Our Leadership
Board Chair & Global Study Manager, Sanofi
Kayma is a clinical research leader with over 20 years of experience managing global trials and advancing patient-centered healthcare initiatives. In addition to her professional leadership, she is deeply engaged in civic and educational equity efforts, serving in advisory and governance roles that strengthen communities both locally and internationally.
Kayma Sherman-Knuckles
Treasurer & Regional Head of Accounts, Al Basar International Foundation
Akinwumi is a seasoned finance and governance professional with more than 15 years of experience in accounting, nonprofit oversight, and institutional strengthening. A member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, he brings expertise in fiscal stewardship, compliance, and sustainable financial systems for mission-driven organizations.
Akinwumi Akinwole, MBA, MNIM
Strategic Consultant | Communities & Training Director, A Child’s Hope Foundation
Amanda is a strategic consultant and community builder focused on systems-level change for children and families. With an MBA and deep experience across global family welfare and nonprofit leadership, she supports organizations to strengthen family-based care, elevate local leadership, and build resilient, context-driven approaches grounded in equity and community voice.
Amanda Good, MBA
Tanzania Director, Global Child Advocates | Former Social Welfare Officer, Government of Tanzania
Itozya is a child protection and social welfare expert with extensive experience in alternative care reform and family reintegration. A former Government Social Welfare Officer and national trainer in child protection and case management, he now leads systems-strengthening work that advances safe, stable, family-based care solutions across Tanzania.
Itozya Onesmo, MA (Child Development), BA (Social Work)
Executive Director, Emerging Generation Initiative
Arafat is a strategic civil society leader with eight years of experience across NGO, foundation, government, and TVET sectors. He specializes in project design and management, organizational capacity strengthening, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy, with a strong track record in resource mobilization and public-facing communications.
Arafat Bakir Lesheve
National Project Coordinator, Aga Khan Foundation
Nestory is a multisectoral development leader with over 10 years of experience in program strategy, civil society strengthening, gender equality, and youth economic empowerment. He has led gender-transformative initiatives and supported organizational capacity evaluations across Tanzania, with experience spanning international NGOs, donors, and local institutions.
Nestory Mhando
Principal, Arraghibun Academy
Mudathir is an experienced educator and administrator with over two decades of leadership in school management and student development. A certified member of the Counseling Association of Nigeria and a DigT Educator, he brings expertise in counseling, institutional leadership, and education-sector strategy through his work in both academic and nonprofit settings.
Mudathir Ademoroti Ade
Legal Counsel & Director, AWLAHURIO
Martha is a Tanzanian legal advocate with over 18 years of experience advancing the rights of women and children. As Director of Arusha Women Legal Aid and Human Rights Organization, she leads justice and protection initiatives across the region. She holds a Master of Laws in International Law and is a member of the Tanganyika Law Society and Tanzania Women Lawyers Association, with accreditation in mediation and arbitration. She sits on both boards.
Martha Hipolity Lyimo, LLM
Tanzanian Board
Founder and Lead Strategist of The Green Economy
Philipo is an agricultural and natural resource economist and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning specialist. His work integrates climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods across high-conservation landscapes in Tanzania.
Philipo Joseph Lukumay, MSc
Education Coordinator, Wild Nature Institute
Veila is an environmental educator working across the Tarangire–Manyara ecosystem. She leads youth-focused conservation and science education programs that strengthen environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Veila Makundi, BSc
Treasurer & Accountant at Community Action for Development, Environmental Conservation and Entrepreneurship (CADECT)
Baraka is a Tanzanian community development and environmental conservation leader focused on sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience. Through Community Action for Development, Environmental Conservation and Entrepreneurship (CADECT), he advances farmer training, gender equity, eco-friendly enterprise development, and climate-aware agricultural solutions in fragile ecosystems.
Baraka Mawenya
Founder and Executive Director of Amani Initiatives and Professor of Anthropology at Stonybrook University, with 15 years of experience working in this community to advance family-first systems reform integrating education, psychosocial support, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
United States Board
Katharine Thompson, Phd
Manager of Programs and Partnerships with over seven years of experience leading donor-funded initiatives in climate resilience, clean energy access, land tenure, and inclusive livelihoods in Tanzania. He has managed multi-million-dollar programs supported by USAID, Equinor AS, Blue Action Fund, and EU partners. Patrick brings deep experience in strengthening local systems and advancing sustainable development outcomes.