Leadership Team Overview
Connected Hearts Initiatives is led by a dedicated team of professionals committed to making a significant impact, strengthening community bonds, and providing meaningful experiences. At the heart of our efforts is a shared goal to serve, uplift, and unite individuals in purposeful ways.
Irene Nwagbo
Founder & Director
Irene is a respected visionary leader and natural community facilitator with a strong passion for bringing people together. Known for her creativity and attention to detail, she has a proven track record of organizing impactful events and initiatives that genuinely connect people.
With over twenty years of healthcare experience, Irene brings compassion, patience, and understanding to her work. Her background has helped her develop the ability to engage with people from various backgrounds and address community needs with empathy and purpose.
Driven by her deep commitment to service, Irene is progressing her career as a Community Services Worker, enhancing her ability to support individuals, families, and the wider community in more meaningful ways.
As Founder and Director, Irene guides the vision and strategy of Connected Hearts. She actively shapes programs that foster unity, empowerment, and growth, ensuring that Connected Hearts Initiatives continues to create lasting, meaningful community impact.
Vera Alaneme
Advisory Member
Vera is a dedicated Child and Youth Worker with extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families. She brings both professional expertise and genuine compassion to her role.
In her position as an Advisory Member, Vera offers thoughtful guidance and practical insights to keep programs inclusive, relevant, and effective. Her dedication to service strengthens the Connected Hearts mission to improve community well-being.
Joy David
Advisory Member
Joy is a committed childcare provider with significant experience in early childhood care and development. As a home daycare operator, she works closely with children and families to create a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that promotes growth and success.
In her advisory role, Joy offers practical, everyday insights into the needs of children and families. Her expertise helps ensure that programs are realistic, relatable, and responsive to the challenges young families face.
Oyoma Amromare
Compliance Advisor
Oyoma is a skilled paralegal who provides clarity, structure, and accountability within the team. With a deep background in compliance and legal processes, she ensures that organizational activities meet the highest standards.
As Compliance Advisor, Oyoma supports policy development, reviews procedures, and helps ensure the organization adheres to legal and ethical guidelines. Her careful attention to detail and professional approach provide a solid foundation for the Connected Hearts Initiatives.
Tosin Joseph
Advisory Member
Tosin Joseph is an organized and dependable professional with experience in community engagement. She is also a trained Community Services Worker, which gives her a practical, hands-on understanding of community needs.
Tosin plays a vital role in connecting with the immigrant community. Her ability to balance passion with her role as a mother makes her a key team member.
John F. Emmanuel
Media & Communications
John is an accomplished business leader, strategist, and governance professional with a strong commitment to advancing Africa’s role in global economic leadership and development.
He currently serves as Chair of the Africa–North America Centre for Global Leadership (ANCGL), where he leads initiatives that strengthen cross-continental collaboration, policy dialogue, and sustainable development partnerships between Africa and North America.
As Executive Director of Canada’s ACAO Radio, John provides visionary leadership in media and community engagement, using communication as a powerful tool to amplify transformative ideas, leadership conversations, and issues of social and economic importance.
With a solid background in corporate governance, strategic management, project leadership, and organizational transformation, John brings depth, structure, and strategic thinking to his work. He is also a Doctoral Researcher with a focus on leadership, governance, and Africa’s growing influence in the global economy.
Within Connected Hearts Initiatives, John leads Media and Communications, shaping how the organization tells its story and connects with the wider community. His work ensures that the organization’s voice is clear, impactful, and aligned with its vision, while expanding its reach and influence across diverse audiences.