No one in this world should be deprived of the basic necessities. Especially our children. Food; clean water; medication to fight disease like malaria and basic remedies diarrhea; education; toilet paper and toothpaste are just some examples of things most of us take for granted every day.
As a single mother of three that came to this country when I was 17, I fought for my family to have a better life. As fortunate as we have been, we didn’t get there without help along the way. That is why I have formed the When In Need Foundation. To provide a hand to the most vulnerable and under-served people in this world. Most specifically orphans, those in extreme poverty in my native land of Nigeria, and those in the cities that have afforded me to build the life I have here in the United States, Philadelphia and New York.
As we look to grow we seek to add those as passionate as us to our cause. As you look through our site, I hope you will be inspired looking at our work, impact and the actual people we have helped on the ground.
-Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton
Executive Staff
Chief Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton
President/Executive Director
Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton is the President of When in Need Foundation (WIN). WIN was born out of Chetachi’s lifelong virtues of selflessness and compassion for the powerless, needy, defenseless, and downtrodden and people with limited opportunities. These virtues are typified in the other organizations which she is associated with. Prior to establishing When in Need, she founded a blossoming healthcare agency providing compassionate services to intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in Philadelphia, PA. These virtues were further strengthened as she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Postgraduate diploma from Widener University, where she majored in Social Work.
As Chief Executive Officer of When In Need foundation, she brings her tenacity, inspiration, relentlessness and knack for excellence to ensure that the organization achieves its set goals. When in Need Foundation (WIN) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides grants for students and young professionals to continue their education and career in addition to supporting schools, orphanages and various hostels assisting less fortunate globally. The Mission of Mercy (M.O.M) is a global outreach program of When In Need Foundation, with the purpose and mission of assisting individuals in need with basic amenities, food, supplies, medical, healthcare, and educational resources globally. The program has positively impacted hundreds of people in Nigeria, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Rep., Chile, Argentina to mention a few.
Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton is also the President & CEO of ChiBase Production Company, a “one-stop” entertainment platform offering licensing, joint ventures, distribution, marketing, touring and management services for artists.
Her other interests are in entertainment such as film, licensing, theatre, publishing, music. Ms. Nwoga Ecton received the 2011 Entrepreneurship Award from the African & Caribbean Business Council, tristate Chamber of Commerce and a City of Philadelphia citation for her achievements.
She was presented the 2014 Nigeria Centenary Award as one of the 100 most influential Nigerians in the United States during the country’s celebration of 100 years of existence. She received a 2015 Philanthropy Award from Our World Media magazine and has been featured in different local and international news.
Favorite Quote – “Take a stumbling block and turn it into a stepping stone”
Godwin Nwoga
Board Member, Operations Director
Godwin Nwoga is the focused and result driven Director of Operations of When in need foundation. He strives to ensure that the foundation remain on course with its mission and vision as well as being fiscally accountable. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience working for Nova Capital partners, Royal Bank of Scotland and Diamond Bank Plc Nigeria. On a day to day basis, Godwin directs the operations of a blossoming health care agency in Philadelphia, PA.
An alumnus of the World Bank Institute, Washington D.C, Godwin holds a Masters degree in Operations Management from the University of West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom. His interests lie in operations and project management, risk management, business development, strategy and innovation. Godwin is a member of the Clinton Foundation 20/30, a global group of leaders in business, government, and civil society.
Chuckwuma Okere
Project Coordinator, Africa
Chukwuma is a highly motivated professional with over 7 years experience in business development, occupational and health safety, program management for NGOs and project management. Mr. Okere has a proven ability to meet deadlines, set budgets effectively and organize coworkers to increase productivity.
