Tamara (she/her/hers) is a mission-driven changemaker from Kansas City, Missouri, pursuing a dual-degree in International Relations, Public Relations, and Strategic Communications at American University in Washington, DC. She is pursuing a certificate from the American University Sine Institute Collaborative Leadership Program, which provides unique opportunities for me to expand my knowledge of politics and policy in today's world while exploring and learning about my leadership styles, skills, and values.

Passionate about foreign policy, national security, mental health, and global inequality, Tamara ensures that all voices have an equal say at the table, are advocated for, and work to build a better tomorrow for all communities she is involved in on campus and off campus.

Introducing Remmy Munga, an esteemed member of the Awake team, serving as the Chief Finance Officer. Remmy holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce with a finance option and a Diploma in Business Management from KCA University, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.

With a wealth of experience in research, Remmy has made significant contributions to various organizations. She has worked as a research assistant with Education Development Trust (EDT) and Zizi Afrique, where she played a crucial role in data collection. At Dalberg Research, Remmy conducted both qualitative and quantitative research, demonstrating her versatile skillset.

Remmy's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her work with Kidogo, where she assisted in data collection and assessment of children under the age of five, contributing to the organization's mission to support early childhood development.

In addition to her research expertise, Remmy has also showcased her exceptional customer service skills in various roles. At Osha Palace Laundromat, she excelled as a customer relations leader, providing top-notch assistance to clients and managing various aspects of the business, including marketing and financial records.

At Blindpilot Kenya Organization, Remmy served as a dedicated sales assistant, achieving targets through her excellent customer service skills. She also took on additional responsibilities, such as stock take and deliveries, showcasing her willingness to go above and beyond to support the organization's mission of caring for children living with disabilities.

Remmy's commitment to excellence, coupled with her passion for making a difference, makes her an invaluable asset to the Awake team. As Chief Finance Officer, she plays a vital role in ensuring financial stability and supporting the organization's mission to empower and uplift communities.

Introducing Michael, an invaluable member of the Awake team, serving as Finance and Operation Assistant. Professionally a teacher, Michael is also the C.E.O and Co-founder of Girl Impact, making a significant impact on the lives of young girls.

Beyond his role at Awake, Michael's passion for football shines through as an Assistant Coach and skilled footballer at SHOFCO. His dedication to community service is evident as the Treasurer of the DOWNTOWN YOUTH GROUP and as the Community Service Representative of Mathare at MYSA.

Michael's commitment to personal and professional development is reflected in his impressive array of achievements and certificates:

In 2021, he earned the prestigious IFRC Young Innovation Academy Certificate of Completion, showcasing his dedication to innovation and creative problem-solving.

In 2020, Michael completed the leadership program at Awake, honing his leadership skills to drive positive change within the organization and beyond.

In 2016, he obtained a Certificate in Employment and Employability at SHOFCO, equipping himself with valuable skills for the job market.

The same year, Michael earned a Certificate in Referee Course (Basic Level) at MYSA, showcasing his passion for the sport and his dedication to fair play.

Michael's commitment to youth rights was recognized when he received a Certificate in Youth Rights Representation at MYSA in 2016.

In 2015, he earned a Certificate in Kicking of Aids Out as a "Peer Leader" at MYSA, actively contributing to community health initiatives.

Michael's love for coaching and empowering others was evident when he completed the Slum Soccer Coaches Training (Basic Level) in Mathare in 2013.

With a diverse skill set, a passion for community development, and a drive for continuous learning, Michael is a valuable asset to the Awake team. His dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others is evident in both his professional and community endeavors.

Introducing Snaidah Andeso, an esteemed member of the Awake team, serving as the Senior Leadership Coach. With a strong background as a professional teacher, having taken her teaching course at Aberdare Teachers College, Snaidah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

As a Senior Leadership Coach at Awake, Snaidah collaborates with other leadership coaches to deliver the Awake Lead Young curriculum, making a profound impact on the development and growth of young leaders. Her exceptional leadership skills extend beyond coaching, as she also effectively manages and guides other leadership coaches at Awake, contributing to the overall success of the program.

Passionate about youth empowerment, Snaidah is an active member of the YE! Community, a network of the International Trade Centre. Her dedication to nurturing the potential of young people is evident in her involvement in spearheading conversations on the education experience of young individuals. From panel discussions to high-level convenings, she consistently advocates for creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences for youth.

