The African Diaspora Foundation Organization Chart
Dr. Agrippa O. Ezozo Profile
Founder and President African Diaspora Foundation
Dr. Agrippa O. Ezozo (AKA EZ) (aezozo@att.net) is the Founder and President of The African Diaspora Foundation (www.theadf.org), a 501 (C) (3) organization (officially registered in the State of California in August 17, 2001). The ADF is dedicated to Peace and Human Rights Education globally As an avid Peace and Human Rights Education advocate, Dr. Ezozo has had the honor and the privilege to be invited as a keynote speaker in countries and organizations such as: United Nations, in New York and Geneva, South Africa at the Nelson Mandela’s Foundation where he had the opportunity to meet and spoke to President Nelson Mandela. It was at the same time he had the opportunity to present the Peace and Human Rights Education plan to President Nelson Mandela’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Shubane. He also presented at the South African Council of Churches, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), KJLH Radio Station, Nigerian Television Authority (ATA), World Bank, the King Center in Atlanta, etc. During his quest to further the Peace and Human Rights Education advocacy, he also went on to meet and host heads of state and dignitaries who have supported his peace Education Movement / Advocacy, just to mention a few: Former President Jacob Zuma of South, 2003, at UCLA, former President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana 2007 in Los Angeles, Former President Antonio M. Monterio, of Cape Verde, 2007 in Los Angeles, His Excellency , Salim A. Salim, the last Secretary General of Organization of African Unity (O.A.U) 1998 Her Excellency Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quoa 2019, Late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo Former First Lady of Nigeria, 1999 in Los Angeles, Rev. Al Sharpton, 2007 in New York, Rev. Jesse Jackson, 1999 at UCLA, Mrs. Rosa Parks, 1995, in Los Angeles, at a marched for Affirmative Action, Dr. Bernard La Fayette, 2000, in New Port Beach, California, Bishop T.D. Jakes, 1996 at UCLA and many others, are too many to mentioned. Dr. Ezozo has been speaking in various topics on Peace Education. Ezozo is also a former President of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Black Faculty and Staff Association, and a former co-chair of the California Delegation to the National Summit on Africa. Dr. Ezozo was a Benefits Analyst at UCLA Health System, a former publisher of The Black Church Review magazine, and past Executive Director of the League of Patriotic Nigerians in Los Angeles, California Dr. Ezozo retired on August 10, 2022, as Human Resources Director for the UCLA Venice Family Clinic, a community health center affiliated with UCLA. Dr. Ezozo was born in Nigeria and earned a degree in public education from Wudil Teacher's College in Kano State in Nigeria and subsequently was employed as a teacher at Kundila Primary School in Kano, Nigeria. Dr. Ezozo moved to California in 1981 and attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College and later graduated from California State University at Dominguez Hills with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems. Dr. Ezozo also attended the University of California, Los Angeles where he earned an M.A. with a concentration in African Areas Studies and Public Policy. Dr. Agrippa Ezozo upon the recommendation of the Faculty of American Management University was conferred an honorary doctorate degree in Peace and Humanitarian Education on 3rd August 2024.
Dr. Sylvia Litana Ezozo Profile
Chairwoman ADF & CEO Aivlys Solutions USA Inc
Dr. Sylvia Litana Ezozo was born and raised in Zambia where she migrated to the USA in July 1985.
Upon her arrival she noticed that there was a very small diaspora from Zambia. She with a few other Zambians decided to form the first Zambian Association in WDC in the 1990sSince then, she has been a great Community Leader and role model, coach and counsellor not only to her four children, but to over 300 young ladies who she mentored/coached and taught about the Zambian culture over the years. As a Matron (Custodian of our Zambian culture) her responsibility is to teach, Educate, Mentor and guide young ladies who seek to get married, so that the ladies can be ready to know how to handle her husband and the new life or institution she’s joining in general. (follow-ups are done as needed).
Her community engagement goes far beyond tradition where she took in children of school going age as surrogate mothers when they were unable to fend for themselves. During that time, she also became a foster mother to several children. She became a Director for Women Uplifted where she works with women who are/were abused and battered and can now gallantly stand on their own and proudly speak about their success after it all. In 2018 she got involve with the founding of an organization called the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI). where she is the Global Director/Community Outreach, her job is to bring the diaspora together so communication between them is easier. So far, she has single handedly opened 67 Chapters globally and the diaspora communicates very effectively on, on-going projects globally. This has also allowed her to be part of the leadership that has taken diaspora to the continent in a bid to connect the continent and the diaspora.
Her passion for culture allowed her to partner with a gentleman who single handedly tried to put together a TV program called Afrika Plus. After the show was on the air, she also got a chance to mentor/work with many youths that needed TV training guidance as well as share the Continental African culture from different parts of the continent. Some African Embassies engaged her is being part of the cultural programs due to her passion of working with the community mostly the impressionable youth. She has since then formed her own company called Aivlys Solutions USA Inc, with branches in Zambia. DRC, and Nigeria where her goal is to bring business, and non-recourse funding through her connections and create jobs for the continent as well as development and mentorship.
