Edwina Gadze, Executive Director/President

Upon meeting Edwina Gadze, Executive Director/President of Providence Foundation, you will immediately sense her infectious joy and positive outlook on life. Born in Accra, Ghana, Edwina dreamt of becoming a professor, so she could teach and empower others to achieve their dreams and goals. “In the African culture, we are encouraged to learn and work hard towards our education. We are taught that our ability to secure a good job is dependent on our education.” As a student, Edwina took her education seriously and due to her drive, determination, and love for learning she pursued numerous studies and certifications. Edwina earned her Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Cape Coast, Central Region Ghana, along with both her Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Applied Insurance Studies from Ghana Insurance College. In 2013, Edwina came to the United States and as she settled into her new life, as a wife, she put her desires for a Master’s Degree on hold. Prior to leaving Ghana, Edwina worked in the banking and insurance industries for 5 years. 

Edwina emerged from a difficult marriage and decided to shift her career to the Healthcare Industry in 2016. She focused her energy on her education and in 2019, she earned her Diploma in Practical Nursing from The American Institute of Alternative Medicine. From there, she became a Certified Enterprise Agility Coach in September of 2020, a Certified Agile Coach in October 2020, and a Certified Scrum Master in May 2022. Combine Edwina’s innate ability to administer, manage, supervise, and lead teams with her authentic and self-less demeanor and you are now in the presence of an incredible Woman of God. Simultaneous with attending school, Edwina worked at Friendship Village of Dublin, in both the Home Care Services and Assisted Living, and at Always Best Care of Westerville, prior to joining Columbus Developmental Centre as a Therapeutic Program Worker in 2019. Currently, as a Residential Care Supervisor, at Columbus Developmental Centre, Edwina brings light, hope, and joy to coworkers and patients.   

As a strong and determined women, Edwina again embraced her dreams by launching a non-profit, Providence Foundation, on November 1, 2021. “I was inspired and persuaded by Mr. Josesph Eworge Kofi Sika (Ghana) to form Providence Foundation, to help mankind. I am driven to help the needy—specifically immigrants and refugees who find themselves in Columbus, Ohio. They need a team who will assist them without asking for anything in return. We’ll meet them where they are and provide the resources needed to navigate the immigration process. We do this so they are empowered to succeed!” 



Providence Foundation exists to support and empower immigrants, refugees and the homeless to face and change their circumstances. Through the non-profit’s services, connections, and resource partners, individuals will be equipped to make better decisions and inspired to achieve their hopes and dreams. “I witnessed as both of my parents gave of themselves to help others who were less fortunate. My mom made clothes for others and my daddy would pay school fees for less endowed children. Compassion and empathy are a part of who I am and why I believe in serving others. By providing encouragement to change one’s circumstances, they will have an opportunity to change their life.”

Edwina Gadze met both the Foundation’s Treasurer and Secretary through their work environment at Columbus Developmental Centre. “We are cut from a similar cloth. Together, we are progressive, collaborative, and driven to make an impact.” Providence Foundation is positioned to stay focused, bring joy and hope, and positively impact the immigrant, refugee, and homeless communities. “God’s grace is abundant.” Edwina and the Executive Team are on a mission to forge ahead, provide comfort and empower others to change their lives. How will they do this? One individual at a time.

Willie B. Powell, Treasurer

As you meet Willie B. Powell, Treasurer of Providence Foundation, you will be impressed by his ability to see potential in others, as he impacts and encourages them to improve their circumstances in life. Willie was born in Monrovia, Liberia and witnessed a Civil War for most of his childhood and young adult life. “When I was about 12 years old, a storm came through our Village. I was injured and unconscious for 3 weeks and because of the hospital care I received, I wanted to work in healthcare and do good for humanity.” Willie decided to attend Cuttington University for 4 years and studied Biology/Chemistry.

 

Willie felt opportunities would be better in Ghana—so he lived there between 2006 and 2009. After 5 years of applying for a Diversity Visa, he was almost out of hope, but then he ‘won’ a Visa from the U.S. Government and moved to the United States in 2016.  As Willie qualified for his Green Card and subsequent U.S. Citizenship, he attended Columbus State Community College and studied computers and graphic design for about 1 year. Due his thirst for knowledge, he earned a Scrum Master Certification, Agile Coach Certification, and a Data Analysis Certification. Simultaneously, Wille began working at Upreach LLC as a Home Health Aide, then accepted a position at Columbus Developmental Centre. As of 2021, Willie is a Licensed Case Manager at Southeast Healthcare. “I am non-judgmental, and I look beyond someone’s past circumstances and societal stature.  What I want is to help them, put a smile on their face, see them joyful and empower them to change their situation.”

Willie met Edwina Gadze, Executive Director/President of Providence Foundation while working at Columbus Developmental Centre. “We had several conversations, discovered our mutual passion to impact others and took action and launched Providence in 2021.” Serving those who are immigrants, refugees, or homeless is what Providence Foundation is authentically designed to do. By connecting individuals with resources to obtain birth certificates, social security numbers, citizenship, work permits and access to affordable low-income housing, Providence Foundation is tangibly helping those who feel lost, discouraged, or defeated. “The United States is the land of milk and honey! We are determined to help individuals change their story and get back on their feet. At Providence, we do not dwell on the past, but we focus on the future and help those--who want to help themselves.”

