Leadership

Our Board

Dedicated leaders committed to empowering youth through education and the arts

Founder & Executive Director

Mezaun Arnone

Mezaun Arnone, Founder of Eko ni Agbara

Mount Vernon Art Teacher of the Year

2024 & 2025

M.A. Psychology · B.A. English

12+ Years in Education

Founder, Eko ni Agbara

Virtual Art Instruction Across Africa

Founder, Healing Art of Valor NY

Free Therapeutic Art for Veterans

Mezaun Arnone is an award-winning educator, humanitarian, artist, and community leader whose life's work is dedicated to empowering children through education, creativity, and service. Holding a Master's degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in English, she brings over 12 years of experience in education, including seven years as a teacher, delivering instruction in art, classical music appreciation, and STREAM. Her commitment to education has earned recognition from Hudson Valley News 12, WHUD 100.7, New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Governor Kathy Hochul, and multiple Community Votes awards, including Mount Vernon Art Teacher of the Year (2024 & 2025).

Believing every child deserves access to quality education and creative opportunities, Mezaun founded Eko ni Agbara, providing virtual art instruction to children in Africa and coordinating the shipment of 3,000 textbooks to five schools in Nigeria. She also founded Healing Art of Valor, NY, which provides free therapeutic art programs for veterans experiencing PTSD, earning her a My Brother's Keeper Recognition Coin from retired Command Sergeant Major Sa'eed Mustafa of West Point.

A visual artist, photographer, entrepreneur, and creator of the sustainable fashion brand Mezikal, Mezaun's work has been featured at Comic Con, Westchester Fashion Week, Grand Central Terminal, Blue Door Art Gallery, Yonkers Art Gallery, and Likha Art Gallery. She serves on the boards of Blue Door Art Gallery, the United Nations Association of Westchester (Education Chair), and the Mount Vernon Arts and Cultural Society (Education Chair), while also teaching English to immigrants and international clergy as an ESL-certified educator. Her dedication to the arts has earned recognition from Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky of District 92 and Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels.

A passionate advocate for education, the arts, and humanitarian service, Mezaun is a world traveler, environmentalist, Lions Club member, NAACP member, and proud mother of an 18-year-old daughter. Her mission is simple: to use education and creativity to uplift lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for children around the world.

Recognition & Awards

  • · Mount Vernon Art Teacher of the Year — 2024 & 2025
  • · Recognition from Governor Kathy Hochul & NY State Senator Jamaal Bailey
  • · Arts Recognition — Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky, District 92
  • · Arts Recognition — Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels
  • · Featured on Hudson Valley News 12 & WHUD 100.7
  • · My Brother's Keeper Recognition Coin — CSM Sa'eed Mustafa, West Point
  • · Multiple Community Votes Awards

Board of Directors

Akeera Ramjohn

Akeera Ramjohn

Vice President

Akeera Ramjohn is a published author, educator, community advocate, and dedicated leader committed to youth development and community empowerment. She has extensive experience in education, creative writing, mentorship, and community engagement, and has worked with students and organizations to promote self-expression, leadership, and personal growth.

She serves as Vice President of Eko ni Agbara, President of the College of Westchester Alumni Association, and a board member of Lifting Up Westchester and the Next Wave Leaders of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Valhalla. She is also the founder and co-president of Double A Charity, which she leads alongside her daughter, and is involved in additional initiatives focused on community service and youth empowerment.

She holds two master's degrees and a BBA. Through her leadership, education, advocacy, and commitment to service, Akeera continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities.

Joseph Olarewaju

Joseph Olarewaju

Secretary

Joseph Olarewaju, popularly known as Joe Ola, is a native of Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. He holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration and Management from Ekiti State University and currently serves as a Senior Executive Officer in the Ministry of Works, Housing Loans Department, Office of the Head of Service.

A lover of art, music, media, and creativity, Joseph has experience in journalism, videography, filmmaking, and video editing. He is also a young prophet, following in the spiritual footsteps of his mother, a prophetess. He is married and blessed with children.

Raffeena Ramjohn

Raffeena Ramjohn

Board Member

Raffeena Ramjohn is a real estate executive, business leader, and humanitarian with over 40 years of experience across the United States and South America. Based in Guyana, she has overseen approximately 5,000 acres of land, hotel operations, and major construction and development projects.

She currently serves as a board member and close advisor to the Founder of Eko ni Agbara. Her legacy is defined by visionary leadership, business expertise, and a lifelong commitment to humanitarian service and community development.

Dr. Rosemary Uzzo

Dr. Rosemary Uzzo

Board Member

Dr. Rosemary J. Uzzo, a Board Member of Eko ni Agbara, is a lifelong educator and international advocate for education, equity, and peace. Her distinguished career includes teaching, curriculum development, administration, consulting, and service on international advisory boards.

She has worked across the United States and internationally, including in China, Ghana, El Salvador, Australia, and Italy. In 2015, she organized the "Voice of Peace" exhibition at the United Nations.

A recipient of the 2024 International Peace Ambassador Award, Dr. Uzzo continues to champion education, social justice, peacebuilding, and community engagement.

Advisors

Advisory Board

Dr. Helena Castilla-Byrne

Dr. Helena Castilla-Byrne

Advisory Board Member

Helena Castilla-Byrne started teaching in 1993. She taught for 15 years before becoming the principal. In 2009 she became the principal of Our Lady of Victory School. Ms. Castilla-Byrne has a BS in Early Childhood, an MS in Elementary Education and an MS in School Supervision. Ms. Castilla-Byrne is currently in the process of getting her PhD, which she should have in January of 2026.

Commissioner Tajian Nelson

Commissioner Tajian Nelson

Advisory Board Member

Commissioner Tajian Nelson is the Democratic Commissioner at the Westchester County Board of Elections, where she made history as the first Black woman to serve in the role. After many years of dedicated service within the Board of Elections, she was unanimously selected to succeed the late Commissioner Reginald LaFayette. Commissioner Nelson is recognized for her integrity, leadership, and commitment to ensuring fair, transparent, and accessible elections for all Westchester County residents. She continues to build upon the Board's legacy while fostering public trust and civic engagement throughout the county.

Sakai Brown

Sakai Brown

Advisory Board Member

Sakai is a lifelong Mount Vernon resident, civil engineer, and public service leader with more than 25 years of experience in construction and infrastructure management. She holds degrees from Morgan State University and Pratt Institute and currently serves as Executive Director of Facilities, Construction & Maintenance for the NYC Department of Transportation, overseeing more than 90 facilities and a $650 million capital portfolio. A dedicated community advocate, Sakai serves as a Mount Vernon City School District Trustee, Chair of the Facilities, Health & Safety Committee, and Secretary of the Westchester Community Health Center Board. She is also an active member of Grace Baptist Church.

July 31st

Board Members Celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Name Day

A historic day — our board members gathered to celebrate as July 31st was officially declared Eko ni Agbara Day by the Westchester County Legislature.

Raffeena Ramjohn celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Raffeena Ramjohn

Board Member

Akeera Ramjohn celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Akeera Ramjohn

Vice President

Joseph Olarewaju celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Joseph Olarewaju

Secretary

Dr. Rosemary Uzzo celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Dr. Rosemary Uzzo

Board Member

Bella Arnone celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Bella Arnone

Youth President, USA

Athena Mitchell celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Athena Mitchell

Junior Leader, USA

Sakai Brown celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Sakai Brown

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Helena Castilla-Byrne celebrating Eko ni Agbara Proclamation Day

Dr. Helena Castilla-Byrne

Advisory Board Member