The Awards

The Power of One Award

“The Power of One Award” recognizes the Power of One individual or group to impact tangible change in the health of whole communities through determination and the will to serve. Presented during the foundation’s annual CASEC Awards Dinner.

The Youth Advocacy Award

“The Youth Advocacy Award” recognizes a young individual who stands out as a voice for a new generation and who is using their platform to empower youth to address health care and other socio-cultural issues. Presented during the foundation’s annual CASEC Awards Dinner.

The CASEC Catalyst Award

“The CASEC Catalyst Award” recognizes an individual or group for inspiring positive health change through CASEC initiatives in African communities in the diaspora and on the continent. Presented during the foundation’s annual CASEC Awards Dinner.

The Spirit of Community Award

“The Spirit of Community Award” recognizes an individual or group that is making a positive impact in bridging the health care gap for Africans and people of African descent. Presented during the foundation’s CASEC Information Exchange Cancer Conference.

Award Winners

2019 Award Winners

2019 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Thelma D. Jones, Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund
2019 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Thelma D. Jones, Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund

Visionary, Breast Cancer Survivor. Her work has been fundamental to civic & youth activism, and raising awareness of breast health.

She is a seasoned volunteer with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the ACS Cancer Action Network. TDJBCF in Southwest DC focuses primarily on the historically less served communities.

The support group has contributed significantly to providing a safe and secure place for emotional support for breast cancer survivors and caretakers to discuss and share their journeys, hear a range of highly skilled professionals, acquire information and resources, and give voice to those who are struggling in silence with their diagnosis.

In her own words, a summary…

”I am a full time volunteer at the TDJ Fund. I am grateful for working with the Patcha Foundation in helping to make a difference in improving the health outcomes of others especially in our vulnerable populations throughout the diaspora and here at home. I was reminded of a quote on my website by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which says In all the works of humanity, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane. Our health and wellbeing are the most important elements for longevity and the Patcha Foundation believes that good health is central to efficient and good living. Yet we live in a world where there is so much lacking in health equity, barriers in healthcare exists and disparities loom largely in our communities. It takes all of us in a committed and dedicated manner to move the needle forward and to help save lives. The call to action for this conference is to continue the dialog to bridge the healthcare gap. This conference has provided the initial tool to bridge the gap and build capacity.”

Visit http://www.tdjbreastcancerfund.org

2019 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Ambrose Lane, Jr. | Chair and Founder, Health Alliance Network
2019 Spirit of Community Award Recipient

Ambrose Lane, Jr. | Chair and Founder, Health Alliance Network

The Health Alliance Network is a convening community Partnership-based organization of stakeholders, residents and community leaders, and community-based organizations (CBO’s) and institutions, that addresses health disparities, health equity and health policy in poor and low-income communities in Washington DC.

Established in 2013 in DC’s Ward 7, the Network convenes stakeholders monthly, builds and fosters collaborations with and between its partners, engages in health policy, legislation and education advocacy, and provides free training to residents & CBO’s through these collaborations. It is the largest community-based health advocacy organization in DC.

In his own words, a summary…

It’s not just that I love my work, but it’s that I love my people. We have to take a stand to say never again will we suffer the consequences that we have suffered the world over. We must work diligently in our communities every single way we can with the talent that each of us has. Each of us is great in our own rights with the God given talent that He only has given you. With the talent that God gave me, I pledge that I will use all of it to my last dying breathe to help people in my city, in my community and all around the world. The scripture says “ as you have done for one another” In other words, if you have clothed me, if you have fed me, if you have visited me in prison. That is our call to what we must do to fulfill God’s purpose. I encourage all of you in your own way to do what you can. Open up your hearts, open up your doors, open up your minds to collaboration and then move from faith to action because faith without works is dead.”

Health Alliance Profile

2019 Power of One Award Recipient
Sr. Jacqueline Manyi Atabong, Nun of Sisters of St. Therese
2019 Power of One Award Recipient
Sr. Jacqueline Manyi Atabong, Nun of Sisters of St. Therese, doctoral student, author.

She has by all measures laid down her life for the service of the poor, caring for folks at home, in clinics and hospital settings, in schools, and in prisons.

