Our Team - Afrikindness

Built by A Multi-racial Team

From our Trustees to Volunteers, Afrikindness is built by a team of likeminded individuals with the overall goal of teaching kindness to children.

Our People

Building a Kinder World

Trustee (Chair)

Educational and Business leader with extensive experience as a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Non-Executive Director across UK and international schools, businesses, and charities. Demonstrated success in delivering excellence in leadership, school improvement, and business development, with a strong commitment to raising aspirations and transforming lives, especially for the most vulnerable. Operated at board level for 20 years in a range of roles including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice-President, Non-Executive Director and Chairman. Led 78 Headteachers in 4 School Groups. Led school teams of +20,000 cross- functional, multi-cultural staff from +60 nationalities, domestically and abroad.

Ann Palmer

Trustee (Education)

Ann Palmer has over 30 years experience in inner-city schools and established a background in leading and turning around schools in challenging circumstances. Her exposure within the wider aspects of education has been both broad and diverse. She held headship roles in large, culturally-diverse schools in both primary and secondary phases.

She is described as “a leader who leads with flair and vision” and is described as “inspirational”. She was an experienced tutor on the NPQH programme, is an accredited Coach, and has been a keynote speaker for a variety of organisations including the SSAT and the National College of Teaching and Leadership. She was a facilitator on the NPQEL programme. Ann has a wealth of experience, having worked with trustees, governors, local authorities, the Department for Education as a School Improvement Partner, and universities in the UK and internationally. She mentors/supports/coaches and appraises principals and trains professionals in the teaching profession and professionals in industry. Ann was a member of the National Governance Association’s (NGA) Diversity and Equalities Advisory Group. Ann is the founder of the ‘Confident Executive Leadership’ programme for black and Asian leaders, in addition to overseeing the accredited RACE Charter Mark for schools and colleges. Ann is the CEO of Fig Tree International. As an entrepreneur, Ann currently holds roles across a number of businesses, including Race Excellence which is a consulting business offering high quality and personalised diversity training and accreditation for corporations and businesses. She is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching’s Ethics Committee, a Charity Trustee, School Governor and Business Advisor. Ann is a published author and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2010.

Manjinder Cacacie

Trustee (Legal)

Manjinder Cacacie serves as a trustee of Afrikindness, overseeing all legal and regulatory aspects ensuring that the organisation adheres to legal standards, maintains good governance practices and upholds accountability to its donors and beneficiaries. A senior city lawyer with extensive experience in the financial services industry, Manjinder is the founder and CEO of OptimumLex Services Limited, a boutique consultancy offering specialised transactional and regulatory legal services. Her clientele ranges from start-ups and scale-ups to asset managers, venture capital firms, cryptocurrency and blockchain ventures and brokerage companies. With decades of experience in top global investment banks and leading city law firms, Manjinder has developed expertise in derivatives, sales & trading, financial services regulation and fund management. She has held numerous leadership roles, managing the legal and regulatory aspects of complex financial products across international markets. Her strategic and legal acumen enables her to navigate the intricacies of global financial and regulatory landscapes effectively. Manjinder’s professional achievements are matched by her passion for philanthropy. Her humanitarian efforts are focused on education and child welfare through sponsorships and initiatives aimed at providing essential resources such as clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools in Kenya. Her dedication to these causes underscores her commitment to creating impactful, sustainable change and demonstrates her deep compassion for communities in need.

Ade Bamigboye

Trustee (Digital)

Ade is the Founder of Mobile Flow. He is an Entrepreneurial Technology Consultant with CTO and Plc Board level experience. He has considerable experience of software and service oriented start-ups and entrepreneurial environments with proven ability to create / deliver innovative solutions and exploit new technologies to meet and enhance business requirements. He has spent the last twenty five years working in the information technology sector most of which has involved using innovation to enable the development of digital services. He is very keen on the idea of using technology to enhance health and well-being through initiatives such as telehealth and remote monitoring. Ade is also a certified Information Privacy Professional and has worked on data governance and data privacy initiatives. He is also a Trustee at ParentsFirst. Chief Technology Officer Chief Technology Officer Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Mildred Obuya

Trustee (Education)

Proudly Kenyan! Mildred is a strong believer in the African way of life – ‘the village raising the child’. A passionate, creative, seasoned educator with a strong focus on early years and education management. Mildred is a strong advocate for collaboration around the globe, and has supported strategy for creating synergy, to improve child outcomes. She has led successful grassroot initiatives and programmes, which have supported parents, caregivers and teachers with skills that help them move from the traditional way of doing things to more child-centered approaches. A community champion with a track record of mobilising children and caregivers, to participate and engage in play centered activities. Mildred has vast experience in leading education programmes.

