Some might say that Dr Nkechy Ekere Ezeh’s was born to become a true visionary leader. Her father, a village tribal chief, encouraged her to always “Remember who you are” and to not be afraid to challenge systems that directly or indirectly supported an inequitable distribution of available resources especially when it came to vulnerable families.

Her father’s voice and encouragement were with her when with her husband she left Nigeria for the United States. Once here, understanding that education is a key to many doors, she enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College to study child development. Dr Ezeh later completed her BA and M.Ed. at Grand Valley State University, and received a Doctorate Degree in Child and Youth Studies with specialization in Curriculum Development and Systemic Change from Nova Southeastern University.

She was also one of the US delegates to Reggio Emilia, Italy and a panellist on the Oxford University Early Literacy Round Table.

After earning her Associates Degree, Dr Ezeh gained practical experience as a teacher and director of an early childhood education program serving vulnerable children. This proved invaluable when as a tenured professor at Aquinas College, she became the Director of Early Childhood Education and was responsible for preparing new preschool teachers. She was able to draw upon perspectives gained through her direct involvement in the classroom, specifically with vulnerable children, gaining valuable insight into the practical implementation of educational theory.

Dr Ezeh has also served as an Adult and Parent Educator, not only teaching parents but listening and learning from those who can best describe what life is like for low-income families. She has assisted several schools and nonprofit agencies as Education Consultant, providing curriculum and evaluation expertise at a level that many would not normally have been able to access.

In addition, Dr Ezeh is known as an international scholar and for the past 25 years has conducted Professional Development and Parent Education workshops throughout the United States of America, Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, South Australia), China (Beijing & Hong Kong), Dubai, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Zambia.