CEO- VALLEY OF HOPE- JUDITH AWASAK
Judith Awasak serves as president of Valley of Hope Foundation, bringing over 15 years of specialised experience in the financial services, government sector, and banking industries. A seasoned expert in compliance and risk assessment, Judith has built a career centred on integrity and meticulous detail—qualities she now leverages to guide the Foundation toward its mission.
With a career spanning more than a decade in KYC/AML compliance, Judith understands that the foundation of any great organisation is trust and a comprehensive understanding of the “big picture”. Judith’s leadership is informed by her academic background—including a master’s in international affairs and diplomacy, as well as a master’s in space studies—and her extensive experience in managing complex, multinational data and regulations. She is a proactive leader who believes in the power of a “great team player” to create lasting social impact.
Her professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to regulatory excellence, having managed complex operations for organisations like Fidelity Integrated Systems, the National Space Research and Development Agency, and now Morgan Stanley. This background in high-stakes problem-solving and organisational leadership ensures that the Valley of Hope Foundation remains transparent, focused, and goal-orientated.
Beyond the boardroom, Judith is a devoted community advocate. Her hands-on volunteer work reflects a diverse range of interests, from welcoming WWI veterans at BWI Airport in Maryland, USA, to supporting IDPs in her hometown of Jos, Nigeria, to environmental efforts like oyster cleaning in Baltimore, Maryland, and global outreach through Samaritan’s Purse. An avid traveller and reader, she finds creative inspiration in visiting topiary gardens, a hobby that mirrors her professional approach: cultivating growth through patience and precision.
Judith Awasak blends a rigorous professional background with a lifelong passion for philanthropy and event planning and is happiest when she is giving back. When she isn’t leading the Valley of Hope Foundation, you can find her exploring the world, writing for her blog (Ananzo’s Diary), lost in a book, completing a puzzle, or finding peace in the artistry of a topiary garden.
