Board & Staff

Board and Staff

• Chikondi Matekesa, Executive Director
• Darice Matekesa, Director/Treasurer
• Justin Villanueva, Director
• Peter Mawale, Director
• Jacob Nyirongo, Project Manager/Executive Coordinator
• Patience Matekesa, Client Relations Coordinator
• Esther Mmanga Nyirongo, Malawi Coordinator
• N’ganize Sello Chimwala, Communications Coordinator

Meet the Matekesa Family

Chikondi Matekesa, Executive Director 

Chikondi Matekesa's journey began in Malawi, Africa, where his mother instilled in him the values of respect, empathy and community. In search of new horizons, he moved to the U.S. in 1999 and pursued a career as a nephrology nurse. His experience in critical care—from managing chronic disease to supporting patients at the end of life—taught him the enormous value of life itself. He learned never to take the gift of life for granted, and to approach each day with gratitude. He also realized the power he held to become a beacon of hope, an “angel” to someone else.

Over the years, Chikondi volunteered for a variety of charities such as the National Kidney Foundation, Northern Indiana Hispanic Coalition and River City Community Church. He's an avid traveler who enjoys exploring the world with his family. Reading, food and staying active with his son Carter also number among his hobbies. Through every phase of life, he aims at creating connections, inspiring others and making a difference.

Darice Matekesa, Director/Treasurer

Shaped by her experiences as a self-proclaimed military brat, a preacher's daughter and the child of an immigrant, Darice Matekesa grew up with a strong sense of compassion. Her parents instilled in her the importance of striving to do good for others at every opportunity. Over the past two decades, Darice has pursued a career in finance. Her qualifications as a Certified Public Accountant have proved invaluable in her work with Chifundo as director and treasurer. Away from the professional sphere, Darice treasures her family time. Her other passion is travel; she finds immense joy in exploring new places. She doesn't just delight in the sights and sounds of these new locales, but takes a keen interest in understanding the living conditions of the local residents, thus deepening her appreciation of the diverse global community.

Carter Chifundo Matekesa

Carter Chifundo is a normal, high-energy kid who loves soccer, swimming, race cars, monster trucks, Spider Man and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Carter’s middle name, Chifundo, is Chewa for “mercy'” or “compassion.” It represents the qualities of showing kindness, empathy and love toward others. The Matekesas were moved by the meaning of Carter’s name when they selected it. A few years later, it embodied their vision and path forward for Chifundo Angels of Mercy, becoming the organization’s namesake.