OUR HISTORY & MISSION
Chinemelu’s Story
Prodigy Peacebuilders was born out of Chinemelu’s (ChiChi) work in serving the community for over 10 years. As she learned more about marginalized community members, such as prisoners, and newly arrived immigrants, she realized that the stories we hear, see, and share are important.
In working with leaders of different ethnicities to serve their community, Chichi became aware of stories that challenged the stereotypes about certain ethnicities that she learned growing up.
She learned how each person’s unique story help everyone see the humanity in each other. Neighbors are compelled to care for each other when they hear the struggles of the people around them. Teammates, co-workers, and friends are reminded how similar they are as they get to know each other.
Chichi was inspired to build peaceful communities. She began collaborating with others who sought wholeness and goodness in their neighborhoods. Collaborating with others to build bridges of understanding for each other, to serve each other, to create spaces for healing and restoration as a community. Prodigy Peacebuilders is built on this idea of peacemaking, driven by the ministry of reconciliation, for healing and restoration of community.
“The danger of a single story is that it creates stereotypes, … they are incomplete, they make one story become the only story.”
-Chimamanda Adichie
BOARD OF DIRECTORs
BOARD OF DIRECTORs
BOARD OF DIRECTORs
Chinemelu (CHICHI) Oguekwe
Chichi Oguekwe is a social worker, educator, and community peacebuilder with a passion for strengthening families, empowering young people, and building healthier, more connected communities.
As the Founder and Executive Director of Prodigy Peacebuilders Collaborative (PPC), Chichi leads initiatives that promote restorative justice, conflict resolution, youth development, and community engagement. Her work centers on creating spaces where individuals and families feel heard, valued, and empowered to navigate conflict, restore relationships, and become active participants in building stronger communities.
Chichi also serves as a social work instructor and field liaison at Eastern University, where she supports and mentors emerging social work professionals in developing their clinical skills, professional identities, and commitment to ethical, compassionate practice.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with relationships, dignity, and belonging, Chichi is committed to cultivating communities where young people and families have the support, opportunities, and agency to thrive.
Founder & Executive Director
JONATHON NIKTA
Jonathan is a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in UX design, strategic planning, project management, marketing, and digital transformation. His unique ability to amplify visions through empathy has driven the success of numerous impactful projects. Passionate about building bridges and fostering community, Jonathan takes a forward-thinking approach to creating spaces for communication and collaboration. Based in Philadelphia, he is dedicated to leveraging his skills to enhance cultural understanding and community wholeness.
DARYN MOORE
Daryn Moore is a seasoned behavioral health professional with over nine years of experience in mental health services, clinical supervision, and program leadership. Currently serving as the Social Services Director at PHMC Health, he oversees various social service teams, and drives innovative, person-centered care for diverse communities across the Philadelphia region.
Daryn brings a unique blend of strategic vision and clinical expertise to his work, having successfully led teams through program expansion, quality improvement initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships. His experience spans therapeutic service delivery, clinical supervision, team development, and stakeholder engagement. He is passionate about building systems that foster equity, access, and measurable outcomes for underserved populations.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Daryn holds a deep commitment to mentorship, servant leadership, and continuous improvement. He is a respected voice in community mental health and a dedicated advocate for integrated, trauma-informed care.