Carolyn Dickinson

Trustee (Education)

Born in the UK, my early childhood and education took place both in this country and abroad in New Zealand. Having returned to live in Scotland I completed my formal education and went to university in Brighton, graduating in the field of librarianship. I joined Whitbread PLC initially as an information scientist and then moved into corporate communications and studied for an MBA. Having adopted two children, I made a move into the education sector and completed my PGCE in secondary education. Following positions in both faith and non-faith schools I became the headteacher of Worthing High School. Following a successful Ofsted, I applied to become an HMI with Ofsted in the London region. This experience in turn led me to my current position with Avanti Schools Trust as South West Hub Director.

Mara Makoni

Trustee (Strategy & Partnership)

Mara is currently a Consultant at PA Consulting working within their Complex Systems group. She has international experience (USA, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, SA) and over 10 years of professional experience in operational monitoring and due diligence, advisory across sustainable development, renewable energy and transport. She is a qualified Systems Engineer who has managed and implemented complex projects in energy and transport, from feasibility to completion. Mara serves on the AFBE-UK executive board and is the Corporate Partnerships Lead for the organization.

Tolu Owolabi

Trustee (Finance, Strategy & Partnership)

Tolu Owolabi is a highly accomplished Commercial, Operations Management, and technical expert with over 20 years of professional experience across various industries, including energy, project management, and business development, spanning three continents. His diverse expertise encompasses both technical and commercial roles, with significant contributions to strategic, financial, and operational management of organisations. Tolu’s career highlights include roles at the UK Government Commercial Organisation, where he has demonstrated excellence in commercial management, performance management, and business process optimization. His past work with Shell, where he led high-value geophysics projects, further showcases his skills in managing complex, multidisciplinary teams, and multi-million-dollar contracts. Tolu holds an MBA from Manchester Business School and advanced certifications in procurement and supply chain management. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), and also holds a Masters degree in Exploration Geophysics from the University of Leeds. Tolu is driven by a guiding principle of purposeful existence and a commitment to service. His operating values include integrity, teamwork, and a passion for scientific advancement. A natural leader and mentor, Tolu’s expertise extends to team leadership, staff development, and fostering innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency and business growth. He is a founding member of Afrikindness and is actively involved in governance and community service, contributing to educational and nonprofit organizations. This blend of technical proficiency, strategic insight, and leadership makes Tolu a dynamic and results-oriented professional, constantly exploring new challenges and innovations for future growth.

Bunmi Owolabi

Trustee (CEO)

Bunmi Owolabi is a chartered chemical engineer with the Institute of Chemical engineers (IChemE). She holds a Masters in Chemical Process Engineering from the University College London and has over 15 years’ experience working in the Oil and Gas and Air separation industry. She began her career with Shell Production Development company (SPDC) as a Production Engineer responsible for managing day-to-day safe operations, production optimisation and emergency response of existing wells and asset portfolio. She later transitioned to the Air separation industry and currently work as a Remote Operations Shift Manager at BOC Gases UK responsible for the safe and efficient running & execution of all Air separation units (ASU) in various geographical locations across the UK, Ireland and South Africa.

She is a STEM ambassador, a member of the Industrial advisory board, Chemical Engineering at the University of Bradford and Executive board member of AFBE-UK. Bunmi is a keen advocate for inspiring and empowering the younger generation to be the best version of themselves, be their authentic self and have a sense of belonging. It was on this note that she co-founded Afrikindness with her son, a non-profit organisation, with the aim of advocating for kindness and building racial harmony in children and young people. She is passionate about taking a solutions focused approach to discrimination and racial bullying in schools. She acheived TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health (RQF).

Uzma Anser

Trustee (Finance)

Uzma Anser is a finance professional with more than 18 years of experience in Finance & HR in Charity and Not- for-profit sector. She is currently leading the finance team at Spitalfields Housing Association. Her career includes working for many reputable not-for-profit organisations including Policy Connect, GetSet UK, Tate Modern, Comic Relief and General Counsel of the Bar. UK Her professional career has given her valuable experience across different cultures, managing lots of stakeholders groups and building a culture which matches the changing needs of a growing organisation.

Grace
Okoro

Research Team Lead

Dr. Grace collaborates with endocrinology professionals to bridge clinical practice and research. At Afrikindness, she leads research on positive racial identity, mental health, and children’s well-being, developing impactful programs and ensuring Afrikindness promotes positive change for children and youth through rigorous methodologies.

