ABOUT US
TWO FAMILIES, ONE VISION
Umu Igbo Unite (UIU) was founded when the two Okpukpara and Anadu families decided to address the cultural, professional, and social needs of 1st generation Igbo Americans in the Diaspora.
UIU is the primary network of young professional Igbo Americans. The non-profit 501(c) (3) organization provides support to Igbos in the diaspora and back home. The organization currently has over 13 chapters and more than 1,000 members.
UIU Tristate was birthed from the dedication and hard work of the first chapter leader, Ugochukwu Igbokwe. Feeling inspired after the 2015 convention, our leader made it a point of duty to build a community for Igbo people who wanted to move the culture forward. UIU Tristate boasts of over x members and hosts informative panels, social gatherings, Igbo lessons, and engages in charity work in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
MEET OUR TEAM
Get to know all of the wonderful people who make amazing things happen!
AMAKA
Hi everyone! My name is Amaka and I am from Anambra State, currently working in New York City. I work in digital marketing as well as the nonprofit sector. This year I plan to engage more with current and prospective UIU Tristate members, creating the best Igbo experience for you all.
Fun fact: I read 69 books last year! This year I plan on going with the flow- which means I'll more than likely read twice as much. Wish me luck!
MEET OUR TEAM
Get to know all of the wonderful people who make amazing things happen!
AMAKA
Hi everyone! My name is Amaka and I am from Anambra State, currently working in New York City. I work in digital marketing as well as the nonprofit sector. This year I plan to engage more with current and prospective UIU Tristate members, creating the best Igbo experience for you all.
Fun fact: I read 69 books last year! This year I plan on going with the flow- which means I'll more than likely read twice as much. Wish me luck!
CHI
Chi's Bio will go here.
AMAKA
Chido's Bio goes here.
MEET OUR TEAM
Get to know all of the wonderful people who make amazing things happen!
CHUKA
President
Hi everyone, my name is Ogochukwu but everyone calls me Chuka! My family hails from Anaocha LGA, Anambra State. I'm currently a Healthcare Informatics Principal Supervisor for a large hospital system in New Jersey. I also run an events & consumer business and co-chair a NGO in Nigeria. I’m excited & honor to serve as UIU Tristate President for 2020. My goal for this year is to build a stronger tristate community, deliver high value based events, finds meaningful ways to stay connected to our culture & grow our professional networks.
Fun Fact: I enjoy planning travel trips. So far I've travelled to 29 of the 50 states and visited 12 countries and counting!
Instagram: @Chukalisious
CHISOM
Treasurer
I studied Engineering and Computer Science at Duke and now apply my skills to the financial sector here in NY.
I am currently pursuing a masters in Computer Science at Columbia University while working full time.
Whenever I do manage to get some free time, I can be seen shadow boxing in Krav Maga classes, or designing my dream home on pinterest.
Fun Fact: My high school was a 900 year old castle in a small town in Wales.
Instagram: @chisomamalunweze
MUNA
Vice President
I'm Muna & I'm from Awka, Anambra State; and currently live in Manhattan where I work as a Financial due diligence Senior Associate at a Big Four Accounting firm. I hope to serve the Chapter by organizing our financial position and outlook to provide clarity and drive prudent decision making.
Fun fact: Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki and Pawpaw) once filmed a few scenes of one
of their movies in our living room in Enugu State.
Instagram: @muna__10
NINA
Public Relations Officer
I'm originally from Virginia and moved to New York in 2015. I currently work as a Clinical Scientist for Mount Sinai Hospital. I recently earned my Master's in Biomedical Science and I'm currently in the process of transitioning into the Biotechnology industry. I joined the UIU Tri-State chapter in 2019 and volunteered as a committee member in both the Events Coordinator and Public Relations boards. As the new Public Relations Officer, my goals are to continue to build our social media presence and increase engagement throughout our various platforms by assisting in events promotion, sharing relevant cultural content, and spotlighting our members. I look forward to our 2020 and appreciate the opportunity to serve you!
Fun Fact: I spend most of my free time writing both short stories and music--ss well as dancing. I hope to one day publish a novel and maybe even release an EP!
Instagram: @alwaysnini3
UGO
Secretary
My name is Ugo. I’m excited to be your Secretary for 2020! I grew up in the DMV; but I was born and currently reside in New Jersey. My family is from Old Umuahia of Abia State. I’m pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences and work as a Biology Specialist for an international pharmaceutical company.
Fun fact: One of my side hustles in high school was calligraphy!
Instagram: @ugoomero
IFY
Membership Chair
I am from Newark, New Jersey. I have a degree in Biology, Psychology and a certification in Leadership from New Jersey City University (NJCU) and I'm currently furthering my education in the healthcare profession. Since I've been with UIU Tri-State, I've been with the Activities Committee for two years and was even determined to make sure our first Legacy Gala a success, in which it was a success. Please help me help me to grow our community and preserve our culture so that we can continue to shine as the proud Igbo people that we are. Thank you.
Fun Fact: I was on the Dr. Oz show
Instagram: @naija_ladi
CHIAMAKA
Membership Chair
My name is Chiamaka and I’m originally from Anambra state. I’m a Family nurse practitioner here in New York state and also your fellow UIU tristate member. As community service chair, I’m looking forward to working closely with you all in order give back to communities near and dear to us, be it back home in Nigeria or right here in our back yard.
Fun fact: My fav hobbies include curling up with a good book, dancing, trying new foods!
Instagram: @chi.so.lovely
IFEANYI
Events Coordinator
I work as a financial advisor with New York Life Insurance & New York Life Securities where l assists individuals on how to tax diversify their earnings in a non-traditional form of investing. I’ve previously, worked as an investment banker providing accredited foreign nationals the opportunity to invest in projects under the EB-5 Program. I was responsible for sales of private placement funds for domestic-based foreign investors. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Berkeley College with a concentration in Financial Services and completed the first year of my MBA from Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business. I hold FINRA’s SIE, Series 7 and 63 licenses as well as the Life insurance license.
Fun fact: For a cardio workout, I prefer soccer and ping-pong.
Instagram: @manodii
UGOCHI
Advisor
My name is Ugochi. I'm a Clinical analyst and a Nurse Practitioner in New York City. I split my time between NYC and NJ. I'm very passionate about the Igbo people, the community and the culture. As the chapter advisor and member, I look forward to helping the current team achieve its goals, have a very impactful year and continue to uplift the Igbo culture and community.
Fun fact: I love to travel. I'm currently obsessed with fixing houses and real estate.
Instagram: @lovely_bosslady