Weruché Uzoka, previously known as Weruche George, is a Nigerian-born writer who became an asylee when she relocated to the United States in 2005. She became a naturalized American Citizen in 2013 and has since established her home in Hamden, Connecticut.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria on Ubosi Ékè - in the Igbo market day calendar, and on the Yoruba calendar's Ọjọ Iṣẹgun, equivalent to Tuesday in the English calendar, her journey unfolds with remarkable achievements.
Graduating with honors from Quinnipiac University, Weruché has earned degrees in English, Communications, and Studies in the Law, Journalism, and Human Rights Studies. Among her notable accomplishments, she produced and directed a 30-minute documentary film titled 'Is This Home Now?' for her master's in journalism capstone project. This documentary delves into the experiences of refugee immigration and resettlement.
Continuing her educational pursuits, Weruché graduated in 2020 from Columbia University with an additional master's degree in Human Rights Studies, further deepening her understanding of global challenges.
Her engagement extends beyond academia. As a delegate to the 13th Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Warsaw, Poland, she collaborated with luminaries such as Nobel Peace Laureates Muhammad Yunus and Mairead Maguire. Weruché's commitment also shines through her roles as a UNA-USA delegate to the United Nations 62nd Commission on the Status of Women and as a spokesperson for refugees in New Haven, Connecticut. Notably, she delivered the Keynote Speech at the Emerge Connecticut 2019 graduation—an event organized by Emerge America, an organization inspiring women's participation in public office. Recognizing her leadership, Hamden Mayor Curt Balanzo Leng appointed Weruché to the Hamden Human Rights and Relations Commission, a position she held until resigning in Dec. 2022. She also served a term as a Community Editorial Board member of the Connecticut Mirror, where she shared her views on human rights issues.
Her hands-on involvement in meeting refugees' practical needs underscores her commitment. Through fundraising, financial assistance, and essential supplies, she eased the challenges of many refugees during their resettlement process. In 2009 - she donated her Jeep Grand Cherokee to an IRIS refugee who was in dire need of transportation. In addition, her provision of fans during sweltering summers began a trend where fans were included in refugees' resettlement packages (according to the Exec. Director Chris George) These and more exemplify her genuine compassion and some of her innovative problem-solving.
Her dedication to humanitarian causes and refugee advocacy is further evident in her role on the Board of Directors of Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS). In August 2020, Weruché responded to a persistent call to public service by petitioning to run against an incumbent in a state representative race. While the General Elections on November 3, 2020, did not yield victory, her resilience and determination remained unwavering.
Amid her impressive accomplishments, Weruché's passion for travel emerges as a source of inspiration. Her explorations through Europe, Western Asia, and Africa are fueled by an innate curiosity about diverse cultures, from what people eat to where they call home, and the sights and sounds that awaken their hearts.
Bridging creativity and philanthropy, Weruché established Weruche Inspires International (WIIN), a non-profit organization headquartered in Connecticut. WIIN focuses on promoting the voices of refugees, women, girls, immigrants, and marginalized communities through arts and culture initiatives.
Beyond her multifaceted accomplishments, Weruché is also recognized as the author of two volumes of poetry and the expansive Princess Naku™ Series comprising 57 books - a first of its kind- about a young girl who travels to the 54 countries and two disputed territories in the continent of Africa, guided by her grandfather Prince Irona - a WWII veteran.
On August 12, 2023, she marked exactly 18 years to the day since stepping foot on American soil by releasing her first trio of plays: *Festac Baby*, *My Husband is a Warlock*, and *Ọdịnihu*.
Her narrative is one of resilience, activism, and dedication, painting a portrait of a woman who continuously inspires, empowers, and uplifts those around her.
In her home country, she was a presenter and a judge in talent competitions. She is also remembered as a model who was featured in the mid-90s to early 2000s in a TV commercial, on billboards and almanacs. She was the 1999 winner of the Miss Amity title in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) Pageant. She was also the winner of several other beauty pageants.
She is of Igbo heritage.