Lola
Olaniyi-Alabi

Safeguarding Lead

Lola Olaniyi-Alabi is an experienced educator, trainer, and assessor with over 25 years in health and social care, safeguarding, and neurodiversity support across the UK and Nigeria. She holds a PGCE and QTLS and currently serves as a Learning Delivery Officer at the Department for Work and Pensions. Lola is passionate about inclusive teaching, digital education, and empowering individuals through impactful, accessible learning experiences.

Bamike
Sawyerr

Finance Specialist

Bamike is an ACCA-qualified accountant with over 20 years of experience in financial management, treasury, and governance. She has held financial responsibility for numerous social infrastructure projects, supporting the delivery of impactful and sustainable initiatives. In addition to her professional expertise, Bamike is passionate about arts, crafts, and mindfulness, believing in their transformative power for mental well-being and community building.

Chizaram
Opara

Legal Secretary

Chizaram, a Nigerian legal practitioner with expertise in company secretarial roles and UK charity law compliance, has 8+ years of volunteer experience in education, poverty, and skills empowerment. At Afrikindness, she provides legal administrative support, manages documentation and governance, and ensures legal compliance. She enjoys reading, writing, and social media.

Nathan
Warren

IT Infrastructure Manager

With over 10 years in the managed IT industry, Nathan advises organisations on optimising and securing their technology. A qualified lead assessor for Cyber Essentials certification, Nathan ensures the smooth operation and security of Afrikindness’s technological systems.

Ronke
Olojede

Community Liaison Manager

Ronke, qualified in child and family studies, excels at supporting diverse family needs, community engagement, and well-being. Passionate about social event planning and outreach, she works with various practitioners and multi-agencies. At Afrikindness, Ronke fosters positive relationships and community engagement, nurturing strong connections with parents and support systems.

Dr. Pedi
Obani

Parent Team Lead

Associate Professor of Law, Dr. Pedi Obani, advocates for practical strategies addressing inclusion and sustainable responses to societal issues like poverty and climate change. A qualified Barrister and Solicitor, at Afrikindness, Pedi:
– Advances our mission by fostering engagement and building a supportive community among parents.
– Leads parent facilitators and coaches to develop and implement initiatives.
– Empowers parents in navigating challenges related to racial identity and mental health.

Dr. Vivian
Okoro

Lead, Neurodiversity and
Inclusion Campaign

Dr. Vivian Okoye, a mental health expert with 12+ years of experience, specialises in trauma-informed care, parenting education, and neurodiversity inclusion. Holding a Doctor of Optometry and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, she is certified in trauma and addiction treatment, Mental Health First Aid, and is a UK-trained facilitator. At Afrikindness, Vivian leads the Neurodiversity Community Programme, advancing our mission through community campaigns and research on neurodiversity and children’s mental health.

Alice
Crawford

Education and Curriculum Specialist

Alice is an Educational Psychologist and teacher with over 25 years of experience in mainstream, private, and specialist education settings in the UK and internationally. She holds a Master’s in International Development and Education and has a keen interest in climate psychology. At Afrikindness, Alice serves as our education and curriculum specialist, also facilitating teacher training workshops in the UK and Africa.

Eniola
Akinkugbe

Head of Legal

Eniola is a legal and contract management expert and legal technology entrepreneur passionate about building legal tech products. At Afrikindness, she serves as Head of Legal, responsible for legal compliance, GDPR, and managing all legal matters to ensure the organization’s adherence to regulatory standards.

Jerry
Ebinum

Head of Innovation

With 10+ years of experience in technology, including roles at startups and the public sector, he creates inclusive, accessible digital experiences. As Head of Innovation at Afrikindness, he leverages his expertise in UX, design thinking, and data analytics, and also mentors design volunteers. He holds two IT Master’s degrees, a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, and numerous certifications.

Dr. Mariya
Omoniyi

Deputy Research Content Officer

Dr. Mariya Omoniyi, a researcher and academic, focuses on employee behavior and workplace well-being, crafting policies to enhance organizational performance. Passionate about supporting young people from ethnic minority backgrounds, she amplifies their voices through her research. At Afrikindness, she serves as Deputy Research Content Officer.

Lovette
Monyei

Education Team Lead

An experienced school leader and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), Lovette holds two MA degrees in Linguistics and Sociology of Languages from French universities and a third in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham. At Afrikindness, Lovette serves as Education Team Lead, overseeing verification and standards, leadership, curriculum development, and strategy.

