Godwill Tandoh
Founder & CEOFounded Dreamers Wish in 2021, inspired by his roots in Ghana.
About us
A mother and son. One dream.
A Utah-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping underserved children and youth learn, create and build a future in Utah, Kenya and Ghana.
Our founding story
For Mama Josephine.
Godwill Ekow Tandoh's mother, Josephine Ladzaglah Tandoh, affectionately called Mama Joe, had one lifelong dream: that every child in her hometown of Mepe, Ghana, would receive a quality education.
- 2021: Godwill started Dreamers Wish Foundation with his mother and the support of some amazing friends from Utah, in her Volta Region village. We met more than 600 young dreamers.
- Today: more than 8,000 children, from the Dadome school district in Ghana to Mijomboni Primary School in Kenya to refugee and immigrant youth in Utah.
- Still teaching: Godwill leads robotics sessions and Afro-Latin dance for students from elementary to high school.
In loving memory
Josephine Ladzaglah Tandoh
18 November 1960 – 12 March 2025
A dream weaver and mother, whose dream was for every child in her village to have access to quality and equitable education.
Every desk, every lab and every girl who stays in school is part of her legacy.
Hede nyuie, Mama. Go well.
A song for Mama
"I Have a Dream"
"I Have a Dream" was Mama Joe's favorite song. On our last visit to the school after her passing, the students gathered and sang it for her, and for us.
Thank you, dreamers. You kept her song, and her dream, alive.
Her story
Who was Mama Josephine?
A woman of remarkable strength, faith, humility and compassion, with a home that was always open. Her dream became Godwill's mission, and her quiet acts of love became the seed of Dreamers Wish Foundation.
1960
Born in Mepe
Josephine Fianudzu Ladzaglah was born on 18 November 1960 in Mepe, Volta Region, the second of seven children. She earned her Middle School Leaving Certificate at Rev. Conan Yalley Middle School in 1976.
Her work
An entrepreneur at heart
After training as a seamstress, she found her calling in food vending, widely known for her delicious kenkey and fish.
1980
A family built on love
On 10 February 1980, she married Theophilus Tandoh in Mepe. They raised six children and were blessed with ten grandchildren.
A mother to many
Every child deserves a chance
She never went to college, but she made sure all her children did. She also sponsored six foster children through high school.
1984
A life of faith and service
A pioneer member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ghana from 1984, she served as a Primary President, leading children's programs in congregations from Takoradi to Accra.
2021
The seed of a dream
Inspired by her example, Godwill founded Dreamers Wish Foundation for the children of Mepe and beyond. She stood by his side every step of the way.
2025
Her legacy lives on
Mama Josephine passed away suddenly on 12 March 2025. Her spirit lives on in every classroom we refurbish and every girl who stays in school.
Our mission
To empower underserved communities through STEAME education (science, technology, engineering, arts, math and entrepreneurship), innovation infrastructure and sustainable learning environments across Utah (refugee youth), Kenya and Ghana.
Our vision
A world where every child — wherever they are born — can reach the tools, teachers and classrooms they need to dream big and build a better future.
What guides us
Three words on our logo. Three promises we keep.
Empower
We build confidence and real skills, so young people can lead change in their own communities.
Educate
We invest in classrooms, labs and teachers, because lasting change starts with good places to learn.
Inspire
We use art, dance and hands-on discovery to spark curiosity and joy in every child.
Leadership
The people behind the dream.
A volunteer-powered team across the U.S. and Africa.
Executive team · Utah
Christine Diamond
Corporate Partnerships DirectorProject management and business development expert with a decade of leadership experience.
Michelle Pace
Programs DirectorArtist, curator and founder of A.U.M. Gallery & Events.
Lesley Lawrence
Board ChairPrincipal Broker of 1st Class Real Estate.
Horzie Founta Bounlingui, MLS
Director of Strategic Corporate PartnershipsBorn in Congo-Brazzaville, raised in Gabon, Utahn since 2012.
Eric Jordan
Governance & Permaculture DirectorCo-founder of Thirsty Earth; water-efficient technology specialist.
Texas chapter
Naome Chivinge
Director of South RegionFounder of Tarmark Global Shipping (Pty) Ltd.
Pedina Chodokufa
Director of OperationsFounder and CEO of Exodus InHomeCare.
Reginald Maonedzo
Director of Global Scale20+ years in strategic development, including Goldman Sachs.
Advisory board
Sheila Carrion
Emeritus Board ChairFounding board member; procurement specialist at Weber State University.
Dr. Ainsley Temudo
Director of STEAME EducationNeuroscientist, PhD, University of Utah.
Erika Rauscher
Board AdvisorExecutive Director of the THANC Foundation since 2007.
Country directors
Jamal Mohammed
Director, Kenya OperationsA decade-plus serving underprivileged communities in Kenya.
Thelma Dzifah Attiso
Director, Ghana OperationsGovernment budget analyst; founder of the organic brand Bountiful Buds.
Naome Chivinge
Director, Zimbabwe & South AfricaWorks with local leaders to bring our STEAME programs to Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Help us keep the dream alive.
Join the donors, volunteers and partners who make every classroom possible.