Providence Foundation has been providing food and clothing at community events, twice a month since launching on November 1, 2021. The Leadership Team wants to provide not only food and clothing but has a vision to impact the homeless community by serving as the conduit to move 100 individuals ‘off the street’ and into affordable low-income housing during 2024 and 2026. The long-term goal is for Providence Foundation to ‘own’ homes which will allow 6 individuals to reside in each house. As each resident secures employment and pays their share of the affordable monthly rent, they will be able to reestablish credit, learn about money management and see light at the end of the tunnel.

Willie B. Powell is a progressive thinker and driving force within the nonprofit community. He understands the importance of building connections and serving others. As the Public Relations Officer of United Liberians of Columbus, and as the Administrator/Treasurer of Intercessor Lutheran Mission Church, Willie is fully committed to the nonprofit sector. “Both of my parents instilled compassion and empathy in me. My Dad is a Bishop and my Mom is a Pastor and we always opened our home and shared food and hospitality to our guests, before serving ourselves. My Mom’s character is what I desire to emulate here in the United States. I want people to know that my help is a simple phone call away.”

Sidoine Kevin Ngaleu, Secretary

Sidoine Kevin Ngaleu, Secretary of Providence Foundation, is a man of action who is on a mission to serve humanity with empathy and compassion. “The greatest reward in life is to put a smile on someone’s face and to give them hope.” Sidoine was born in Cameroon, Africa. At the age of 22, he left Africa to live and study in Malaysia, France, and the United Kingdom, before coming to the United States in 2015.

As an avid and driven learner, Sidoine earned his Bachelor of Science in Banking Management from Global Business University-Europe, his M.B.A. in Corporate Finance from Cardiff Metropolitan University--United Kingdom and is currently working on his Master of Science in Information Technology from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, Sidoine earned the following certifications: Certified DeVops Transformation Coach, Certified SAFe 5 Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Master, and achieved a Master’s Certification in Agile Management from Chicago State University.

Sidoine has worked in the Finance Industry for 7+ years and currently is a Project Manager/Scrum Master at Huntington Bank. Prior to Huntington, Sidoine worked at the Department of Developmental Disabilities, SunTrust, and PNC Bank in Scrum Master/Project Management roles. “I am driven to get tasks and projects completed. Every day I move items from my ‘doing’ list to my ‘done’ list. One cannot impact the world if you don’t act.” 

When Sidoine met Edwina Gadze, Executive Director/President of Providence Foundation, he felt an immediate connection with the cause and mission and was excited about joining the Board of Directors in 2020. “Knowing that my time and energy are going into an organization that is taking action and doing something that is meaningful are the important considerations for me. At Providence Foundation we are going into the most highly concentrated homeless areas in Franklin County to feed the homeless. We see joy and hope on their face and know that we are making a difference.” 

Providence typically sets up and serves food two times per month. In addition to food and clothing items, personal hygiene items are distributed from ‘under the tent’ to those in need. The 2–3-year goals provide a greater impact.  Providence Foundation is determined to help people get ‘off the street’ and into affordable housing. “Everyone deserves a second chance, and we serve because we want to impact and transform lives.” Eventually, Providence Foundation envisions programs which not only impact the homeless, but immigrants and refugees who need guidance, support, encouragement, and resources to better themselves. Programming will include job-readiness, financial literacy and budgeting so a path to a fresh start is viable and obtainable. 

Sidoine is understanding, hardworking and patient and he knows what it is like to come from humble beginnings. “The opportunities which I have been given in America have been a blessing. I am thankful and I want to give back to others in a country that has done so much for my growth and success. The fantastic truth that I have experienced in America is--you can be whatever you want to be--and do anything you want to do—if you are driven and have ambition and dreams.” Sidoine serves as a mentor to those he meets through both his professional and personal life. He is sought after for his sound counsel and leadership advice. As Sidoine thinks about others and places their needs before his, it is evident that he plants the seeds of hope in everyone’s heart. And for that, we should all be grateful.

Diane Wingerter, Business Mentor

Over 20-years of Entrepreneurial experience are combined with 16-years of Corporate-Retail experience to equip Diane Wingerter with a solid understanding of the processes and systems to have in place to successfully operate and promote one’s business. “You can offer the best products or services, but without the proper messaging to attract customers, drive revenue, generate cash flow, or receive donations and funding, the business will never flourish, nor survive.”

Currently operating as Totally Exposed, LLC., the company has 4 brands which comprise the LLC. Throughout Diane’s extensive career, she previously owned 7 Businesses, served on 6 Non-Profit Boards, and was the Founder/Executive Director for 2 Non-Profits. “I have learned to appreciate the tremendous value of face-to-face relationships and the power of building connections through business events, speaking engagements and constant networking.”

Diane Wingerter understands the core business strategies required to obtain market share. “Creative strategies, proven tactics, focused messaging, and profitability are keys to business success. Every day, I am fortunate to meet business owners of non-profits and for-profits and collaborate with them regarding their vision and mission. Ultimately, I am driven to propel them towards their goals and dreams--both personally and professionally. It is an honor to work with individuals whom I know, respect, admire and trust!”