Bio

I am passionate about co-designing transformative experiences. My 15 years of interdisciplinary work in international development and academic research have prepared me to think creatively, work collaboratively, and embrace complexity. In this work, I have garnered expert-level skills in failing quickly, unlearning maladaptive behavior, and unleashing the innovation potential of a team. My mission is to continue changing myself and the World around me. In January 2021, I joined Big Win Philanthropy to direct the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI). As the inaugural program director for AMALI, I guided the design and development of the initiative. Beginning with a landscaping study, I mapped the ecosystem of city support work in Africa, identified a niche for a new support program within that ecosystem, and engaged potential host partners for AMALI. In the quest for a host partner, we approached the African Centre for Cities (ACC), given their expertise in urban issues in Africa and their capacity to run a bespoke leadership program for African mayors. Our insightful discussions culminated in a formal partnership in December 2021 and the successful launch of AMALI on the 23rd of January, 2023, at the University of Cape Town. Our partnership has since grown to include Bloomberg Philanthropies who will support an AMALI data program. Being a life-long learner, I remain engaged in academia as an honorary research associate at the ACC and a board member at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions at Stellenbosch University. I also love the occasional fireside chat with my former mentees from my days at the University of Nairobi. Watching my mentees succeed inspires me to continue supporting the next generation of leaders. I do high-altitude hikes, dance Kizomba, and snorkel in Diani to rejuvenate.