  • Founder of SEV FOUNDATION (Support and Empowerment of Vulnerable Persons), serving Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s).
  • Founder of VOPS – Victim Offender Prison Care Support – NGO for those affected by crime and the holistic approach to prison care.
  • Founder of Sabongari Women’s Center, a vocational school for school dropouts and micro finance for village women.
  • Founder of Sasse Women’s Micro finance group. Founded a Rehabilitation Centre for Prisoners & ex- prisoners in Douala – first and unique in Cameroon.
  • Recipient of many awards.Visit https://sevfoundation.org
2019 Power of One Award Recipient
William Asiedu | Distant Relatives Project
2019 Power of One Award Recipient
William Asiedu  | Distant Relatives Project

Distant Relatives Project (DRP) was founded in 2017 after a visit to Ghana by William Asiedu out of a burning passion to drastically impact communities and create significant life changes.

That year Distant Relatives Project donated school supplies, clothing, toiletries, and computers, to over 8000 students at Chia Methodist Primary School A and B in Ghana. In that same visit they provided medical supplies and equipment to 8 hospitals across the region.

Since then, they have donated school supplies and/or laptops, tablets, gym equipment, clothing to:

  • Over 900 students at AGA Primary School in Nigeria.
  • 500 students in Orange Villa Community in Jamaica.
  • Students in Ethiopia.Locally, DRP provides a wide variety of services to the homeless community in DC with over 4000 served so far.Visit https://distant-relatives.org
2019 Power of One Award Recipient
Ernest Folefack, Ph.D (Law) | fountain of Justice
2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Ernest Folefack, Ph.D (Law) | Fountain of Justice

Ph.D (Law), Husband, Father, God's servant, an extraordinary man with great empathy for the disenfranchised.

Executive Director of Fountain of Justice (FJC), a social activism NGO. Under the humanitarian missions of FJC in support of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Cameroon, Dr. Folefack became the catalyst for the Patcha Foundation 2019 CASEC Medical Mission.

He has worked with the European Union to support administrative Justice in Africa, with Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Rule of law program for Africa, with the UN Economic Council and with UNODC on Education for Peace Initiative.

He’s a Fellow of the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

“We can bring solutions to legal issues hanging in Cameroon, with excellent quality assurance and above all honesty.”

Visit https://www.facebook.com/Fountainofjustice

fountain201justice@gmail.com

2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Danielle Alvarado-Davis, MBA
2019 Spirit of Community Award Recipient

Danielle Alvarado-Davis, MBA

Danielle Alvarado-Davis has more than 10 years of experience in program coordination and case management in the non-profit and county government field.

As a Care Coordinator for Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services: East County Project and as a co-chair for the Parent and Youth Engagement Committee she has gained a unique perspective on the needs and barriers to service access for residents in Montgomery County, MD. She has had the opportunity to serve customers with complex needs through on-going, supportive case management services.

She has worked as an AmeriCorps member, for Project CHANGE, as a volunteer coordinator, ESOL instructor and pre-GED instructor, as a case manager and community school coordinator for the school-based Linkages to Learning program.

Mrs. Alvarado-Davis is currently transitioning into the role of program manager for The Kresge Foundation’s Montgomery County Opportunity Zone project (which supports employment services for parents in East County) and oversees several subcommittees under the East County Initiative.

2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Jeanette Angeh
2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Jeanette Angeh

Jeanette Angeh is a pharmacist, a profession that fulfills her tremendously. She derives great satisfaction in serving her patients and having a pivotal role in keeping them healthy. She has been awarded several commendations for excellence in patient care.

She also loves taking care of her family, DIY projects and volunteering for causes like the Patcha Foundation and Alzheimer’s walks. Jeanette is especially honored to be a part of the Patcha Foundation, helping in any way that she can with her time and monetary donations.

She enjoys gardening, making jewelry, and making natural homemade lotions & soaps.

Visit her website at www.netteancollections.com for great selections of custom, handmade and unique products.

