THE BOARD
Board Chair
Mbali Donna Khumalo is an Anthropologist, Feminist, and Researcher from Johannesburg, South Africa. With a diverse background in corporate and NGO settings, she has served as a Corporate Anthropologist and Business Analyst for multinational companies while also facilitating social justice movements. Mbali spent five impactful years supporting young feminist organizers at FRIDA-The Young Feminist Fund, with a particular focus on Africa, where she held the role of Senior Program Officer for Knowledge Co-creation. Beyond her professional endeavors, Mbali enjoys spending her free time dancing, swimming, and indulging in audiobooks and podcasts. Her multidisciplinary expertise, coupled with her passion for feminist activism, makes her a dynamic force in driving positive change and promoting social justice in her community and beyond.
Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice
Natalie is based in the United States, where she works as a Project Manager at the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice. With a strong commitment to advancing female empowerment and equity, Natalie has been connected to Msichana Empowerment Kuria for four years, contributing significantly to the organization’s fundraising and resource mobilization efforts. She is dedicated to supporting initiatives that uplift girls and young women, and looks forward to continuing her collaboration with Msichana as it expands its girl-centered programs and interventions. Natalie's passion for promoting gender equality and her expertise in project management make her a valuable asset in driving positive change and helping girls realize their full potential.
Development Practitioner
Lobsang is a development practitioner passionate about human rights, governance, climate justice, and sustainability. Holding a B.A in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College, New York, with a focus on Middle Eastern History, Sociology, and Development Studies, and an MA with distinction in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex, she brings a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge to her work. With experience in conducting qualitative primary research and editorial roles, Lobsang demonstrates a remarkable capacity for working under pressure. Her interest in different cultures and building connections globally reflects her commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration across diverse communities. Lobsang's dedication to addressing pressing global issues makes her a valuable asset in driving positive change and promoting social justice on a global scale.
Creative Action Institute
Wanjiru is a program management professional with 7 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, focusing on girls' and young women's development, education, and economic empowerment. She excels in project management, grant proposals, stakeholder management, and procurement processes. As a skilled facilitator and communicator, Wanjiru has implemented projects and managed grants for young women social entrepreneurs and anti-FGM advocates. Currently a Program Officer at Creative Action Institute, she coordinates programs in East Africa, designs monitoring tools, and manages budgets. Her work promotes gender equality and social justice, driven by her adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative nature.
UN Foundation Next Generation Fellows Program
Inés Yabar is a dedicated Peruvian activist and sustainability champion, who began her journey at age 15 with L.O.O.P. (Life Out Of Plastic), significantly contributing to Peru's ban on single-use plastic bags through beach clean-ups, data collection, and advocacy. Currently on L.O.O.P.'s board and leading the UN Foundation Next Generation Fellows Program, she empowers youth to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the Global Youth Power Manager for Restless Development, she guides initiatives like Youth Power Hacks and mentors teams in Nigeria and India. A skilled communicator and sustainability journalist, Inés's work was broadcast by the Peruvian Government during the COVID-19 crisis. She has hosted major events, spoken at high-profile conferences including the United Nations and COP26, and represented diverse groups at multiple COPs.
GIZ Program Kenya
Irene serves as the Advisor for Kenya under the GIZ program combating illicit financial flows and holds a significant position as a board member of Msichana Empowerment Kuria from 2023 to 2026. Additionally, she chairs the Audit and Compliance committee of the Board of Msichana Empowerment Kuria. Irene's background as a lawyer fuels her passion for human rights, particularly in creating awareness and advocating for the protection and advancement of women and children's rights. Hailing from a community where women and girls face numerous violations, Irene is deeply inspired to champion initiatives that strive to make society a safer and more equitable place for every girl and woman. Her multifaceted roles and dedication to promoting gender equality make her a driving force in advancing social justice and empowering marginalized communities.
