founder's story
Born in Nigeria and raised in the United States, I have always been passionate about skateboarding. For over 22 years, I have pursued it not just as a sport, but as a way of life. As a sponsored skater, I've had the opportunity to compete at a professional level while also hosting countless community events, which deepened my connection to the power of the sport. The resilience I learned from skateboarding, how to get back up after every fall and keep pushing forward, combined with my faith, is what helped me navigate the hardest times in my life.
But a piece of my story was missing. In 2022, I finally had the opportunity to return to Nigeria. I discovered a vibrant and growing skate community, but also a significant gap in resources. I began doing what I could, collecting donations and skate ramps from my connections in the U.S. and shipping them to be used for community skate events in Nigeria. Soon, I realized that with my unique position, having deep roots in both cultures and a network within the skate industry, I could do more. I had the ability to bridge this gap, and so, the idea for the SHAPE Skate Foundation was born.
In the midst of planning our official launch in 2024, my family was struck by a series of devastating events. My mother had a severe stroke and was later diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, and months later, my father was hospitalized with COVID pneumonia. They were both in the ICU for months, fighting for their lives. The doctors said they wouldn't make it, and while others told me it wasn't the right time to start a nonprofit, my faith told me to keep pushing forward. The official launch happened on October 1, 2024, in the quiet moments between hospital visits.
My parents both passed away two days apart in January 2025. In the wake of my grief, the SHAPE Foundation became the purpose I needed to keep fighting. Their legacy of celebrating our culture, no matter where they were, became my inspiration. My work is now a way to honor them and continue their legacy by supporting the communities they introduced me to and loved so much. I want to share the same lessons of resilience I learned from skateboarding with youth in developing countries who are facing their own unique battles. They need a positive outlet like skateboarding that not only helps them learn life lessons but brings them a global family they can also look to for support.
- Imoh
OUR MISSION
The SHAPE Foundation empowers black and brown youth and young adults in the African diaspora and in the U.S. We use skateboarding and the creative arts to build resilient communities, celebrate African culture, and develop the grit and perseverance needed to overcome adversity.
We accomplish this by building skatepark infrastructure, providing skate equipment, sponsoring talented African Olympic athletes, and hosting community-focused events.
OUR TEAM
Imoh Ekasi-Otu
Founder & President
As a lifelong skateboarder and sponsored amateur, I've seen firsthand how the sport creates hope and community. I founded SHAPE to use this passion as a tool for empowerment and cultural exchange across the African diaspora. My professional background in the skate industry and in business management provides the skills needed to build and lead our mission-driven organization.
Londen Lassiter
Vice President & Officer of Product Development
Owner and Art Director for @ReddotSkateboardss @Guidingway_
Londen brings his creative direction and production expertise to oversee the design and creation of SHAPE merchandise
“It’s all about uplifting, why not get in SHAPE and help create a safe and growing community through skateboarding.”
Nnamdi Ihekwoaba
Director of Media & Global Outreach
Skateboarding and filmmaking has been a way of feeling connected to my community and the world. Being immersed in the outer world through something intimate as skateboarding has been a life learning experience and has allowed me to create connections all over the world. Shape is a platform that reflects the world wide connections that have been created.
Greg Russell Jr
Officer of Events and Community Engagement
Gregory is an interdisciplinary creative examining the world through the dual lenses of skateboarding and black consciousness. With a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Union University, Gregory applies analytical thinking to design projects in fields ranging from architecture, fine arts, fashion, and sustainable development. Some notable achievements include Co-Curation of a three part art showing in Washington D.C. selection for the Smithsonian Katzenberger Art History Internship, and being named a semi finalist for Pharrell Williams prestigious Black Ambition Prize. Currently he works as a Supervisor for Branding Strategy at Converse.
Max Brothers
Officer of Communications and Donor Relations
Skateboarding has served as my creative outlet and a means to build community. While pursuing my undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Spanish Studies at American University, I founded and led the AU Skateboarding Club, organizing events dedicated to bringing the joy of skating to as many people as possible. With a focus on global community, I also published Burger Zine (burgerzine.org), featuring creative work made by skateboarders from Washington, D.C. and Santiago, Chile. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Sustainability Management at American University.
