The Mission of Yahweh’s “Women of Substance” Goes Virtual and Honors Outstanding Women and a Courageous Survivor
Can there be a more positive, uplifting story than that of Kechi Okwuchi, who was one of only two passengers to survive a plane crash that took the lives of 107 people? In 2005, she was traveling with 109 people on Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt. The plane crash-landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport. Kechi and another passenger were the only two people to survive the catastrophe. Kechi partially lost her vision in the accident and over 65% of her body was covered with deadly burns.
Born in 1989, Kechi grew up in Orlu, Imo State with her younger sister, attending boarding school at Loyola Jesuit in Abuja, Nigeria.
In 2007, she moved to Texas with her family for treatment at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston. She has undergone at least 100 surgeries to date.
In 2015, Kechi graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors at the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelors in Economics.
We might never have known of this amazing woman were it not for America’s Got Talent where Kechi decided to stand in front of the world—scars, burns and all—to demonstrate a courage and determination rarely seen. And, her glorious singing voice catapulted her to an AGT runner-up position and a celebrity status throughout the world. In 2018, she released her first single, “Don’t You Dare.”
In 2019, on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, Simon Cowell used the Golden Buzzer for Kechi to place her as a finalist. Today, she travels as an entertainer, inspirational speaker and burn survivor advocate. Her amazing story of optimism is a lesson for all.
Kechi will receive “The Spirit of Substance” award at the Women of Substance Virtual Presentation on November 6 at 11:30, benefiting The Mission of Yahweh, a homeless shelter for women and children. The event is chaired by Kristina Somerville, with Honorary Chairs Regina Rogers and Sybil Roos. Receiving the “Lifetime of Substance” award is Rosanette Cullen and the 2020 Women of Substance are: Lilly Andress, Donatella Benckenstein, Cathy Borlenghi, Donae Chramosta, Gina Gaston Elie, Tracy Faulkner, Zina Garrison, Susan Arnoldy Hansen, Leela Krishnamurthy and Susan Soussan. Special Advisor is Warner Roberts with Creator and Producer Paul-David Van Atta.
Join this amazing Virtual Presentation, The Wonderful World of the Women of Substance starring PBS Channel 8’s Ernie Manouse, with the link at Mission of Yahweh Campaign Link. And, yes, Kechi will be singing. Get your Golden Buzzer ready!
