Our Team
Meet the dedicated individuals driving AYISD's mission forward
AYISD Board of Directors — 2026-2028 Term
Board Members
Benedict Baraka
BOARD CHAIR
Benedict Baraka is a visionary since his young age , entrepreneur and the president of board AYISD, . Since 2009, Benedict has been actively volunteering with various organizations, starting during his school days, driven by a strong passion for community service and development. Inspired by influential leaders, Benedict established a kindergarten in a refugee camp, which later transformed into a full-fledged school providing quality education to over 10,000 children in the campafter a decade. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work with honors at La Trobe University in Australia. Through his leadership in various professional and creative initiatives, Benedict remains steadfast in his commitment to building resilient and impactful communities.
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Eliza Crosbie
CO-CHAIR
Eliza Crosbie serves as Vice President of AYISD, bringing valuable leadership and strategic direction to the organization's mission of empowering refugee and host communities in Nakivale.
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Claire Kelly
Secretary
Claire Kelly serves as Secretary of AYISD, ensuring efficient organizational operations and supporting the coordination of AYISD's programs and administrative functions.
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MBILIZI KALOMBO
C.E.O
Sara Bramlage
Risk Assessment Consultant
Sara Bramlage is responsible for risk assessment at AYISD, evaluating and managing organizational risks to ensure the sustainability and safety of AYISD's operations and programs.
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DORCAS MWINYI
FINANCE CONSULTANT
Dorcus is a businesswoman and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience working with communities across different sectors. Throughout her career, she has been committed to supporting community development, empowering individuals, and contributing to initiatives that create positive social and economic outcomes.
In addition to her professional work, Dorcus is a respected women's leader within her church community. She is passionate about mentoring women and girls, providing guidance on financial literacy, personal development, leadership, and other important life skills. Through her mentorship, she helps women build confidence, make informed financial decisions, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Dorcus is dedicated to empowering others and fostering strong, resilient communities through leadership, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
In addition to her professional work, Dorcus is a respected women's leader within her church community. She is passionate about mentoring women and girls, providing guidance on financial literacy, personal development, leadership, and other important life skills. Through her mentorship, she helps women build confidence, make informed financial decisions, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Dorcus is dedicated to empowering others and fostering strong, resilient communities through leadership, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
RICHARDS MARFAW
CHIEF ADVISER
Management Team
KM
Kalombo Mbilizi
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Mbilizi Kalombo is a social worker by profession with a bachelor's degree in social work and social administration and currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration. Kalombo has a deep passion for environmental and biodiversity conservation, community development, youth empowerment, and social justice. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of AYISD, Kalombo leads the organization's on-the-ground operations in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, coordinating programs and partnerships that serve thousands of refugees and host community members.
Staff Members
FK
Felix Kamana
Programs Coordinator
Coordinates AYISD programs and field activities in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
MA
Mugisha Alain Vainqueur
M&E Officer
Leads monitoring and evaluation of AYISD projects and initiatives.
TK
Thierry Kamana
Finance & Administration
Manages AYISD financial operations and administrative tasks.
AU
Aline Uwimana
Gender & Protection Officer
Ensures gender inclusion and protection standards across AYISD programs.
MM
Malaika Murhabazi
Community Mobilizer
Engages community members and facilitates participation in AYISD activities.
PB
Patrick Bahati
Field Assistant
Supports field operations and community outreach activities.
BN
Belyse Niyonzima
Youth Leader & Volunteer
Active youth leader facilitating youth engagement programs.
Advisory Board
Our advisory board comprises distinguished professionals and academics who provide strategic guidance and expertise across multiple disciplines.
DM
Dr. Mara Huber
Founding Director, UB Experiential Learning Network
Expert in experiential learning and community engagement. Designed NELIC in collaboration with AYISD.
Diana Doheny
Advisor
Diana Doheny
Diana Doheny is a US-based businesswoman with extensive experience in project management, real estate development, finance, manufacturing, and sales.
She is a founder and chairperson of Ampli5E, a non-profit serving the Northeast US and Africa dedicated to empowering women and girls, promoting education, employment, and protecting the environment.
She is a principal of Kingfisher-US, a consulting firm focused on the design and development of natural-based solutions. She is also the founder and principal of Agroforestry Impact and Development, a US-based social enterprise dedicated to regenerative agroforestry and value-added industry development for Africa and the Global South.
As a member of the Advisory Board of the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurial Development (SIBRED), the first university-based institute in Africa dedicated solely to bamboo research and economic development, she is responsible for the strategic direction of the institute. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Journal for Bamboo and Rattan (JBAR), which promotes research on bamboo and rattan in the Global South.
Over the past several years, Diana has worked in Ghana and Nigeria with local communities designing regenerative agroforestry solutions that empower women and youth and offer long-term value-added solutions for food security and economic development in rural agricultural communities.
Diana holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management from Louisiana State University and an undergraduate degree in Finance and Economics. She is also certified as a Prosci Change Management and Lean Practices consultant.
Diana Doheny is a US-based businesswoman with extensive experience in project management, real estate development, finance, manufacturing, and sales.
She is a founder and chairperson of Ampli5E, a non-profit serving the Northeast US and Africa dedicated to empowering women and girls, promoting education, employment, and protecting the environment.
