Awake Lead Young

A-Team

MESHACK OTIENO - CO-FOUNDER & C.E.O

Introducing Meshack, the Co-founder and C.E.O of Awake Youth Initiative, a driving force behind the organization's remarkable growth and impact.

Under Meshack's visionary leadership, Awake Youth Initiative has achieved tremendous milestones. From raising $50,000 to empowering 2,733 young changemakers at the grassroots level, Meshack has been at the forefront of driving positive change.

As an SDG 1 Global Youth Ambassador with SDGuild, Meshack is actively working to develop campus points for measuring the attainment of SDG 1, ensuring progress towards eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

Meshack's dedication to equity in underserved communities is evident through their role as a champion for the We Are Family Foundation's Youth To The Front Fund. By developing changemakers, Meshack is making a significant impact on creating a more equitable world.

As a young leader of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, Meshack continues to inspire and drive change across East Africa. Their storytelling skills have proven instrumental in amplifying stories of change and progress in the region.

Recognized for their outstanding efforts, Meshack was awarded the 2019 National Diversity and Inclusion Award for promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Awake Youth Initiative.

Notably, Meshack's dedication to innovation and community impact was recognized when they won the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent's 2022 Limitless Challenge. This global competition brought together over 1,000 innovators, designing solutions to various challenges in their communities.

Beyond their role at Awake, Meshack has been actively involved as a Kenya Red Cross Volunteer, showcasing their commitment to making a difference in society. Their expertise in network building and experience in civic and social organizations is testament to their dedication to fostering positive change.

A passionate storyteller, Meshack shares stories of change across East Africa, inspiring and empowering the next generation of changemakers.

With a relentless drive for progress and a passion for empowering the youth, Meshack continues to lead Awake Youth Initiative towards a brighter and more equitable future.

TAMARA QUINLAN - CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

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 Insitute 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.

REMMY MUNGA - CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

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.

MERAB JUMA - EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Meet Merab Juma, is a dedicated individual with a passion for making a positive impact in the community. At 20 years old, she found fulfillment as a social worker at Missions of Hope International. Alongside her commitment to social work, she is also pursuing a degree in Project Management at Mount Kenya University, showcasing her determination to enhance her skills and knowledge.

Her journey in the field of social work is marked by specialized training and certifications. she holds certificates in Special Needs Training, highlighting her empathy and skills in working with individuals with unique requirements. Additionally, she is a certified Mental Health Champion, demonstrating her commitment to promoting mental well-being within her community. Her competence as a Trauma Caregiver further reflects her dedication to supporting those who have experienced challenging situations.

Merab Juma embodies the spirit of service and continuous learning. Her dual roles as a social worker and an Executive Assistant showcase her multidimensional approach to contributing to the betterment of society. She keeps inspiring others with her compassion and commitment to creating positive change.

GLORIA ODUOR - PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATE

Meet Gloria Oduor, a valuable member of the Awake team, who brings a passion for technology, education, and empowerment to our organization.

With an impressive background, Gloria earned a scholarship to study Programming at the esteemed Power Learn Academy, where she honed her skills and fostered her passion for technology. Her dedication and outstanding communication skills were recognized, leading to the prestigious award of a new laptop.

As the Deputy Campus Director at Hult Prize University of Nairobi, Gloria demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. She ensured strong interactions with the organizing committee, students, university officials, and partnering organizations, resulting in successful campus-level competitions.

As the Program and Partnership Associate at Awake, Gloria played a pivotal role in bringing new partners, including Meta, onboard. She maintained positive relations with existing partners and facilitated impactful mentorship programs, making a significant contribution to our organization's growth and impact.

Gloria's dedication to fostering innovation extended beyond her role at Awake. She volunteered at the Kenya Innovation Week, where she networked with industry professionals and cultivated valuable collaboration opportunities. Her commitment to excellence and leadership were also evident as she served as the Lead Coordinator for the Nairobi Innovation Week, where her contributions were recognized with a well-deserved certificate.

With a vision for a better future, Gloria believes in the power of education, innovation, and collaboration to empower individuals and communities. As part of the Awake team, she continues to inspire and drive positive change, making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.

MICHAEL OMONDI - FINANCE AND OPERATION ASSISTANT

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.

MERCY MUNANIA - LEADERSHIP COACH

Introducing Mercy Munane, an esteemed member of the Awake team, serving as a Leadership Coach. Professionally, Mercy is a dedicated special needs teacher, holding a degree from Kenyatta University. She works tirelessly with special needs children in low-income schools, ensuring they receive the care and education they deserve.

