Evelyn Park | President
Evelyn is a trusted leader and community advocate.
Her skills in communication, networking and nurturing talent have been developed through her successful entrepreneurial endeavours in the wellbeing and beauty industries and her career in real estate.
Coming from Zambia to Aotearoa in 1994, Evelyn completed her undergraduate studies in hospitality at Auckland University of Technology. She has made an impact in New Zealand society as a business leader, creating job opportunities and helping to grow our economy.
She is an active member of several communities and is excited to lead ACOFI. Her aim is to build strong relationships with the ACOFI executive, African community leaders, ethnic group leaders, government agencies and businesses to find sustainable ways of uplifting our community.
Evelyn hopes that ACOFI becomes accessible to African organisations in New Zealand, implements future-focused practices and technology, and authentically celebrates
Omer Adam | Vice President
Omer is a freedom activist, community advocate, and technology passionate.
Omer holds a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering and a master’s degree in Computer Science from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.
He is currently working as a Senior Software Engineer at CyberCom Hospitality Solutions in Auckland. Additionally, he was the acting vice president of the Sudanese community in New Zealand.
Omer believes that working together as Africans help African communities in Aotearoa to be united, heard, and prosperous. Omer hopes that being the vice president of ACOF will help him work with community leaders to empower African communities to have equal opportunities in New Zealand as well as build a strong sense of belonging to their heritage and African roots.
Princess Mudekunye | Secretary General
Princess is a community catalyst and an adaptive leader
She is dedicated to serving the African community by advocating, participating, and promoting the interests of Africans in New Zealand.
She has over a decade of progressive leadership experience and community engagement expertise. Her experiences serving the Zimbabwean Association as Secretary General and Chairperson have given deep insights into grassroots leadership and governance experiences. She is also very active in church operations and public relations roles.
She is a health professional, and Various private and public organisations seek her expertise in healthcare, leadership, management, and organisational development.
She is confident that ACOFI will continue to evolve and nurture African community organisations in New Zealand.
Florance Dwamena | Treasurer
Meet Florence, an accomplished young professional who serves as the Treasurer for ACOFI, an esteemed organization dedicated to uplifting and strengthening our African Community. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand with Ghanaian roots, Florence has always been driven by a passion for finance and accounting.
After completing high school, Florence pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Auckland, where she excelled academically and developed a strong foundation in financial theory and practice.
Upon graduating, Florence began her current career as an Auditor for one of the global big fives, using her skills and expertise to help organizations improve their financial reporting and internal controls. As a detail-oriented and analytical individual,
In her current role as Treasurer of ACOFI, Florence is responsible for managing the organization’s finances and ensuring that all financial transactions are accurate, transparent, and in compliance with relevant regulations. Her keen eye for detail and experience in auditing make them well-suited to this role, and she is committed to using her skills to help ACOFI achieve its goals and fulfill its mission.
Despite her young age, Florence is poised to continue making a positive impact in the world of finance and beyond.
Zanele Mavuso | Women Affairs Officer
Born in the beautiful Kingdom of ESwatini in Southern Africa. Married with 3 lovely kids. Loves people, and loves Jesus. She calls New Zealand her home of choice.
Having experienced the multicultural nature of New Zealand, meeting people from literally all over the world, Zanele has come to appreciate the fact that human beings are all the same and they want the same thing in life, loosely summed up in the word- FREEDOM.
Her passion is for women and families, especially expatriate, migrant and refugee mothers raising up the next generation to know there’s so much at stake, nothing has to be left to chance. We always have to keep our dreams front of mind.
So, she helps mothers make choices which will have a positive impact on their families, especially their children, and to bring them up without Fear, but with Faith, Hope and Love.
Her certificate in cross-cultural supervision has greatly enhanced her understanding of working with different cultures.
Ernestina Bonsu Maro | Community Liaison Officer
My name is Ernestina Poukia Bonsu-Maro, and I was born in New Zealand. I have lived here my whole life. I am a radio broadcaster, youth advocate, and community connector. Additionally, I am a business owner, running a modeling agency, podcast, and pageantry. I studied Bachelor of Communications at Unitec Mt Albert.
What excites me most in life is experiencing joy, smiles, and resilience. I find happiness in dancing, traveling, eating, listening to music, and laughing.
In terms of my aspirations, I hope to see ACOFI (Assuming ACOFI is an organization or community) represent all Africans around Aotearoa, showcasing our smiles and colors fearlessly. I want us to be authentically ourselves in this endeavor, leaving no room for crumbs of doubt or hesitation. 😎😄
Chika Adeosun | Youth Affairs Officer
Chika is a fun, intelligent and creative individual. As a young migrant from Nigeria to New Zealand Chika understands the challenges of being an African youth in New Zealand.
Interest in understanding people led her to a degree in Psychology from the University of Auckland. I’m the community Chika is commonly seen on stage performing her music.
Together with ACOFI Chika is keen to support the bridging of the gap between young and older Africans in our community.
Abby Fumbilwa | Elected Officer
Abby takes pride in her identity as both a Zambian and a New Zealander and values diversity and inclusivity.
She is a driven individual, committed to improving her community.
As an occupational therapy student, she has a unique perspective on the needs of the community and prioritises health and well-being in her compassionate and holistic approach. She is a firm believer in community engagement and advocacy.
She strives to amplify African voices and promote positive change and equity within the African community.
ACOFI - African Communities Forum Inc. 