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
Sukwinder Bassi
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...
Ann Palmer
Trustee (Vice Chair)
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 ...
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...
Dr Grace Okoro
Trustee (Research and Advocacy)
Dr Grace Okoro is a clinical researcher with a focus on bridging clinical practice and research through collaboration with endocrinology healthcare professionals. As a research trustee at Afrikindness...
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...
Annabel Cornall
Trustee (Education)
Annabel is an experienced education consultant specialising in leadership, inclusion and safeguarding, with a strong track record of strengthening whole-school systems across primary, secondary and alternative provision...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Janet Akinwale
Trustee (Legal Secretary)
Janet Akinwale serves as Legal Secretary on the Board of Trustees at Afrikindness, where she supports the charity’s governance, regulatory compliance and decision making processes. A commonwealth qualified Lawyer with a decade of...
Mati Kaim
Trustee (Education)
Mati Kaim is an Executive Coach, Leadership Facilitator, and former academic leader with extensive experience across higher education and executive education. He has held several senior roles...
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....
Bamike Sawyerr
Trustee (Finance, Audit & Risk Management)
Bamike is an ACCA-qualified accountant and MBA graduate with over 20 years’ experience in financial management, treasury, and governance. She has supported the delivery of major social infrastructure and...
DavidMasters
IT and Digital Strategy Manager
David is a seasoned IT leader with global experience in the energy sector, including Shell and BG Group. He brings expertise in IT strategy, digital transformation, and programme leadership, with a strong track record of supporting operations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. David is passionate about using technology to drive impact, aligning IT capabilities with organizational goals and delivering transformation across platforms like SAP, Salesforce, and AI-enabled systems. His experience managing international teams and vendor partnerships makes him a valuable asset to mission-driven initiatives
HelenBrooks
Safeguarding Lead
Helen Brooks is a safeguarding and protection specialist with over 15 years’ experience in child protection, gender-based violence prevention, and humanitarian safeguarding. She has worked with organisations including the Danish Refugee Council, INTERSOS, IOM and Refuge, leading programmes that protect and empower vulnerable children and adults in the UK and globally. A certified Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) Investigator and Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3), Helen provides technical advice on safeguarding and inclusion for international NGOs. At Afrikindness, she oversees safeguarding strategy and policy, ensuring that every programme upholds the highest standards of safety, inclusion, and well-being. She believes that effective safeguarding is an act of kindness—creating environments where every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.
EvaStergiou
Digital Strategy Expert
Eva is a digital innovation leader with cross-sector experience in healthcare and technology. She brings strategic vision and hands-on expertise in emerging technologies, secure platform development, and cross-border digital transformation. Eva is passionate about using tech to empower children and communities, and is committed to strengthening Afrikindness’ digital presence and fundraising capacity. Her global volunteer work—from conservation efforts in East Africa to medical support in Peru—reflects a deep dedication to sustainability, equity, and community resilience.
Chizaram Opara
Legal Advisor
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.
ChidiMpieri
Digital Marketing Strategist and SM Manager
Chidi is a digital marketer passionate about using AI and data-driven strategy to tell meaningful stories, amplify social impact, and drive engagement. My work blends creativity with automation — helping organizations connect with global audiences, grow awareness, and inspire action through thoughtful, high-performing campaigns.
Dr. PediObani
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. VivianOkoro
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.
AliceCrawford
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.
Adwina Smith
Parent Empowerment Lead
Adwina Smith is a Safeguarding Governance Lead with extensive experience supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing as a former Assistant Educational Psychologist and educational advocate for looked-after children. She has provided both strategic guidance and direct support to improve educational, emotional, and life outcomes. Driven by both lived and professional experience, Adwina champions systems that are inclusive, compassionate, responsive, and focused on the pupil’s voice.Adwina brings strong experience supporting school leadership to implement and strengthen trauma-informed practice and child-friendly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches within educational settings. Her work helps children manage anxiety, build resilience, improve attendance, and ultimately enhance academic engagement.Known for combining evidence-informed practice with collaborative, compassionate working, Adwina bridges policy, safeguarding, and frontline practice to ensure that children’s voices remain central to decision-making and service design
JerryEbinum
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. MariyaOmoniyi
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.
LovetteMonyei
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.
VivianAgbi
Welfare & Digital Inclusion Lead
Vivian Agbi is a dedicated community development and environmental professional with a Master’s degree in Environmental Management. She brings years of experience in operations, and social impact initiatives. Vivian actively promotes digital inclusion through community training programmes that empower individuals to access online resources and build essential digital skills. She also provides welfare support to vulnerable families, coordinating voucher schemes and practical assistance that enhance wellbeing and community resilience. Passionate about sustainability, inclusion, and youth empowerment, Vivian aligns her work with Afrikindness’ mission to inspire kindness, nurture potential, and create lasting positive change within communities
ToluOwolabi
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 OnyekaOyakhire
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.
BunmiOwolabi
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.
KalengaMtonga
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.
SamuelOgunsola
Technical Delivery Manager
With a special focus on digitally transforming business operations within various sectors by managing end-to-end process of building robust and enterprise applications. He’s 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.
OluwaseunMusa
Legal Secretary & Admin
Oluwaseun Musa is a common law-trained and qualified lawyer and accredited mediator with over five years of professional legal experience. Her practice focuses on corporate law and regulatory compliance, where she applies a strong analytical approach and commitment to ethical governance. She holds a master’s degree in international commercial law from the University of Bradford. As a dedicated volunteer legal secretary with Afrikindness, Oluwaseun Musa contributes her legal expertise to support the organisation’s mission and ensure sound legal and administrative processes. She is passionate about leveraging her skills to promote access to justice and is keen on further advancing her career within the legal and corporate sectors.
