Board Members

Robert Bernstein

BIOGRAPHY FOR ROBERT R BERNSTEIN A NYC native and a former educator for the New York City Department of Education, Mr. Bernstein served 26 years in a variety of roles including as a mathematics instructor, dean of students and a safety director for a large elementary school. He began his journalism career in the Washington, D.C. area working as writer then becoming part owner of "Prince George's Suite Magazine". Currently, Robert Bernstein is a freelance writer and photojournalist for various African publications and he provides editorial consultant services to many Diaspora NGOs and initiatives. His focus is primarily directed towards but not limited to African and Caribbean arts, culture, media and sports. He has written for Applause Africa Magazine, AfroBeat Radio, Africa Connect Online and Island Voice. Mr. Bernstein is the board director of public affairs for GEIG- US Inc. Additionally, he serves as an advisor or advisory board member for a number of Diaspora based NGO’s. Mr. Bernstein's work can be seen on his ::

  • Website :: http://about.me/robert.bernstein1
  • Blog :: http://rrb310sitrep.tumblr.com/

Elizabeth Akua-Nyarko Patterson

Elizabeth Akua-Nyarko Patterson is the founder and executive director of the Girls education initiative of Ghana, GEIG. GEIG’s mission is to provide academic and financial support for girls including applicants with special needs, so they may access secondary, higher education, and professional opportunities.

Ms. Patterson holds an MPA, masters in public administration from NYU Wagner School of Public Service where she specialized in non- profit management. Ms. Patterson’s research includes but not limited to Education of Marginalized People: access to education for disabled/differently abled students in K-12 institutions in South Africa, A comparative qualitative study on single sex and co-Ed schools in New York City, Strategic Planning: City Year New York, and Performance Measurement and Management: Junior Achievement of New York, JA-New York, A more diverse Workforce: the fire department of New York City.

Prior to her work with GEIG Ms. Patterson served as the Director of Communications and Marketing for The Council of Young African Leaders, CYAL and communications and marketing associate at Junior Achievement of New York, JA- New York. Ms. Patterson holds a BA in Political Science and Business Management where she graduated cum laude in 2009. She also has a Master’s in Public Administration, MPA with a specialization in nonprofit management and policy from the Robert Wagner School of Public Service, New York University.

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Ms. Patterson is the 2014 ReconnectGH-Education Entrepreneur, presented in 2015 at Tedex Accra, was a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community- Kumasi Hub from 2014-2015, the 2015 Vlisco Brand Ambassador for Ghana, and a Young African Leadership Initiative Regional Leadership Center-Accra, YALI RLC fellow.