Beyond her role at Awake, Mercy serves as the Treasurer at Girl Impact, a grassroots project dedicated to empowering young girls in low-income areas. Through the distribution of dignitary pads, Girl Impact keeps these girls in school, fostering a brighter future for them.

Mercy's commitment to making a positive impact extends to her certifications and achievements:

She is certified by Red Cross Kenya, having completed a 6-month training on first aid organized by Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP). This training equips her with essential life-saving skills.

Mercy has undergone specialized leadership training at Awake Youth Initiative, sharpening her ability to inspire and guide others.

As a young entrepreneur, Mercy is part of the YE Kenya Chapter network, which is affiliated with the International Trade Center. This network is devoted to providing tools and opportunities to young entrepreneurs, helping them advance their businesses and succeed in the competitive market. Passionate about special needs education and girl child empowerment, Mercy embodies the values that Awake Youth Initiative stands for. Through her dedication and compassion, she plays an integral role in empowering individuals and communities.

SNAIDAH ANDESO - SENIOR LEADERSHIP COACH

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

RITAH OSANO - PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Ritah Osano brings a diverse blend of experiences and passions to her role at Awake. With a foundation in program implementation and coaching, she cultivated her expertise at Vijana Pamoja before joining the Awake team.

Ritah’s upbringing in the slums instilled in her a profound passion for women and youth empowerment. It's a driving force in everything she does. As a passionate educator, Ritah spends most of her days in the classroom, where she is dedicated to shaping the delivery of instruction and developing strong pedagogical methods that foster innovation and transformation in the lives of young minds.

Ritah’s journey at Awake has been a fulfilling one. Over the course of 3 years, She has risen through the ranks, starting as a Program Facilitator and eventually assuming the role of Program Director. In this capacity, she has the privilege of managing Awake programs across three counties in Kenya, an endeavor that brings her great pride and fulfillment.

Beyond her professional life, Ritah is a true ambivert. she finds balance in the ebb and flow of social interaction. Reading is one of her cherished pastimes, providing her with a constant source of inspiration and knowledge. Additionally, she has a deep love for pets, finding solace and joy in their presence.

Away from the hustle and bustle of her career, Ritah dons a different hat as a chef. It's a creative outlet that allows her to explore flavors, experiment with dishes, and bring culinary delights to life.

In all aspects of her life, whether it's her commitment to education, her dedication to empowerment, or her pursuit of personal passions, Ritah strives to make a positive impact. Ritah’s journey continues to be one of growth, learning, and transformation.

MEDIANTRICS DORIS - WELLBEING & SAFEGUARDING LEAD

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 - MULTIMEDIA LEAD

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.

Advisory Board

Pralisha Adhikari – Board Chair

Pralisha Adhikari is a Nepal Youth Red Cross volunteer with plenty of stories on entrepreneurship. She is also the founder of Towerganics - a social enterprise committed to promote agricultural production in Nepal's urban centers.

For the past five years, she has been closely involved with farmers, youth, and children in training, workshops, and campaigns related to agriculture.

She holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture sciences and is determined to revolutionize the responsible production and consumption of food in the city areas with her project ‘Towerganics’.

Towerganics was recognized as one of the Top 2 most loved projects from around the world in the Limitless Solferino Academy 2021."

ELSIE MASAVA – ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Elsie is a Youth Advocacy Advisor (She Leads Programme) with Plan International. She Lead is a 5 year joint program (2021 - 2025) of Plan International Neatherlands, Defence for Children Act 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 KIBISU NGIBUINI – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & COOPERATE PARTNERSHIPS

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.

BRYAN CHESOLI – PROGRAM DESIGN, MONITORING & EVALUATION

Bryan Chesoli is a seasoned project manager with extensive experience leading transformative initiatives in the education and health sector. As a child and youth program manager at Ashoka East Africa, Bryan championed efforts to revolutionize teaching and learning in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania through Transforming Employability for Social Change in East

Africa. In this capacity, Bryan designed a training toolkit that improved the teaching and learning experience in over four universities. Additionally, Bryan has played a vital role in the Making More Health Accelerator (MMHA) program which is focused on searching, selecting and supporting social entrepreneurs who tackle challenges in human and animal health. The accelerator offers support over a period of 12 months for pilot funding of up to 50,000 Euros and a further 12 months for scale-up funding of up to 200,000 Euros. Since joining the accelerator, Bryan has led initiatives to improve the MMH accelerator by streamlining knowledge-sharing, improving the search, selection and vetting of applicants, conducting site visits for due diligence, leading the contracting of selected ventures and helping curate meaningful engagement between beneficiaries of the accelerator and industry experts to support selected ventures to address pain-points that impeded their growth.

Bryan is joining the Board to assist the team to streamline its programs and ensure best practices in monitoring and evaluation.