Dr Monica
Service

Parent Advocate

Dr. Monica is a Parent Advocate at Afrikindness, supporting families through culturally relevant, evidence-based parenting strategies. An African-Caribbean educator and working mother, she champions intentional parenting to raise emotionally grounded, purpose-driven children. Through webinars and talks, Dr. Monica blends lived experience with professional insight—equipping parents with practical tools, empathy, and encouragement to lead their families with love.

Tolu
Owolabi

GCSEpod Supplementary Education Administrator

Tolu is a seasoned Commercial and Operations Management professional with over two decades of experience across energy, project delivery, and business transformation. His work spans high-level commercial strategy and performance management, with a career marked by leadership roles at Shell and the UK Government Commercial Organisation. Beyond his corporate achievements, Tolu is deeply committed to youth development and community impact. He runs the Afrikindness Supplementary Education – GCSEPod platform helping young people bridge digital and academic gaps.

Dr Suzzie Onyeka
Oyakhire

Neurodiversity Lead, Leeds

Dr Suzzie is a Senior Lecturer at the Leeds Law School, Leeds Beckett University. She is qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK. She brings extensive experience in family support services, helping parents navigate educational systems and access the right resources for their neurodiverse children. She specializes in empowering families through advocacy and personalized guidance.

Bunmi
Owolabi

ACEP Lead

Bunmi is the ACEP (Afrikindness Community Empowerment Programme) Lead at Afrikindness, where she oversees the design and delivery of impactful community-based initiatives. With a background in social development and a passion for empowering underserved families, Bunmi works closely with parents, schools, and local partners to build inclusive support systems. Her leadership continues to strengthen community resilience and promote equity for children and families.

Kalenga
Mtonga

Community Engagement Officer

Kalenga is an accomplished community leader and personal development trainer with extensive expertise across education, community organization, and health. Throughout her distinguished career, Kalenga has supported diverse groups — including immigrants, African youth, dementia patients, and at-risk women — helping them overcome significant challenges and build stronger personal and interpersonal skills. She is the co-founder of Imiti Ikula, a cultural initiative that offers coming-of-age guidance rooted in traditional African teachings combined with modern knowledge for adolescents and young adults.

Samuel
Ogunsola

Website Manager

Samuel is a Software Engineer with a special focus on digitally transforming business operations within various sectors by building robust and enterprise applications. I’m passionate about building modern workplaces that are not just efficient — but also sustainable. He is also experienced in software architecture and problem-solving, dedicated to delivering innovative, high-value user experiences backed by clean, well-documented code.

Working Together for Lasting Impact

We are proud to receive support from a diverse range of trusts, foundations, sponsors, and partners who share our vision and commitment to empowering children, families, and communities. Their generous contributions enable us to develop impactful programs, provide essential resources, and expand our reach to those who need it most.

With their support, we continue to drive change in key areas such as safeguarding, neurodiversity awareness, KIDS academy, inclusive education, racial identity, and community well-being.

Funders

National Lottery Community Fund

The Parenting with Purpose training program empowers parents and communities to overcome cultural barriers and better support children and young people. Most times, traditional parenting approaches may not always align with the evolving needs of young people, and this leads to communication gaps, emotional distress, and identity struggles. Through awareness campaigns, training, and support interventions, our program equips parents with practical communication strategies, tools for a culturally responsive home, confidence to challenge stereotypes, and knowledge on parenting with purpose, mental health and safeguarding.
We are excited that the National Lottery’s Community fund has committed to funding this programme. We are bridging cultural divides and fostering stronger, more inclusive communities for the next generation. We thank You!
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Sir George Martin Trust

The Afrikindness Neurodiversity Community Programme (ANCP) is dedicated to raising awareness, fostering inclusion, and providing essential support for neurodiverse children and families, particularly within African and minority communities. Many families face cultural stigmas, misdiagnosis, and a lack of access to resources, leaving neurodiverse children without the support they need to thrive.
Supported by the Sir George Martin Trust, ANCP delivers awareness campaigns, tailored training, and community engagement initiatives, equipping parents, educators, and community leaders with the tools to create inclusive environments. We received our very first funds as a charity from Sir George Martin Trust.
We are excited that the Sir George Martin's Trust fund has committed to funding this programme. We thank You!
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Leeds Community Foundation

The Afrikindness Neurodiversity Community Programme (ANCP) raises awareness, fosters inclusion, and provides vital support for neurodiverse children and families in African and minority communities.
We are also proud to have received the Sylvie Nunn Memorial Award from Leeds Community Foundation, recognizing our impactful work in the community. This award provided additional funding to launch the ANCP Drop-in Sessions, a safe space for parents to seek guidance, resources, and peer support to better navigate their child's neurodiverse journey.
With the support of our funders, we are breaking down barriers, challenging misconceptions, and ensuring that every child—regardless of neurodiversity—feels understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.
We are excited that the Leeds Community Foundation has committed to funding this programme. We thank You!
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NHS Bradford District Care, NHS Foundation Trust

