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ANDY HALSEYFOUNDER
Andy has spent most of his professional life owning and managing a successful sailmaking company. In 1984 he founded Halsey Sailmakers, and over the next 14 years, the company became an international brand, with 54 locations globally. In August of 2010, Andy traveled to Bagamoyo, Tanzania where he taught classes and assisted in an orphanage. It was during this time that he developed a passion for the people and culture. In his desire to continue to help those in Bagamoyo, later that year, he formed The Sasamani Foundation. In addition to his endeavors with The Sasamani Foundation, Andy is on the board of the Groton Parks Foundation, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Avery-Copp Museum and Partners for Change.
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GLADNESS GOODLUCK KULOLAEDUCATION DIRECTOR
Since 2012, Gladness Goodluck Kulola has served as The Sasamani Foundation's Education Director. Gladness earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the Institute of Social Work, Dar es Salaam, in 2010, and completed coaching training in 2019. She is determined to support and uplift vulnerable students and women leaders in East Africa and empower them to make a difference in their lives, families, and communities. Through her dedicated work managing Sasamani's education program, providing individual and group coaching to all Sasamani students and Women Leading Change participants, Gladness continues to drive and expand the impact of Sasamani. Her motivational slogan of "YES I CAN" has helped her to see each day as a brand-new day, full of life.
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NEEMA HAROLD MMBANDOCOUNTRY DIRECTOR TANZANIA & WOMEN LEADING CHANGE DIRECTOR
In 2012, Neema joined the Tanzanian Board of Directors as an advisor. From 2012 to 2016 Neema was a Project Coordinator for Bagamoyo Girls Education Association. Neema graduated from University of Dodoma with a degree in Development Studies. She is passionate about community development and women's empowerment and feels most fulfilled when she sees and can support women participate in community key development activities. Since 2018, Neema coordinates the Women Leading Program. In 2022, Neema took on additional responsibilities in the capacity of Sasamani's Country Director, including overseeing Sasamani's operations, finance and administration.
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Tialda joined the Sasamani Foundation in 2020 and leads the teams in Tanzania and the US, oversees the Foundation's programs, develops strategic and fundraising plans, and directs the Foundation's financial performance. Tialda has more than fifteen years of experience in strategic brand consulting, marketing and project management in Africa and the Middle East. She has worked with a variety of organizations, from large multinationals to start-ups, in both the public and private sectors. Tialda brings a broad experience of growing brands in developing and developed countries. As an active member of Amnesty International for over twenty years, she has been involved in several fundraising campaigns. Most recently, she worked as a consultant for the Women's Opportunities Resource Center in Philadelphia, PA.
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DIDASE NABAKU MWASSETANZANIAN BOARD CHAIRMAN
Didase joined the Sasamani Foundation in-country Board as Chairman in 2012. Didase worked in Bagamoyo for Cross Cultural Solutions for 8 years. When the program closed in Bagamoyo, he opened OFAVS (One for All Volunteer Services) and serves as the Director of Finance, continuing to meet the needs of connecting international volunteers with local NGOs. He supports The Sasamani Foundation with expertise in logistics and management. Didase earned a degree in Economic Development from Mzumbe University in 1996. Didase is married with 2 lovely daughters and lives in Dar es Salaam. He loves to work with people and to be able to make an impact on those who are in need and are ready to improve themselves. Didase is an avid footballer and swimmer and loves to drive in all weather day or night.
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THEA MANGILA
TANZANIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND WOMEN LEADING CHANGE COACH COORDINATOR
Mama Thea Mangila is a Tanzanian, born and raised on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Moshi Rural District, Kibosho Ward, in a small village called Sambarai. She is very passionate about rural community development because she grew up and went to school in a poor rural environment. Being the first-born from a humble family of eleven siblings, she assumed the role and responsibility of a leader at a very young age. She realized EDUCATION was the key to her success and that of her family and the community around her. As a young African/Tanzanian woman, education became her security from early marriages. Mama Thea has a college degree in Accounting and Social Work. She has dedicated herself to working with International and Local Organizations to empower young girls and women.
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IMANI PAULTANZANIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Imani Paul is a passionate leader driving change in the education sector using innovative life skills games. Her passion lies in seeing all children have equal access to quality education regardless of their background. She is recognized as Tanzanian Sheroes 2022, African Visionary Fellow, YALI RLC alumni, and the UNOSDP Youth Lead Programme. Imani is the Executive Director of a Germany-supported organization, Jambo For Development (JFD), and East Africa Deputy Representative for Common Goal, striving to empower children and youth to achieve better education, health, and gender equality.
