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MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
FRANCES D. BLANYON
ACTING BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Frances Diamond Blanyon is a renewable energy researcher, engineer, and development leader with expertise in governance, advocacy, and community-based initiatives across Africa. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Mechatronic Engineering at the Pan-African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), hosted at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya.
Her work focuses on applying artificial intelligence and data-driven methods to renewable energy systems, particularly long-term forecasting for run-of-river hydropower, to support sustainable planning in developing communities. In addition to her technical background, Frances brings strong leadership experience from executive and advisory roles within diaspora and community organizations in East Africa.
She is a passionate advocate for women, youth, and children and is deeply committed to education, empowerment, ethical leadership, accountability, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development for lasting impact.
CECE MUNA NIMELY
BOARD VICE CHAIRPERSON
Madam Cece Muna Nimely-(BPA-PADM) is a Social Justice Advocate, a Community Volunteer, an Administrator, an Entrepreneur, and a mother. She has earned over ten years of professional experience in civic engagement, community organizing, grassroots democracy enhancement, and community-based strengthening.
She is multitasking, with a track record of achieving exceptional results.
She has used her experience and skills to mentored and coached over a hundreds of young women, and has facilitated over 200 community engagement events that enhanced the capacity of over 5,000 youth in and out of Liberia.
She is a legal member of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Women for Justice, the Movement against rape amounts others.
Madam Nimely is a distinct Fellow of West African Young Leaders(WayLead) Fellowship and many others.
She’s the Founder and Co-founder of many institutions and businesses some of which include The Muna Group, the CMN Enterprises, The Girls & Boys Ambitions Liberia Organization, the Impact Girls Organization, the National Young Women Political Council of Liberia among others.
WATTA A. KERKULA - WEAH
CEO/BOARD SECRETARY
Watta A. Kerkula-Weah is a passionate Liberian leader with over eight years of professional experience in administration, social development, youth empowerment, and gender advocacy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration (BPA) from the United Methodist University (UMU) and has served in key roles across nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Women & Youth Development International, she leads a bold mission to empower women and youth through strategic programs focused on economic empowerment, gender-based violence prevention and response, legal justice and human rights, gender equality and women’s rights, food security and sustainable agriculture, and advocacy and civic engagement. Her leadership is rooted in community service, human rights, and innovation, making her a strong voice for equity, inclusion, and transformative change in Liberia.
PATRINA K. JUSU
BOARD MEMBER
Patrina K. Jusu is the Board Treasurer of Women & Youth Development International, bringing a blend of academic rigor and ethical leadership to the role. As a senior Criminal Justice student at African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), she is passionate about legal reform, social equity, and expanding justice for underserved communities.
Her hands-on experience in criminal audit simulations and volunteer bookkeeping has equipped her with sharp financial oversight and accountability skills.
Patrina’s leadership as a peer tutor and student club member showcases her commitment to fairness, education, and community engagement. At WYDI, she plays a vital role in ensuring financial transparency while championing the organization’s mission to uplift women and youth across Liberia.
MENKELEE SAYLO JOHNSON
BOARD MEMBER
Menekelee Saylo Johnson is a dynamic Board Member of Women & Youth Development International, combining technical expertise in data analytics, digital marketing, and content creation with a strong commitment to social impact. He is currently pursuing a degree in Management and Public Administration and brings a modern, innovation-driven perspective to the organization. As a social entrepreneur and freelance editor, he empowers individuals and communities through purposeful communication and youth-focused initiatives. On the WYDI Board, he leads efforts in digital strategy, media advocacy, and data-driven programming. Menekelee’s grassroots training and visionary leadership make him a driving force for inclusive, measurable, and technology-powered change.