Our Team
Meet the team
Muriel Nouwezem
Founder and Executive Director
Muriel is the Executive Director of NextGen Leadership, with over 15 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management. She is also the CEO of Saban Community Clinic, where she has led significant organizational growth, expanding services throughout Los Angeles with several new locations and implementing operational improvements that strengthened finances and partnerships.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the College of Charleston and a professional education in accounting from Baruch College. Her executive education includes programs at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, UCLA Anderson School of Business, and Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Active in the healthcare community, Muriel serves on multiple boards, including MAVEN Project, Healthcare LA IPA (California’s largest Independent Physician Association), and Maple Counseling’s advisory board. She is the treasurer and former chair of Plunum Health, a nonprofit partnership of community health centers working to integrate healthcare delivery across Los Angeles.
John Berry
Board of Advisors
John Berry is serving on our Board of Advisors. John brings exceptional expertise in sustainable design and educational facility planning. His firm’s portfolio includes innovative school designs that prioritize climate-appropriate construction for tropical environments, solar integration, and sustainable energy systems, as well as flexible classroom spaces that adapt to diverse teaching methods.
John Berry studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in art and architecture, and earned his Master’s Degree from Columbia University, New York. He founded John Berry Architects in 2007, bringing over 20 years of professional experience from established offices.
Licensed in the State of California, John Berry held senior design and leadership positions with Clive Wilkinson Architects, Perkins and Will, and Koning Eisenberg Architecture in Los Angeles.
Idriss Njike
Board Chair
Idriss Njike is the Executive Director of Residential Life and First Year Experience at UCLA, a world-leading university in education and research. He brings extensive expertise in higher education strategic planning, program development, and community building.
He is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging and facilitating opportunities for students to develop skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Born and raised in Douala, Cameroon, he moved to the United States to further his education. Transitioning from the tropical climate of Cameroon, he first experienced the harsh winters of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Southwest Minnesota State University. He then moved to Syracuse University, where he completed a Master of Science in Finance, continuing his affinity for cold climates.
In his free time, Idriss enjoys working out and taking adventurous road trips, though he notably dislikes long walks on the beach.
Laurence Ogunbor
Board Vice-Chair
With a robust academic foundation in Cell and Molecular Biology (B.Sc.) and a Master’s in Environmental and Occupational Health, Laurence brings a unique blend of scientific insight and strategic leadership. As Chief Operating Officer of a marketing and communications agency for many years, she has spearheaded innovative campaigns and operational growth across diverse sectors in multiple countries in Africa and North America.
Passionate about social equity and education, Laurence leverages years of executive experience in governance and mission-driven outreach, helping to shape brighter futures for the next generation.
Christelle Chebou
Board Secretary
Christelle is a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young LLP, bringing over 17 years of experience in consulting across a range of industries including technology, mining, aviation, finance, education, healthcare, energy, and transportation.
For the last 10 years, she has specialized in technology risk, after starting her career in engineering. She holds an MBA and is passionate about using her skills to support mission-driven organizations and community impact.
A passionate traveler, she always keeps everyone guessing about her next adventure.
Laetitia Tcheliebou
Board Treasurer
Laetitia is a financial analyst at one of the top firms in the US. As the treasurer, she is focused on the strategic financial stewardship of the organization.
Prudence Wafo
Board Member
Prudence is a dynamic and multi-faceted entrepreneur, founder of several successful businesses in the U.S. and abroad, a nonprofit leader, real estate investor with a multi-million-dollar portfolio, published author, and motivational speaker.
Mireille Datchoua
Board Member
Mireille is an accomplished civil engineer, entrepreneur, and business executive who recently relocated to Luxembourg.
Known for her tireless drive, she’s always on the move—but never too busy to show up when it matters most.
Franck Tienta
Board Member
With a background in engineering, Franck divides his time between Cameroon and France, where he is actively growing his diverse portfolio of business ventures
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We are redefining what’s possible in underserved communities by offering world-class education that is community-led, with a global vision.
NextGen Leadership is a nonprofit registered in the USA
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5665 Wilshire blvd Unit 1141,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
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