Friends of Nigeria
| Every year, the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia recognizes a non Nigerian individual who through their selfless service, have made a difference in the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad. The honoree is recognized as the "Friend of Nigeria" during the Annual Fundraising and Awards Banquet |
Ms. Michelle Bernadette Miller
Ms. Miller has a passion for Nigerian Scholars and goes way beyond any prescribed role in meeting their needs. Kennesaw State University (KSU) has established a Quality Enhancement Program that will enhance global education in the next several. In keeping with this vision, KSU developed a faculty exchange model program with several Nigerian Universities that has resulted in over 10 scholars visiting KSU. Ms. Miller is involved with the entire process of their experience from the official aspects of processing their documents to their departure at the end of their visit. Ms. Michele Miller has worked at Kennesaw State University’s Institute for Global Initiatives for ten years. During these years, she has worked as staff person in charge of all international exchange students and scholars who visit KSU.
From the time the scholars arrive, Ms. Miller assumes the role of a "mother hen". They fondly call her “mama Michelle” because of the compassion and passion she brings to meeting their needs. Ms. Miller takes the visiting scholars on bus and Marta trips into Atlanta to expose them to the cultural treasures that Atlanta has to offer. She goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that they have a positive experience while they are at KSU. She takes them shopping weekly and to all agencies. Even when we have had scholars who need to go to the hospital, Ms. Miller volunteers to take them and has been known to stay at the hospital till 11:00pm in at least three occasions when the scholar had to spend the night. Again, none of these are part of her job description but reflect the passion she has for the scholars. This compassion is further extended to more staff and students who also attend KSU. Most recently, KSU has had two Ph.D. scholars from Nigeria whom she took all over to ensure that they had accommodation and the necessary resources which they needed to be successful. She maintains contact with all scholars who have left sending to them packages of information long after they have returned home to Nigeria.
She has received many awards and recognition including Peace Award, Student Leadership Training for Peace, Kennesaw State University Outstanding Leadership, KSU Staff Council and NAACP Advisor.
Ms. Miller obtained her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University
NWAG is proud to name Ms. Miller as our 2009 Friend of Nigeria.
A Woman of Humility and Compassion
Dr. Gloria Johnson-Rodgers, fondly known as Mother Gloria is a family practice physician, humanitarian, and author who began life in a shotgun house with a room off the side in a small town called Shaw, Mississippi.
Her work began as she sort to alleviate the suffering of families, but especially women and children in Nigeria. Through the donations and support of many since 2000, thousands have already benefited from her generosity. Scholarships have been donated for 1,500 children from very poor areas. These children are very gifted, but have no means for school. Dr. Rodgers has helped to build two schools and donated medical supplies, along with toiletries, to the women and children in the villages of Nigeria. Dr. Rodgers built an orphanage in Enugu because many children were left for relative to care for who could not care for themselves. Mother Rodgers has donated monies for women in Lagos and Oyo States to start businesses for themselves while supporting the dynamic women, an organization that encourages self- help.
Mother Rodgers has also donated sewing machines to the Women Crisis Center in Benue State as well as assisted with supplies, shelter and other needs. She has donated new clothing and food to orphanages in Ibadan, as well as supplied school supplies in Abuja, Mercy Orphanage and schools.
Through her servant hood abroad, Mother Rodgers has received numerous awards to include the Marion Merrill Dow Humanitarian Award, Bola Immaculate Humanitarian Award of Excellence, Nigeria, West Africa, the Legislative Black Caucus Volunteer of the Year Award, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Mason Theological Seminary Award for Foreign Service, Voices and Charming from Lane Bryant, National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, President's Bush Daily Points of Light Award, Washington, DC, National Caring Award, Washington, DC in honor of Mother Theresa, and many others.
Although Mother Rodgers' accomplishments are many, her most cherished accomplishment is her love, dedication, and devotion to her husband, Superintendent (Dr.) Charles Rodgers, and their four children, Gwendolyn, Charles "Chip" Jr., Elizabeth Megan, Adam James, and her family.
NWAG salutes our 2008 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service
Nell is a bi-lingual professional with vast international experience in private sector and development. Presently Executive Director of Medshare International and President of the Africa Business Council (ABC).
As the managing director of MEDSHARE and President of African Business Council, she has been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of the less fortunate are made, including the Nigerians at home and abroad.
In 2006, Nell assisted in raising $75,000 that went to support the National Hospital, Abuja through the Ministry of health.
She has been a constant support to many Nigerian physicians and medical personnel who embark on medical missions to our homeland.
Supported the building of the surgery unit at LUTH so that life-saving surgeries are being performed there.
Her other accomp0lsihements include:
NWAG salutes our 2007 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service
Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney has distinguished herself as a strong, principled fighter for human rights and a drum major for justice. Her human rights activities extend beyond the shores of the
NWAG salutes our 2007 Friend of Nigeria. Our Sister, Our friend and fellow comrade in service
Nigerian Women Association of Georgia, Inc.
P.O. Box 14532 , Atlanta , GA 30324
Phone: 770 –496-4380
Email:
