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...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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....
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.
GraceOkoro
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.
Maleeha Ather Rasheed
Education Team Lead
Maleeha, an educator with over 10 years of global experience and a Fellow in Higher Education, currently at the University of Aberdeen-International Study Centre, designs EAP modules and implements LTAF. At Afrikindness, she provides leadership, coordination, and strategic oversight for education programs in the UK and Africa.
DaveAdebisi
Creative Art Director
Dave excels in copywriting, strategy, graphics, project coordination, and timely delivery. Known for his proactive approach and stakeholder engagement, he specialises in UX research for complex web applications. At Afrikindness, he leads creative direction, brand development, and visual representation, collaborating to execute strategic visions for operations and marketing.
Paula Sampson-Lawrence
Parent Coach & Trainer
Paula, a Certified Parent Coach, Youth Mentor, and children’s book author, empowers women and young girls through resilience and well-being workshops. At Afrikindness, she supports parents with engaging training sessions, individualised coaching, and cultural sensitivity, collaborating with experts to provide tailored guidance for unique challenges within minoritised communities.
Kennedy Yinusa
IT Manager - Website & Apps
With 8+ years in Software Engineering, Kennedy, COO/Technical Lead at Tehilah Base Digital, excels in FinTech, EdTech, E-commerce, InsurTech, and Logistics. A British Computer Society member and EdTech Thought Leader, he drives innovation. At Afrikindness, Kennedy oversees the development and optimization of digital platforms – website and apps.
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.
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.
RonkeOlojede
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.
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.
EniolaAkinkugbe
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.
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.
Jessica Sota
Bosoko
Neurodiversity community engagement officer
Jessica, an Afro-Spanish autistic woman and mother of three neurodivergent children, advocates for autism from an Afrocentric and intersectional perspective. She works for Mencap, assisting families with developmental challenges, and is raising autism awareness within the Spanish-speaking community in South London. At Afrikindness, Jessica is the Neurodiversity Community Engagement Officer, supporting diverse autistic individuals and their families across the UK.
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.
Dr. Babatunde O. Okesola
Chief Research Content Officer (CRCO)
Dr. Babatunde O. Okesola completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of York and conducted postdoctoral research at Queen Mary University of London and University College London Hospital. Now a Principal Investigator at the University of Nottingham, he leads a research team in the School of Life Sciences. Babatunde has received numerous awards, including the University of York Kathleen Mary Stott (KMS) Prize, the EMBO leadership training award, and was featured as one of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 175 Faces of Chemistry. At Afrikindness, he serves as Chief Research Content Officer, driving research initiatives and content development.
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.
ChigozirimEdebi
Volunteer Manager
Chigozirim Otefe-Edebi, with a Biochemistry degree from the University of Benin and an MBA from York St. John University, is a Human Resources professional with diverse experience across multiple sectors. She co-founded Gracehill Behavioural Health Services, a psychiatric and substance abuse rehabilitation practice in Nigeria, and is a retired professional event compere and comedian. At Afrikindness, she serves as the Volunteer Manager, coordinating and supporting volunteers to advance the organisation’s mission.
DorianaHarris
Corporate Partnership Lead
Doriana works for Leeds City Council as a Business Administration Assistant, supporting children and families. At Afrikindness, Doriana serves as Corporate Partnership Lead, building and nurturing relationships with corporate partners to support the parent community and develop children and young people.
Lola Olaniyi-Alabi
Qualified Trainer and Educator in Health and Social Care
Lola Olaniyi-Alabi is a highly accomplished trainer, assessor, and educator with a specialisation in health and social care, safeguarding, and neurodiversity support. With over 25 years of combined experience in the UK and Nigeria, Lola has had a profound impact on individuals and communities through her teaching, mentoring, and leadership.
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Rudo Edith Magaya
Registered General Nurse
Rudo Edith Magaya is a highly accomplished public sector worker with over 26 years of professional experience spanning both Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. Her extensive career reflects a deep commitment to healthcare excellence and a passion for community advocacy, particularly in addressing social determinants of health. Rudo is dedicated to challenging historic inequalities and fostering empowerment among women and girls.
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