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IRENE MWOGATANZANIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Irene is a trained data scientist and experienced monitoring and evaluation professional for over 15 years. She has worked for the government, non-government organizations, and UN organizations. She currently works with the UN resident coordinator's office in Tanzania. Irene is passionate about data, evidence, and showcasing results in every intervention.
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JOAN KIMIREI
TANZANIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joan Kimirei is a Community Development Specialist with extensive experience in project management in the public and private sectors in Tanzania. She has equally strong experiences in capacity building, coordination of multi-stakeholders, SME business development, youth development, and gender. She is a graduate of Women Lead Change 2018 and a champion of the program. Joan is deeply passionate about Youth Engagement, she sees young people as assets, recognizing that young people must be the primary drivers of their own development, with adults and systems playing a supporting role.
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COLUMBUS JULIUS KAYWANGATANZANIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Columbus joined the Sasamani Foundation in-country Board as an advisor in 2012. Columbus currently works for the local government and is the Managing Director for Mkombozi, a Bagamoyo-based nonprofit providing youth with life skills. His profession by training is as a mechanic. Columbus is also the Parish Secretary for the East African Catholic Church. Columbus is actively engaged in political issues in Tanzania and ran for Bagamoyo City Counselor. His long-term goal is to be become an elected politician helping vulnerable communities thrive. Columbus is married with 3 children, and with a spirit for helping children he has also taken in 5 orphans. He supports Sasamani with expertise on local government processes.
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BENSON KITANG'ITA KISAMARWATANZANIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Benson is a Lawyer and Managing Partner at BETA Law, a law firm based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He advises on Corporate and Commercial transactions, Community Development projects, Non-Governmental Organisations, Immigration Law, Labour and Employment Law, Litigation, and Company Secretarial Services. He is a dedicated and
compassionate Director with over six years of experience in non-profit leadership, budgeting, and fundraising with a strong sense of community. Benson looks forward to sharing his knowledge and expertise to grow the Sasamani Foundation further. |
BADRU JUMA RAJABU
TANZANIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Badru Juma Rajabu is a Sustainability Practitioner and a Senior Coordinator of Policy and Advocacy at Restless Development, a leading youth-led development agency delivering grassroots impact through youth-led development programs aligned with the Government of Tanzania’s Consecutive National Development Plans. Previously, Badru worked at the UN Global Compact as a Sustainability Lead and Program Associate, supporting Tanzania's businesses to align their strategies and operations with universal human rights, labor, and anti-corruption principles.
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PROFESSOR NEEMA MORIWOMEN LEADING CHANGE CO-FOUNDER
Professor Mori is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and Associate Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies at UDSM Business School. She also worked as a Research Fellow at the University of Agder (Norway), an Audit Trainee at KPMG Tanzania, and the Senior Lecturer at the Department of Finance at UDSM. Professor Mori serves as the Board Chair of BRELA (Business Registrations and Licensing Agency), Board Chair of Air Tanzania, Board Vice-Chair of CRDB bank, and as a Board Member of the EFL (Fast and Flexible Financing Company). Professor Mori is the co-founder and one of the facilitators of the Women Leading Change program, a partnership between the Sasamani Foundation and the University of Dar es Salaam Business School.
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ERICA MOHRU.S. BOARD CHAIRWOMAN
Erica is deeply passionate and committed to empowering women and girls, so they may thrive. While serving as a Commander in the United States Coast Guard, Erica co-founded the Women's Leadership Initiative a national movement centered on increasing retention of women in the Coast Guard through policy change, mentoring, and professional development. In 2013 Erica was named Southeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 community leader and honored in 2017 by the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame for her work bringing local nonprofits together with common purposes. Her international experience includes teaching English in China, India, and Tanzania and fundraising to build a medical clinic and education center in Lusaka, Zambia. Erica is thrilled to support Sasamani as they work to serve the families and community of Bagamoyo.