Vanessa
Tchakoutio
Program Support Officer, Africa
Vanessa is a Kenyan-Cameroonian student currently pursuing an MEng in Structural Engineering and Architecture at the University of Sheffield. Her work focuses on how innovative design can drive sustainable stakeholder impact. Beyond her course, she is also deeply committed to empowering young people and their communities. She is a tutor, volunteer, and youth researcher and actively supports initiatives that create opportunities for growth and resilience for those aged 6–30. Her unique blend of technical expertise, cultural identity, and community engagement positions her to bridge the built environment and youth work, establishing herself as both an emerging professional and a trusted advocate for young people.
Dorcas Fakile
Neurodiversity Lead, Faith Communities
Dorcas Iyanuoluwa Fakile is a doctoral researcher at the University of Glasgow whose work sits at the intersection of religion, culture, and education. Her PhD research, focused on cultural myths about autism in Black church communities, examines how social narratives shape understanding, identity, and inclusion.
Before beginning her doctorate, she built a diverse professional background across teaching roles in the UK, Spain, France, and South Korea, as well as positions in youth support, logistics, and administration. Dorcas has also worked as an editor for a church‑based Christian magazine, as well as for memoir and devotional book projects, supporting authors in crafting spiritually grounded and culturally resonant work.
Her academic writing extends into broader issues of decolonisation and equity in higher education, contributing to ongoing conversations about Black student experiences, institutional culture, and structural barriers within UK academia. Across her research, writing, and editorial work, Dorcas remains committed to amplifying marginalised voices and challenging the cultural assumptions that shape educational and religious spaces.
Amrjit Matharu
Digital Inclusion Lead
Amrjit Matharu is a semi-retired software engineer with over 30 years of experience in the banking sector. Having worked on large-scale projects with engineering teams across the globe. Amrjit has specialized in designing and delivering software across various channels. Outside of work, he enjoys watching and playing sports, photography, gaming, and exploring the latest gadgets.
Nadeen Musa
Fundraising & Corporate Partnership Lead
As the Partnerships and Fundraising Lead at Afrikindness, I work to develop relationships and secure funding that allow our work to grow and reach more children, families and communities. My background in economics and international development shapes how I approach partnerships with both strategy and purpose, ensuring they support lasting social impact. I am deeply passionate about culture and the arts, and I believe creative expression and storytelling are powerful tools for strengthening identity, belonging, and positive social change.As the Partnerships and Fundraising Lead at Afrikindness, I work to develop relationships and secure funding that allow our work to grow and reach more children, families and communities. My background in economics and international development shapes how I approach partnerships with both strategy and purpose, ensuring they support lasting social impact. I am deeply passionate about culture and the arts, and I believe creative expression and storytelling are powerful tools for strengthening identity, belonging, and positive social change.
John Awe
Volunteer Manager
John is the Volunteer Manager at Afrikindness, bringing over five years of experience in people coordination, relationship management, and operational support across diverse sectors. He has a strong track record of building meaningful relationships, supporting team performance, and improving operational efficiency. With an academic background in Plant Physiology and Crop Production and ongoing postgraduate training in Business Analytics, John combines analytical thinking with a people-centred approach to volunteer management. He is skilled in stakeholder engagement, coordination, and process improvement, and is passionate about empowering volunteers to deliver impactful, community-focused initiatives.
Kemi Oseni
Community Engagement Officer
I am a strategic researcher and operations management professional with cross-sector experience in healthcare operations, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making. Currently involved in some research-focused projects on Mental health, Dementia, Under-representation of ethnic minority groups in research participation, telehealth, artificial intelligence, and patient-centered care in aging populations, Neurodiversity and Migrants voices on leadership, etc.
I have demonstrated expertise in engaging communities, evaluating emerging technologies, conducting stakeholder analysis, designing implementation frameworks, and translating complex research into actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. I have a proven track record of leading multi-stakeholder projects and driving operational excellence through evidence-based strategies by combining robust analytical capabilities with a deep understanding of healthcare service delivery, ethics, and quality assurance to address concerns surrounding digital health innovation, health equity, and vulnerable population care.
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!
Click to Read More
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!
Click to Read More
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!
Click to Read More
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!
Click to Read More
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
BUNMI OWOLABI
ACEP Program Lead
DR. PEDI OBANI
Parent team Lead and ACEP Program Lead Bradford
TOLU OWOLABI
Administrator and Lead, Supplementary Education GCSEpod
OLUFUNMILOLA OLANIYI-ALABI
Safeguarding Trainer for Faith-based Communities
ADEJOKE OYEDELE
Safeguarding Trainer for Faith-based Communities
DR. SUZZIE ONYEKA OYAKHIRE
Neurodiversity Lead, Leeds
KALENGA MTONGA
Community Engagement Officer
NKECHI CLARA CHIMOBI
Neurodiversity Community Officer, Leeds
RONKE MERCY OLOJEDE
Community Leader – Parenting with Purpose
DR. JOSHUA OLANIYI-ALABI
Community Leader – Parenting with Purpose
DR. TERRENCE ISAACS
Community Leader – Mental Health Advocacy and Strategic Engagement
VIVIAN AGBI
Welfare & Digital Inclusion Lead
