For Immediate Release
Edmonton, Alberta
Ribbon Rouge Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the pursuit of health equity for African, Caribbean and Black people, specifically around the prevention and education of HIV, today announce the departure of their Executive Director, Funke Olokude, effective July 31st, 2023. Ms. Olokude has made the decision to pursue new opportunities and challenges after two years of dedicated service to the organization.
During Ms.Olokude’s tenure, Ribbon Rouge Foundation experienced tremendous growth, expanded its reach, and achieved numerous milestones. Under Ms. Olokude’s leadership, the organization stabilized and established in the community as a force in the prevention of HIV in the African, Caribbean and Black communities. Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment has been instrumental in propelling Ribbon Rouge Foundation to new heights and solidifying its reputation as a leader in the HIV field.
“It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Ms. Olokude,” said Adaku Uju, Chair of the Board of Directors at RRF. “Her exceptional leadership, passion, and dedication has had a profound impact on our organization, staff, and the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful for Ms.Olokude’s contributions and wish her the best in her future endeavours.”
“I am honoured to have had the privilege of leading Ribbon Rouge Foundation and working alongside such a talented and passionate team,” said Ms. Olokude.
“I saw the opportunity to creatively build a grassroots non-profit in ways that aligned with community accountability, RRF principles, an anti-oppressive lens built on the foundations of anti-Black racism. I also felt ready for the responsibility to ensure that RRF thrived at every level.
“I could only accomplish this with the interdependent network of staff, community members, board members, and community partners that believe in RRF’s mandate, always aware of the responsibilities of ensuring that the network that supported this interdependence (good communication, facilitation, planning, etc.) was in place”.
“Although I will no longer be a staff member of RRF, I still strongly believe in the vision and principles of the organization and hope I can say I am leaving the organization with a solid structure and reputation in place and I look forward to seeing what direction RRF goes in next as there is so much wisdom and talent within and connected to the organization”.
Ms. Olokude thanked the staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters of RRF for their unwavering commitment and shared dedication to the organization’s mission. She also extended her best wishes to RRF and its stakeholders, expressing confidence in the organization’s continued success.
