About Chikaelo

Hometown:
Hyde Park, MA

University Partner:
Boston College

Degree:
B.A. in Communications, 2006

Grant Partner:
New York Football Giants

Senior Mentor:
Allison Stangeby, Director of Community Relations

"It was fulfilling for me to be able to put a smile on the faces of people who were going through tough times. Steamboat Foundation's belief in me as a leader has raised the expectations I have for myself, encouraging me to use my skills and experiences to make a difference with the work that I do."

Scholar Background

Seeking inspiration from his parents who have dedicated themselves to serving the community, Chike has developed into an esteemed role model. While a student at Boston College, Chike served on the Board of Directors of Peace Games, a non-profit organization that empowers young people with the conflict resolution skills they need to promote peace in their schools and communities. An astute young DJ with early business interests in public relations and marketing, Chike co-founded Yeah That’s Us Entertainment, an event promotion company, at the youthful age of 18. His love for music and most of all, sports, propelled him to contribute to community service programs that foster the same passion and persistence in young people, especially within his native Nigerian community. Chike received Boston College’s 2005 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship, was president of the African Students Organization, and was an active member of the Nigerian Youth Organization. All of these opportunities gave Chike the chance to refine his leadership skills and faithful devotion to the people and communities around him. Chike was awarded the 2007 and 2008 Greater Boston YMCA Black Achievers Award for his work with young people in his community.

Internship Description

During his internship at the New York Football Giants, Chike worked in the Community Relations department to plan programs and assist with donations and player appearances to benefit local non-profit organizations. He also traveled to the Giants training camp in Albany, New York where he helped organize and facilitate VIP group visits. Told that training camp visits often represented the fulfillment of a dream, Chike fully embraced the Giants’ objective of creating exceptional experiences for VIP guests. He was thrilled when his efforts prompted a physically and mentally challenged fan to say that his meeting with former running back Tiki Barber had “made his day” and when an elderly fan called the time at training camp “the greatest sports experience" he had ever had in his life.

Where are they now?

After graduation, Chike worked as the program manager at Mellon CityACCESS: An Investment in Youth program in Boston that provides meaningful work apprenticeships at diverse non-profit organizations, allowing high school students to gain knowledge and practical skills while receiving training around higher education, leadership, mentoring, and professionalism.

Chike is currently attending Northeastern Law School.