Sharee Nnenna Onyezia

President

Nnenna is a dedicated and driven leader, both personally and professionally. She serves as a Senior Director at one of the largest educational non-profit and college entrance organizations in the United States, where she works to promote access to world-class academic programs nationwide, with a particular emphasis on expanding opportunities in African American Studies.

Nnenna has been a member of UIU Chicago since 2021 and has been a consistent and reliable contributor to the chapter’s Executive Board for several years. She previously served as Professional Development Chair in 2024 and Vice President in 2025, and now proudly serves as the President of UIU Chicago.

During her time with the organization, she founded the UIU Chicago Book Club, which has engaged over 50 members across multiple chapters over the past three years. The book club has fostered new membership, cultivated emerging executive board leaders, and strengthened culturally centered programming. Through reading Igbo-authored texts and facilitating thoughtful discussions on Igbo culture, identity, and spirituality, both online and in person, Nnenna helped elevate UIU Chicago’s cultural engagement.

At the 2024 UIU National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia,  she represented her chapter as a contestant in the UIU Cares Pageant, raising over $1,500 in support of UIU’s national community service initiatives.

Through her impactful contributions to UIU at both the local and national levels, Nnenna continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision. She remains committed to strengthening community, culture, and connection within UIU Chicago and beyond.

Dr. Nedra Chijioke

Vice President

Nedra Chijioke currently serves as Vice President of the UIU Chicago Chapter. Professionally, Nedra works as a Medical Science Liaison in Dermatology at Takeda, where she brings a strong background in clinical science, strategic communication, and leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UCLA and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Over the past two years, Nedra served as Secretary of UIU Chicago, where she played a key role in strengthening chapter operations and programming. Through her collaboration on events, chapter packets, and member engagement initiatives, UIU Chicago earned back-to-back awards at the Annual UIU Convention, including the Rising Star Award and the Cultural Excellence Award.

Nedra is passionate about building meaningful connections across the diaspora, fostering professional development, and creating inclusive spaces where members feel valued, empowered, and inspired.

Outside of her professional and community commitments, Nedra enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and discovering new restaurants across Chicago, often balancing those adventures with training for local races alongside her run club.

Uchenna Ngwe

Treasurer

Uchenna currently serves as Treasurer of the UIU Chicago Chapter. Born and raised on the Southwest Side of Chicago, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021 and currently works in the IT consulting industry. As Treasurer, Uchenna is committed to managing the chapter’s finances responsibly while supporting engaging programs and meaningful experiences for members. He is also passionate about helping create events that strengthen connections within the UIU Chicago community.

Dr. Toya Garnes

Secretary

Toya currently serves as the Secretary for UIU Chicago. She is an Illinois native, a Chiropractor, and a business owner who is passionate about helping others achieve optimum health and wellness. She is dedicated to providing quality care and empowering her patients to live their healthiest lives.

Dr. Kodilorah Okoye

Public Relations Officer

Kodilorah currently serves as the Public Relations Officer for the UIU Chicago Chapter. She is passionate about making healthcare more accessible, equitable, and patient-centered. A trained pharmacist, Kodilorah works as a Senior Market Access Consultant in the pharmaceutical industry, helping bring new treatments to the patients who need them most.

Outside of her professional work, Kodilorah serves as an advisor for a maternal health initiative focused on improving access to care and health outcomes. The platform empowers women with tools to educate themselves, communicate effectively with their care teams, and advocate for their overall health, including cardiovascular and maternal wellness.

Kodilorah earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Howard University and studied Biological Anthropology at Temple University. Based in the Chicago area, she enjoys exploring the city, traveling, and trying new recipes.

As Public Relations Officer, Kodilorah brings energy, creativity, and strong communication skills to the role. She is committed to helping keep the community strong, visible, and connected by continuing to build on the progress made over the past year and fostering a sense of unity where everyone feels welcomed and included in the UIU Chicago Chapter.

Bolaji Ige

Event Coordinator

Bolaji currently serves as the Event Coordinator for the UIU Chicago Chapter. She is a Supply Chain and Operations professional with a proven track record in project management, demand planning, and process improvement, and has led large-scale initiatives that delivered significant cost savings.

Following the completion of her MBA, Bolaji has worked with several Fortune 500 companies, leading efforts in new product introductions, demand planning, and returns transportation operations. She currently serves as a Supply Chain Manager, where she leads the production buying team for a manufacturing company.

