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)
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of UK Public and International school systems. Proven in delivering standards of excellence in school leadership, school improvement and business development. Committed to raising aspirations and transforming lives, particularly for the most vulnerable young people.
MANJINDER CACACIE
Trustee (Legal)
Manjinder is a trustee of Afrikindness. As a trustee, she is responsible for all the legal matters of the charity, ensuring that the charity operates within the law, follows good governance and remains accountable to its donors and beneficiaries.
- Board Member - Operated at board level for 14 years in a range of roles including Chief Executive.
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.
DR EDDY WIFA
Trustee (Research)
Dr. Wifa graduated from Rivers State University with a Second-Class Upper Degree and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012. He then proceeded to the University of Aberdeen where he completed both a Masters in Oil and Gas law (Distinction) and a PhD in “Offshore Marine Renewable Energy Risk Governance”.
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.
UZMA ANSER
Trustee (Finance)
Uzma Anser holds double Master degrees, an MBA and M.Com(Finance) with more than 18 years Finance & HR experience in the Charity and Not- for-profit sector. She is currently leading the finance team at Spitalfields Housing Association. Her career includes working for Policy Connect, Tate Modern, Comic Relief, International Fund for Animal Welfare, General Counsel of the Bar, Landaid and many other charitable organisations.
CAROLYN DICKINSON
Trustee (Education)
Carolyn Dickinson, a UK native, received her early education in both the UK and New Zealand. After completing her formal education in Scotland, she pursued a degree in librarianship at the University of Brighton. Transitioning from corporate communications at Whitbread PLC to education, she obtained her PGCE in secondary education. Carolyn's career progressed in both faith and non-faith schools to headship at Worthing High School. Following a successful Ofsted, she became HMI with Ofsted in the London region. Her current role is the South West Hub Director at Avanti Schools Trust.
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.
TOLU OWOLABI
Trustee (Finance, Strategy & Partnership)
Tolu Owolabi is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of professional experience across three different continents holding roles in both technical and commercial functions with comprehensive exposure to the technical, strategic, financial and operational sides of running organisations both in the public and private sectors.
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.
Grace Okoro
Research Team Lead
Grace works with endocrinology healthcare professionals, linking clinical practice with research to enhance patient care. With a PhD in Biomedical Science, she is passionate about leveraging research for better outcomes. Racial identity and neurodiversity discussions within the African community are close to Grace’s heart. She also enjoys sewing and gardening.
Gina Groom
Head of Communications and Marketing
Gina is a seasoned communications professional with experience boosting brand presence and leading communications strategies in various charities and the NHS. Beyond work, she enjoys hosting dinners, exploring nature with her dog, and seeking adventure. Gina’s passion lies in making a positive impact.
Maleeha Ather Rasheed
Education Team Lead
Maleeha is an experienced educator with over 10 years of expertise globally. She is a Fellow in Higher Education and is associated with the University of Aberdeen-International Study Centre, at present . She is Skilled in designing and delivering EAP modules and is responsible for the implementation of the LTAF at her centre. Maleeha is deeply committed to inclusive pedagogy that aligns with HE policy and guidelines
Dave Adebisi
Creative Art Director
Dave is skilled in copywriting, strategy, and graphics, motions, videography and photography – adept at project coordination and timely delivery. He is known for his proactive ‘can-do’ approach, excelling in stakeholder engagement and recommending business solutions for optimal ROI. He is also an experienced user experience researcher specialising in complex web application design to enhance user satisfaction.
Paula Sampson-Lawrence
Parent Coach & Trainer
Paula is a Certified Parent Coach and Youth Mentor, who is deeply passionate about empowering women and fostering resilience, self confidence and wellbeing in young girls. She runs wellbeing and empowerment workshops in schools, in the local community and provides advice and support to parents. Paula is also a mother of four and a published children’s book author.
Kennedy Yinusa
IT Manager - Website & Apps
With 8+ years in Software Engineering, Kennedy has excelled as COO/Technical Lead at Tehilah Base Digital, pioneering product solutions in FinTech, EdTech, E-commerce, InsurTech, and Logistics. He is a Professional Member of the British Computer Society, recognised as a top executive and Thought Leader in EdTech, he drives innovation and delivers unparalleled results.
Chizaram Opara
Legal Secretary
Chizaram, a Nigerian qualified legal practitioner, excels in company secretarial roles and managing boards. As a caseworker, she guides charity clients in compliance with UK charity law. With 8+ years of volunteering across education, poverty, and skills empowerment, she’s passionate about impact. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and social media.
Dr Vivian Okoro
Lead, Neurodiversity and Inclusion Campaign
Dr. Vivian Okoye, an esteemed mental health expert, specialises in trauma-informed care, parenting education, and promoting neurodiversity inclusion. Holding a Doctor of Optometry and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, she’s certified in trauma and addiction treatment, Mental Health First Aid, and is a UK-trained facilitator. With 12+ years of diverse experience, she excels in clinical practice, mental health policy, and community engagement, integrating evidence-based practices with compassionate care.
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, she spearheads development initiatives at Afrikindness, focusing on parenting support. Pedi enjoys nature walks and quality time with loved ones.
Nathan Warren
IT Infrastructure Manager
With over 10 years in the managed IT industry, Nathan advises various organisations on optimising and securing their technology. Nathan is also a qualified lead assessor for cyber essentials certification. Outside work, he enjoys sports, family walks, and even knows how to juggle.
Ronke Olojede
Community Liaison Manager
Ronke is qualified in child and family studies and excels at supporting diverse needs within families, engaging communities, and enhancing well-being. She works effectively with various practitioners and multi-agencies. Ronke is passionate about connecting with people through social event planning and community outreach. Outside work, she loves enjoyments and travelling.
