Board of Directors
Aanu-Oluwapo Adewusi
Founding Director
Aanu-Oluwapo (Ruth) Adewusi serves as the Founder of WoMen of Connections Ministry, Inc., a Non-Profit organization dedicated to providing educational resources and services to families. Her passion lies in fostering unity and growth within the community while offering essential resources to those in need. Aanu is deeply committed to ensuring the success of students, regardless of their backgrounds, as she firmly believes in the power of education to transform lives.Through WoMen of Connections Ministry, Inc., she is making a tangible difference, in families and students at a time. Her dedication serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of every individual, we can indeed transform lives and build stronger, more vibrant communities.Aanu-Oluwapo (Ruth) Adewusi’s story is one of inspiration and empowerment, a testament to what can be achieved when someone wholeheartedly commits to a cause they believe in. Through her leadership and the work of Women of Connections Ministry, Inc., she is helping to shape a brighter future for us all, one filled with unity, growth, and educational opportunities for every family in need.
Christopher Olukayode Akinola
Treasurer
Mr. Akinola is actively involved in the Nigerian community, serving as a Facebook administrator for the Nigerian Community: Richmond Chapter. This experience indicates his dedication to promoting and connecting people within his community.His past involvement as a president of the Akowonjo chapter of L.I.O.N.S. Club International demonstrates his leadership skills and commitment to serving the community.
O. Deborah Afolayan
Secretary
O. Deborah Afolayan’s educational background in media arts production, along with her five years of service as the Secretary for the Board of Directors, make her an integral part of WoMen of Connection. Her skills in documenting events, her behind-the-scenes contributions, and her deep understanding of the organization’s mission reflect her dedication to furthering its objectives and supporting students’ futures.
Adriana F. Estevez
Board of Director/Lawyer
Adriana F. Estevez combination of legal expertise, commitment to community service, and language skills positions her as a well-rounded professional who is not only dedicated to her legal practice but also to making a positive impact in the local community through her involvement with WoMen of Connection Ministry.
Rexford Anson-Dwamena
Practicum/Internship supervisor
Rexford Anson-Dwamena’s educational background and professional experience demonstrate his dedication to public health and epidemiology. His diverse educational journey, ranging from an associate degree to a master’s in public health, highlights his commitment to learning and advancing in his field. Rexford has also served as a Practicum/Internship supervisor at Women of Connections Ministry, a non-profit organization. This role likely involves mentoring and supervising students or interns as they gain practical experience in public health or related fields.
Advisory Committee
Dr. Yvette Efevbera
Public Health Advisor
Dr. Yvette vision is to create a world where adolescents, youth, and women are healthy, happy, unafraid, and unapologetic. Her aim is to do 1) advancing adolescents’, youth, and women’s health and development and 2) creating policy, systems, and structures that support adolescents’, youth, and women’s needs in the ways that resonate with communities. With WoMen Of Connection Ministry, she provides Support and Resources to aid Academic Achievement to the Public Health Practicum Students.
Martin H. Williams
Advisory Committee
Mr. Williams has been an educator in Virginia for the past 21 years and 2 years in Bertie, North Carolina teaching Technology Education. He holds 17 years of coaching experience in football and track and field, as well as 4 years of coaching experience in basketball, having served as head coach for a collective 12 years. He hopes that his contributions to WoMen of Connection Ministries provide “quality education in the area of biblical wisdom for all mankind”. He is certified in Principles of Technology I and II and holds certification as a Project Lead the Way instructor.
Robert Henry
Education and Training Committee Member Director
Robert has over twenty years of experience in Workforce Development as well as working with Youth Leadership Development. He has worked in a variety of capacities in both the public and private sectors providing oversight and support to those seeking greater employment opportunities. Robert has been a Career Center manager at the Richmond Resource Workforce Center and a Manager for the Training and Development Corp. Robert is currently the Virginia Community College System – Workforce Development Services (VCCS-WDS) WIOA Youth Program Coordinator. He is a customer-focused workforce development professional who is passionate about youth and has devoted his career to making life better for others.
Dr. Verlean Haylen
Advisory Committee
Founder of MySisterCare, Inc. in 1988 which is a witnessing, optimizing, mentoring, educating and networking ministry for women destined for leadership. The ministry initiatives supported existing social services programs by servicing women who were falling through the cracks and suffering with domestic violence issues, substance abuse, mental illness and breast cancer. MySisterCare, Inc was very effective in encouraging one-on-one mentor relationships with volunteers from local churches of various denominations. MySisterCare, Inc now partners with WoMen of Connection to assist women and their children with English as a Second Language (ESL) literacy and spiritual growth.
Omer Kounga
Advisory Committee
Mr. Kounga is fluent in English, French, Beti, and Spanish. He has lived in the United States since 2006. He was a member of Virginia Union University’s Political Science Honor Society and Pre-Law Society since 2016, as well as holding the position of Senior Class Senator since 2016. Also, in 2016, he was a Lobbyist Intern and Campaign Staff for David Bailey Associates attending political events and weekly general assemblies.
Ken Jungersen
Project Management
Extensive experience in human services. Creativity, adaptability, and a collaborative team spirit are my hallmarks. Dubbed the “Modern Indiana Jones” by a local newspaper, my skills and talents are as diverse as my abodes which range from the Amazonian rainforest to the outskirts of New York City.
ELAINE LOOMIS
Academic Advisor
BA from Mount Holyoke College MA with a Degree in Zoology. 1960 Registry in Laboratory Medicine from Doctors Hospital in Washington DC 1961 Private Tutor from 1984 to the present in the Richmond area. In my desire for Lifelong Learning, I own and listen to college level Great Courses from The Teaching Company covering a wide range of subjects.
Medical Committee
Grace and Holy Trinity Missionary Team
Vision Screen
Grace and Holy Trinity Missionary Team is underscored by their ability to collaborate effectively with the WoMen Of Connections Ministry, their dedication to extending their expertise to those who may not have access to vision care.
Dr. Althea McDonald
Dental Screen
Dr. Althea McDonald’s professionalism shines through in her ability to collaborate effectively with the WoMen Of Connections and her commitment to extending her expertise to those who may not have easy access to dental care.
Dr. Robyn Browne
Audio Screen
Dr. Robyn Browne serves on our medical team with selfless efforts align with the mission of improving the health and happiness of women and families within the community, making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.