FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vitendo4Africa Announces 2025 Gala Award Nominees Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Community Impact

St. Louis, MO  — Vitendo4Africa (V4A), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrant and refugee families in the St. Louis region, is proud to announce the nominees for its 2025 Annual Gala Awards. The Gala, scheduled for November 1, 2025, will honor individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and service have made a meaningful impact in the community.

The nominees for the 2025 awards are:

Vitendo4Africa 2025 Gala Awardees

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE – WAKILI AWARD

World Trade Center St. Louis
WTCSL fosters international business and economic development, supporting immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and networking. Partnering with the St. Louis Mosaic Project, WTCSL promotes inclusivity, integration, and local economic growth. Their work strengthens connections between international and local communities, creating opportunities and celebrating cultural exchange.

Mayor Timothy Lowery
Mayor Timothy Lowery has served Florissant for over three decades, first as Chief of Police and then as Mayor since 2019, re-elected in 2023. His leadership emphasizes economic development, improved schools, and public safety. Mayor Lowery has strengthened connections with immigrant communities, expanded access to resources, and fostered inclusive programs like the Florissant Valley of Flowers Festival. He holds degrees in Management and Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Active in civic organizations, Mayor Lowery exemplifies leadership and community dedication.

COMMUNITY IMPACT – ATHARI LA JAMII AWARD

United Way of Greater St. Louis
United Way mobilizes resources to build equitable communities, supporting immigrant and underserved populations in healthcare, housing, and crisis response. Programs like Casa de Salud and Monarch Immigrant Services address language and cultural barriers. Their 211 Call Center ensures 24/7 access to critical services.

Jean Konde
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean Konde empowers African immigrant and refugee families through education, mentorship, and cultural programs. Fluent in five languages, he guides families, leads literacy classes, and contributes to Vitendo4Africa’s art and dance therapy programs. His leadership strengthens community bonds and supports youth empowerment.

INCLUSION AND BELONGING – UJUMUISHAJI NA MSHIKAMANO AWARD

Gilberto Pinela
Gilberto Pinela directs the Office of New Americans under Mayor Cara Spencer, connecting immigrants to resources and opportunities. A first-generation college graduate, he has co-owned a landscape company, led the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and hosted Missouri’s first non-native Latine Spanish-language TV show. His work fosters equity, inclusion, and collaboration across St. Louis communities.

Jennifer Bardot
Jennifer Bardot is an entrepreneur, publisher, and community leader empowering women through mentorship and advocacy. Founder of the GRIT Community and multiple bestselling anthologies, she leads two signature brands and serves on nonprofit boards. Her work exemplifies inclusion, resilience, and leadership.

HUMANITARIAN – SHUJAA AWARD

Eddie Ross
Eddie J. Ross, Sr. founded the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, supporting survivors of domestic violence and socio-economic challenges. He created programs teaching conflict resolution, financial literacy, and safety planning. Eddie also coordinates emergency aid for African communities, demonstrating lifelong commitment to empowerment and resilience.

MENTOR OF THE YEAR – MSHAURI AWARD

Dr. Jovita Oruwari
Dr. Oruwari is a breast surgeon, wellness advocate, and author. She directs Community Breast Health services, leads wellness and fragrance ventures, and serves on nonprofit boards. Her mentorship and community engagement advance women’s health and inspire holistic wellness practices.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT – WEZESHA AWARD

Dr. Demetrius Adams
Dr. Adams has 26 years in education, fostering diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. At Hazelwood West, he created programs like Festival of Nations and Passport Night, promoting student success and cultural enrichment.

Dr. Abdoulie Njai
Dr. Njai is an orthopedic surgery resident and public health advocate. He mentors students through STEM programs, addresses systemic inequities, and founded Bridging the Gap: Orthopaedic Surgery. His work promotes diversity and mentorship in medical leadership.

Mary Okematti
Mary Okematti, MD candidate and Vitendo4Africa mentor, founded the PALS initiative to guide aspiring medical students. She empowers youth through mentorship, workshops, and community service, advancing health equity and leadership.

IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR – MJASIRIAMALI AWARD

Betty Phiri Chibwe
Betty Phiri Chibwe, originally from Zambia, co-owns Jenny’s Diner and Stango Cuisine. She leads Vitendo4Africa’s Women Empowerment Program, mentoring women and promoting leadership. Her work drives community connection, opportunity, and economic growth.

V4A AMBASSADOR – BALOZI AWARD

Vamadu Sheriff
Vamadu Sheriff, Liberian-born nonprofit leader, directs the Career Institute at FWCA, offering vocational certifications. He mentors youth through Vitendo4Africa, co-founded ySTEM, and supports Pan-African initiatives, fostering workforce development and community unity.

COMMUNITY SERVICE – HUDUMA YA JAMII AWARD

Cheryl Walker
Cheryl Walker is a community leader, entrepreneur, and financial empowerment advocate. She provides housing, mentorship, and financial education, particularly to African immigrant communities, and promotes sustainable community development.

Kelly Rian
Kelly Rian, Ladue Horton Watkins senior, mentors youth in STEM and robotics. She excels in leadership, robotics competitions, and cultural activities while empowering immigrant youth and pursuing industrial engineering.

Edu Karanja
Edu Karanja, Hazelwood West senior, coordinates VIKA Soccer, mentors youth, and promotes civic engagement. He hosts a law and politics podcast and aspires to a career in law, blending academic achievement with community service.

Ira Rodrigues
Ira Rodrigues, Ladue Horton Watkins senior, empowers youth in public speaking and STEM. She volunteers for Vitendo4Africa’s Robotics and Coding Camp, mentors peers, and fosters confidence and creativity in students.

EMERGING LEADERS – KIONGOZI AWARD

Frank Mwangi
Frank Mwangi, Hazelwood West senior, leads in Vitendo4Africa’s Teen TRACTION program, promoting road safety and mentoring peers. Recipient of the Show-Me Zero Award, he excels academically and demonstrates leadership, compassion, and service.

Elizabeth Anyimadu
Elizabeth Anyimadu, Visitation Academy senior, advocates for youth equity and civic engagement. She serves in school and national leadership roles, mentors peers, and prepares for a career in civil rights law.

Precious Mugo
Precious Mugo, Fort Zumwalt North senior, engages in public health education through TRACTION Teens and other youth programs. She mentors peers, promotes community health, and exemplifies emerging leadership.

This year’s nominees represent the best of what our community has to offer—leaders, mentors, and advocates who inspire positive change every day,” said Geoffrey Soyiantet, Executive Director of Vitendo4Africa. “We are thrilled to honor their dedication, celebrate their impact, and highlight the diversity and strength of immigrant and refugee families in St. Louis.”

The Vitendo4Africa 2025 Gala will bring together civic leaders, business partners, and community members to celebrate resilience, cultural diversity, and the impact of collaboration. This year’s theme, “Empowering New Beginnings,” underscores the organization’s commitment to helping immigrant and refugee families thrive in their new communities.

For media inquiries, interviews, or to attend the Gala, please contact:
Geoffrey Soyiantet
Executive Director | Vitendo4Africa
📧 geoffrey@vitendo4africa.org | ☎ (314) 252-0488
🌐 www.vitendo4africa.