Abba Kidenda
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Kenya
Abba Kidenda
Head of Network Growth and Engagement
Abba has a passion for women’s empowerment, education, and community development. Her diverse background in marketing and development includes significant experience in multinational brand management, particularly with the Coca-Cola company, where she played a pivotal role in executing the Kenya brand strategy. Her expertise extends to coordinating sustainability programs and managing partnerships with a focus on women and youth economic empowerment across Eurasia and Africa. In her most recent role as the Deputy Director of Program Implementation at Educate!, she led the design and launch of the Skill Up program, impacting over 4,000 out-of-school Youth in Kenya. Abba is thrilled about AFWAG’s commitment to supporting organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on women and girls across the continent as she firmly believes that investing in women, leadership, and education serves as a pivotal catalyst for sustainable growth. As the Head of Network Growth and Engagement, she is eager to leverage her experience in fostering collaborative environments and creating sustainable programs to further AFWAG’s mission of advancing women and girls’ well-being across diverse communities.
Abigail Gbinikagan
Executive Assistant to the C.E.O
Nigeria
Akouavi Tannous
Programs Associate
Togo
Amanda E.N Jojo
Public Affairs Associate
Zimbabwe
Bridget Nyaude
Director Fundraising and Development
Malawi
Carolyn Varela
Development and Fundraising Manager
Malawi
Cassandra Kiereini
Chief Operating Officer
Kenya
Cassandra Kiereini
Head of Operations
With 14 years of project management experience across clean energy, climate, and sustainable development, Cassandra brings a proven track record of leading diverse teams and driving growth. Most recently, she spearheaded innovative talent programs for youth and women as Program Director at Shortlist Professionals. Her prior experience includes managing business expansion at Twiga Foods and d.Light Solar, demonstrating expertise in strategic planning, operations, and HR. Passionate about gender equity, Cassandra was drawn to AFWAG’s mission of dismantling systemic barriers for women and girls in Africa. Having witnessed the transformative power of empowering women through her work at Shortlist, she’s committed to driving impactful change. Her experience building and growing initiatives perfectly aligns with AFWAG’s current stage of development. In her role, Cassandra focuses on optimising AFWAG’s operations and empowering its teams to maximise their potential, ultimately propelling the organisation’s crucial
Cassandra Ndahiro
Head of Network Learning
Rwanda
Godwin Henry
Senior Programs Manager
Nigeria
Godwin Henry
Programs Manager
Godwin Henry has more than eight years of experience in human capital programs, research, and policy built through multi-sectoral engagements. Prior to joining the Alliance, he worked as Director of Strategy and Execution in the Chief Network Office at Teach For All. Godwin is passionate about national development and served as Technical Assistant on the Nigeria Medium Term National Plan 2025 development team. He is an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, British Council Future Leaders Connect Program and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group Bridge Fellowship. In addition to his professional roles, he supports the United Nations Foundation plus SocialGood Initiative. Godwin is driven by the desire to democratise opportunities for everyone irrespective of socioeconomic background and this underscores his vision to create holistic programs that advance the leadership of women and girls in alignment with AFWAG’s mission.
Makayla Mwamba
Network Growth and Engagement Officer
Kenya
Mercy Kasaya Igoke
Senior Operations Associate
Kenya
Leroy Dzenga
Network Growth and Engagement Manager
ZImbabwe
Vimbai Lole
Head Of Public Affairs
Zimbabwe
Vimbai Lole
Public Affairs Manager
Vimbai has over 7 years of experience in communications and marketing, specialising in strategic communication, brand management, and both online and offline marketing. Before joining The Alliance for Women and Girls (AFWAG), she was in a Marketing and Communications role at Steward Bank in Zimbabwe. She’s passionate about promoting equality for women and enhancing brand images. Vimbai excels in crafting clear messages using audience-focused strategies. Her background in customer experience and a BSc Honors Degree in Psychology give her a unique perspective on connecting with audiences. She believes women and girls are potent forces for change who deserve equal opportunities. At AFWAG, Vimbai is responsible for sharing the organisation’s story through comprehensive marketing, communication, public relations, and content production efforts, including newsletters, social media, and events. Her ultimate goal is to bolster AFWAG’s brand and magnify its influence throughout Africa.
Dr. Vongai Nyahunzvi
Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer
Zimbabwe
Dr. Vongai Nyahunzvi
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Vongai Nyahunzvi is the Founder and CEO of the Alliance For Women and Girls (AFWAG). Before founding AFWAG, she held the positions of Chief Network Officer and Head of the Africa Region at a global organization active in more than 60 countries. As a serial entrepreneur, she has set many business which includes an executive leadership consultancy firm. In her consulting practice, her work involved mentoring senior leaders across various sectors including corporate, government, and non-profits. Dr. Nyahunzvi has collaborated with Heads of States, facilitated policy dialogues between UN agencies and national governments, led numerous United Nations Country team retreats, and provided support to private sector leaders in over 48 countries worldwide. She is a recognized thought leader and has written five books on leadership. Additionally, she has developed influential platforms such as a monthly CEO roundtable and the UK Leadership Awards. She is happily married and a proud mother of three boys.
