Dr. John Galiotos, Dean of Student at Southern University, to serve as the Director of Workforce Development for the AFRICA 2-5-9 Project Initiative

PRESS RELEASE

New York, NY, June 15, 2023 - AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION, a non-governmental organization that works to improve the health and well-being of African women and girls, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John K. Galiotos as the Director of Workforce Development for the Africa 2-5-9 Project Initiative.

Dr. Galiotos is a seasoned educator, researcher, and leader with over 35 years of experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) education and workforce development. He has a proven track record of designing and implementing innovative and effective programs and partnerships that enhance the skills and employability of diverse and underrepresented populations in STEAM fields.

Currently, Dr. Galiotos serves as the Dean of Workforce Development and Associate Professor (tenured) of Chemistry. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and policies to advance Workforce-STEAM Education and Workforce Development across SUSLA's community outreach services. He also led the establishment and management of collaborations with industry, government, community, and philanthropic partners to support STEAM education and workforce development programs and projects.

Prior to joining SUSLA, Dr. Galiotos held various academic and administrative relevant positions.

Dr. Galiotos holds an MS and a PhD in Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry from Northeastern Illinois University.?He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists, he has published peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on various topics related to chemical applied research and engineering technology education, and workforce development. ?He has also received numerous awards and honors for his excellence in teaching, research, leadership, and service.

As the Director of Workforce Development (volunteering appointment) for the Africa 2-5-9 Project Initiative, Dr. Galiotos will lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive and innovative workforce development program that aims to empower 2 million women, create 5 million jobs, and generate 9 billion dollars in revenue for Africa by 2030.

The program will focus on four key areas: health, education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Africa 2-5-9 Project Initiative is a visionary program that was launched at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in 2021 on the conclusion of COP-26 in Glasgow to address specific challenges on climate change action plans and the urgent need for infrastructure development for sub-Saharan Africa.

The initiative is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). The initiative will also contribute to other SDGs such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The initiative is led by AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION, a USA-based nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing health and healing to citizens in impoverished areas. The initiative signed the first MOU with the Observatoire Méditerranéen de l'Energie (OME) at EGYPES 2021, as the two organizations share a common vision of promoting sustainability and advancing energy infrastructure in Africa. The collaboration includes initiatives aimed to reduce emissions, reduce plastic waste, minimize water consumption, mitigate environmental impact, and strengthen basic infrastructure in rural communities.

The initiative has also partnered with DeMontfort University Dubai, a leading sustainability institution of higher education and innovation in the UAE, to collaborate on research, training, mentoring, and capacity building for women and youths in Africa.

HRH Princess Dr. Moradeun Ogunlana, the founder and CEO of AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION, expressed her excitement and confidence in Dr. Galiotos' appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Galiotos to our team as the Director of Workforce Development for the Africa 2-5-9 Project Initiative. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in STEAM education and workforce development, as well as a passion and commitment for empowering African women and girls. We are confident that he will lead our workforce and youth development program with vision, innovation, and excellence, and that he will make a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of African women and girls."

Dr. Galiotos expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for his new role: "I am honored and humbled to join AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION as the Director of Workforce Development for the Africa 2-5-9 Project Initiative. I am inspired by the mission and vision of AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION to improve the health and well-being of African women and girls. I am also excited by the opportunity to contribute to the Africa 2-5-9 Project Initiative, which is a bold and ambitious program that aims to empower 2 million women, create 5 million jobs, and generate 9 billion dollars in revenue for Africa by 2030. I look forward to working (at the volunteer level) with the AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION team, as well as our partners and stakeholders, to design and implement a comprehensive and innovative workforce development program that will empower African women and girls with STEAM skills and competencies to participate and lead in the emerging and high-demand sectors of the African economy."

AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION is a non-governmental organization that works to improve the health and well-being of African women and girls. It was established in 2003 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in the United States, with its international headquarter in Lagos, Nigeria. Its mission is to provide access to quality health care services, education, advocacy, and research for African women and girls, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS, aid in reproductive health issues, gender-based violence, poverty, and discrimination.

AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION is a non-governmental organization that works to improve the health and well-being of African women and girls. It was established in 2003 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in Little Rock, Arkansas in the United States, with its international headquarter in Lagos, Nigeria. Its mission is to provide access to quality health care services, education, advocacy, and research for African women and girls, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS, aid in reproductive health issues, gender-based violence, poverty, and discrimination.

The organization (AWHPI) has been granted approval for special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Consultative status with ECOSOC is a prestigious recognition that enables NGOs to participate in the work of the United Nations, such as delivering oral presentations, submitting written statements, attending meetings and events, and collaborating with other NGOs and UN agencies on issues related to economic and social development, human rights, peace and security, and humanitarian affairs.

For more information about AWHPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION, please visit www.awhpi.org.

For more information or inquiries about the appointment of Dr. John Galiotos as the Director of Workforce Development for the Africa 2-5-9 Project Initiative, please visit: www.africa259.org