Sinmi Labisi

Head of Operations, Indigenous Hands and Voices

Sinmi joined the Indigenous Hands and Voices (IHAV) team in 2020, initially drawn by a strong interest in learning Nigerian sign languages. Starting as a volunteer, she contributed to social media content development and managed communications with both internal and external stakeholders. Over time, her role expanded to include volunteer coordination and strategic support, eventually leading to a transformation of IHAV’s operations and organisational management. Now serving as Head of Operations, Sinmi leads the administration, coordination, and communication efforts that drive the success of IHAV’s diverse portfolio of programmes and projects. Sinmi brings a deep passion for international development and a commitment to strengthening social impact organisations through effective, inclusive, and efficient practices. With a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector, she leverages her experience in project and team management to help organisations amplify their impact. In addition to her operational expertise, Sinmi is actively engaged in academic research. She has supported IHAV at various conferences, including the Indigenous Hands and Voices of African Identity Conference, the International Conference on Language Documentation and Conservation, and the S-DELI 10-Year Anniversary Conference. Her academic interests lie in linguistic justice, inclusive education, and accessibility, particularly for indigenous and Deaf communities. Sinmi holds a BA in Philosophy and Sociology, an MA in International Development, and a Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language. She has over eight years of experience in education, outreach, and advocacy, working with a range of organisations and communities to promote social justice, inclusion, and empowerment. Her postgraduate research focused on global inequalities and systemic barriers to education, especially in African contexts, with a longstanding interest in inclusive and accessible education. Outside IHAV, Sinmi works as a Project Coordinator at a leading learning consultancy, delivering national social impact initiatives. In this role, she collaborates with social change organisations and community leaders to co-create learning spaces and imagine new futures rooted in equity and justice. Originally from Ireland, Sinmi is now based in Manchester, UK.

Prof. Martha Chidimma Egenti

Team Lead, Omenka App Promotion

Prof. Martha C. Egenti is based in Anambra, Nigeria, and has been a dedicated volunteer at Save the Deaf and Indigenous Signed Languages (S-DELI) for five years. She currently serves as the team lead for the promotion of the Omenka App at Indigenous Hands and Voices (IHAV), where she contributes to project organization and promotion. Professionally, she is a Professor of Linguistics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, with extensive experience in teaching, academic advising, community service, and administration. Additionally, as the deputy director at Awka Window on America, she focuses on youth engagement, education and empowerment through training programs. Martha has been a visiting scholar at Xiamen University, China as well as a Queen Elizabeth Advanced Scholar, Canada. Martha has published in reputable journals, participated in global conferences, and conducted research funded by International Research Development Centre (IDRC) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Her research interests span semantics, pragmatics, text/corpus linguistics, psycholinguistics, applied linguistics, early childhood literacy, and migration studies. She is an active member of several professional organizations in linguistics. She loves innovation, travelling and connecting with people. She can be reached on: LinkedIn! or at: cegenti@i-hav.org

Dr. Aniefon Daniel Akpan

Head of Research, Education and Learning

Dr. Aniefon Akpan is a linguist whose interests lie in documenting Lower Cross languages in Nigeria and the development of Indigenous Nigerian Sign Language. Her expertise lies in morphology, sociolinguistics, language documentation, Translation and Sign linguistics.

James Paul Hensley

Operations Coordinator and Volunteer Management, Spain

James Paul Hensley is a language advocate and educator with experience across four continents. Originally from Ohio, USA, he began his international career in Masan, South Korea, where he managed the foreign teaching team at a language. Academy, overseeing operations and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. After South Korea, Paul moved to Madrid, Spain, where he contributed as a translator for the Community of Madrid´s regional government and the University of Carlos III. His work there deepened his engagement with linguistic and cultural preservation, reinforcing his dedication to language advocacy. Now based in Bilbao, Spain—a region renowned for its success in revitalizing Euskara (Basque), Europe’s oldest and only non-Indo-European language—Paul continues his commitment to linguistic diversity. For the past year, he has been a volunteer with Indigenous Hands and Voices (IHAV), focusing on Advocacy and Outreach while also moderating international conferences. Recently stepping into the role of Operations Coordinator, he now leads a team of dedicated volunteers, furthering IHAV’s mission to amplify Indigenous voices worldwide. Paul believes that every language represents a unique worldview, a bridge to understanding, and a cultural legacy worth protecting. With many languages at risk of extinction, he is passionate about working toward their preservation and celebrating the heritage of all endangered or minoritized languages. He can be reached via email at phensley@i-hav.org or on LinkedIn.