In her spare time, Bolaji enjoys watching movies—especially legal dramas and criminal investigative shows—as well as traveling, brunching, and trying new foods.

Gabriel CJ Nkemeh

Event Coordinator

Gabriel CJ Nkemeh currently serves as an Event Coordinator for the UIU Chicago Chapter. He proudly calls the Chicagoland area home and has a professional background in healthcare. In addition, Gabriel is expanding into the blue-collar business space, which has further strengthened his appreciation for community, teamwork, and leadership.

Known for his outgoing personality, Gabriel enjoys discovering new restaurants, activities, and experiences that bring people together. As Event Coordinator, he is passionate about creating vibrant events that strengthen connections within the chapter and foster a welcoming environment for members.

Gabriel believes UIU is more than an organization; it is a family. He brings energy, creativity, and a genuine love for people to his role, helping to build community, celebrate culture, and elevate the chapter’s social presence.

Cynthia Obia

Membership Chair

Cynthia Obia currently serves as the Membership Chair for the UIU Chicago Chapter. She is originally from Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and works professionally as a Software Engineer. Cynthia joined UIU Chicago in 2023 and has been committed to strengthening connections within the chapter.

As Membership Chair, she focuses on building a strong and engaged community by helping members stay connected, involved, and proud to be part of the organization. Cynthia is passionate about creating an environment where members feel welcomed and supported while fostering meaningful relationships across the chapter.

Outside of her professional and community involvement, Cynthia enjoys traveling, music, and creative projects.

Dr. Christine Nkemeh

Professional Development Chair

Christine Nkemeh currently serves as the Professional Development Chair for the UIU Chicago Chapter. She is originally from Umuoji in Anambra State, Nigeria, and is a physician by profession. Christine is also the Ada of her family. She grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and returned to Illinois about a year ago to be closer to family.

Over the past year, Christine has actively attended social and professional networking events while becoming more involved with the UIU Chicago Chapter. These experiences inspired her commitment to supporting professional growth and expanding networking opportunities within the organization.

As Professional Development Chair, Christine is focused on helping members strengthen their professional networks while celebrating and advancing the cultural connections that unite the community.

Outside of her professional and community involvement, Christine enjoys playing tennis, dancing, attending comedy shows, traveling, and baking.

Dr. Chike Okolocha

Community Service Chair

Chike currently serves as the Community Service Chair for the UIU Chicago Chapter. He is a Family Medicine physician based in Northwest Indiana and is passionate about giving back and to the community.

Adaora Eruchalu

Cultural Chair

Adaora currently serves as the Cultural Chair for UIU Chicago. She hails from Nnobi in Anambra State, Nigeria and is passionate about community building and celebrating Igbo heritage. Since becoming a member of UIU Chicago, Adaora has been actively engaged in strengthening the chapter’s cultural programming and community connections.

Adaora has a deep love for Igbo culture, which she expresses through creativity, storytelling, and meaningful cultural engagement. Her involvement with the UIU Chicago Cultural Committee helped bring fresh ideas and energy to chapter events, contributing to dynamic and culturally enriching programming.

She also brings prior experience serving on the UIU Chicago Executive Board, giving her a strong understanding of the dedication and commitment required to help the chapter thrive. As Cultural Chair, Adaora takes great pride in honoring and uplifting Igbo culture, ensuring it remains a vibrant and central part of the organization’s identity.

Adaora continues to channel her creativity, passion, and cultural pride into creating memorable experiences that celebrate heritage while strengthening unity within the UIU Chicago community.

Dr. Ivuoma (Ivy) Onyeador

Provost Advisor

Ivy currently serves as the Provost Advisor for UIU Chicago. She is an Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations at the Kellogg School of Management. Ivy has served on the UIU Chicago Executive Board for the past two years, contributing her leadership and guidance to the chapter’s growth and development.

In her role as Provost Advisor, Ivy remains committed to supporting the organization while also creating space for emerging leaders to step forward and help guide UIU Chicago into its next chapter of growth and impact.

Chelsea Nwanah

Merchandise Chair

Chelsea currently serves as the Merchandise Chair for UIU Chicago. She has a background in media and medicine and is passionate about sustaining excellence within the creative and media space. Chelsea thrives on bringing creative visions to life and has owned and operated her photography and videography business, Chelsea Nwanah Visuals, for five years.

Through her work and community engagement in Chicago, Chelsea continues to merge storytelling, artistry, and impact, using her creativity to help strengthen the visibility and identity of the UIU Chicago community.