Snaidah's commitment to continuous learning and innovation has been recognized through her prestigious achievement of the IFRC Young Innovation Academy Certificate. This accomplishment showcases her dedication to staying at the forefront of innovative practices and ideas.

To further enhance her coaching skills and work-life balance, Snaidah successfully underwent mentorship with Better Up for one year, acquiring valuable skills useful in her role as a leadership coach, particularly in working with young individuals.

As a strong extrovert, Snaidah possesses a natural passion for networking and creating approaches to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Her creativity and enthusiasm enable her to design innovative solutions tailored to the needs of young learners, ensuring their growth and development are at the core of every endeavor.

Snaidah's commitment, passion, and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the Awake team. As the Senior Leadership Coach, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of empowered and visionary leaders.

Mediantrics Doris, an invaluable member of the Awake team, serving as the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Lead. Her journey has been marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments that reflect her commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in the world.

Doris has had the privilege of sitting in the Kasarani Children's Assembly, starting as a clerk and later taking on the role of acting governor. Her involvement in governance at a young age highlights her leadership and dedication to representing the voices of children.

Her dedication to advocating for children's rights extends beyond borders. Doris had the honor of representing the East African child at the East African Children Rights Conference, showcasing her passion for advocating for the welfare of children at a regional level.

Throughout her career, Doris has made significant contributions to various organizations. She worked with the Slum Child Foundation as a social worker and Research Assistant, demonstrating her commitment to helping vulnerable communities. At PaaMoja Youth Initiative and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Doris served as a Research Assistant, contributing her skills and expertise to research projects with a broader impact.

Currently, as the Wellbeing and Safeguarding Officer at Awake Youth Initiative, Doris plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the organization's stakeholders. Her dedication to promoting a safe and supportive environment reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Doris's passion for serving others led her to initiate a school program, providing mentorship and distributing dignity kits to students. This initiative showcases her dedication to empowering young minds and fostering positive change in communities.

Doris's drive for personal growth is evident in her pursuit of writing a book, an endeavor that reflects her desire to share knowledge and inspire others. Her determination to have it published one day exemplifies her commitment to leaving a lasting impact.

As the Safeguarding & Wellbeing Lead, Doris brings her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and compassion to Awake Youth Initiative, making her an integral part of the team's mission to empower and uplift communities.

Edwin Kirima Mwari has a passion for making a difference in the world. He has a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Public Safety, reflecting his interest in understanding and contributing to the fields that uphold justice and public welfare.

His educational journey has been enriched by additional certifications. Kirima has earned a photography certificate from Canon Miraisha, showcasing his creative side and visual storytelling skills. Further, his proficiency in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been honed at Daystar University, providing him with a technological edge in today's fast-paced world. On top of that, he has acquired a Leadership Certificate, underlining his commitment to developing the skills necessary to lead and inspire others.

Beyond academics, he finds joy in playing football and exploring new places. These hobbies not only keep him active but also allow me to connect with others and broaden my horizons.

Edwin Kirima, embraces a multidimensional approach to life, blending my academic achievements with creative pursuits and leadership aspirations. Kirima is excited about the opportunities ahead and he looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the fields of criminology, photography, and beyond.

Inés Yábar is a changemaker, storyteller and community builder. Inés has been leading, sharing and supporting sustainable solutions for over 10 years. At 15 years old she built houses in shanty towns which led to building an NGO at 19. At 18 she led a national beach cleanup in Peru which resulted in a law establishing single use plastic bag ban. Her journey has taken her to Sierra Leone (focusing on youth led solutions to Education), Lebanon (linking the refugee crisis and the garbage crisis), Japan (sharing her love for nature with children), France (helping social entrepreneurs at the start of their journeys) and online as a mentor to solutions for the sustainable development goals around the world in her role as Lead Next Generation Fellow at the UN Foundation.

She was the Curator of Global Shapers Lima (an initiative by the World Economic Forum) in 2024/2025 and is currently a board member for multiple organizations (based in Peru, the Netherlands and Kenya). Inés has been recognised as a Stellar Storyteller (by Canva), an eco hero (by CNN) and an inspiring young leader (by the UN) among many other titles. Beyond any accolade, Inés is happiest taking action and inspiring others to do the same.

