Chiatuogu Ukaga, RN, APRN-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner
Director of Services
As a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Labor and Delivery Nurse, Chiatuogu Ukaga (Chi)’s job gives her the opportunity to see all the stages of human life firsthand, from the time a baby is born into this world to old age, and sometimes death. As an immigrant woman, working as a Nurse Practitioner at HealthPartners Center for International Health serving refugees and immigrants from different parts of the World in the Twin Cities metropolitan area; she saw how cultural belief, religion, level of education, language barrier, and poverty impact the health outcome of individuals and families. She can relate to these factors as they impact health outcomes. Chi, is, therefore in a good position to bring about equity in the culture of health.
Having grown up in Nigeria, and living in the United States for over 25 years, Chi finds the comparison between the different values and beliefs towards health very interesting. For instance, what one culture views as good health is viewed by another as a health problem. As an immigrant Nurse Practitioner, Chi educates and helps my fellow immigrants embrace the culture of health.
In her words, “The need to educate and convince my fellow immigrants to utilize and take advantage of the abundant resources and excellent healthcare available in their communities and the United States of America and Minnesota Twin Cities 7 Metropolitan area will be really challenging, important, and fulfilling”.
Ngozi Akubuike, LL.B; B.L; JD; MPA
Ngozi Chukwu (Ngozi) MP Akubuike is an attorney with varied and considerable experience. She served the county and the state as an attorney. With her capacities, she mediated several cases on behalf of the state, was the representative in court, appeared before legislative committees, and trained judges on writing appropriate orders regarding psychotropic medications.
Ngozi was the representative to NASMHD (National Association of State Mental Health Directors) as the Legal Division Director and was part Senior Legal Policy group in the state.
In 2007, the State of Minnesota recognized Ngozi as an Emerging Leader.
Currently, she serves as the Director of HAVEN, Int’l, which empowers and provides support services to Minnesotans, especially to victims of crime, including legal and wellness advocacy and legal representation. A victim of crime herself, Ngozi believes in collaboratively working with clients to build an equal-power relationship, considering all facets of the individual, and employing a multicultural approach and restorative circle that contributes to healing.
Ngozi is an accomplished facilitator and trainer on various issues such as wellness, mental health, gambling, domestic violence, and interpersonal violence for diverse populations. She has also trained providers, victims, and professionals and presented in various organizations, including churches and professional organizations within and outside the country. For over 20 years, Ngozi has been advocating against domestic abuse and has helped many victims escape through strength-based and holistic services. She also collaborates with law enforcement officers in delivering seminars on domestic abuse and available resources.
Ngozi works to provide clients with the services necessary to rebuild their lives.
She is a graduate of the Restorative Circle Mediation training. Ngozi holds three degrees in law, a Master’s degree in Public Affairs, and a certificate in counseling. She has pending patents relating to weight management.
Dr. Caroline Abiaziem Ed. D, MS, BSN, PHN, RN
Community Diabetic Outreach Coordinator/Personnel
Caroline is a collaborative and knowledgeable nursing professional with proven holistic and compassionate client care in diverse communities. Highly effective in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, Caroline is a good relationship builder with strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
Caroline holds a doctorate in higher education administration (Ed.D), a masters degree in organizational/ strategic leadership (MS), a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), public health (certification) (PHC), and a registered nurse(RN). Her leadership and teaching experiences span across over two (2) decades.
As an educator in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU), Caroline encounters a population of immigrant students. She teaches both theory and clinical nursing. She sees the need to continue to educate the immigrants and minority population as an ongoing effort to decrease the incidence of health problems. And to control the existing disease on existing patients/clients.
Nnenna Osuagwu, BSc. Accounting; MBA, Finance;
Fiscal Grant agent
Nnenna Osuagwu is a senior accounting professional with over 15 years’ experience in all areas of the accounting cycle, including forecasting, budgeting, account analysis, and grant financial reporting both at city and state level.
Currently, she is the grant manager of a nonprofit organization overseeing various programs funded by the state and private organizations. Nnenna says: “I am so excited to be part of this team and I strongly believe that my background and experience will be an added value”.
Oluchi Azuka, RN, PHN, DHSc
Culturally Specific Physical Activity Facilitator
Oluchi Azuka is a registered, Public Health Nurse with over 22 years of acute care, long-term care, assisted living, and correctional experience. As a School Nurse, she cared for children with chronic health conditions including prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. She educated diabetic students and their families in the management of blood glucose, insulin administration, and food choices.
Her involvement with the students and their families empowered them to confidently be in control of their health, control blood glucose and prevent disease development in those family members that are predisposed to this health condition. Her experience in the education of the students and their families is beneficial to the organization.
