MIR Co-Facilitators

Christopher is a social worker in Asheville, North Carolina, who has been leading trips to Ghana since 1999.  He tends to a homestead in the Western Region of Ghana and loves planting trees, learning from children, and encouraging all people to live their best lives and seek equal rights and justice universally.

Jamilah is a mother, parent educator, restorative and social justice activist, and international business agent based in North Carolina. Passionate about the power of light within us, Jamilah advocates for people to awaken themselves by first knowing and reaching their roots. Her last travel to Ghana, March 2025.

Sefakor Ballentine is a recently retired educator. During her 32 years of service, she was a Technology Teacher and an Adjunct Professor. Sefakor possesses a unique blend of expertise in technology integration, photography, video production, holistic wellness, and travel. Currently, she co-owns Akoma Wellness Retreats. Her ultimate love is service.  Ghana has been a destination since 2000 and she was most recently there in January 2025.  Ghana is her home away from home.

Ondessa is a Davidson College alum where she recieved her BA in sociology with a minor in Latin American studies. She currently works in Costa Rica as a College Counselor increasing access to higher education. She developed a passion for cultural immersion through her experiences living in Ghana for five years. She hopes to pursue a career in international relations and public policy.

Founder/CEO of Hood Huggers International 

Professor of Africana Studies and Interdisciplinary International Programs; Dean of Social Sciences

The Africa Repatriation Project

Founder and Executive Director of The Glitter Sisters Inc. 

Executive Direcotr of Change The Rubric.  As a Black mother committed to raising well-informed, resilient, and empowered human beings, I became even more determined to cultivate leaders who could drive meaningful change within organizations and in the lives of the people they effect.