Visit https://www.netteancollections.com

2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Anne E. Burnley, MD, MHS, MS
2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Anne E. Burnley, MD, MHS, MS
Dr. Anne Enanga Burnley is a public health professional who works for the United States Army as a supervisory occupational medicine physician and preventive medicine subject matter expert, providing a broad range of administrative and medical services to a large military and civilian workforce. Dr. Burnley is board-certified in general preventive medicine and public health and has received several honors throughout her military and civilian careers. She has a 13-year old son and on any given weekend can be found at his track meet or football game. Anne also loves supporting organizations like the Michael and Mauritia Patcha Foundation, whose vision, values, and mission align with the core values of her public health practice. She is the catalyst for the Foundation’s eMed telemedicine program.
2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Rachel T. Siewe
2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Rachel T. Siewe

Rachel Siewe is a philanthropist and member of many charities.

A wife, mother of six kids and grandmother of 14, she is dedicated to help with the causes of orphans and medical / dental missions in Cameroon.

She is an influential member of the traditional/cultural community, and her extensive accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards and honorary titles.

She is a member of the Patcha Foundation Cameroon Board and lead co-organizer and sponsor of the successful 2016 medical mission to the West Region of Cameroon.

She is honored and humbled to receive the 2019 CASEC Catalyst Award.

2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
MariAnne nZiki Nkamsi
2019 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
MariAnne nZiki Nkamsi
My story is still unfolding, so I will share my life passion of being of service to others, a path that has led me to nursing and getting involved with The Patcha Foundation, a path that comes easy from my upbringing, following in the footsteps of my Dad, George Michael Nkamsi, of blessed memory. He instilled in his children and the younger generation, the same desire he lived out; to serve, appreciate the importance of service and knowing that our greatest blessings come from serving those in need. “I will continue to do my best to help the foundation achieve its mission and to help spread the important work of the foundation.”
2019 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
André Vainqueur
2019 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
André Vainqueur

Andre’s great passion is to provide assistance to the underserved. As founder and former Executive Director of APF USA Foundation, he helped create an organization that supports the creation and sustainable wealth development in a rural area of Haiti which includes an orphanage, a high school and a mobile health clinic.

He is a former Caribbean Community Advisory board member for the Montgomery County, MD government. Currently he is the Program Manager/ Client Services Coordinator at Family Services, Inc. of The Sheppard Pratt Health Systems.

He gets great pleasure in clients’ success stories, knowing that he contributed to that success. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Haitian Creole.

Visit http://www.apfusafoundation.org

2018 Award Winners

2018 Power of One Award Recipient
Buea School For The Deaf (BSD)
2018 Power of One Award Recipient
Buea School For The Deaf (BSD)

Buea School For The Deaf (BSD) is a boarding school for deaf children in Buea, Cameroon.

It was founded in 2003 by deaf couple Aloysius & Margaret Bibum in response to the inadequate education of the deaf in Cameroon. Starting with 13 students BSD now boasts students from nursery through secondary school, fluent in Cameroon sign language. Graduates of the program are enrolled in universities around the world including the USA and leading productive lives.

BSD is also instrumental in the recognition and acceptance of Cameroon Sign Language as an invaluable communication tool.

Visit Buea School For The Deaf Website

2018 Power of One Award Recipient
Generosity:Global
2018 Power of One Award Recipient
Generosity:Global

Genrosity:Global is a non-profit organization based in Maryland whose mission is to leverage the power of generosity to serve and improve the lives of people around the world, focusing on giving clean water to people in Sub-Saharan Africa and providing food and showers to the homeless in Baltimore, MD.

Founded by Rich and Erika Akwo in 2010, Generosity:Global has brought clean drinking water to over 6000 people in Africa and provided meals and life resources to over 20,000 homeless people in Baltimore through the monthly Selfless Saturday program.

Generosity Shower is the latest innovation of the organization that will provide access to mobile showers for the homeless in Baltimore, Maryland.

Visit Generosity:Global Website

2018 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
The Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington, DC (HBI-DC)
2018 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
The Hepatitis B Initiative of Washington, DC (HBI-DC)

HBI-DC is a nonprofit organization that works to eliminate viral hepatitis - one prevention, screening, and treatment at a time.

HBI-DC’s mission is to mobilize communities to prevent liver diseases caused by viral hepatitis among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, African immigrants, and other high-risk groups. Through collaborative partnerships, the organization provides culturally and linguistically appropriate viral hepatitis outreach, education, screening, Hep B vaccination, linkage to care, and patient navigation services for impacted communities.

