Eric Idehen
(Founder and CEO, Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage)
Vice President of Community Development, Wells Fargo Bank.
Eric's personal and professional travels took him from his home country of Nigeria to Ukraine, Spain, and finally the United States of America. During his long odyssey from Nigeria, he nursed the dream of opening orphanages in Africa (Nigeria & Sierra Leone). The Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage is the realization of that dream that began many years ago.
Eric graduated from Federal Polytechnic Auchi (Nigeria) with Higher National Diploma in Quantity Surveying and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix (USA).
Presently, he works for Wells Fargo Bank as Vice President of Community Development. Most recent companies and role included Bank of The West (Branch Sales Manager), and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa (Director). Eric sits on the board of the Political and Economic Research Council (PERC), Federal Bureau of Investigation Citizen Academy Alumni Association Board (Omaha & Des Moines), Nigerian Association of Iowa, Grand View University Diversity Committee, and several Diversity Councils, where he continues his service to his community and shares his experience with others. Past board and Committee membership includes the American Red Cross Board of Central Iowa, The new Iowan Centers Community Advisory Committee, The Greater Des Moines Partnership Diversity Committee, Iowa International Center, etc. He is a member of the Des Moines Rotary Club.
Eric and his wife, Emily, live in Urbandale, Iowa and have three sons. In addition to several Nigerian dialects, Eric also speaks fluent Spanish and Russian.
Eric may be contacted at eric@thehopeorphans.org and +1-515-321-2807.