ADVISORS
Dr. Judith Josiah-Martin
Bio
Judith Josiah-Martin, PhD, ACSW, CADC, is a faculty member at the University of Maine School of Social Work, where she has served for over a decade. Previously, she was UMaine’s Director of Multicultural Student Life and Manager of Clinical Services at Crossroads Center, Antigua. A Smith College PhD graduate in Clinical Social Work and MSW holder from Washington University-St. Louis, she brings 38+ years of expertise spanning clinical practice, social advocacy, and mental health training. Passionate about educating the girl child, intercultural communication, substance use, and trauma care, she is also an avid reader, musician, and adventurous world traveler.
Anthony Powell, CPA
Bio
Anthony Powell, CPA, is a visionary financial executive with over a decade of experience in financial forecasting, cash management, and organizational leadership. Anthony has excelled in leading diverse accounting teams, driving strategic financial initiatives, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Currently serving as Director of Finance at Vietnam Veterans of America, he manages audits, develops financial systems, and oversees budget training programs. A CPA and Certified Non-Profit Accounting Professional, Anthony holds advanced degrees in accounting and divinity. Committed to excellence, he thrives in collaborative environments, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth. Dedicated to empowering organizations and advancing financial strategies.
Executive team
Dr. Favour Akhidenor
President & CEO
Bio
Favour Akhidenor, MSC,MSW, PhD, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Naomis Foundation and Favemerit Consulting Group. Dr. Akhidenor holds two master’s degrees in Social Work: one from the University of Maine and the other from the University of Benin. She graduated with a PhD in Prevention and Intervention studies at the University of Maine, United States.
With a career spanning 20 years in the private, and public sectors, Dr. Akhidenor is the first non-profit founder from her community to build a bridge between health and social services such as health outcomes, education, equity, quality of life, and rights. Her commitment lies in facilitating easy access to community initiatives, particularly for marginalized and challenging populations. She has diverse expertise and knowledge in social work, education, TVET, program development, assessment and evaluation, research, homeless prevention, care coordination, long term care, public finance, and funding models. Coupled with her spirit of collaboration and partnership with community engagement, she has received several awards, and has been a keynote speaker at various conferences, schools, and events across the globe.
Prior to her role as CEO of Saint Naomis, Dr. Akhidenor has effectively managed several organizations and initiatives that aim to reduce poverty, provide care coordination and connect clients to services in a proactive and holistic way. She has expertise in several areas including creating and expanding initiatives and programs, especially non-profit development strategies, solid team structures, and strategic multi-disciplinary partnerships for community expansion.
Naomi Akhidenor
Director
Programs & Partnerships
Bio
Naomi Akhidenor is an invaluable asset to our team, seamlessly balancing her professional responsibilities with a passion for psychology. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and genuine empathy, Naomi approaches each client with a level of care that leaves a lasting impact on both our team and the individuals she serves. She is deeply committed to providing tailored solutions and fostering a supportive environment within our case management framework.
Currently, Naomi is pursuing a degree in Psychology and Brain Science at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University. This is a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning and personal growth. Her academic pursuits complement her role, as she brings fresh insights and a deep understanding of human behavior to our case management practices. It’s not uncommon to find her applying innovative techniques from her studies, refining our approach to better meet the needs of those we serve.
Beyond her current accomplishments, Naomi’s track record speaks volumes. As an honor student, she distinguished herself with multiple awards, which reflect her dedication, hard work, and drive for excellence. In addition to her academic achievements, she has often been the first to lend a hand to colleagues, sharing her knowledge and uplifting the team in moments that speak to her generous spirit.
Looking ahead, Naomi’s aspirations are as inspiring as her journey so far. She envisions further integrating her psychological expertise into her role, hoping to set new standards for compassion and efficacy. We are excited to see all that Naomi will accomplish, both within our organization and beyond, and we are grateful to have her as a guiding force in our team.
Irene Edemirukewa
Head
Human Resources
Bio
Irene Edemirukewa,CCEP,NIM,CIPM, along with the founder, shapes the HR function for the organization, driving HR strategy, policy development, and execution across all levels. She develops and implements talent management strategies to enhance employee engagement, retention, and performance while partnering with business leaders to align HR initiatives with corporate goals, ensuring a people-first approach.
She is a dynamic and results-oriented Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in the Oil and Gas, Healthcare, and Leadership sectors. She is a CIPM Certified HR professional, Certified Mediator and Conciliator, and Certified Customer Experience Professional with a proven track record of aligning people strategies with business objectives to drive organizational success. She holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations.
Dr. Naretu Yussuff-Adams
Head
Health Equity & Policy
Bio
Dr. Naretu Yussuff-Adams, MBBS, MPH is a distinguished healthcare professional. Dr. Naretu has played a key role in responding to outbreaks like COVID-19, Polio, and Cholera. A dedicated philanthropist, she established a Children’s HIV Clinic, reducing under-5 HIV mortality. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and charitable work.
Igho Mary Itimi
Program Assistant
Bio
Igho Maryitimi, is a highly organized and empathetic professional with diverse experience in patient care, real estate, customer service, and education. Known for a pleasant personality and a caring attitude, she excels at positively impacting lives and building strong relationships.