Our Team
Steven Ku, Founder and Trustee
Steve serves as President and Treasurer of Africa River of Life. Steve is also Executive Minister of NextGen Church in West Windsor, New Jersey where he serves in various ministry related roles. Steve is a Certified Public Accountant registered in New York State (inactive) with more than 20 years' experience in finance and asset management. Steve is a graduate of Pace University in New York City and obtained a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary.
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Mia Chang, Founder and Trustee
Mia first traveled to Africa in 2009. As a pastor and former schoolteacher, she soon connected with others that shared a vision to educate and empower children and their communities in Kenya and Nigeria. Mia has visited other parts of Africa and Latin America and supports education and faith-based missions in those regions. Back home, she serves locally in West Windsor, Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey.
Rev. Dr. Mia Chang is the Founder and Lead Pastor of NextGen Church in West Windsor, New Jersey. Mia obtained her Doctorate of Ministry at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in Pennsylvania and her Master of Divinity at Alliance Theological Seminary in New York. She began her career as a teacher in the New York City public schools after graduating from Pace University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
Lola Akiwowo, Director
Rev. Dr. Lola Akiwowo was born in Nigeria and makes her home in New Jersey where she serves as Missions Pastor of NextGen Church. Lola travels to Nigeria as our onsite coordinator and works closely with the local team at Alliance International School in Nigeria. Lola has almost 30 years' experience in education administration. She also founded an after-school program in a public school Trenton, New Jersey. Lola obtained her Doctorate of Ministry and Master of Divinity at New Brunswick Theological Seminary.
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Thomas Chi, Founder and Trustee
Tom serves as Secretary of Africa River of Life. Tom is currently a Principal at an alternative asset advisory firm in New York. His extensive financial experience includes roles at Citibank and Merrill Lynch as well as boutique asset management firms. Tom obtained his MBA from Fordham Graduate School of Business and a bachelor's degree in banking and finance from Hofstra University in New York. Tom is a Trustee of NextGen Church in West Windsor, New Jersey and has traveled abroad for short-term missions.
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