Jeanne Mgendi is a financial literacy content creator and a graduate of the University of Nairobi, passionate about making money and investing relatable to young people in their 20s. Through her authentic, story-driven content, she breaks down complex financial concepts into simple, practical lessons that her audience can apply in their daily lives. From saving hacks to beginner-friendly investing guides, Jeanne’s content is rooted in making financial literacy both accessible and inspiring.

She is currently completing her studies for her Bachelor of Commerce degree and will soon be joining Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a business analyst. With a vision to empower youth to start building wealth early, Jeanne is steadily shaping her voice in the finance space, one story, reel, and conversation at a time.

Christine Kathurima is a visionary leader and cross-cultural educator with over 20 years of experience across the United States, South Korea, and Kenya. She is the Executive Principal of two Pan-African schools under Nova Pioneer, and the Founding Principal of Nova Pioneer Tatu Primary & International, one of the fastest-growing schools in the network.

Christine’s career spans leadership roles in education, corporate training, and media—including work with Samsung, LG, NPR, BBC, and Arirang Radio. She is the founder of Leaders of Today, a student leadership and exchange program, and CEO of Joint & Spine International Pain Clinic in Nairobi. Christine is passionate about shaping Africa’s next generation of global leaders through education, innovation, and cross-cultural engagement.

Denise Ferris is a MELR strategist and facilitator who has spent over 13 years living and working across East Africa, asking layered questions, building context-driven systems, and helping organizations make sense of change. As an independent consultant, she has designed evaluations, indicators, and learning frameworks for programs spanning adolescent health, feminist movements, climate resilience, and women's economic and social empowerment. Her work balances analytical depth with real-world complexity—always guided by the question: are we measuring what matters, or just what’s easiest to count?

She is one of the founders of FemCollab, a collective of independent feminist consultants who support learning, strategy, and evidence use across global development. Outside the MEL world, she is a certified yoga teacher who weaves somatic awareness, nervous system regulation, and breathwork into community-based classes and workshops. Her facilitation, whether on the mat or in a boardroom, is rooted in curiosity, presence, and a belief that equity and evidence belong at the same table.

Elsie is a Youth Advocacy Advisor (She Leads Programme) with Plan International. She Leads is a 5 year joint program (2021 - 2025) of Plan International Netherlands, Defence for Children - ECPAT and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands.

Elsie is the lead person responsible for managing multi-year girl and youth engagement strategy, facilitating cross partner and country youth advocacy and network building efforts ensuring meaningful global youth advocacy and building a strong collaborative network of youth partners.

She also leads youth engagement focal point in region of Eastern, Southern, North Africa and the Middle East positioning Plan International as a reliable partner for girls’ right issues at regional level.

She has coordinated 15 country office youth focal points - Lead and facilitate youth engagement by identifying key advocacy and influencing spaces in country, regionally and globally and ensuring all safeguarding measures are employed!

Denise became a household acting gem through the popular show Tahidi High, where she played Nadia. You may also know her as Stacey Jamal in the Award Winning TV Drama, Groove Theory. Denise's experience in the media industry spans 12+ years and she is one of the leading female TV producers in the country.

Denise has produced numerous award-winning local shows, some of which are broadcasted on MultiChoice Group’s DStv including Hullabaloo Estate, MaEmpress, and Sue na Johnny, and today's rocking movie Click! Click! Bang and Grand Little Lie. She has also bagged several nominations including:

· Best Producer Nominee at the Women in Film Awards 2020 & 2021
· Best Producer Nominee at the 2020 Kalasha Awards
· Best Event Planner Nominee at the 2019 Kenya Wedding Awards
· Best Upcoming Wedding Planner Nominee at the 2019 Kenya Wedding Awards.

Denise isn’t just a television personality. She is also an entrepreneur engaged in multiple ventures. While filmmaking is her first love, Events Management comes close second. Hybrid Event Management is the nexus for Denise’s love for making intriguing films and producing exquisite events.

As the CEO of Cogwheel Creations Ltd, an Events Management enterprise that has an impressive track record of managing events for top brands and multinationals, Denise gets to live out her passion through steering the end-to-end planning and production of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Innately driven to create spaces for women to thrive and for young people to excel, Denise lives by the mantra: "Never be the one who stopped chasing greatness."