Meet the Founder & CEO, Best Bagalwa
Born and raised in Nigeria, Best is the founder and CEO of Bagalwa Foundation. Best is married to her husband Leonard, and they have 5 children. Best graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in social work from Utah Valley University. Best has over five years' experience in case management. Best believes that the quality of life and education of a child should not be determined by the continent he/she is born. Being a mother, and her professional and life experiences is the reason why she started bagalwa foundation. Best loves to help and see Children and under privileged women thrive.
Alexander Odume
Alexander Afam Odume was born and raised in Nigeria and has extensive leadership experience in both faith‑based and professional settings. He has served in several ecclesiastical leadership roles across West Africa for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, including mission president, temple president, Area Seventy, and district president. Professionally, he worked as an accountant, internal auditor, and human resource manager. He currently serves as Board Chair of Bagalwa Foundation, providing strategic leadership and governance, and enjoys reading and traveling.
BERNARD BALIBUNO, MPA
Bernard Balibuno is a seasoned nonprofit leader born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He holds a master’s degree from Brigham Young University (Provo) and brings many years of experience working in the nonprofit and development sector. Bernard currently serves as Country Director at CAFOD, where he provides strategic leadership and oversees programs supporting community development and humanitarian initiatives. At Bagalwa Foundation, he serves as a Board Director, contributing his expertise, regional knowledge, and commitment to sustainable impact in the DRC.
Justine Achiza
Justine Achiza was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is a trained nurse and dedicated humanitarian with a strong passion for caring for orphaned children. She currently oversees one of the orphanages at Bagalwa Foundation, where she ensures the well-being, safety, and daily care of vulnerable children. Married and a mother of four, Justine combines her professional healthcare training with personal experience in family and child care, bringing compassion, responsibility, and leadership to her role in service of the community.
SELINA APPIAH
Selina is the Co‑Founder and Vice President of Operations and Administration at Bountiful STEM Educational Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Brigham Young University–Idaho and has experience in healthcare and STEM robotics education. Selina is committed to expanding access to basic education for children in Africa and works closely with schools, parents, and community leaders to create meaningful impact.
Selina believes that every child is unique, so she provides support for this program by working with school administrators, parents, and community leaders, which has had a great impact into the lives of many people.