He also has an excellent track record of achieving results and implementing new systems. Chukwuma is the head of business development and HSE for Protec Engineering in Abuja and North-Eastern part of Nigeria. Chukwuma liaised with Cappa & D’ Alberto Plc HSE team to supervise Shell Nigeria and Imani construction projects in Abuja Nigeria from 2014 to 2016. He is also the C. E. O of First Corner Stone Project Nigeria Ltd. which specializes in building construction and interior design. Chukwuma holds a Bachelors degree from Imo state University and is currently pursuing a MSc. in Business Development. He has also completed certifications in Workplace Safety and Health, Conflict Management, Business Development from the Alison Institute, a Project Management Professionals HITT certification and H.S.E. Competence Dev. From the Nigeria Institute of Safety Professionals.
Cristy Barber
Program Coordinator, USA ,Canada and Caribbean
Cristy Barber is a true reggae renaissance woman. At the helm of the Marley Family’s Ghetto Youths International, Cristy is a Grammy nominated producer for her contributions to Island/def Jam Records’ 2003 hip-hop /dancehall compilation “Red Star Sounds Present Def Jamaica” (Island Def Jamaica). She is also co-chairwoman of the Reggae Grammy Screening committee and a former Vice-President of Marketing and Promotion at VP Records, the world’s largest reggae label. Since embarking on her career in 1992, Cristy has mastered almost every aspect of the music industry including publicity, A&R and artist management. She attributes her decades of success to an abding love of music and tireless commitment to the artists she has developed and promoted to an appreciative global audience.
Estaban Amando Peralta
Coordinator, Dominican American Republic
Estaban is the founder and CEO of Queens Dominican Parade, a nonprofit formed to held advance the culture, unity and empowerment of his people.But being the leader of Queens Dominican Parade afforded Estaban opportunity to help empower the youth who are constantly searching for role models to emulate. With his position, Mr. Amado helps the new generation of Dominican Americans with value clarification, understanding and assimilating into their culture.
Estaban began volunteering and supporting the work of When In Need Foundation as early as since inception. He not only helps to organize the children during events, programs and projects, but gives up his time helping to bridge the language and cultural barriers. He does this by either helping to translate questions in English to Spanish or clarifying issues.
Mr. Amado is a sports enthusiast and plays very active role guiding and sponsoring the youth who play in baseball Little League in the district where he resides. His passion for helping the less fortunate seem to be in his DNA as he not only gives his moral support with coaching the kids to acquire necessary skill to complete as adults in bigger league.
For those who know Estaban Amado, he always has the passion to help others, especially children and families in need. All ofcourse became factors in his coming on board to help When In Need Foundation in extenextending love to others from orphanages to other mission to donate food, clothes and other support to the needy.
Angela Arelis Perez
Outreach Coordinator for Hispanic Women
Allen Ellison
Allen was born in Avon Park, Florida on November 21, 1980 to a minister and a special needs instructor, both of who taught him the importance of service to ones fellow man. Known for his vision and perspective, he was raised in the agricultural based, rural city of Wauchula, Florida. After graduating from Hardee Senior High School in 1999, Allen went on to received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science with a concentration in Business Administration from Florida Southern College where he was elected Treasurer of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, FSC Chapter and soon thereafter, became the organization’s first African-American President. During this time, he was actively involved in community organizing initiatives. These efforts led to the creation of The Community Economic Council, Inc. in which he served as Treasurer and later serving as the organization’s advocate in Washington. The CEC was created to educate and inspire members of the community on the issues surrounding business ownership, trade and commerce. During his tenure at the CEC, Allen would host community forums, town hall meetings and events that were designed to strengthen the communities in the areas of business and home ownership, public-private partnerships, government contracting, financial literacy, trade and commerce. Allen founded the Center for Economic & Policy Development, Inc. (The Center) to facilitate economic growth throughout Central Florida and rural parts of the country. His vision, core philosophies and strong principles are igniting young future leaders from around the country through The Emerging Leaders Initiative, a project placed under The Center. This initiative facilitates his vision of pairing young bright minds with current leaders in the fields of medicine, science, engineering, law, policy and politics.
Contact Information
4950 Parkside Avenue
Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19131