Founded in 2008, KESSA is a scholarly association that draws its membership from across the globe. KESSA is a U.S. Federal tax-exempt nonprofit association registered in the State of Ohio, USA.
KESSA ELECTION CANDIDATES
CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Dr. Esther Obonyo
My name is Dr. Esther Obonyo. I am an associate professor of engineering design and architectural engineering at Penn State. I am the executive director of the Penn State-led, Global Building Network, a partnership with the United Nations. I am honored by the nomination to vie for KESSA’s President. To use a sports analogy, I envision this role less as a specialist star player and more as a utility player whose versatility is vital to the team. However, the position is also an essential leadership role, which I feel well prepared for based on the leadership roles that I have held for over 15 years. These include my current role as the GBN’s executive director as well as my PI or co-PI roles on several externally and internally funded research projects totaling over 7 million dollars. I was a 2015/2016 U.S. Department of State Jefferson Science Fellow and a senior science advisor for Africa-focused programs. I have contributed scientific evidence to support policy and program change during events such as UNEA-4 (UN Environmental Assembly), COP 26 & 27 (UNFCCC’s 2021 and 2022 climate summit). I have leveraged partnerships with global professionals to provide international educational experiences for more than 2,100 students through co-curricular programming. I am the faculty advisor for Penn State’s African Graduate Students Association. These experiences include relationships with stakeholders who can engage and contribute as KESSA associates. If elected, I will do my utmost to fulfill your trust and expectations. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Dr. Caroline Kobia
I am Dr. Caroline Kobia, an Associate Professor and Program Leader of the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program at Mississippi State University. I am honored and humbled to be nominated for the KESSA president. My academic, professional, and lived experiences have prepared me to join the KESSA team centered on a Servant-Leadership Philosophy. My vision for KESSA is to embrace the ‘brain circulation’ concept through collaboration as a ‘bridge’ connecting the West to Africa. I have had the opportunity to hone my leadership skills through training with Higher Education Resource Services-East Africa, a transformational leadership development program for women advancing equity, inclusivity, and excellence in higher education leadership and management. This has successfully moved the pendulum with women’s issues in East Africa that align with some Sustainable Development Goals. I have received several fellowships, including the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship, the Education Policy Fellowship Program, Community Engagement Fellowship, and Access, Diversity, and Inclusion Fellowship. I have won several awards, including the Teacher of the Year in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at MSU. I advocate for global learning and diversity, initiating faculty-led study-abroad programs to Europe and Africa and advising several student organizations, and I will bring these experiences to KESSA. If elected, I am committed to intentionally work to address critical issues facing our society by fostering a climate in which the KESSA community feels nurtured and supported and can acknowledge, “I belong here. I am a full member of this community.”
Dr. James Ogechi Kereri
My name is James Ogechi Kereri, and I am honored to be running for the position of President of KESSA. I joined KESSA in 2013 and I have since been part of the organization’s activities. Specifically, I have served as a student volunteer and presented my research in KESSA conferences. As an Assistant Professor of Construction Management and Program Coordinator at the University of Central Missouri, I have gained extensive experience in leadership, faculty and student mentorship, curriculum development, and fundraising. I have also been involved in program accreditation processes and faculty search and hire. Professionally, I am affiliated with the Construction Management Association of America, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. I have held various leadership roles in the industry, managing teams of individuals to complete construction projects of varying complexities. My career, spanning over ten years, has been filled with accolades and leadership experiences that I can bring to KESSA. In particular, my professional roles have enriched my leadership, scholarship, mentorship, and service, all of which align with the KESSA mission. If elected as the President of KESSA, I intend to promote the organization’s mission and turn scholarly, scientific, and research work into actionable pieces that can positively impact Kenya. As President, I will prioritize:
CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE OF SECRETARY
Dr. Mary Gitau
My name is Dr. Mary Gitau, an Associate Professor of Social Work at Clarke University, Dubuque. I hold a BSc from Ithaca College and MSW & Ph.D. from University of Wyoming. I have presented research in international and national conferences and published in peer reviewed journals which include Journal of Global Research in Education and Social Science, Journal of Health Education Research among others. I am passionate about community development, social justice and global engagement and have spearheaded the annual Celebrate Africa in Dubuque for seven years. I have led two successful study abroad trips to Kenya. I am a two-time recipient of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP) at Kisii University, where I facilitated establishment of the Centre for Conflict Transformation and Peace Initiatives. I have been a KESSA member since 2014 and presented my research at KESSA conferences; I actively recruited Kenyan and American colleagues who have attended KESSA conferences. During Covid-19 pandemic year, I participated in a KESSA zoom panel discussion on a topic, “Perpetual performance: Navigating a white environment as black professionals”. I have participated and presented in seven KESSA annual conferences since 2014 on various research topics. I am the lead editor of a book entitled: Kenyan Education System: Are We Preparing Students to Meet Current Global Needs and Challenges, and some chapters were derived from papers presented at a KESSA conference. As Secretary, my vision is to elevate KESSA by building coalitions and tapping into many the talents among Diaspora Scholars. I will utilize my writing strengths and my deep passion for Kenyan issues to spearhead KESSA to the next level.