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AURORA FLEMINGU.S. BOARD VICE-CHAIRWOMAN
Aurora 'Rory' Fleming leads the U.S. Coast Guard Office for Search and Rescue (SAR) Policy, providing national standards and guidance to field units and partner agencies as well as engaging international partners to maximize emergency response efforts, focused on safety of life and property on the world's waterways. Aurora grew up in Honduras and Dominican Republic and is deeply grateful for that experience. She is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Naval War College, and Johns Hopkins University, with a B.S. in Management, a certificate in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Masters in International Public Policy, respectively. She earned a German Marshall Fellowship in 2016 focusing on transatlantic leadership and relations and is an avid volunteer for the Central American Resource Center in Washington D.C.
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KATHLEEN MITCHELLU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Katie is a strategic global brand marketer with over 20 years of experience. She has worked for brands such as Donna Karan, Coach and J.Crew as well as agencies like BBDO and Lowe. In this time she has had a strong focus on international expansions - giving her a heighted awareness of international issues and the ability to create a range of philanthropic programs specialized to the needs of local communities. In December of 2016 she took a break from the retail world and traveled to Tanzania where she volunteered at the Presbyterian school in Moshi. Through this experience she has become connected with the community, returning to Tanzania multiple times to continue volunteering with the school. This experience led her to visiting Bagamoyo, where she dove further into understanding the needs of the community.
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LAURA DELGADOU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laura is currently enrolled in the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) M.A. in International Relations at Johns Hopkins University, degree expected in 2023. She began her professional career in 2011 via the US Coast Guard and has served at various Civil Engineering Units (CEU). Devoted to building and leading diverse teams, Laura chaired the Bay Area Women’s Leadership Initiative Chapter in 2019. As the Chair, she expanded membership demographics, re-energized chapter leadership positions, and successfully adapted to a virtual platform following COVID-19. Recently, she spearheaded an inaugural Virtual Speaker Series, assembling an inclusive team to address systemic racism. Laura shares,"I am excited about the amazing mission and thoughtful methods Sasamani uses to transform women's lives! I have already learned so much in my short time volunteering for Sasamani's Women Leading Change program, and can't wait to get more involved".
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WENDY HALSEYU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wendy is a graduate of The Hotchkiss School, Skidmore College and Connecticut College where she received her Masters in Teaching. She has worked for seventeen years at Montville High School in Connecticut, and she has been an adjunct professor at UConn for twelve years. She has served on the Education Committee at the Mystic Seaport, collaborated with the Seaport's online learning program, and won the Orion Award for her dedication to teaching Maritime Studies. She is also a graduate of the Monson Institute. Wendy serves on the board of The Arts Cafe Mystic, was a board member of ECE UConn English and continues to support its efforts. She is also a graduate of the Connecticut Writing Project.
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TED O'CONNORU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ted is a partner at a boutique corporate law firm in Philadelphia where he advises clients on a variety of corporate matters. Ted has extensive experience as an in-house lawyer with global marketing services businesses and as a corporate lawyer advising on mergers and acquisitions with a Philadelphia-based AmLaw 100 law firm. Before law school, Ted worked in non-profit fundraising with a focus on prospect research. Ted majored in History at the University of Pennsylvania and earned his law degree from Duke University School of Law. Ted lives in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia with his wonderful wife and two children, and their very loving and energetic dog.
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TIM GITHINJIU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim is passionate about community development and empowerment. Born and raised in Kenya, he came to the U.S. to attend College. While at La Roche College, he served at the Pittsburgh Project, Prisim Ministries and North Hills Community Outreach. After graduation, Tim assisted with a project aimed at empowering women through small business set up and support. Currently, he is a Financial Consultant at Wells Fargo Company. Over the past few years, Tim has worked in accounting/tax positions at various firms and as a logistics specialist in the U.S. Army. He enjoys road trips, soccer and football.
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HEATHER LYLISU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Over the last twenty years, Heather Lylis, a Partner at Sunshine Sachs, has worked with a wide range of international and domestic nonprofit organizations, as well as corporate brands and individuals. Through this work, she works with clients to craft messaging, solve communications challenges and ultimately help them share their stories and missions with the world. Clients of Sunshine Sachs include CARE, Feeding America, Emily's List, Ms Foundation, NRDC, Planned Parenthood, Human Rights Campaign, Global Citizen, Microsoft, WeWork, Adobe, and many more. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.
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ALBERTA TESTANEROU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alberta Testanero is an award-winning creative director with 20 years expertise in luxury retail branding. Experienced in digital and print media, she has the keen ability of bridging corporate strategy and creative vision to create successful marketing campaigns. She has worked with such influential brands as Tiffany & Co., Coach, Bergdorf Goodman, Jo Malone London, Kate Spade, Jack Spade, Waterworks and more. Alberta is dedicated to the Sasamani Foundation's mission and serves as Creative Advisor on all branding and marketing needs to promote the Foundation's programs.
