About Us

A support network uniting women and families of all races, in Drogheda and beyond.

Our vision

Our vision is to unite women and families of all races in a supportive, inclusive environment.

We strive to foster a community where care knows no borders, love is undivided, and help is offered without distinction. Our goal is to empower women to become change-makers and leaders in their communities. We will achieve this by providing essential life skills, resources, opportunities, and a global platform for networking, learning and sharing experiences, enabling women and their families to reach their full potential.

Women in colourful dress at a Hands 4 Unity art exhibition

Our mission

We aim to bring women and families of all races together to network and support each other in an environment where care knows no borders, love has no divides, and help has no differentiation.

Our goal is to empower women to become change-makers and leaders in their communities. We aspire to provide women from all walks of life with the basic tools they need to reach their full potential.

We equip women and their families with resources, opportunities and a global platform that facilitates networking, learning and the sharing of experiences. Among our beneficiaries, we prioritise professional development, academic excellence and leadership development.

What we do

Fostering economic empowerment and inclusive integration for migrant and host community women through networking, education, job access and social support.

  • Job seekers help

    Free CV clinics, mentoring and coaching sessions for job seekers.

  • Online healthcare

    Access to online healthcare for women in less privileged communities.

  • Support to communities

    Encouraging members to tackle health and educational issues in their communities.

  • Integration

    Rehabilitation and integration services for women in need.

Our team

Our board and committee members come from many of the communities we serve, and give their time as volunteers.

  • Cllr Ejiro O'Hare Stratton

    Cllr Ejiro O'Hare Stratton

    Founder & CEO

    Ejiro Stratton, the founder of Hands4Unity CLG, is a dynamic and compassionate leader in Drogheda, recognised with the Outstanding Individual Award for Louth in November 2023.

    Cllr Ejiro O'Hare Stratton

    Founder & CEO

    Ejiro Stratton, the founder of Hands4Unity CLG, is a dynamic and compassionate leader in Drogheda, recognised with the Outstanding Individual Award for Louth in November 2023.

    In addition to her role as Assistant Director of Nursing at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, she is a member of the secretariat board of Louth PPN, reflecting her commitment to community development. With a heart of gold and open arms, Ejiro warmly embraces those in need, leaving a lasting impact on her community.

Board of directors & officers

  • Fergus O'Dowd

    Fergus O'Dowd

    Chairperson of the Board of Directors

    Fergus O'Dowd

    Chairperson of the Board of Directors

    Fergus O'Dowd is a former TD and the current Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hands4Unity. His involvement underscores his commitment to community development, multicultural initiatives and inclusion.

    A long-serving member of Fine Gael, he represented the Louth constituency in Dáil Éireann from 2002. He held positions including Minister of State at the Departments of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, and Environment, Community & Local Government, with responsibility for the NewEra Project. He also chaired the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, advocating for increased North–South cooperation.

    His extensive experience in public service and community engagement makes him a valuable asset to Hands4Unity's mission of promoting inclusivity and support for diverse communities in Drogheda.
  • Evelyn Nomayo

    Evelyn Nomayo

    Director

    Evelyn Nomayo

    Director

    Evelyn Nomayo is a pioneering entrepreneur and advocate for women in technology. Originally from Nigeria, she is now a prominent figure in Ireland's tech community.

    As founder and CEO of E3 Creative Hub and Phase Innovate Ireland, Evelyn leads initiatives that bridge the gender gap in tech and support entrepreneurship among ethnic minorities in Ireland. Her research focuses on building an inclusive entrepreneurship framework using systems thinking and generative AI, creating pathways for ethnic minorities.

    A dynamic public speaker, Evelyn also finds joy and inspiration in salsa dancing. We're thrilled to have her on our board.
  • Aaron Karl Pundol

    Aaron Karl Pundol

    Director

    Aaron Karl Pundol

    Director

    Aaron Karl Pundol brings a wealth of experience in public administration and community development, with degrees from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Having lived in Ireland for 17 years, he is dedicated to organising and empowering the Filipino community in Drogheda.

    Aaron is a founding officer and current Chairperson of the Drogheda Filipino-Irish Community (DFIC), the largest Filipino organisation in the North East, representing over 400 members from Drogheda, Navan and Dundalk. He also serves as the Community Pillar representative for Louth PPN and on the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

    Beyond his community work, he coaches as Assistant Coach for the U14 Boys Arctic Wolves basketball team. We're proud to have Aaron on our board.
  • Kemi Sodade

    Kemi Sodade

    Financial Secretary

    Kemi Sodade

    Financial Secretary

    Kemi Sodade is a dynamic and engaged member of the Drogheda community. Originally from Nigeria, Kemi is the Financial Secretary of Hands4Unity CLG and works at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

    Her commitment to community engagement shows in her active participation in many group activities. She is always supporting our community work and fundraising, and making sure our accounts are in good shape.

Ambassadors & committee representatives

  • Roseline Bateren

    Roseline Bateren

    International Ambassador

    Roseline Bateren

    International Ambassador

    Roseline Bateren is the Hands4Unity International Ambassador. She holds a Master's degree in Public Health and, as a certified trainer and associate with NHS West Midlands, brings a wealth of expertise to her professional role.

    Beyond her career, Roseline is deeply engaged in her community. A skilled dancer and visionary leader, she has led impactful projects in Drogheda, London and around the world.
  • Amina

    Amina

    SPC Committee Member

    Amina

    SPC Committee Member

    Amina is a skilled Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Adviser with extensive expertise in regulatory compliance and fraud prevention. Her background includes managing complex AML cases and enhancing compliance strategies, supported by an ICA Diploma in Anti Money Laundering.

    Having lived in Ireland for 15 years, Amina is dedicated to helping others and giving back to the community. Her experience in compliance and regulatory issues supports her role as a dedicated community advocate.
  • Jasmine Mathew

    Jasmine Mathew

    LCDC Committee Member

    Jasmine Mathew

    LCDC Committee Member

    Jasmine Mathew represents Hands4Unity CLG on the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), where she actively promotes unity, inclusivity and meaningful community engagement. She also serves on the Drogheda & District Chamber Council.

    Originally from India, Jasmine has made Drogheda her home and is deeply committed to fostering connection and belonging within the community. She is also a mental health nurse with North Dublin Mental Health Services, bringing compassion, empathy and professionalism to those she serves.
  • Obele Abassah

    Obele Abassah

    PPN Secretariat Board Member

    Obele Abassah

    PPN Secretariat Board Member

    Obele Abassah is a passionate advocate, professional social care worker and long-standing member of Hands4Unity. She serves on the Louth Public Participation Network Secretariat, which unites community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups to improve quality of life for everyone in Louth.

    A dual-qualified solicitor in Nigeria and in England & Wales, Obele brings extensive expertise in health and social care, along with a deep commitment to advocacy and positive change.

Get involved

Volunteer at our events, share your skills as a mentor, partner with us or make a donation. There is a place for everyone at Hands 4 Unity.

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