Dr. Fidelis Toloyi Ndombera
I am Fidelis Ndombera PhD.; a Research scientist at LabCorp Drug Development in Indianapolis. I study new medicines seeking FDA approval. I have taught in Kenya, in Rwanda under a World Bank Project, in South Carolina with FACES and at Wayne State University. I have served in leadership positions that include President; NOBCChE at Wayne Chapter, Secretary; Wakenya in Michigan, member; of Ohio Diaspora Working Group, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, WECOHAS Diaspora, among others. I am a member of KESSA and I support all activities including KESID mentorship and have presented to this group and during the Dallas conference. I am also a Research scientist and lecturer at Kisii University, University of Nairobi (UON) and KEMRI and I supervise PhD. Students. My experiences are at the nexus of Academia and Industry with a resourceful network with potential to support KESSA. Subsequently, I bring this link to steer KESSA to new horizons with a pragmatic strategy and novel tactics. I resolve to improve communication and capitalize on diaspora synergies and socio-political goodwill to achieve predetermined goals set by KESSA. I hold a PhD (Chemistry) from Wayne State and continue to publish in refereed journals. My recent work is; The role of infections in the causation of cancer in Kenya (2022) DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01625-3. I am a philanthropist and support an ECD center for poor kids in Kenya. I am confident that with your vote you will provide me an opportunity to volunteer as secretary. Call me 313-269-9714, Ahsante!
CANDIDATES FOR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
SOUTHERN REGION
Dr. Phillip Mutisya
Dr. Mutisya is professor at North Carolina Central University. He is one of the most experienced members of KESSA. Professor Mutisya has taught at various universities including Fayetteville State University, North Carolina State University and at UNC-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina Central University. Professor Mutisya is an executive member in professional research and community organizations: the Association for the Advancement of Educational Research International, the Academy of Processed Education, Kenya Scholars and Studies Association, the International Leadership Association, and the Kenya University Project.
Dr. Rose Oginga
Dr. Oginga is an active member of KESSA. She is CEO Designed4success LLC. She is an educator, author, consultant, and inspirational speaker. She is also the founder of IHOPEE
www.ihopee.org
WEST REGION
Dr. Moses Ochanji
Professor Moses Ochanji holds a PhD from Syracuse University. Dr. Ochanji is associate professor of Science Education and associate director of the School of Education at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), is a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow (ADF). He is a long-time member of KESSA and leader.
CANDIDATES FOR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Derick K. Etale
My name is Derick Etale, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in religious and sacred music from Baylor University. With extensive experience in Christian ministry and music, I have served in several music ministry roles and have founded and directed multiple choirs, including the Angaza Choir, an African choir based in Waco, Texas. Our mission is to promote cultural education and community building through music, and I am proud to have been a part of this initiative. Last year, I had the pleasure of volunteering for various roles during the KESSA conference, as directed by the leaders. As I vie for the position of student representative, I am excited about the prospect of serving as a voice for my fellow students. I understand that this role involves representing their interests, needs, and concerns, and I am committed to working towards creating a positive and inclusive environment for everyone. Being a student representative provides an excellent opportunity for me to gain valuable experience in leadership, communication, and teamwork. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the organization and the student body by building on the work of previous leaders. This includes shaping policies and initiatives that benefit students, as well as addressing any concerns or issues that may arise. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of serving as the student representative and look forward to contributing to the success of KESSA and its members.
Elizabeth Wamboi Mutunga
I’m Elizabeth Wamboi Mutunga, master’s student in TESOL and World Language Education and a Graduate Teaching Assistant, teaching Swahili in the University of Georgia. I’m a Fulbright Scholar, Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) exchange program, taught Swahili in the University of Georgia in 2021. I am ardent about leadership. I served as the previous Secretary and the current President of the African Graduate Students’ Forum (AGSF) in the University of Georgia. I believe in nurturing and supporting the African identity and culture. I joined KESSA in September 2022 and presented at the 2022 conference in Dallas Texas. It was a wonderful first-time experience with KESSA. I connected with great people, with great minds. I therefore, gained the interest to serve as the student representative, a great way to maintain ties with Kenyan Scholars, urge students’ participation in the KESSA conferences, and represent students’ needs to the KESSA Governing board. This will be a great way to promote scholarly work from students, engage in meaningful discussions about matters impacting Kenya and learn from other Kenyan scholars.