Dorcas Miracle

Tech and Content Volunteer

Hi there! I'm Dorcas Miracle Amedu, based in Nigeria. With a BA in Philosophy, I've been volunteering with IHAV for almost 2 years, contributing to tech and content creation. I'm passionate about creating a more just and equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and support those in need.

Uchechi Ishola

Team Lead, Beauty Beyond Speech, Nigeria

I’m Uchechi Ishola based in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication but have, over time, garnered much experience working in the non-for-profit sector as Programme Manager in the last 10 years. Currently, I lead the Beauty Beyond Speech project, one of the arms of S-DELI, where we address deaf stigmatization and marginalization against amongst young girls and boys. I am responsible for the planning and implementation of programs and projects that enlighten and empower our beneficiaries, causing them to look inwards, so they could become the best version of themselves, regardless of their disabilities. I’m deeply passionate about creating inclusive and accessible education for all, and have extensive experience supporting young people in this regard. I am very invested in youth development design, its implementation and monitoring, as it thrills me to see young people access the opportunities that they need to thrive. I’d love to connect—feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn

Nwigbo Sally Ebube

Digital producer and Curator, Nigeria

Hail from Amuda Echara in Ikwo in Ebonyi State. I am so engrossed in everything about language (Igbo & English) Creative writer, Translator, Researcher, Voice Over artist, Presenter.

Ohaegbulem Success

Language Officer, Nigeria

A highly motivated service personnel with years of experience focused on increasing efficiency and productivity by utilizing available technology, skills and experience to solve problems. One who is committed to continuous growth, both personally and professionally. One who is passionately driven towards exploring the intersection of innovations and education, the preservation of Igbo Language and folktales.

Taiwo Mercy

Community Officer

Hello, I'm Taiwo, a dedicated special education teacher and sign language interpreter based in Nigeria. With a strong passion for supporting deaf students, I advocate for the recognition and use of indigenous sign languages in deaf education. My expertise and commitment to empowering deaf students have made me a valuable asset to the Save the Deaf and Endangered Languages Initiative (S-DELI) and IHAV.

Kingsley Ibe

Web Developer, Nigeria

Hi there! I’m Kingsley, a dedicated Software Engineer and Web Developer with a strong passion for building intuitive and impactful digital experiences. I joined Indigenous Hands and Voices (IHAV) on February 1st, 2025, as a Web Developer, where I focus on enhancing the organization’s online presence and ensuring a seamless user experience across its digital platforms. With over four years of experience in software engineering, I’ve worked on a variety of web-based solutions, ranging from content management systems to interactive user platforms. My expertise lies in frontend and backend development, optimizing web performance, and implementing modern technologies to improve accessibility and engagement. Beyond coding, I’m passionate about tech for social good, cybersecurity, and continuous learning. I enjoy keeping up with industry trends, exploring new development frameworks, and contributing to projects that make a real-world impact. I’d love to connect—feel free to reach out to me at kibe@i-hav.org or on LinkedIn!

Theophilus Jacob

Communication officer, Nigeria

Hi there! I'm Theophilus Jacob (Ayokanmi), based in Abuja, Nigeria. I hold a B.Tech in Mathematics and Education from Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a National Diploma in Statistics from Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda. My professional experience centers around operations management and digital content creation. Currently, I serve as Communication Officer at IHAV, where I oversee content creation teams across different social media platforms. I'm deeply passionate about education, leadership development, and community service. I actively volunteer as a Media Personnel with a community organization and serve as a Youth Mentor focused on educational development and social responsibility. I've also participated in electoral services, SDGs advocacy, and youth mentorship programs. I'd love to connect—feel free to reach out to me at thjacob@i-hav.org or find me on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.

Grace Phiri

Project Officer, Zambia

I’m Grace Phiri based in Lusaka Zambia, am a sign language interpreter, fashion designer and craft trainer. My professional experience is rooted in sign language interpreting and fashion designing /Training. For the past 7 years, have been actively involved in Zambian deaf community by volunteering in sign language interpreting, currently I’m volunteering with s-deli, leading team Zambia. I’m passionate about education for all people and creating inclusion for the people with special needs. Now with s-deli Zambia am excited to explore Indigenous Zambian sign language.