Board of Directors

Melvin Datu Howard, is a Liberian, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Women Development Initiative Foundation, Inc, He is a trained Auditor who has worked in the field of Auditing for over fifteen years and has acquired both theoretical and practical experiences. He is also very passionate about impacting the lives of others, and is a great humanitarian. Mr. Howard is a 1996 graduate of the University of Liberia where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. During his study at the University of Liberia, he served as the President of the Accounting Students Association (ASA), at which time he created employment opportunities for many young graduates upon completing their studies. Mr. Howard served as Teaching Assistant at the University of Liberia in the Department of Accounting upon graduation. He impacted Accounting knowledge to many prominent individuals in society today. Melvin Datu Howard enrolled at the Louis Arthur Griames School of Law, University of Liberia to start a career in Law to defend the interest of less fortunate individuals in society, (especially, women). Due to his passion in helping to give back to his Alma mater, and coupled with his leadership skills, Mr. Howard served as President of the First- & Second-year classes respectively at the Law School prior to his departure from Liberia in 2003 due to the civil crisis. Melvin Datu. Howard holds a dual Master degree from Suffolk University in Boston, MA, U.S.A where he graduated with a Master of Science degree in Accounting (MSA), and a Master in Business Administration (MBA).

Mr. Howard has served in several capacities with various organizations – including:

• Denco Shipping Lines, Monrovia, Liberia
• The Royal Bank of Scotland, (Citizens Bank) Providence, RI
• The First American Financial Company, Satan Anna, CA,
• AAA, Northern, Providence, RI
• The State of Rhode Island
• The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)
• Amongst others.

Currently, Mr. Howard works at the State of Rhode Island in the United States of America. (USA), and also currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at the Community Collage of Rhode Island (CCRI), teaching Financial & Managerial Accounting, as well as Auditing. Mr. Melvin D. Howard served as the National President of the University of Liberia Alumni Association in the Americas (2016 – 2022), and was in the vanguard for giving back to his alma mater – “The University of Liberia”. As national president, Mr. Howard re-awakened the spirit of the University of Liberia’s Alumni Association in the Americas which has over 6,000 members in various states around the United States. Melvin Datu Howard is married, and blessed with two beautiful Children. Mr. Howard is a Christian and a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Providence, RI. who believes in helping people better their lives and fostering peace and unity.