OUR
TEAM
A diverse group of passionate individuals united by a common goal to make a difference. From field experts to dedicated volunteers, our team brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and commitment to driving positive change in communities around the world.
Our Leadership
Meet the visionary leaders guiding EXPOSE’s mission. With deep roots in community work, education, mental health, and advocacy, our leadership team brings strategic direction, lived experience, and a shared commitment to equity and empowerment.
Monalisa Okojie
Founder & CEO
Monalisa Okojie serves as a community leader and dedicated advocate for social equity, education, and mental health. She holds a law degree from Nigeria and earned both an MBA and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from California Southern University. As the Founder and CEO of EXPOSE, a California-based nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, she is committed to empowering individuals and families who face significant challenges by expanding access to education, fostering economic opportunity, and promoting mental wellness. Monalisa has shifted her focus to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, leading initiatives that create lasting social impact through culturally grounded, evidence-based programs. Under her leadership, EXPOSE has established strong partnerships with public schools, universities, and local organizations, delivering programs that reach thousands of youth and families annually across Southern California and beyond. EXPOSE’s mission centers on inspiring, equipping, and uplifting communities to ensure individuals have the tools and opportunities to thrive. Her work addresses critical issues such as poverty, educational disparities, and mental health challenges by providing tailored programs designed to uplift people in need. Monalisa’s impact has been recognized through numerous honors, including awards from the Los Angeles Business Journal, the Beverly Hills Council, the City of Los Angeles, the State of California, and international organizations focused on women’s empowerment. She has also received the Presidential Service Award in recognition of her ongoing commitment to community service. Through strategic vision and collaborative leadership, Monalisa continues to drive EXPOSE’s growth and impact, ensuring more individuals and families gain access to the resources and support necessary for lasting success.
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Aineakho Ojior
Board Member
Aineakho is a technology manager leading data management and analytics for industrial sensors at SoCalGas, the largest gas utility in the nation. She has over 2 decades of experience in delivering business-critical solutions and leading cross functional teams for Fortune 500 companies and large-scale enterprises within IT, Telecoms and Energy in North America & Africa. Her experience has seen her navigate business and manage partners globally. She joined EXPOSE at its infancy in 2013 and has served in various roles devoting her services to the growth of the organization. She brings her passion for mentoring and empowering people to the role; traits she learnt from watching her parents, through sacrifice, succeed at transforming the outcomes for their immediate and extended families through education. She also lends her experience to the development of process, programing and culture which have impacted the lives of hundreds of young women and children in Africa and the US. Aineakho is intentional about supporting youths that do not have opportunities because of their social-economic background, and encouraging women and black youths to step into STEM. Being a black female engineer, she lives the absence of diversity and is doing her part to impact change; volunteering as a STEM mentor and DE&I advocate for various organizations. She has been recognized for her service to community by the City of Beverly Hills and is a recipient of the YWCAs Phenomenal Woman Award and the Presidents Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National & Community Service. Aineakho is a wife and proud mother of 2 boys. She is an avid reader and conversationalist. She has a Bachelors in Telecommunication Engineering and a Masters in Business Admin.
Seye Tesfazgy
Board Member
Seye Tesfazgy, a young woman of Eritrean heritage, was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 1998, amidst the turmoil of the Ethiopian/Eritrean border conflict, she relocated to the United States to live with her aunt. After completing her high school education in New Jersey, she pursued her passion for fashion at a school in New York City. Eventually, she found herself in Miami, where she joined her siblings and delved into studies in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics. Following her education and gaining valuable experience in Miami, she made the move to Los Angeles to pursue her dream career as a Visual Effects artist. Seye has contributed her talents to major blockbuster films, including The Suicide Squad, Raya and the Last Dragon, Aquaman, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Mad Max, and Frozen II, among others. In addition to her professional pursuits, Seye is passionately dedicated to leveraging education as a tool for positive change. Since her teenage years, she has actively engaged in community outreach, volunteering with organizations like the Red Cross and her local church community. Committed to making a lasting impact, she endeavors to empower individuals through education and extend her influence beyond her immediate community.
Dr. Orette Clarke
Board Member
Dr. Orette Clarke is originally from Inglewood, California. He holds a master’s degree from Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, where he publishes articles on colorectal cancer and community interventions. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical/TCOM and completed transitional training at Riverside University Health System. Dr. Clarke has a particular interest in gastroenterology in underserved communities. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, and reading. Dr. Orette Clarke has proven leadership in systemic and health justice. As founder of the Karrel Douglas Education Foundation, he has opened pathways for over 500+ marginalized Caribbean youth. At EXPOSE, he applies this expertise, melding trauma-informed intervention, survivor-centered education, and policy advocacy to combat human trafficking.
