Leadership & Governance

APi is guided by a commitment to ethical research, knowledge translation, and long-term field building.

Our governance structures ensure intellectual rigour, community responsibility, and accountability as we develop the field of Appearance Epidemiology.

Founder 

Ogo Maduewesi

Founder & Executive Director
Appearance Positive Institute (APi)

Ogo Maduewesi is a psychosocial advocate, field-builder, and systems-change practitioner focused on advancing dignity, equity, and institutional reform in relation to appearance-based stigma and visible differences.

Through APi, she is pioneering the field of Appearance Epidemiology—a population-level, justice-oriented framework for understanding how appearance shapes social, emotional, and mental outcomes.

Her work integrates lived experience, psychosocial insight, cultural analysis, and public engagement to influence research, education, and systems.

Advisory Council (In Formation)

APi is establishing an interdisciplinary Advisory Council. 

The Council will include experts across:

• Public health
• Psychology and psychosocial research
• Sociology and cultural studies
• Policy and social equity
• Education and institutional reform

The Advisory Council will provide strategic guidance on research priorities, academic integrity, and long-term institutional development.

Governance Philosophy

APi’s governance model is guided by five core principles:

1. Evidence-Informed Development

All programmes and frameworks are grounded in interdisciplinary research and responsible scholarship.

2. Justice-Oriented Inquiry

Appearance-based stigma is treated as a population-level social equity issue.

3. African-Rooted Perspective

Research is grounded in African realities while engaging global scholarship.

4. Ethical Responsibility

Dignity, consent, and responsible representation are central to our work.

5. Long-Term Field Building

APi prioritises durable intellectual contribution over rapid expansion.

Institutional Values

• Dignity
• Intellectual Integrity
• Cultural Grounding
• Equity & Justice
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Measured Growth