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WILLIAM TARIMOU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William joined the Sasamani Foundation U.S. Board in early 2019. He is originally from Tanzania, having grown up in Himo, Moshi. He is also a United World College (UWC) alumnus, and attended Waterford Kamhlaba in South Africa. Today, William is a Professor of Computer Science at Connecticut, teaching introductory core courses as well as higher level electives in mobile and web technologies. William is also an alumnus of Connecticut College where got his Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics in 2012. He then earned his Masters and PhD Degrees from Brandeis University in 2014 and 2016. William is also passionate about education, technology and pedagogy design in his teaching and research.
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REBECCA OBROCKU.S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Becca has been working in the international development field for the last 10 years and has traveled extensively throughout East Africa. She expanded her knowledge in this area by acquiring her Master's in Public Health with a global health policy degree at the George Washington University in 2011. She has a passion for development, and through her work at USAID, has helped to create many programs that empower and educate women and children throughout Africa. Becca is especially beholden to Tanzania since it was the first place she volunteered at in Africa back in 2007. She is excited to bring her experience working in international development to the Sasamani Foundation.
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WILLIAM FURGUESONU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill is currently the Director of External Affairs for the Mystic Museum of Art. Prior to his work at the Museum he was in the education field at The Williams School in New London, CT. During his 20+ year at Williams, Bill taught History, coached a variety of sports, worked with Admissions Office, and served in their Development Office. Bill has done extensive community work in southeastern Connecticut, such as volunteering as a board member of the Mystic & Noank Library, working with Connecticut Special Olympics, and serving as a board member for the Downtown Mystic Merchants Association. Bill is committed to taking his skills as an educator, volunteer, and fundraiser and applying them to help the Sasamani Foundation further serve the people of Tanzania.
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RACHAEL LIEBLEIN-JURBALAU.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rachael Lieblein-Jurbala (she/her) is a dancer, choreographer, and non-profit programs manager based in New York City. She was first introduced to the Sasamani Foundation as an intern in 2018 and spent two months with the team in Tanzania, where she witnessed first-hand the meaningful and sustainable impact Sasamani has for the students, women business leaders, and communities it serves. She currently serves as Program Manager at the Spencer Educational Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding educational opportunities for students within the risk management and insurance industry. Prior, Rachael worked with young people at Center for Family Life - a community-based social services organization in Sunset Park, Brooklyn - where she taught, designed curricula, and led arts programming for groups of all ages. Rachael holds a bachelor's degree in Dance and Sociology with a certificate in Community Action and Public Policy from Connecticut College.
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JANE COYNEHONORARY BOARD MEMBER
Jane is a leader with a diverse background from manufacturing to global health. After business school she spent 10 years working for and consulting to companies on supply chain optimization. In 2003, she left the corporate world behind to begin a decade long engagement with MSF/Doctors without Borders. Her 6 years of field work culminated as a program manager based in Paris responsible for MSF activities in Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Kenya, and Georgia. She returned to the bay area in 2013 and worked at We Care Solar as Director of Operations helping bring solar energy to health centers with no access to electricity. In the fall of 2015, she began her current role staffing the United Nations Special Envoy on Tuberculosis. The goal of the office is to raise the level of awareness, funding, and political commitment necessary to end TB.
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JOHN WILLIAM SHIRLEYHONORARY BOARD MEMBER
John William Shirley, most known as Jock, is the former Ambassador to Tanzania, PAO in Warsaw and Rome and Counselor of the U.S. Information Agency. He was appointed as Ambassador to Tanzania on June 28th, 1984 and left his post July 18th, 1986. Jock has outstanding connections in Tanzania and he willingly shares his guidance, a great assistance and benefit to The Sasamani Foundation. Jock currently resides in Stonington, CT.
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DAN SHEPARDHONORARY BOARD MEMBER
Dan Shepard is a Career Development Executive and a global nonprofit Board Member and Advisor. Most recently, he has a 14 year career working with senior executives and middle managers on issues of career transition, career change and portfolio careers. His global experience spans across Europe, South America, Africa and Asia as either as an Advisor, Board Member, Volunteer or International Sales Manager. He recently developed a career development program for university students in Cambodia for The Sharing Foundation.
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