvement with the F4KIDZ program, where she teaches children about Kenyan language, culture, and gardening.

Her selfless dedication was notably displayed when, despite not planning to attend, she volunteered to accompany children on a trip to the White House, personally covering her expenses to ensure their experience was successful.

Her efforts have inspired her children, Geoffrey and Margaret Njenga, who are actively involved in the community and recipients of Vitendo Awards. In recognition of her service, Rose was named the 2015 Vitendo 4 Africa Volunteer of the Year, earning the respect and admiration of her peers, church family, and the wider St. Louis community.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD- ATHARI LA JAMII 

CART McCOY

Art McCoy, Ph.D., is a champion of children and individuals in need, a nationally recognized educator, speaker, author, innovator, entrepreneur, and consultant who is sought out by private and public sector leaders to drive change in education, workforce development, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives. 

As a leader, consultant, advisor, and mediator for private and public organizations, he has advised, consulted, and keynoted for thousands of organizations including,

  • Corporations including Cigna/Express Scripts, Centene, Commerce Bank, Daugherty Business Solutions, World Wide Technology, Mental Health America, Brookings Institute, Washington University.
  • Government Agencies such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Association, Mental Health America, US Health and Human Services, Center for Law and Social Policy, Protection & Enforcement Depts including St. Louis City and County PD, Eureka and Robertson Fire Protection Districts.
  • State departments of education, thousands of universities, K12 school districts, and non-profits in the U.S., Kenya, South Africa, United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Canada, and beyond.

As an education trailblazer, at age 19, McCoy earned his Bachelor of Science, becoming the youngest certified teacher in Missouri. By age 33, he became the youngest Missouri Superintendent/CEO of a mid/large district, Ferguson-Florissant School Districts first Black CEO, and a leader for Harvard’s Pathways to Prosperity.

Dr. McCoy served as an advisor to the Missouri House and Senate, Superintendent-in-Residence and Chief Academic Officer of the MIND Research Institute and Base 11, serving over 1 million students and 2,500 schools and colleges across America.

In February of 2016, Dr. McCoy was named Superintendent of Jennings School District. Under his leadership, Jennings has achieved 97% to 100% graduation, career and college placement rates multiple years. In July 2021, Dr. McCoy retired from Jennings and was named Superintendent Emeritus and Saint Louis University Distinguished Research Fellow & Superintendent in Residence.

Dr. McCoy founded the non-profit SAGES (Severing Achievement Gaps Existing in Society) and SAGES LLC, raising over $40 million to sustain and increase student innovation initiatives such as homeless shelters, food hubs, community centers and centers for healing engagement and parent-child interaction therapy, and more. He authored numerous articles, two books, and was featured in over 100 TV Interviews.

Dr. McCoy sits on more than 35 public and private sector boards and centers, driving change on the national, state and local level, including Commerce Bank, Johns Hopkins University ALACRITY Center of Health and Long-term Illness, the MUNY, Boy Scouts of America, Mental Health America, BJC St. Louis Children’s Hospital & Benefit and Health Improvement Committee Chair, Martin Luther King and the King Family Legacy Plus Foundation, and a multi-year term as U.S. Navy Ambassador

He has received over 50 prestigious awards for his work in schools, businesses, communities, including: Ambassador Andrew J. Young Award” for The Ethics Project &  Jackson State University; “Keeping the Flame Award”: United Negro College Fund; “40 Leaders Under 40” (2013) and Diverse Business Leader of the Year (2016)” St. Louis Business Journal; National Bar Association Sankofa Awardee (2014); Ameren

Thanksgiving Parade Honorary Grand Marshall (2021), MLK Jr. Drum Major for Justice Awardee by theMissouri MLK JR Holiday Commission (2023), and now this prestigious award. Most importantly, Dr. McCoy is a dedicated minister, father, and husband of 30 years as of 2024.

CARLOS SUAREZ

Carlos Suarez is the Director of Economic Development at the International Institute of St. Louis, where he leads efforts to expand access to capital for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs through microloans. His work not only fosters financial empowerment but also drives regional prosperity by ensuring that organizations, businesses, and government agencies prioritize language access and inclusivity. Through these initiatives, Carlos has helped make St. Louis more welcoming and accessible for diverse communities.

In addition to his role at the Institute, Carlos serves as President of the United Nations Association of Saint Louis, a position he assumed after being actively involved since 2010. Under his leadership, the association has championed advocacy for the United Nations’ mission and the promotion of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through his work, Carlos has inspired local engagement in global issues, encouraging individuals and organizations to take action in support of sustainable development, human rights, and peace.

Carlos Suarez’s leadership in both organizations highlights his commitment to creating an inclusive, economically vibrant region while fostering global awareness and cooperation.

 

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