Twelve21 is led by a diverse group of experienced and wise leaders. As a team, we are united by our passion and desire to restore hope in communities that have long been neglected.
YUSUPH EMMANUEL
Founder & CEO
Yusuph Emmanuel, the Founder and CEO of Twelve21 Global, leads with a heart shaped by his own powerful story of transformation. Growing up on the streets of Tanzania, Yusuph faced abandonment, homelessness, and deep despair. Miraculously saved from the brink of suicide, his life was radically changed by the hope found in the Gospel.
As a leader, Yusuph is committed to sharing that same hope with vulnerable communities worldwide. His passion for ministry and dedication to empowering others reflect God’s grace and the transformative power of faith.
WADE DANIEL
Director of Operations
Wade Daniel, Director of Operations at Twelve21 Global, has a life shaped by the power of redemption and purpose. He was raised in a small town in Georgia, where he enjoyed a loving family but lacked a relationship with Jesus. As a teenager, he felt an emptiness, knowing there had to be more to life than simply living by good morals. After years of searching for meaning in all the wrong places, Wade found lasting hope at the age of 20 when he surrendered his life to Christ. This turning point ignited a deep passion within him to share the transformative love of Jesus with others.
Now, as a husband and father, Wade is dedicated to spreading that hope worldwide through his leadership at Twelve21 Global, empowering others to experience the same life-changing grace he found.
PETER NGWILI
Country Director – Tanzania
Peter Ngwili, Twelve21 Global’s Country Director in Tanzania, is a leader deeply committed to transforming lives through Christ. Growing up on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Peter found faith in Jesus as a university student in Nairobi and dedicated his life to serving others. With a background in Development & Administration, Peter has led impactful initiatives through the Africa Inland Church and Tearfund, driving church and community transformation.
Equipped with degrees in Theology and Professional Development, Peter now leads Twelve21 Global’s work in Tanzania, empowering vulnerable communities to find hope in Jesus. He is married to Anitha, and together they are blessed with four children—Violet, Charity, Johnmark, and Joshua. Peter’s leadership is rooted in his unwavering faith and his passion for bringing the Gospel to life in the communities he serves.
JO O’STEEN
Ministry Impact Coordinator
Jo O’Steen, Ministry Impact Coordinator at Twelve21 Global, is deeply passionate about sharing the transformative grace of Christ. Growing up with only bits and pieces of knowledge about God, Jo had a life-changing moment in high school when she fully understood the Gospel and experienced the freedom of God’s steadfast and unconditional love. This revelation lifted a heavy burden and ignited her desire to share this gift of grace with others. Firm in her belief that Jesus holds the words of eternal life (John 6:68-69), Jo brings a deep sense of purpose to her work.
She loves Texas A&M, plays volleyball, and cherishes slow Saturday mornings. With her contagious joy and belief in the power of laughter, Jo enriches her ministry by helping others encounter the love and grace of Christ.
VIC HENRY
Board ChairmanShareholder at H.O.A.F Law Firm
YUSUPH EMMANUEL
Founder & CEO of Twelve21 GlobalDR. AMY HOWE
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and NeurologyTARA ROSEMA, PH.D
Clinical PsychologistBRENT HANEY
EngineerKATIE EMMANUEL
Educator & Board SecretaryJULIE WETZEL
Executive RecruiterPAULA DAVIS
Managing Director of Partnership Integration atTrue North