My Story

Anwuli Joy Ikeme-Arah has been a resident of Arizona since 1994, after migrating from Nigeria in search of greater opportunities.  Hailing from Onitsha in Anambra State, she is a devoted mother to three children and a grandmother to seven, as well as a spiritual mother to God son who has a wife and two children. Joy’s journey began in Nigeria, where she was born into a large family as one of eight children.  As a teenager, she moved to England to pursue a degree in Business Administration with Secretarial Studies, later returning to Nigeria to work with the National Universities Commission for a decade before relocating to the United States with her family.

Having arrived in the U.S., she furthered her education in Nursing, specializing as a Wound Ostomy Nurse.  Joy went on to earn both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix, Arizona, 2009 and 2012 respectively.  With over eighteen years of experience in the home health care industry, Joy co-owned and operated a successful home health agency, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to around 100 patients each month through a dedicated team of health professionals.  In 2022, Joy obtained a Certification in Data Analytics Boot Camp from the University of Arizona under Continuing & Professional education, obtaining certification in Languages: Python, Java Script, SQL with applications in Github, PostgreSQL, and Tableau.

In 2018, Joy founded the Joy Ikeme-Arah Kid Foundation, inspired by her battle with breast cancer and her commitment to giving back as a testament to her gratitude for a second change at life.  The foundation serves underprivileged children in Nigeria, distributing essential school supplies like backpacks and writing materials.  Since its inception, it has expanded to bless hundreds of children each year, with a focus on those who have lost their mothers to breast cancer.

Joy’s mission is to empower underprivileged children by providing education resources, with a vision of a world where all children have access to quality education.  She reflects on her journey with deep gratitude, highlighting the importance of compassion, collaboration, and community engagement.  Now retired, Joy remains committed to serving her comm7unity and hopes to be remembered as a cheerful giver.  She expresses immense gratitude to the Ibo communities and supporters who have encouraged my leadership and passion for making a difference.  

She is a proud mother of three children, Obi Arah, Chiazor Arah and Ofunneka Jenkins, and a God son Amo Acheampong.

Joy is now happily retired, having fun, enjoying her grandchildren, remaining humble,  and still willing to serve this wonderful community.