Today we’d like to introduce you to Umu Igbo Unite – DMV Chapter
Hi UIU DMV, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Umu Igbo Unite began in 2005 with a simple vision: to create a structured space for first-generation Igbo Americans to connect, celebrate our shared culture, and grow personally and professionally. At the time, there weren’t many platforms specifically serving the unique needs of young Nigerians in the diaspora—so we built one. What started as small gatherings and word-of-mouth meetups has grown into a vibrant national network of over 5,000 members across 14 chapters in the U.S. and now Canada.
From the start, our focus has been on four things: Cultural preservation, professional development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. In 2014, we formalized our global impact in the form of UIUCares, our community service arm, which carries out large-scale humanitarian and development projects in Nigeria. We’re incredibly proud of the evolution—what began as an extension of heritage has become a movement rooted in culture, connection, and care.
Our local chapter, which serves the Baltimore-Washington and Northern Virginia region, was established in 2016. Since then, we’ve operated using a community-as-a-service model, creating welcoming spaces for members to engage and thrive. From cooking and Igbo language classes to community service days and professional development workshops, we’re looking to sustain a local presence that feels like home and empowers our members to lead with culture and purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, contributing to a national network, without institutional backing, meant leaning heavily on volunteers, personal time, and a deep sense of purpose. Our lives move in seasons and as a result sustainability was one of our early challenges: how do you keep momentum and community engagement strong across multiple towns, economies and administrations while staying true to your mission?
We’ve also navigated the generational gaps between how our parents understand community and how younger generations want to experience it. Finding the right balance between honoring tradition and staying relevant has been a journey in itself. And as we’ve grown, we’ve had to develop mainstay programming, strategic partnerships and creative solutions.
Each challenge has been a teacher, giving us the opportunity to be reflexive. We’ve gathered in living rooms and community centers, found ways to replicate beloved recipes for large groups, and fostered an entrepreneurial spirit within the diaspora. We’re really proud of our capacity to respond to our local community and how they show up for us in turn. After all, it takes a village to maintain a village.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets us apart is the bridge we’ve built between the diaspora and the homeland. For us, the local chapter member in Virginia is just as central to our mission as the student in Enugu. In fact, just in Q1, we raised over $600 to support the UIUCares Girls Health Program, which delivers sustainable, comprehensive menstrual health education to young girls in secondary schools across Southeastern Nigeria. We were able to do this through our general member-turned-Community Service Chair Cassie Okeke. Maintaining cultural ties across continents isn’t always easy, but we’re proud to foster a space where our members can connect with their roots and make a meaningful impact on underserved communities.
We also prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of our members. In the past, we’ve hosted mental health workshops, and as the weather warms up, we’re excited to bring back our Hike and Hang series. Led by Sean Ekekwe of Final Form Physical Therapy, these hikes take us through trails in the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area—offering members a chance to stretch, decompress, and reconnect with nature and each other. Whether it’s through cultural service or community wellness, we’re proud to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
We don’t think of ourselves as risk-takers in a traditional business sense but when it comes to our community we ask ourselves: What do we risk by not organizing? Who might be left behind? What vacancies go unaddressed?
Since our beginnings in 2016, we’ve made meaningful strides—expanding our board, investing in our members, and engaging in global initiatives. The payoff has been real. Our organization creates a platform for local entrepreneurs like Udochi Okeke. By way of Nigeria, Udochi is a local author whose children’s books support early childhood development while helping young readers learn the Igbo language. Udochi was also a finalist in our national organization’s pitch competition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/uiudmv/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uiudmv/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@uiu.dmv
