MEET the board!
UIU Dallas 2024 Executive Board
President
KESIDE OBIELU
Keside hails from Imo State and is a Project Coordinator, your favorite MC, and a visionary leader known for fostering a culture of creativity and unity.
Fun Facts: Keside, guided by the mantra “Act well your part; that is where your honor lies”, is not only a professional powerhouse but also deeply connected to his Nigerian roots. His ambitious dream is to establish an Igbo museum in the States, blending the Igbo heritage with contemporary charm, and making a mark of cultural excellence in the diaspora.
Instagram: @keside_tmc
Vice President
CHIAMAKA OPARA
Chiamaka hails from Imo State and is a Senior Project Manager in the field of Biotechnology. Fun Facts: Chiamaka thrives in new environments and is always eager to learn something new. She is a strong advocate for women in leadership positions, especially in STEM fields. She also enjoys traveling and making memories with her family and friends.
Instagram: @chiamakaa
Treasurer
IFEANYICHUKWU IFEAGWU
Ifeanyi is from Anambra State and currently works as a stock broker.
Fun Facts: Ifeanyi makes the best Nkwobi in the DFW. No one lives the soft life like he does. When he is not working out, he enjoys voicing his opinion about why the Cowboys are the best team in the NFL and why Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Messi.
Instagram: @ifeagwu1
Public Relations Officer
STEPHANIE OTUGO
Stephanie also known as Munachi, hails from Anambra State. She is a Nurse and a self-proclaimed Chef.
Fun Facts: Stephanie was born and raised in Lagos until age 18 when she moved to the United States. She loves cooking, watching KDrama, touring different cities, and acting like Anthony Bourdain when trying out new restaurants. Her favorite downtime activities are long Facetime calls with loved ones and daydreaming about when she will win the lottery.
Instagram: @munachimuso_
Event Coordinator
JO OWOLABI
Fun Facts: Jo is a football enthusiast who loves cheering for her favorite team. She is all about good times, be it hanging out with friends, indulging in some retail therapy during shopping sprees, or hitting the town for a fantastic night out. Join us in welcoming Jo, the life of the party with a passion for fun and an unbeatable spirit.
Instagram: @Justkeep_laughing
Event Coordinator
CHIKA NWACHUKWU
Chika hails from Anambra State and is currently a Software Engineer.
Fun Facts: Chika loves meeting new people and creating new memories. He strives to be a lifelong learner in his industry and all facets of his life. Chika’s favorite Nollywood film is “ Osuofia in London” and his favorite soup is Egusi soup.
Instagram: @chikaodirinwac1
Cultural Chair
JOEL ONYIA
Joel hails from Enugu State and is currently a realtor.
Fun Facts: Joel is a former College football player and is a sports junkie. He loves everything business, cooking, and working out. Joel was born in Enugu and moved to Dallas at 8 years old in 2002.
Instagram: @joelsmyrealtor
Membership Chair
SAMANTHA ANYANWU
Samantha hails from Imo state, Mbaise babe to be exact! And is a General Dentist.
Fun Facts: Samantha is a jack of all trades. She grew up playing competitive sports such as basketball. During her time at UC Berkeley, she was a ‘dorm room’ hairstylist, specializing in styles like braids and weaves. Currently, she enjoys traveling, fashion styling, and spending time with family and friends. Samantha believes in the power of a warm smile to brighten up anyone’s day, a philosophy she carries from her work to her personal life
Instagram: @amakanne
Merchandising Chair
EMEKA MADUEKE
Emeka hails from Anambra State and is currently a visual designer/UX designer.
Fun Facts: Emeka owns a streetwear called Lagos Liv’n, and when not pushing the boundaries of design, he can be found cheering at the top of his lungs for his favorite club Chelsea FC.
Instagram: @mr.madueke
Professional Development Chair
KELECHI EKEH
Kelechi hails from Imo State and is currently a Senior Financial Analyst
Fun Facts: Kelechi is an avid traveler and is always looking for the next country to travel to. When she’s not traveling, she enjoys working out, shopping, and Sunday Funday with her friends
Instagram: @Kelechinekeh
Community Service Chair
KORTNEE OGBUEFI
Kortnee hails from Anambra State and moved to Dallas from Los Angeles in 2020. She works in Talent Acquisition and is a proud HBCU Alumna repping Howard University!
Fun Facts: Kortnee enjoys peaceful activities! This includes a day at the spa, gardening, cooking Nigerian food, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Stress is not in her vocabulary o!.
Instagram: @_koko_o
Provost
NICOLE ILOANYA
Nicole hails from Anambra State and is currently a business attorney and entrepreneur.
Fun Facts: Nicole considers herself a lifelong learner and aspiring world traveler. She is a foodie and is a former NCAA All-American triple jumper who also ran track while in law school.
Instagram: @ice.cole
Fundraising Chair
CHILEE WAYLAND
Chilee hails from Enugu State and is a Software Engineer and Consultant.
Fun Facts: Chilee has a profound love for travel, finding joy and inspiration in exploring new places and immersing in diverse cultures! She has a passion for experimenting with traditional Igbo dishes, giving them a contemporary twist and a unique style in fashion. Chilee leads a creatively diverse life, combining her successful tech career with a love for cultural pride, and a continuous pursuit of personal growth.