About Us
We are an international network of organizations and individuals that are empowering girls and young women.
Empowerment of women is a fundamental right and political priority for the role women can play in peace, stability, and prosperity. Economic and political empowerment increases women’s agency, mobility outside the home, economic independence, involvement in policy decision-making processes, and community resilience.
Dr. Lorraine Otoide is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) educator and researcher with teaching experience encompassing adult education, post-secondary, and primary/junior/intermediate levels of education.
In 2016 she was nominated by the U.S. Consulate in Toronto to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program for Women in STEM, one of the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange programs. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor at York University and holds the position of Policy Education Officer in International Education for the Ministry of Education in Ontario.
Her professional experience includes Coordinator for the UNESCO Associated Schools Network for the province of Ontario where she works with schools and a large UNESCO Youth Advisory Committee to further UNESCO goals.
Ms. Jessica Lui is a management consultant at Deloitte and the founder of a youth-led social enterprise dedicated to investing in young adults pursuing STEM careers in underserved communities. In 2016, she was tapped to participate in President Obama’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University.
Jessica is a member of numerous intergovernmental and philanthropic boards as a champion for entrepreneurship and youth education. She is the recipient of Corporate Knights’ 30 Under 30 and Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award.
Dr. Joseph F. Engemann is currently an adjunct professor within the Graduate School of Education at the University of Buffalo in the State of New York. Previously, Dr. Engemann served as professor within the Faculty of Education at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Prior to his tenure at Brock University, he was employed as a middle school teacher for 17 years.
Dr. Engemann received his PhD in science education from the University of Buffalo. His research and teaching experience include science education, mathematics education, assessment and evaluation, curriculum development and implementation, and research methodology.
Dr. Engemann is the author of two books on educational assessment, 10 journal articles and reports, and over 40 peer-reviewed conference presentations. He is also credited with having supervised over 80 masters and doctoral students for the completion of their projects, theses, and dissertations.
Emma Asiedu-Akrofi is committed to community development. Graduating with a degree in Political Science & Sociology from the University of Toronto, Emma’s professional experience includes project management, risk and insurance, governance, budget management, program development & evaluation, and strategic planning.
As the Executive Director of the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment (April 2016 – present), Emma has been dedicated to supporting young women in South Etobicoke and the Greater Toronto Area. Working from within an anti-oppressive, inclusive framework – Emma’s career path has given body to a resume that reflects a deep commitment to celebrating gender equality, empowerment of self-identified females, and youth-based programming.
Outside of work Emma enjoys travelling to learn about different cultures and communities.
Ms. Adetola Salau is a social innovative entrepreneur, global educator, author and transformation agent. She is currently the Senior Special Assistant on STEM Education to the Honorable Commissioner in Lagos
State.
She is an engineer who founded Carisma4U Educational Foundation, which is a social innovation enterprise in 2015 with a focus on breaking the poverty cycle in Nigeria and Africa at large by equipping African children with highly competitive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills essential for the 4th industrial revolution.
Her purpose is to transform learning in Africa especially STEM Education for the economic prosperity and future readiness for over 2 million children in Africa by the year 2030.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to:
1) Increase young women’s understanding of political, economic, and civic participation in their local contexts and beyond
2) Address challenges and issues women face in these arenas
3) Build participants’ capacity to engage politically in their communities
Our Vision
CITIZEN GIRLS-YOUTH IN ACTION is focused on increasing the participation of women in peace, security, and governance.