Mission
Vanede builds communities and programs for women seeking to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them.
Our Story
“What connects all of Vanede’s work is the belief that community is what makes change possible.
”
Starting as a sexual and domestic violence advocacy organization specializing in training and workshop curation, Founder Nneka Obiekwe understood early on that creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered is what actually creates change.This understanding shaped the development of workshops, events, and programs in both the US and Nigeria promoting healing, connection, and support to survivors.
As Vanede evolved, so did the types of issues facing the people we served, uncovering unmet needs and new opportunities for community and support.
Today, Vanede creates communities rooted in advocacy and empowerment: We Remember You (survivors in Nigeria), Black Women Rising (Black women professionals), and Cheta Anyi Fund (diaspora changemakers). What connects all of Vanede’s work is the belief that community is what makes change possible.
Communities and Programs
Cheta Anyi
A fellowship providing grants, training, and community for women of color building community care initiatives. Piloting in 2027.
We Remember You
An annual charity event providing comprehensive support for women survivors of abuse in Nigeria through food, medical care, mental health services, and dignity-centered care.
Black Women Rising
A community and referral network connecting Black women impacted by layoffs to opportunities, networking and positive connection.
Partners & Collaborators
Meet the Founder
NNEKA OBIEKWE, MPH
Nneka Obiekwe is a victim advocate and community organizer with over 15 years of experience supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She has worked on crisis hotlines, accompanied survivors to hospitals, and trained universities and organizations on survivor-centered care.
After years of advocacy work in the US, Nneka expanded Vanede’s operations to Nigeria, launching We Remember You in 2023. In 2024, she started Black Women Rising, a professional community for Black women navigating unemployment, which grew to 500 members within 24 hours and was featured in the New York Times.
She is committed to building communities that center dignity, care, and sustainable support.