Commission Members

Loide Jorge- Chair of Commission

Loide Rosa Jorge is a graduate of American University, Washington College of Law.  Loide Jorge brings a wealth of hand on experience and dedication to the Commission on African Affairs with her passion for helping families successfully navigate the immigration system.  She has represented clients, and worked as co-counsel to family law attorneys handling legal matters both nationally and internationally. 

Sharon Asonganyi

Sharon Asonganyi was born in Cameroon and migrated to the United States in January 1997. She is the Founder and Director of the Threads of Our Fabric Project which is focused on her interest in telling the untold and undocumented stories of African women and girls’ immigration experiences in America.   

Chime Asonye

Chime O. Asonye is a native of Nigeria and currently works in the Conditional Grant Scheme Unit of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Millennium Development Goals. Formerly, he worked as a Program Assistant for the Uganda, Zimbabwe, and South Africa portfolio in the Africa Division of the International Republican Institute (IRI).  

George Banks

Chairman and CEO Sentry Security International, Inc. headquartered in Washington, DC-Licensed Private Detective.

Lafayatte Barnes

Lafayette A. Barnes directs the Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS) in the Executive Office of Mayor Vincent C. Gray where he is responsible for leading a variety of philanthropic functions and services for District government, and nonprofit entities.  Lafayette leads the District’s competitive grants development process as well as its policies and procedures for authorizing the solicitation, acceptance, and use of private donations made to the government. 

Sefanit Befekadu

Sefanit Befekadu, a native of Ethiopia, is a Project Manager at the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning and Economic Development in the Executive Office of Mayor Vincent C. Gray.  She is responsible for advancing the Mayor's economic development strategy which encourages growth and investments across the District.  Formerly, she worked as a Project Coordinator for the Africa Against AIDS Initiative in South Africa where she developed outreach programs and seminars to broaden the reach of HIV/AIDS awareness in the most highly affected communities and townships.   

Louisa  Buadoo – Amoa, Ph.D.,

Human Resources Specialist/Recruiter, District of Columbia Department of Mental Health; Board of Director, Caribbeana Communications Incorporated; and Region XI Council Representatives and Treasurer for Blacks in Government

Gladys Kamau

Dr. Gladys Kamau, who resides in Washington DC grew up in, Kenya and is fluent in English, Swahili, and a number of the over 40 local and tribal languages in Kenya.  Dr. Gladys W. Kamau, earned B.A. and M.A, and recently, her Ph.D. in Organizational Communications at Howard University in Washington, DC.  She also holds a certificate in Women’s Studies. Gladys worked with the District of Columbia government where she assisted in the strengthening of small business start-ups and mature small businesses.  

Ify Nwabukwu

Ify Anne Nwabukwu is the Founder and President of the African Women's Cancer Awareness Association where serves as the Executive Di­rector of the organization. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Nursing at Howard University and a degree in Hospital Administration at Strayer University. Ify Anne Nwabukwu is a breast cancer advocate who provides medical care for the underserved, under privileged and under insured in the African community both national and internationally.  

Nana Seshibe

Dr. Nana Seshibe was born in the Republic of South Africa. She holds a Doctorate degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts and taught in the District of Columbia's Bell Multicultural Senior High school from 1980-2003.  Dr. Seshibe is a linguist and speaks nine languages of Southern Africa and Kiswahili of East Africa origins.  She is currently a member of the National Congress of  Black Women and a member of the Tenth Street Block, where she assists elders in snow removal and doing needed chores. 

Teregbode Goungou

Tereguebode Goungou immigrated to the US from Togo in 1999 and has been a District resident since then. Tereguebode is very active in community outreach by helping friends and  families with English language assistance, volunteering with community based organizations to assist families with low income, immigrants, and refugees. Tereguebode speaks French and Togolese dialects.               

Jean Francis Varre

Jean-Francis Varre, the creator and director of Sahel, was born to Senegalese and Cape Verdean immigrants in Washington D.C. He began singing at the age of 13, at first in English, and later in Spanish and the languages of his heritage - French, Wolof, and Portuguese.  A self taught musician, he plays bass, guitar and drums. Jean-Francis has toured with British soul icon Omar and Grammy nominated salsa band Gonzalo Grau y la Clave Secreta.  He has performed with local rock groups Sitali and Lucy Brown, and at various Smithsonian and DC Arts Commission shows.  

Yinusa  Yusuff 

Yinusa is a native of Oyo, Nigeria and came to this Country in 1982.  Since graduating from the University of the District of Columbia, he has served and worked with various organizations within the Washington Metropolitan area.  Currently, he is a  member Of Ibarapa-Oyo Pacesetters and a former Chief Whip of the Alliance of Yoruba Organizations and Clubs.