Today, HBI-DC is a leading force in the liver cancer prevention services in the DC area. Under Jane Pan’s leadership, HBI-DC has transformed into a major grassroots movement that harnesses the power of community collaboration to provide liver cancer prevention services.

Visit hbi-dc.org

2018 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Anna-Teresia (Teanna) Bibum
2018 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Anna-Teresia (Teanna) Bibum

Teanna is a 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, with a degree in Sociology.

She has been a volunteering member of the Patcha Foundation since 2014 and has enjoyed the experience. Teanna shows up whenever called upon for foundation services.

Teanna is currently pursuing her masters while serving her community.

2018 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Noel Achaletia Njem
2018 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Noel Achaletia Njem

Noel is a Cameroonian American Biology Major and junior Olympic track Athlete at UMBC, where he leads the African Students Association.

Known as Flex the Barber, Noel is a Patcha Foundation volunteer and fundraiser, who for over 3 years has used his hair cutting skills to raise funds for the foundation.

He aspires to become a doctor in Physical therapy.

2018 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Oluwadamilola Olaku, M.D., M.P.H., MRCOG
2018 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient

Oluwadamilola Olaku, M.D., M.P.H., MRCOG

Dr. Olaku is an Ob/Gyn with special interest in gynecologic oncology, participating in Clinical Research at the National Cancer Institute.

He is a founding member of the Patcha Foundation eMED program, and since 2016 he has been providing invaluable remote consultation and expertise during medical missions.

2018 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Pastor Ricardo W. Payne
2018 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Pastor Ricardo W. Payne

Pastor Payne is founding pastor of The Lighthouse Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, D.C..

He and members of the Church are committed to serving the community, one soul at a time through the annual turkey basket distribution, serving those in the methadone clinic, supplying backpacks and supplies to school children in need, supporting Patcha Foundation’s CASEC conference and Companion Care program.

2017 Award Winners

2017 Power of One Award Recipient
Dr. Gilbert Irwin
2017 Power of One Award Recipient
Dr. Gilbert Irwin

Dr. Gilbert Irwin, MD is an internist in Manassas, Virginia. i.

He is the founder of Medical Missionaries, a volunteer group of more than 200 doctors, nurses, dentists, and others who work to improve the health of the poor in the U.S. and throughout the world. Medical Missionaries has particularly strong partnerships with several dozen organizations and groups that provide medical services in Haiti. They sponsor clinics in Haiti, have established twinning relationships between institutions and send visiting teams of medical professionals to provide direct services to the poor. Through its partnership with these groups, Medical Missionaries provides medical help to an estimated 25% to 30% of the total population of Haiti.

Medical Missionaries has collected and dispersed more than $100 million worth of medical supplies and medicines to other medical teams working for similar causes, including the Patcha Foundation. Recently, Dr. Irwin has been personally involved in collecting and delivering supplies to victims of the recent hurricane disasters.

Visit medmissionaries.org

2017 Youth Advocacy Award Recipient
Leya Givvines
2017 Youth Advocacy
Leya Givvines

Leya Givvines is a senior currently attending “Our Lady of Good Counsel” high school in Olney, Maryland. She is currently in the International Baccalaureate Program, which requires taking college-level courses and earning college credit. In addition, she was one of a handful of girls selected for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. Leya was selected to be a member of the National Honor Society and the XBSS Leadership Institute. This institute is by “invitation only” for student leaders who participate in the work of service and stewardship.

In addition, to Leya’s academic excellence, she has been involved in many school clubs and is currently leading four of them. The one common theme that exists in most of her selections of extracurricular school activities is her commitment to “serving others.” Leya feels truly blessed and enjoys opportunities where she can serve others that are less fortunate.

View Full PDF Bio

2017 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Rich Akwo
2017 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Rich Akwo

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Speaker and Author

Rich Akwo is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, speaker and an author. He is just a regular guy who is very passionate about serving the homeless and people less fortunate. Rich is the founder and Chief Encouraging Optimist of the ALL IS WELL –INSPIRE clothing company (www.alliswellinspire.com). He is also the Founder, President and COO of Nuvision Cleaning Systems, a full service cleaning company that specializes in residential, janitorial, office, and post construction cleaning (www.nuvisioncleaningsystems.net). Rich’s life mission is to live life on purpose, leveraging his resources to serve people in need and making a positive difference in the lives of people his life intersects. He is an avid reader and finds joy and purpose in developing leaders and helping them find purpose in their own lives.