The Community Empowerment Programme is expanding into Bradford, and we’re pleased to announce that Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has funded a new part-time Community Engagement Officer role.
This officer will work closely with Afrikindness, key community leaders, schools, and faith groups to adapt our research, education, and engagement model for Black and African communities.
In partnership with the Trust’s Research Engagement and Young Dynamos teams, they will plan and coordinate a major community event in 2025 and, upon programme completion, deliver an impact report to stakeholders outlining lessons learned and recommendations for future initiatives.
We are excited that the NHS Bradford District Care has committed to funding this programme.
We thank You!

Leeds Community Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that Afrikindness has received funding from Leeds Community Foundation to deliver a 3-year Digital Inclusion Programme aimed at supporting digitally excluded and isolated parents within Leeds’ diverse communities.
This vital funding will help us embed digital literacy into our wider community support services, empowering parents from African and ethnically diverse backgrounds with the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive in today’s digital society.
We are excited that the Leeds Community Foundation has committed to funding this programme. We thank You!
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Partners and Collaborators

Why Partnerships Matter

By collaborating with trusts, foundations, businesses, and organizations, we are able to:

Expand our impact and reach more families and communities.
Provide free and accessible training to those who need it.
Advocate for change and influence policies that promote inclusivity and well-being.
Build a sustainable future for our programs and initiatives.

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you would like to support Afrikindness and be part of a movement that creates real change, we would love to hear from you.

📩 Get in Touch: ceo@afrikindness.org

Built by A Multi-racial Team

Our People

Building a Kinder World

Trustee (Chair)

Ann Palmer

Trustee (Education)

Manjinder Cacacie

Trustee (Legal)

Ade Bamigboye

Trustee (Digital)

Mildred Obuya

Trustee (Education)

Carolyn Dickinson

Trustee (Education)

Mara Makoni

Trustee (Strategy & Partnership)

Tolu Owolabi

Trustee (Finance, Strategy & Partnership)

Bunmi Owolabi

Trustee (CEO)

Uzma Anser

Trustee (Finance)

GraceOkoro

Research Team Lead

LolaOlaniyi-Alabi

Safeguarding Lead

BamikeSawyerr

Finance Specialist

Chizaram Opara

Legal Secretary

Nathan Warren

IT Infrastructure Manager

RonkeOlojede

Community Liaison Manager

Dr. PediObani

Parent Team Lead

Dr. VivianOkoro

Lead, Neurodiversity and Inclusion Campaign

AliceCrawford

Education and Curriculum Specialist

EniolaAkinkugbe

Head of Legal

JerryEbinum

Head of Innovation

Dr. MariyaOmoniyi

Deputy Research Content Officer

LovetteMonyei

Education Team Lead

Dr MonicaService

Parent Advocate

ToluOwolabi

GCSEpod Supplementary Education Administrator

Dr Suzzie OnyekaOyakhire

Neurodiversity Lead, Leeds

BunmiOwolabi

ACEP Lead

KalengaMtonga

Community Engagement Officer

SamuelOgunsola

Website Manager

Working Together for Lasting Impact

Funders

National Lottery Community Fund

Sir George Martin Trust

Leeds Community Foundation

NHS Bradford District Care, NHS Foundation Trust

Leeds Community Foundation

Partners and Collaborators

Why Partnerships Matter

Join Us in Making a Difference

BUNMI OWOLABI

DR. PEDI OBANI

TOLU OWOLABI

OLUFUNMILOLA OLANIYI-ALABI

ADEJOKE OYEDELE

DR. SUZZIE ONYEKA OYAKHIRE

KALENGA MTONGA

NKECHI CLARA CHIMOBI

RONKE MERCY OLOJEDE

DR. JOSHUA OLANIYI-ALABI

Grace
Okoro

Lola
Olaniyi-Alabi

Bamike
Sawyerr

Chizaram
Opara

Nathan
Warren

Ronke
Olojede

Dr. Pedi
Obani

Dr. Vivian
Okoro

Lead, Neurodiversity and
Inclusion Campaign

Alice
Crawford

Eniola
Akinkugbe

Jerry
Ebinum

Dr. Mariya
Omoniyi

Lovette
Monyei

Dr Monica
Service

Tolu
Owolabi

Dr Suzzie Onyeka
Oyakhire

Bunmi
Owolabi

Kalenga
Mtonga

Samuel
Ogunsola