Catherine Namara
Catherine Namara, a business intelligence project manager in the enterprise portfolio management office of MTN Uganda Limited, guides the organization to make informed decisions in all matters related to network service delivery and customer satisfaction. She is dedicated to leaving no one behind. Catherine is working to lower the attrition rate of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Management Studies in Project Planning and Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute, and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University.
Tshego Tlhapi
Tshego Tlhapi is the Chief of Staff in Strategy and Corporate Affairs at one of Africa’s largest development finance institutions. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines, with experience in engineering, investment management, technology, strategy, non-profit organization management, entrepreneurship, and business management. Tshego holds an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch and a BSc (Eng.) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town. She brings her finance, investment, and business management knowledge and expertise to the team, as well as her vast experience in managing a non-profit organization focused on the girl-child.
Babirye Josephine
Babirye Josephine has over ten years of experience as a professional accountant working for media companies like Ssuubi FM, Namirembe FM, and Digida FM, all found in Kampala, Uganda. Josephine currently works with St. Thomas Aquinas Kawempe as the school bursar. She is passionate about empowering girls and women. She holds a bachelor’s degree in arts from the University of Nairobi and a diploma in information technology from the Kenya School of Professional Studies.
Machief Mallo Ayuba
Machief Mallo Ayuba is a graduate of Business Administration and Management, and an astute administrator, facilitator, project management, and business development expert. He is vast in Research, proposal writing, development, and implementation. Machief is a trained and certified Assessor in South Africa who brings to bear any assignment; his vast experience in business development and strategic thinking in delivering on any tasks assigned to him. He has a track record of delivering his tasks meticulously while being creative. He has volunteered as a strategic adviser to Youth Assembly at the United Nations, North Central Regional Assembly, and African Union Student Association. Machief successfully plans, develops, and implements training and entrepreneurial programs, including handling program requisitions, identifying and engaging suppliers based on program needs, and aiming for quality service delivery while ensuring value for money.
Silvia Illescas
Silvia Illescas is a public policy advocate passionate about sustainable development, gender equity, health for all, and human rights. Silvia has worked across Central America, Europe, South-East Asia, the Pacific Islands, and East Africa. She has worked with the Ministry of Health in Papua New Guinea and the World Health Organization in Lao PDR as an active advocate addressing public health issues affecting the most vulnerable populations. She is a member of the Women’s Community in Africa. Silvia contributes to the University of Oxford pandemic response by researching, analyzing, and coding public policies developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Silvia is a Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership alumni. She holds a Master’s in Economic Analysis of the Law and Public Policy from the University of Salamanca. She is currently doing a Master of Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Maimoona Sheila Salim
Dr. Maimoona Sheila Salim is a social entrepreneur, mentor, and philanthropist. She is involved in the development space focused on community development, youth, and women empowerment. She founded Bridge the Gap program instituted to upskill and empower the youths. Her notable expertise is building relationships and socio-economic partnerships between South Africa and Nigeria. She has served as Vice-Chair for women in business at the Durban Chamber of Commerce Industry in South Africa. She is currently the MD for Beyond Mentors Limited, Registrar for the Academic Council Human Rights Education Federation of the IHRC, the Global Marketing Director for the African Woman Leadership Organisation, a board trustee for Ethekwini Community Development Trust South Africa, a board trustee for Advanced Digital Opportunities Foundation Nigeria, a board member for Wells International Foundation USA, Beyond Mentors Community Care Initiative Nigeria and Peace Players South Africa.