As Chief Program Officer, Elikem is responsible for providing the strategic vision and operational oversight to ensure program growth, consistency and quality globally. She also leads the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative for the Gap Year Association.
Prior to joining Global Citizen Year, Elikem led Amercares global program work in the Middle East, Asia, Eurasia and Africa and oversaw program strategy development and implementation in about 30 countries delivering over $100 million of aid annually. Before that Elikem was Manager of Programs and New Business at Aid to Artisans where she led a team in developing a 10-year strategic plan for their work in Africa. She also has experience in public policy and strategic management consulting with the Civic Consulting Alliance in Chicago.
In 2014 she was named one of Fairfield County’s top executives under 40 and received the Fairfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award. She currently serves on the Board of Vennue Foundation – a startup social enterprise committed to improving pharmacy services and healthcare in the developing world.
Elikem holds a Master’s degree in International Development & Social Change from Clark University and a BA in Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago. She currently lives in the great state of Georgia with her husband, son and Angel T.
Favorite Quote:
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.”
Leonardo da Vinci