XLA Featured Employee: Ugo Oguejiofor

Ugowa Oguejiofor, Ugo for short, is not only a top performer on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Global Health (GH) contract, but also a passionate Acquisition and Assistance Specialist who takes tremendous ownership in the direct impact she has on people’s lives. She is currently supporting USAID’s mission in Tanzania and enjoying her time working internationally. In our interview with Ugo, she discusses the opportunities she has working abroad and what a typical day is like in Tanzania.

Ugo starts her day early, “I wake up at 6:00 am, say my morning prayers and head out to work by 7:10 am. There is never a dull moment at work.  From the time I step into the office to the time I leave, it’s all busy, busy, busy, as there are e-mails to respond to, meetings to attend, guidance to give, implementation issues to address, documents to review, and recommendations to give.” Once the typical work day has ended, Ugo arrives back home around 5:30 pm and makes dinner. “[I] spend time playing games and puzzles with my 6-year old son, then when he goes to bed around 9 pm I will respond to emails, listen to the news, check social media, and retire to bed by 11 pm.” Ugo’s day sounds pretty typical to us all, but her experiences tell a different story.

Ugo tells us, “Life in Tanzania is calm and peaceful.  There are lots of tourist attractions and relaxation sites including beaches, wildlife, and historical sites.  Varieties of organic vegetables and fruits are also available, so I can fix any type of yummy and healthy meal I want.”  Rice is one of the most popular foods in Tanzania, and it just so happens to be Ugo’s favorite food.

Ugo’s experiences working internationally have provided her with the unique opportunity to learn first-hand different cultures and expand her view of the world. “I am learning new skills and other/better ways of handling job-related issues and processes, thereby deepening, expanding, broadening and strengthening my professional capabilities towards achieving my career goal,” she said. “Further, the care and attention that I get from XLA makes the whole experience more interesting and worthwhile.” Ugo’s office is in close proximity to the location the Foreign Assistance aid is distributed, which lets her observe the actual physical help that is being provided to the citizens of Tanzania. She says, “I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see lives being transformed as a result of the work I am involved in. XLA’s support has been phenomenal in ensuring I am comfortable and promptly provided with all that I need to succeed on my job.  XLA is indeed an EXCELLENT organization and I am very happy and fulfilled to be a part of this great and effective organization.”

XLA is very humbled to have an employee like Ugo on board; she is incredibly selfless and works diligently towards the mission of USAID. A big thank you goes out to Ugo and the entire USAID team.

XLA and AFAC Kick-Off Partnership with 2 Events in April!

During the month of April, XLA participated in and sponsored two events in support of our new partnership with the Arlington Food and Assistance Center (AFAC).

On April 19^th, an energetic group of XLA employees went to the AFAC distribution center in Shirlington to pack “weekend backpacks” of healthy food for local children in Arlington. The event was a huge success, and the team was able to pack over 200 bags worth of food that will be distributed to those children in need.

On April 29^th, XLA sponsored the 5^th annual BbG Obstacle Course Race to support AFAC.  XLA had two teams participate in the race and a number of employees volunteer with race-day events and fantastic cheering.  The 5K Obstacle Course was held in Arlington, VA at Potomac Park and followed scenic trails on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.  Obstacles included an army crawl, stream crossing, pushups, and burpees!  XLA CEO Gary Slack was on hand to provide some motivational words to the teams before the race.  Gary also expressed his thanks to AFAC for their contribution to our community and our newly formed partnership.  Throughout the race, XLA employees worked together as a team to motivate each other and finish the race– it was a great opportunity to build comradery and demonstrate true teamwork.  With the help of XLA and other generous donors, the event raised over $7,000 for AFAC!

XLA was proud to sponsor such a wonderful organization and we look forward to our events in the future.  Check out our social media pages to find out when the next event will be scheduled!