After getting remarried in 2021 she moved to Palmdale, California to join her husband who is the founder and President of The African Diaspora Foundation (The ADF). where she is now the Chairwoman of this organization. She and her husband have within three years managed to donate/ship 5 containers of hospital used goods which were sent to three African countries, and she continues to do so to help the needy there. The ADF is a Peace Education Organization that allows her to facilitate and counsel refugees/misplaced persons to navigate the walls of society to get them help/resources when they need it, The ADF is also responsible for bringing all the Community Based Organizations (CBO)s under its umbrella. Under her leadership as Chairwoman, she is now working with The ADF President to get an endowment for UCLA through ADF. Her passion is to serve the community….
Dr. Sylvia Litana Ezozo upon the recommendation of the faculty of American Management University, was conferred the degree of honorary Ph.D. in Leadership and Community Development on 3rd August 2024.
Lisa Carroll
is a Physical Therapist with over 35 years of clinical and teaching experience. She started her career in New York at Burke Rehabilitation Center. She relocated to California where she held clinical and managerial positions at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.
She served as the Clinical Education Coordinator at California Children’s Services. She received her credential from the American Physical Therapy association as a Credentialed Clinical Training for Clinical Instruction in 2006. She is a certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher.
She is currently working as a consultant with UCP Wheels for Humanity, USAID, and physical therapists in the Ukraine on Strengthening Rehabilitation Services in Health Systems. She has consulted as a Physical Therapist in El Salvador and Columbia. She has volunteered as a Physical Therapist in Sierra Leone, West Africa, Tibet and Zakho, Iraq. She led a delegation of youth to Ghana, West Africa. She has been a member of the African Diaspora Foundation since 2008 and currently holds the position of Secretary.
Dr. Francis Uwagie – Ero
is a management consultant, Professor of Business/Management, engineer, and community leader.
Dr. Ero has taught graduate management and leadership courses, and his research interests include; the administration of complex organizations, politics of education, evaluation of choke points to success for underserved segments of society, enrolment management, online distance education, public budgeting/policy, and succession planning.
Professional Work As VP-Administration at The African Diaspora Foundation (ADF), Dr. Ero leads the Strategy & Management team and serves as oversight and compliance officer for the foundation. The ADF promotes peace education in the US and African diaspora, with a renewed focus on youths of African origins. Dr. Ero has served as an Investigator for, the Distance Education Task Force, for Kern Community College District, Bakersfield College, and as a Lead Investigator, for the Process Improvement Team for 320 employees, and presented to the Kern County Board of Supervisors 2005 Report. Dr. Ero has provided individual and small group education and training to teenagers from multi- ethnic backgrounds as they acquired competencies in leadership, social, and technical skills, as part of a return-to-work program, under the auspices of the JTPA, operated by the US Department of Labor. As a Business Manager for over 16 years, Dr. Ero managed annual operating budgets of about 15.0 million dollars, and capital budgets of about 7.0 million dollars.
Competency and Experience Dr. Ero received his EdD degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California. He also holds a Master of Public Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive). He is also a Certified Business Officer. Dr. Ero has made several professional presentations in the US and internationally, and received awards and commendations for his work. Dr. Ero has represented the ADF on various peace initiatives with broad stakeholders within the US, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, including both public and private entities, grantee organizations, universities, and other valued partners. Dr. Ero is currently active on several nonprofit boards and involved in many worthy efforts in his community, regional, national, and international organizations. www.theadf.org
Email: urubi.ero@gmail.com
Dr. Jenifer Chewe
is an internationally recognized leadership, business growth & emotional Fitness strategist with over 25 years of expertise in neuroscience research, emotional fitness, trauma healing, and somatic psychology. As the creator of Sovereign Identity and Entrustment Leadership, she integrates nervous system intelligence, trust-based profitability, and innovative team culture to help leaders and organizations scale with clarity, emotional coherence, and measurable results. Her frameworks have guided founders, executives, and global influencers across five continents to stay regulated under pressure, resolve conflict without power struggles, and build high-impact, high-trust cultures. She is the Founder & CEO of LineagePin, Vice President of International Relations at Lee Saidee Productions and Media Group, and Founder & President of Teresa Chibeka Helping Hand Global, a charitable organization that has run leadership development initiatives in seven countries to develop the next generation of leaders. She also leads the Women Uplifted Award Gala, honoring women who have triumphed over adversity, and serves as President of Ur-Empire Financial Group as well as Apostle & Founder of Reclaim Leadership Global Ministries. A published author, keynote speaker, and certified consultant in neuroscience, leadership, and emotional fitness, Dr. Chewe is sought after for her ability to combine brain-based science with practical business strategy—empowering leaders to create organizations that outlast trends, outlive burnout, and leave a lasting legacy.