Rich is the Founder / Executive Director of Generosity: Global – www.generosityglobal.org. Generosity Global’s mission is focused on using the power of generosity to positively impact people, by providing access to clean drinking water to people in developing countries and helping people in the homeless community become self-sufficient.

Born and raised in Cameroon, Africa, Rich was deeply impacted by the poverty that negatively impacted the lives of people (both adults and children) in his community, his country and throughout Africa. Because of this, he developed a profound desire to serve and make a positive difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate. His natural dislike of seeing people suffer was a strong driving force for the creation of an organization that will help bring awareness to the problems faced by the marginalized in society as well as galvanize a movement to change the lives of millions of people around the world. Though his primary intent for starting Generosity: Global was to serve and provide resources to the homeless in Baltimore, MD, his vision for the organization has expanded into building a global organization that is impacting the lives of the homeless, orphans, and underserved persons around the world. Today, Generosity: Global does work not only in America, but also in Africa, focusing on bringing access to clean drinking water to villages in need. Under Rich’s leadership, the organization has provided meals and life resources to over 20,000 homeless men, women and children and has also brought clean drinking water to over 6,000 people in Cameroon.

Rich is a father to his adorable son Joshua and a committed husband to his beautiful wife Erika Akwo. Most importantly, he is a committed follower of Jesus Christ; living his life each day to serve Christ.

Visit Generosity Global

2017 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipient
Dr. Taila Wenie Tagalak
2017 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Dr. Taila Wenie Tagalak

Dr. Tagalak is a physician in Yaounde, Cameroon, and a Patcha Foundation medical mission volunteer, who invited the 2017 medical mission to Maroua, Far North Cameroon, and worked relentlessly to manage logistics and to ensure a successful mission. The mission offered free comprehensive healthcare services to over 3400 people.

2016 Award Winners

2016 Power of One Award Recipient
Joxel Garcia, MD, MBA
2016 Power of One Award Recipient
Joxel Garcia, MD, MBA

Dr. Garcia is executive director of the cancer prevention and control platform at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and a member of the leadership team for the institution’s bold Moon Shots Program, which aims to speed the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical and population-oriented advances that significantly reduce cancer deaths.

Under Dr. Garcia’s leadership, the cancer prevention and control platform implements and disseminates evidence-based, community-focused programs to advance cancer prevention, screening, early detection and survivorship. The platform provides policy, education and services to achieve a measurable and sustainable reduction in the cancer burden, especially in the underserved population for whom cancer and cancer risk factors predominate. This effort is taking what is known about diet, exercise, sun protection, tobacco avoidance, human papillomavirus (HPV) and cancer screenings beyond the walls of MD Anderson to reach people throughout Texas, the nation and the world.

Dr. Garcia is an internationally recognized health care leader with experience and success in a number of health care settings. He began his medical career as an obstetrician/gynecologist and then became the commissioner for the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. After serving as the deputy director for the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization in Washington, D.C., he moved into the corporate sector. There he worked as a senior vice president and senior medical officer at Maximus Federal Services Inc.

President George W. Bush appointed Dr. Garcia as the 13th U.S. assistant secretary for health. At the same time, he was appointed as a four-star admiral for the United States Public Health Service and as the U.S. Representative to the World Health Organization. During this time, and as our nation’s highest ranking medical and public health official, Dr. Garcia led more than 6,220 U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers in the U.S. and 88 countries in the protection, promotion and advancement of health.

Following his government service, Dr. Garcia returned to his native Puerto Rico and served as the president and dean of medicine for Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences. In 2012, he moved back to Washington, D.C., to serve as the director and chief medical officer for the Washington, D.C. Department of Health and as a founding partner with Aegis Health Security, a global health care advisory firm. With Aegis, he helped create a health index to improve population health, including a reduction in the cancer burden.

