Each of the directors brings diverse perspectives and skills that reflect the rich tapestry of our community.
Dr. Francisca Njoku DNP, FNP-BC, RNC
Founder/President
With 33 years of unwavering dedication and expertise in the nursing realm, Francisca Njoku stands as a beacon of inspiration and knowledge. Her illustrious career spans across borders, enriching lives in foreign lands and the heart of America.
As a distinguished nurse practitioner and revered BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP and IV Certificate classes, Francisca’s impact reverberates throughout the medical community. Her role as a mentor for NRP and collaboration with the Infusion Nurses Society exemplifies her commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Francisca’s vast wisdom and proficiency make her the epitome of excellence in the medical field, making her the ideal candidate to lead this esteemed organization to greater heights.
Alex Aboagye
Board Chairman
Alex Aboagye currently serves as the Director of Health Services at one of the City University of New York campuses, where he leads a dedicated team in providing care to the student body.
Alex’s entire career in healthcare has been a testament to his profound love and dedication towards serving and uplifting others. Alex believes deeply in the transformative power of health education and preventative care to empower individuals and communities.
Throughout his career, Alex has demonstrated excellent proctorship, developing and mentoring future health professionals while consistently improving clinical services. His leadership is marked by readiness to embrace challenges and a commitment to action.
Alex is fully prepared and eager to assist with our foundation’s vision of being a blessing to others, leveraging his expertise and servants’ heart to advance our mission.
Joy Faulknor-SpignerVice Chair Person
Graduated from BMCC with her Associates of Science degree, interned at the State College of Optometry school in Manhattan New York.
Amongst several of her accomplishments, she received the Cleo and Zack Project for
Science Literacy Merit Award, received The City of New York Dept. of Health & Mental
Hygiene Bureau of Day Care Child Abuse & Maltreatment Certification, and a Certificate completion of computer access program in addition to working full time for Financial Institutions, Entertainment industries, and Hospitals. Thereafter, Joy attended Manhattanville College full-time for her degree in Biochemistry and Psychology while working two jobs. But she had applied for New York State Corrections in which she had attended the academy and served 10years in corrections as an Officer. While Joy was working for corrections, she continued to show her leadership, strength, support, and dedication to helping others by facilitating ASAT meetings, Mentoring, and Encouraging others in pursuing their goals. Joy serves on the NAACP Executive Commitee, Political Action Chair, Jade Foundation (Community Event Engagements), Former 47th Precinct Community Council Board member, 47th Precinct (Community Engagements), and many more. She has helped create and facilitate programs, managed events such as health fairs, food distribution, school giveaways, national night out, CPR Training, Financial Literacy, “Know Your Rights” information panel seminars, Mental Health Advocate, and many more. Joy has always had a passion in helping people as a God-fearing woman. Besides, there are many more things I can express on this resilient, passionate, robust, articulate, educated, and loving woman that she deserves to be apart of your noble organization.
Joyce Muonuagha
Experienced Healthcare Specialist | Direct Patient Care Expert
NuHealth
New York State Health
Hospitals – Adelphi University
New York Metropolitan Area
Janet Chenny-Nashanji
Janet Chenny-Nashnyi DNP, APRN, CPNP, the esteemed founder of Kindred Health Mission Inc. (KHMI), has joined us as a board member for the Ropheka Foundation Inc. (RFI). This collaboration embodies our shared commitment to enhancing community health and well-being.
At Ropheka Foundation we believe that healing begins with each individual. With passionate leaders like Janet on board, we are empowered to make a significant impact—one person at a time. Together, we will harness our collective expertise and dedication to foster a healthier community.
Let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and heal together. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that resonates throughout our neighborhoods. Join us in our mission—because every effort counts in the pursuit of a healthier tomorrow.
Paula Brown
Paula Brown is a retired Director of Nursing for Maternal Child Services with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing women’s health and supporting families through every stage of care.
In retirement, she continues to pursue her passions by traveling, cruising, and sharing her expertise through teaching CPR and Advanced Resuscitation, where she helps prepare and inspire the next generation of healthcare workers in emergency cardiovascular care, and educating new nurses entering the field of Women’s Health.
She is also honored to serve as a board member of the Ropheka Foundation Inc. where she contributes her leadership and commitment to community health and wellness.
Ana Almonte
Ana Almonte’s journey is not just a personal narrative; it is a powerful testament to resilience and an unwavering commitment to community empowerment that resonates deeply with the mission of Ropheka Foundation Inc. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of the Sacred Heart in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of New Rochelle in New York, Ana exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and dedication. Her migration from the Dominican Republic in the 1980s in pursuit of a brighter future is a story of courage, as she navigated the challenges of raising her children while nurturing her dream of becoming a nurse.
Ana’s healthcare journey began humbly as a home health aide, where she first witnessed the profound impact that compassionate care can have on individuals and families. This initial experience ignited a passion within her that propelled her forward, leading her to become a case manager and eventually step into the nursing profession. Throughout her career, Ana has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to giving a voice to the underserved, ensuring that those who often go unheard of being recognized and supported. Her dedication to compassionate care aligns beautifully with Ropheka Foundation Inc. mission of enhancing peoples’ life and putting smiles on their faces, as she embodies the very essence of what it means to serve a community with heart and soul.
Obinna Igbe
Obinna Igbe is a cybersecurity engineer, researcher, and adjunct professor who teaches graduate-level cybersecurity courses at the City University of New York.
With nearly a decade of experience in information security and a Ph.D. in Cybersecurity, he has worked for multiple Fortune 50 technology companies, focusing on strengthening data protection and threat detection capabilities.
Obinna is passionate about mentorship and using education as a bridge to opportunity, particularly in underserved communities, where he works to expand access to quality cybersecurity training and inspire the next generation of digital defenders.