32: National Capital Area/North VA

The SGAP Leaders Global Experience and United Nations Tour was a phenomenal opportunity. It exposed me to the intricacies of the United Nations (UN) and the functions of each organ within the headquarters. I also had the pleasure of learning the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN and how they are planned to be accomplished.

Lydiah Owiti came to the U.S. from Kenya to join her husband. They had moved several times for his job in the military, in which they served for 12 years. When his California office closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they moved to Maryland. However, soon after arriving here with their three children — a 10-year-old son, and daughters ages 9 and 3 — the Maryland office closed as well, and Lydiah’s husband was out of work.

POGO was co-founded in 1981 by trailblazer and Pentagon whistleblower, Ernie Fitzgerald who understood the significance of people powered accountability. Our investigations into waste, fraud, corruption, and abuse of power allow us to find deficiencies in federal government policies, programs, and projects. Much of our focus is where government and powerful private interests intersect, a nexus where corruption and abuse of power can thrive if oversight isn’t strong.

We are focused on individuals' employment and inclusion in the community. All, regardless of disability, should have an opportunity to live, work, and play in the community.