My name is Ada Ejiogu, and I am delighted to be joining Advance CTE as the senior director of operations. I will be leading the organization’s operations and financial strategies, ensuring they are efficient, effective, and grounded in principles of equity, inclusion, and compliance.
Over the past two decades I have worked in various roles in several organizations focused on global health and international development. I am committed to impacting lives positively and empowering people to maximize their potential. While most of my previous work has focused on international development, most of my functional experience has focused on developing clear strategies, efficient operations, and effective project management. I believe that the rich and extensive experiences I bring will be beneficial to Advance CTE, its members, and its work.
Prior to joining Advance CTE, I was a director of operations at the Population Council, leading a large complex global research project consortium, and had overseen large portfolios of funding and research activities ensuring timely completion on budget. When I worked with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, I led unique partnership development and management to build innovative partnerships and creative collaborations. At Columbia University’s ICAP, I managed the largest award with USG funding, designed and implemented project activities and operational systems, set up and expanded project offices, hired and trained staff, engaged with donors and partners, managed risk, and monitored compliance. Before that, I had worked at the Ford Foundation, managing a large portfolio with grantees across West Africa.
I am very passionate about education and providing access to opportunities for people to thrive and excel in their chosen careers. My mother was an educationist, and my parents instilled the importance of education and continuous learning. I took it to heart by getting a law degree, then a master’s in business administration, and subsequently, I returned to school to get a master’s in public administration and a master’s in public health from Columbia University, New York. While I was at Columbia University, as a graduate student leader, I initiated and led the implementation of the first two annual African Economic Forum bringing world leaders and experts to speak at Columbia University on how to improve various sectors including public health, education, and business. This annual forum has been successfully held at Columbia University for almost two decades now and continues to allow for effective education, access to career opportunities, and collaboration with leadership on important subjects.
I live in the DMV area and I love to travel and volunteer. I volunteered in building community leadership programs that helped professionals and learners from various walks of life acquire different skills that enable them to thrive in their career of choice. I also volunteered with Toastmasters International and successfully led a division of almost 40 clubs to excel in providing opportunities for learners to build communication and leadership skills.