Tawanna Heyward-Bey
is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in Human Resources, entrepreneurship, ministry, and is known globally as Coach Tawanna for her dedication to empowering diverse communities, non-profits and small businesses. A certified mentor and coach, author, and motivational speaker.
she is widely respected as a subject matter expert in supplier diversity, certifications, and government contracting, helping entrepreneurs from minority, women-owned, veterans, disabled access opportunities for growth and sustainability. With decades of ministry and community service, Tawanna brings a heart for people and passion for building strong, inclusive networks. She serves on multiple boards and mentors entrepreneurs nationwide through the SBA SCORE program. Holding an MBA, a Bachelor of Science in Management, and an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix, she continues to inspire others to pursue peace, purpose, leadership, and lasting legacy.
Dr. Linda Gray
President Corporate Connections a minority, woman-owned business that provides consulting services, information and research, non-profit management, grants management, volunteer recruitment, proposal developing, grant writing, economic development proposals, social enterprise business plan developments, community mobilization and workshops for professional development.
Dr. Victor Okhai
is an Investment Banker, film maker, media consultant, global policy analyst and business strategist. He holds a B.A in Mass communication, an Msc in Marketing (Public Relations) and a Doctorate in Business Leadership from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, He also holds a PGD in Management from the Centre for Management Development, Nigeria’s premier management institute, a post graduate qualifying diploma in Management consultancy practice and organisational transformation from the international Professional Managers Association (UK), a professional certificate in film/TV production from the University of Carlifornia Los Angeles, a Professional Diploma in Advertising from the Advertising Practitioners council of Nigeria, A Diploma in Criminal Justice administration from the University of Lagos and a certificate in German as a foreign language. He is also certified digital marketer.
He is a licensed fellow international expert consultant (cfiec) - UK, fellow certified international professional manager (fcipm) - UK, associate member - advertising practitioners of Nigeria (arpa) and the immediate past National President, Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).
Victor is a member of the Nigeria Oscars Selection Committee and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (The Emmys). He has also been President, Digital jury, Cairo International film festival, Africa Magic Viewers choice Awards, Kaduna international film festival, Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF), and member, jury for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Africa international film festival (Afriff), the Pan African film festival FESPACO Ouagadougou, Zuma international film festival and Schnitt international film festival. He is also a member of the selection panel of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), Nigeria’s Pulitzer award.
Currently the Senior Vice President, Diaspora Capital Adisors LLC, He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the Graduate School of Business Leadership of the University of South Africa, Johannesburg.
A candidate in Nigeria’s 2019 presidential election, Dr Okhai is also an in demand international keynote and public speaker in conferences around the world. His areas of interest include leadership, regional integration, film, innovation, strategy, sustainability and globalization.
Zaphira Yacef
is an Algerian artist who was born in the city of Algiers, but who now resides in Algiers and Los Angeles. She has a graduate degree in architectural design. Zaphira began painting in 1994 and since then has staged numerous exhibitions in Algeria, Canada, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Iran.
The artist has explored themes related to Islamic art and is inspired by the Quoran. This approach is at the core of the Zaphira’s work and over time her art has evolved into reflections of her life experiences and her humanitarian concerns and activities. The artist strives to create awareness, understanding and the beauty of Islam, through her art.
Zaphira is a painter and an author. She painted a series, which was included in a book she wrote, entitled Mother Africa, which depicts the plight of people living on the African continent. The faces and images presented in this exhibition portray struggle, survival and triumph. Zaphira was motivated to paint this series because of the central role of women in shaping the destiny of Africa. “Women have not only endured the inequitable wrath of the senseless violence of many conflicts, but have also acted as the guardians of millions of children, who are the innocent victims of conflict and hardship, but who more importantly, represent the future.”
In 2011 Zaphira released a book of Islamic art which is entitled, The Seed of Love and the Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God. The book contains 99 paintings which each represent one of the 99 names of God in Islam. “My objective was to portray the peace and beauty of Islam from a woman’s perspective.”
In 2018 Zaphira created an exhibit which was themed on The Silk Road. The artist painted a series of paintings in which various spices were used to create a colorful palate depicting the history of the spice trade along the Silk Road, from China to Italy, passing through Samarkand.
Zaphira has always fought for the poor and disadvantaged and has been a strong advocate for world peace and tolerance. She believes that her art can facilitate a meaningful dialogue on these and other issues. In 2012 Zaphira received a special award at the French Senate from the Association of France-EuroMediterranean, for her artistic contributions to world peace and feminism.
Contact Information:
Los Angeles Mobile: 310-849-4829 Algiers Mobile: (213)552442925 Email: zaphira1@aol.com WhatsApp: 310-849-4829 Facebook: zaphira yacef