Dr. Garcia has served on several boards of nationally recognized health care organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the National Dialogue on Cancer. He has received numerous awards and honors including the Secretary of Defense Award for Exceptional Public Service, the U.S. Public Health Service Distinguished Service Award and honorary doctoral degrees from Carlos Albizu University in Miami, Florida, the Ponce School of Medicine in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Universidad del Este in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

2016 Power of One Award Recipient
Krishnan Suthanthiran
2016 Power of One Award Recipient
Krishnan Suthanthiran

Founder and President of TeamBest Companies, Best Cure Foundation, and Kitsault Energy

Krishnan Suthanthiran traveled to Canada from India in September 1969 after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Madras, India, to pursue his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. He arrived with a total of 400 Canadian Dollars. Subsequently, he received a National Research Council of Canada Research Assistantship which helped him to meet his financial needs. All of his college education was financed using his merit scholarship and Research Assistantship. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1971 from Carleton University. He moved to the United States in 1972 and worked as an Engineer Physicist at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, USA until 1978.

He has founded and invested hundreds of millions of US dollars globally during the past 40 years, in medical products manufacturing, healthcare delivery, real estate, entertainment, and energy companies. His family of medical companies is known collectively as TeamBest. He founded and supports a few non-profit charitable organizations to make quality education and healthcare affordable and accessible globally. He has contributed substantially to setting up endowed chair and endowments for scholarships at various universities. He has provided significant funding to support medical research and treatment by partnering with academic institutions, national labs, and hospitals around the world.

View Full PDF Bio

2016 Power of One Award Recipient
Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu
2016 Power of One Award Recipient
Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu

Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu is a Research Scientist by profession and currently serves as a Research consultant for WHO funded project on mHealth in Niger working to improve the quality of care for preventable causes of death in children under five in rural Niger. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from the Medical College of Wisconsin, a diploma in International Development from the University of British Columbia.

As a global youth Ambassador for a World at School, a global movement to put every child in school and learning Joannes has spent most of his youthful life advocating for access to quality education and working with children living with disabilities and communities orphaned by HIV/AIDS while ensuring that the rights of women and girls globally are protected and respected. He has also published articles that critically assess the educational challenges the worlds’ poorest children face through the lens of Hope For Children Cameroon, an organization which he founded in 2011 with the goal of educating every child one school, one village at a time. His organization has provided tuition assistance to over 300 children, and 500 children have benefitted from school supplies in schools and constructed clean and safe pit toilets in five different schools, serving over 1300 children.

His work on gender equality was featured by UN Women as one of the first IMPACT stories since the launch of the UN Women “HeForShe” Campaign, a solidarity movement that calls on men and boys to stand up against the persisting inequalities faced by women and girls globally, and strengthens the support for Women's rights. To mark the second anniversary if the UN Women’s HeForShe initiative, Joannes shared his work on gender equality which brought together world leaders, change makers, activist and celebrities at the forefront of the HeForShe movement.

His involvement in advocating for universal education has earned Joannes several international awards namely; the 2014 Youth Courage Award from the Office of the UN Envoy on Global Education Gordon Brown, the Queen's Young Leaders Award for his exemplary leadership and commitment in transforming the lives of others while making a lasting difference in his community, African Youth Excellence Award for Public Service, Emma Watson’s Tribe scholarship and Women Deliver Young leader which recognizes young people who are working to build a world where the health and well-being of girls and women is a priority by Women Deliver.

2016 Youth Advocacy Award Recipient
Sylvie Bello
2016 Youth Advocacy Award Recipient
Sylvie Bello

Sylvie Bello, is the dynamic Founder/CEO of the Cameroon American Council, America’s leading African Immigrant Advocacy Organization. She shapes CAC’s mission, which is to build capacity, build relevance and build visibility in African communities in America. Sylvie leads the Cameroon American Council into crafting culturally sensitive and language appropriate messages and in initiating partnerships with government entities such as The White House, DoL, USDA, HHS, HUD and national institutions such as NAACP, NCNW, SCLC, NAN etc. In 2011 shy of her 30th birthday, African Immigrant Magazine selected Sylvie as part of ‘The 100 Africans Making in Difference in America’, that same year she was a Community Leader awardee from the Cameroon Student Association-USA CAMSAUSA. 2013 NW Fon’s Council-USA award for her immigration advocacy. Sylvie started her nonprofit career as an Accounting Intern in New Jersey, where she graduated from Kean University with a major in Finance. Prior to starting CAC, she was the Finance and Operations Manager for the Nonprofit Roundtable. She is an Arts and Theatre buff, and seats on the Advisory Panel of the Baltimore Museum of Arts. In her spare time volunteers at an usher at the Ford’s Theatre and the Shakespeare’s Theatre. She is a political reporter at New York’s Sahara TV.