She is a principal of Kingfisher-US, a consulting firm focused on the design and development of natural-based solutions. She is also the founder and principal of Agroforestry Impact and Development, a US-based social enterprise dedicated to regenerative agroforestry and value-added industry development for Africa and the Global South.
As a member of the Advisory Board of the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurial Development (SIBRED), the first university-based institute in Africa dedicated solely to bamboo research and economic development, she is responsible for the strategic direction of the institute. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Journal for Bamboo and Rattan (JBAR), which promotes research on bamboo and rattan in the Global South.
Over the past several years, Diana has worked in Ghana and Nigeria with local communities designing regenerative agroforestry solutions that empower women and youth and offer long-term value-added solutions for food security and economic development in rural agricultural communities.
Diana holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management from Louisiana State University and an undergraduate degree in Finance and Economics. She is also certified as a Prosci Change Management and Lean Practices consultant.
FB
Francis Bosah
Advisor
Strategic advisor with expertise in African development and youth empowerment.
PR
Prof. Rasel Madaha
Advisor
Academic advisor contributing research insights and educational expertise.
Richard Morfaw
Advisor
Richard Morfaw
Richard is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in microenterprise development, vocational education management, and public administration. His career is characterized by a commitment to community development, entrepreneurship support, and strategic leadership across diverse sectors.
Current Role
As a Microenterprise Development Manager, Richard provides expert business coaching to 40 aspiring entrepreneurs annually, facilitating the launch and growth of new ventures. His approach combines personalized guidance with practical business acumen, fostering economic development at the grassroots level.
Executive Leadership in Education
Prior to his current position, Richard served as CEO for one of three vocational training colleges owned by him and his team of investors in Australia.
Under his leadership, one of the institutions specialized in business management, the other in Agriculture and horticulture and the third in building and construction.
This role showcased his ability to manage educational institutions and align curricula with industry needs.
Public Sector Management
Richard's tenure as City Manager of Mildura for seven years demonstrated his proficiency in public administration and stakeholder management. He successfully led initiatives to enhance the city's appeal as a tourist destination, investment hub, and residential community, balancing diverse interests to drive urban development and quality of life improvements.
Academic Background
Underpinning his professional achievements is a Master's degree study program in International and Community Development from Deakin University ongoing. This advanced program has informed his approach to both urban management and microenterprise development, providing a solid theoretical foundation for his practical work.
Early Career and International Experience
Richard's career trajectory began in the resources sector as a mining geologist with Western Mining Corporation in Western Australia. He subsequently transitioned into marketing and hospitality, where he excelled in client acquisition and business development. This role expanded his professional reach to include projects across Australia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Southeast Asia, cultivating a global business perspective.
Richard is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in microenterprise development, vocational education management, and public administration. His career is characterized by a commitment to community development, entrepreneurship support, and strategic leadership across diverse sectors.
Current Role
As a Microenterprise Development Manager, Richard provides expert business coaching to 40 aspiring entrepreneurs annually, facilitating the launch and growth of new ventures. His approach combines personalized guidance with practical business acumen, fostering economic development at the grassroots level.
Executive Leadership in Education
Prior to his current position, Richard served as CEO for one of three vocational training colleges owned by him and his team of investors in Australia.
Under his leadership, one of the institutions specialized in business management, the other in Agriculture and horticulture and the third in building and construction.
This role showcased his ability to manage educational institutions and align curricula with industry needs.
Public Sector Management
Richard's tenure as City Manager of Mildura for seven years demonstrated his proficiency in public administration and stakeholder management. He successfully led initiatives to enhance the city's appeal as a tourist destination, investment hub, and residential community, balancing diverse interests to drive urban development and quality of life improvements.
Academic Background
Underpinning his professional achievements is a Master's degree study program in International and Community Development from Deakin University ongoing. This advanced program has informed his approach to both urban management and microenterprise development, providing a solid theoretical foundation for his practical work.
Early Career and International Experience
Richard's career trajectory began in the resources sector as a mining geologist with Western Mining Corporation in Western Australia. He subsequently transitioned into marketing and hospitality, where he excelled in client acquisition and business development. This role expanded his professional reach to include projects across Australia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Southeast Asia, cultivating a global business perspective.
Hanna Linden
Advisor
Hanna Linden (she/her)
Hanna is a gender and social inclusion researcher working with CIFOR-ICRAF, and Global Communications Lead for the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH).
Hanna holds an MSc in Environmental Forestry and an MA in Gender, Feminist and Citizenship studies. Her current doctoral research is investigating the impact of male outmigration on women’s access to land in The Gambia.
Hanna has been working with international research organizations as a gender consultant since 2020, and she has extensive experience serving on boards for non-profit organizations both locally and globally. She is based in Newfoundland, Canada.
Hanna is a gender and social inclusion researcher working with CIFOR-ICRAF, and Global Communications Lead for the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH).
Hanna holds an MSc in Environmental Forestry and an MA in Gender, Feminist and Citizenship studies. Her current doctoral research is investigating the impact of male outmigration on women’s access to land in The Gambia.
Hanna has been working with international research organizations as a gender consultant since 2020, and she has extensive experience serving on boards for non-profit organizations both locally and globally. She is based in Newfoundland, Canada.