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.
Silvia Illescas (Board President)
Silvia Illescas
Board President
Silvia is a social policy advocate with a strong commitment to and expertise in sustainable development, child and youth development, gender equity, and health for all. Silvia’s transformative work has taken her across continents, from Central America and Europe to South-East Asia, the Pacific Islands, and East Africa, collaborating closely with multi-bilateral organisations, UN agencies, and the private sector. Through Casey Foundation Africa, she has translated her deep commitment into impactful action, actively addressing the barriers of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy in Uganda and other African countries. With a solid background in public policy, Silvia is adept at analysing complex issues and providing evidence-based insights to facilitate effective decision-making, e.g., advocated on public health issues affecting vulnerable populations in Lao PDR, promoted policy and governance dialogue with the Government of Papua New Guinea, and researched and analysed policies in response to the COVID-19 crisis with the University of Oxford.
Jean Eugene Mboule (Financial oversight)
Jean Eugene Mboule
Financial oversight
Born in France and a citizen of Cameroon, Jean’s journey weaves a unique path that bridges cultures, enriching his worldview with diverse experiences. Jean’s career has predominantly unfolded across Sub-Saharan Africa, touching the soils of 27 countries. With an impressive academic background, including a distinguished BCom Economics degree from the University of Johannesburg and an MBA from Regent Business School, Jean’s intellectual journey has set the stage for his outstanding contributions. Starting in finance, Jean’s heart found its calling in Business Development and sales, propelling him to Pan-African heights and the United Arab Emirates, where impactful collaborations flourished throughout his professional journey. His narrative extends beyond careers, interwoven with purpose-driven initiatives. An advocate for empowerment, Jean is currently contributing towards the elevation of governance standards for sustainable progress on the continent. His advocacy extends to empowering the girl child, championing gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields. Jean’s noble efforts also address child marriage and teenage pregnancies through the Casey Foundation Africa. His belief in empowered women and children resonates with his ambition to give back and find purpose through his professional journey, which embodies passion, purpose, and commitment to change.
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
Dr. Maimoona Sheila Salim
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