Read full pdf Bio

2016 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Ms. Andrea Roane
2016 Spirit of Community Award Recipient
Ms. Andrea Roane

The Patcha Foundation recipient of the 2016 Spirit of Community Award, Ms. Andrea Roane. She is an anchor at WUSA9 and the station’s health reporter. She is highly respected for her passionate reporting on breast health issues and promoting the importance of lifestyle changes and Early Detection in the fight against breast cancer. Andrea's commitment to women's health and community service has been recognized with countless national and local awards.

2016 CASEC Catalyst Award Recipients
Full List of Winners
2016 CASEC Catalyst Award Winners

His Majesty Sikam Happy V, Chief of Bana His Majesty Yonkeu Jean Marie, Chief of Bangoulap Adija Acha-Ndeh African Women's Cancer Awareness Association BOTA Consulting Engineers, Inc Brother’s Brother Foundation , CAMNA-USA, Dr. Baudelaire Njankou, Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Nkwanyuo, Dr. Asek Makia, Dr. Bryant & Mrs. Henn Orjiako, Dr. David Awasum, Dr. Eleonora Gokoyeva, Dr. Eugenia Kolkas, Dr. George & Mrs. Elizabeth Okang, Dr. Kalambayi Kabasela, Dr. Marianne Siewe, Dr. Marie Bibum, Dr. Melville Wyse, Dr. Njwen Anyangwe-Ngute, Dr. Ousmane Toure, Dr. Solange Nono, Esther Chibayere Ivo and Mildred Njosa, Joan Foretia John & Mercy Foretia Kelly, Weddings & Decor Ladies of Cameroon, Manfred Tumban Medicap Pharmacy, Mr. & Mrs. Ignace Siewe, Nina Wujech, Oksana Likhova, Prevent Blindness International, Richard Muma, Rosedale Smiles, Rosemary Atanga, Safe Bridge of Help Sierra Leone Diaspora, Brain Gain Mission, Thomas Tanue, Transit & Procurement Services, Zonetak Pharmacy

2015/2014/2013 Award Winners

2015 Power of One Award Recipient
Winston Price, M.D., FAAP, FACPE
2015 Power of One Award Recipient
Winston Price, M.D., FAAP, FACPE

Winston Price, M.D., FAAP, FACPE, is a board certified pediatrician and Chair of Pediatrics at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge, Georgia. He also guides the National Medical Association (NMA)’s use of information technology to improve consumer health education, maximize patient healthy outcomes and eliminate health disparities.

Dr. Price’s international exposure includes expert medical consultant for CharityMobi which provides emergency placement services and medical care to indigent populations in Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, and Grenada, to name some of his services. .

"Dr. Price is a tremendous contributor in many ways to improving health and promoting health policies that assist us in confronting health disparities both nationally and internationally. I am very pleased that he, as an outstanding Past-President of the NMA, has been selected for this honor," shared Dr. Vivian Pinn, Senior Scientist Emerita, Fogarty International Center, NIH and Chair, NMA Past President's Council.

CharityMobi Website

2015 Power of One Award Recipient
Mr. Nathan Simb
2015 Power of One Award Recipient
Krishnan Suthanthiran

Mr. Nathan Simb is a humble and unassuming gentleman who is reluctant to discuss his vast charitable contributions. He firmly believes that the “right hand must not know what the left hand does.” There is nothing he will not at least attempt to ease the suffering of the underserved and improve their chance of a healthy and productive future.

Mr. Simb has built and equipped classrooms, donated substantially to churches, assists the community in the development of land and the preservation of ancestral land and heritage. He is the main benefactor of the Kribi Principal prison, funding a borehole to provide water and making sure the inmates have medical care.