Bahareh Talei, Psy.D.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Bahareh Talei is a licensed psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University’s APA-accredited program. With over two decades of clinical experience, she has established herself as a leader in psychological assessment, diagnostic evaluations, and clinician training. Dr. Talei is the co-founder of the Diagnostic & Counseling Center (DCC) and founder of Hive of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable, accessible mental health services and high-quality training to future clinicians. Dr. Talei specializes in comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise includes the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, attention-deficit disorders, and complex neurocognitive conditions. Her reports are frequently used to guide academic accommodations, disability claims, and treatment planning, and she regularly provides Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) and forensic assessments for legal and governmental agencies. A passionate educator and supervisor, Dr. Talei serves as adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where she teaches graduate-level courses in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. She has trained and supervised postdoctoral fellows, associate therapists, and doctoral practicum students across a range of clinical settings, with a focus on assessment proficiency and ethical clinical practice. In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Talei is actively involved in the community through Hive of Hope and other outreach initiatives aimed at reducing mental health stigma and expanding access to care.
Nfagie Koroma
Chief Finance Officer
Nfagie Koroma is an accomplished entrepreneur, with extensive experience in business development, nonprofit leadership, and financial operations. He holds a BSc in Accounting. Nfagie is the owner of Faj Financial services, and serves as president of Africa City Consultants, where he provides expert guidance in accounting, business planning, and nonprofit administration. His work spans both the private and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on empowering communities and advancing organizational growth. Previously, Nfagie served as Finance Officer at African Community health Coalition, where he played a key role in securing over $1million in funding and managing large-scale projects. His strategic leadership enhanced operational capacity and impact across multiple initiatives. As a community leader, Nfagie has taught business, accounting, and entrepreneurship to various African Communities in Los Angeles, helping develop the next generation of leaders.
Our Team/Staff
The heart of EXPOSE lies in the passionate professionals who work daily to make our mission a reality. From program facilitators and mental health specialists to administrative staff and outreach coordinators, our team ensures every youth and family is seen, heard, and supported.
Norma Dalke
Norma Dalke, originally from Seattle, Washington, grew up in a family with strong spiritual and work ethics. Her years of experience as a fundraiser for a number of charities has provided her with an opportunity to incorporate her love of the arts in an environment that brings value to the lives of others. Norma recently came on board with EXPOSE to bring her expertise in marketing and public relations and to expand the organization’s visibility.
Mesi Ada Usiade
Health Care Specialist
Dr. Mesi Ada Usiade (PhD) has dedicated 20 years to the healthcare industry. For the past decade, she has had the honor of serving with EXPOSE, her favorite organization. EXPOSE has significantly impacted and transformed the lives of countless women, children, and communities around the globe. Dr. Usiade takes immense pride in being part of EXPOSE and celebrates its remarkable achievements. Her involvement with EXPOSE has deepened her spirit of generosity, dedication, and commitment to her community. She admires the profound differences and awareness that EXPOSE has brought to underserved communities. “give generously and watch how your money will make a difference in people’s life,” firmly believing that God loves a cheerful giver.
Christiana Omaku
Christiana Omaku joined EXPOSE in 2021 and has since supported the organization’s daily operations, communications and community engagement. With a background in Political Science, her professional journey has spanned various industries, from fintech at GladePay, to culinary branding with Authentic Kitchen and telecommunications at American Towers. Her time at EXPOSE has strengthened her passion for purposeful work, especially in education, mental health and women’s empowerment. She brings care, clarity and a deep respect for the mission into everything she contributes. Beyond her professional work, Christiana finds joy in capturing life's fleeting moments through photography, a passion that reflects her deeper commitment to human-centered storytelling.
Anehita Okojie
Youth Ambassador
Anehita Okojie is a recent graduate from the University of California, Berkeley where she studied Political Science and Global Studies. While at UC Berkeley, Anehita was involved on campus with organizations such as the Black Recruitment and Retention Center, the Associated Students of the University of California, and the Blum Center for Developing Economies. Since graduating, Anehita has decided to pursue a career in Management Consulting. In her free time, Anehita enjoys picnics and trying new restaurants with friends and family.
Itzly Rosales
Youth Ambassador
Itzly Rosales is currently a 4th year student on track to graduate in the fall 2023 with her Bachelors in Kinesiology specializing in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Exercise from Cal State University of Los Angeles. Itzly has volunteered at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center for 8 months now in which she helps patients who have suffered from neurological and spinal cord injuries. While volunteering she has obtained an interpreter certification which allows her to assist non-English speaking patients and their family members. Itzly enjoys volunteering with EXPOSE because it allows her to learn about different cultures while helping the underserved communities in LA.
Nayeli Rosales
Youth Ambassador
Nayeli Rosales is currently a freshman at Cal State Fullerton. She likes to be of service and help out people in need. She is glad to be a part of the Upward African Woman Organization because it allows her to volunteer, which is something she enjoys doing. Helping people in need helps her remain humble and know to appreciate the little things in life.
Idanesi Ojior
Youth Ambassador
Idanesi Ojior is a rising sophomore and Posse Scholar at Middlebury College. He has been a junior volunteer for EXPOSE for over 5 years, and has also worked as an assistant coordinator on some of the organization’s projects.
Idanesi is an Angeleno that is passionate about social justice and equity. In 2023 he served on the LA City Youth Council and was President of the Black Student Union at his former high school. In his roles, he proposed and implemented (respectively) initiatives that uplifted the community. He plans on graduating in May of 2027 with the intended major of Psychology and potential minor in Black Studies.
