About Us | Utah African Alliance

Our Story

Bridging Cultures in the West

The Utah African Alliance was born out of a simple but profound realization: as the African diaspora in Utah grew, so did the need for a unified voice and a centralized community hub.

Founded to bridge the gap between African heritage and the vibrant Utah community, we strive to create a welcoming space where cultures meet, interact, and thrive together. From small community potlucks to statewide cultural celebrations, our journey has always been about connection.

Join Our Story

Our Mission

To unite people of African descent and friends of Africa throughout Utah, promoting cultural awareness and advancing economic empowerment.

Our Vision

A united and thriving Utah where people of every background stand together, cultural heritage is honored and celebrated, and every individual has the opportunity and support to flourish.

Leadership

Meet Our Team

Jovia Nakayima

President

Guiding the vision and strategy of UAA with passionate leadership.

Hillary Omuga

Programs Coordinator

Organizing impactful community initiatives and educational workshops.

Joseph Odundo

Treasurer

Ensuring financial transparency and resource optimization.

Chris Atchot

Secretary

Managing communications and operations for the alliance.

Principles

Our Core Values

Community

We believe in the power of coming together. Our community is our strength, and we foster environments where everyone feels they belong, regardless of their specific background or country of origin.

Empowering Voices

We make sure every member of our community feels heard, welcomed, and supported — helping people find friendship, guidance, and the resources they need to thrive in Utah.

Teamwork

Collaboration is at the heart of our operations. We partner with local organizations, government bodies, and individuals to achieve goals that none of us could reach alone.

Cultural Awareness

We celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions in our community, sharing them openly with all our neighbors to build mutual understanding and lasting friendship.

Economic Empowerment

We provide resources, networking, and support to help local businesses and professionals across our community thrive, believing that shared prosperity strengthens us all.