He recently built the MPUMA NWET HEALTH CENTRE that provides free or low cost health care to the population of Kribi, a town in Cameroon with more than 100,000 inhabitants and limited access to care. He was instrumental in bringing the Patcha Foundation 2015 Medical Mission to Kribi.

Centre Médical MPUMA NWET

2015 Youth Advocacy Award Recipient
Noelle Karmo-Walsh
2015 Youth Advocacy Award Recipient
Noelle Karmo-Walsh

Noelle is modest about her achievements. Yet when her mother, Maimah Karmo, founder of the Tigerlily Foundation, which educates young women about breast cancer, contracted the disease at 32, three year old Noelle proved to be her strongest health champion. "Since Day one Noelle has been there for me showing empathy," shared Maimah.

That empathy continued with Noelle joining her mother's cause and educating girls on the importance of breast health.

Pajama Glam was an idea Noelle conceived six years ago. She secured her first sponsorship of $10,000 at age eight and launched Pajama Glam in Washington, DC. The event expanded to New York City with plans to add Hawaii next year. "I created Pajama Glam as a fun and glitzy pajama party for girls. We enjoy yoga, dancing, a band, a candy bar, and learn about breast health and overall healthy living in a fun way," offers Noelle.

Tigerlily Foundation Website

2015 Youth Advocacy Award Recipient
Marienette Ngambou
2015 Youth Advocacy Award Recipient
Received By Her Mother
Marienette Ngambou

Marienette is the inspiration behind the Youth Advocacy Award which is presented for the first time this year.

She was a 22 year old Berea College Chemistry graduate who succumbed eight months after diagnosis with a rare type of ovarian cancer, Sertol-Leydig. Before her untimely death in May 2015, Marienette had become a powerful voice of her generation, joining the Patcha Foundation in educating youth about cancer and advocating screening and early detection.

She had also enrolled in the Miss Africa USA pageant with hopes of using the platform to spread cancer awareness across all ethnic groups, particularly African immigrants.

Marienette wanted to be part of the cancer disease solution. Award given posthumously and received by her mother, Josephine Nubea.

Angel with a message for the world

2015 Power of One Award Recipient
Dr. Georges Bwelle
2016 CASEC Catalyst Award Winners

The Patcha Foundation recipient of the 2014 Power of One Award, Dr. Georges Bwelle. He is a Cameroonian visceral surgeon working at Yaoundé's Central Hospital, and the founder of ASCOVIME. ASCOVIME (Association des compétences pour une vie meilleure) is a non-profit organization in Cameroon with a mission to fight illiteracy and diseases in the rural parts of Cameroon by providing free medical care and school supplies. So far, he has provided free healthcare services and procedures to over 32,000 sick patients, and this year alone is providing 15,000 school children with books and supplies. Dr. Bwelle does weekly humanitarian missions to the under-served of Cameroon. He is a CNN' Top 10 Hero of 2013. More information about the 2014 winner.

Ascovime Website

2014 Power of One Award Recipient
Mr. Raymond Bridgewater
2014 Power of One Award Recipient
Mr . Raymond Bridgewater

The Patcha Foundation recipient of the 2015 Spirit of Community Award, Mr. Ray Bridgewater. He is President and CEO of Assembly of Petworth, Washington D.C. and has guided and directed several major community development organizations in business development, institutional capacity building and public policy intervention strategies designed to eliminate the disadvantages of multi-generational poverty and disinvestment of inner city communities. He is involved in many diverse programs providing health, education and social services for underserved, at-risk populations of the District of Columbia. His contribution to increase the flu vaccination uptake in Washington DC is noteworthy.

2013 Power of One Award Recipient
Dr. Emeka Onyewu
2013 Power of One Award Recipient
Winston Price, M.D., FAAP, FACPE

The Patcha Foundation recipient of the 2013 Power of One Award, Dr. Emeka Onyewu. He is a renowned, award winning surgeon in Silver Spring MD, and volunteer extraordinaire. Dr. Onyewu was a volunteer during the Medical Mission of Hope in 2013, and performed free surgeries in Limbe, Cameroon. In two days, 9 women diagnosed with breast cancer received life saving mastectomies and lumpectomies. Dr. Onyewu has donated his services in at least 20 medical missions to Africa, a highly commendable record. We thank him for his service to our people.

Dr. Onyewu Website