Management

19 years in the development sector, focusing on education and child protection.

Deborah Kimathi

Chief Executive Officer
10+ years in development, program design, and evaluation.

Ng’ang’a Kibandi

Advocacy & Development Director
15 years in development, specializing in girls’ education programs.

Faith Mbushi

Strategy & Growth Director
Over 9 years of expertise in financial management.

Erick Angira

Finance & Administration Manager
Close to a decade of extensive experience in the field of Information, Communication, and Technology.

Julius Muriithi

Evidence & Comms. Manager
Over 7 years in project management, advocacy, and fundraising.

June Omune

Grants & Partnership Manager
Over a decade of hands-on experience in teacher professional development.

Mercy Sylvia Munialo

Programs Manager
Expertise in research, monitoring, and evaluation.

Nancy Gikandi

Research & Development Manager
Skilled curriculum designer.

Peris Obati

Curriculum Design & Implementation Manager
Over a decade of work experience in curriculum development and educational leadership across Kenya and Rwanda.

Justus Maina

Training & Coaching Facilitator - Refugee TPD
Background in Education and Gender, focusing on social inclusion.

Lilian Agesa

Training & Coaching Facilitator, Gender
8 years of practical experience in training and coaching within the education sector.

Simon Mukwambo

Training & Coaching Facilitator - Systems Strengthening
Ardent educator leading the School Support team.

Victoria Adembesa

School Support Manager

Team Profiles

The Research and Development (R&D) team develops and implements effective and efficient systems for learning and evaluation that allow the Dignitas team to ensure evidence-based program design, delivery and reporting. The R&D team leverages their experience and expertise to drive the utilization of data and evidence across the team. To facilitate organizational learning, the team periodically shares trends and insights for team reflection and action. The R&D team maintains real-time data dashboards to guide timely action in the field, and efficient reporting to partners, donors and stakeholders.

The School Support team is at the forefront of delivering program activities to Dignitas school partners – from school recruitment and partnership due diligence to training and coaching. All School Support team activity is planned and implemented to improve teaching and learning across Dignitas partner schools. Our work is designed to strengthen the ability of school leadership teams to build the trust, systems, and leadership competencies necessary for all schools to be places for learners to thrive and succeed. The School Support team designs and delivers high-quality Leadership Academies and Professional Development Workshops across cohorts of Dignitas school partners, and provides individualized coaching to school leaders throughout our partnerships.

The Operations team is involved in planning, organizing, implementing processes, and supporting programs. They work alongside each of the Dignitas teams to enable them to maximize efficiency and impact in the execution of the programs. The team ensures that the day-to-day activities of the organization run smoothly by managing a wide range of internal processes relating to administration, finance and human resource management.

The Programs and Advocacy team is involved in designing, delivering and supporting programs. They work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team, and the School Support team to ensure program excellence. The Programs team works with a range of partners, donors, and stakeholders to keep program delivery and impact on track. They are instrumental in understanding and communicating program impact, including reporting the same to donors, and to our wider community.

The Strategy and Growth team plays a pivotal role in driving and executing key initiatives aimed at advancing and scaling impact, aligned to our 2023-2028 strategy, Vibrant Schools, Thriving Children.. This dynamic team is dedicated to exploring and implementing a diverse range of strategic elements essential for fostering growth and extending impact in Kenya and beyond.

Central to their responsibilities is the coordination of internal and external communications functions, ensuring a cohesive and impactful representation of the organization. The team specializes in impactful storytelling, effectively conveying the positive outcomes and transformative experiences facilitated by Dignitas. They are instrumental in shaping and executing the digital strategy for our innovative digital training and coaching application, LeadNow, ensuring its alignment with breadth and depth of impact.

In addition, the team actively engages in the identification and pursuit of funding and partnership opportunities, contributing to the sustainability and expansion of Dignitas. Their collaborative approach involves working closely with all teams, providing valuable support, and complementing various functions within the organization.

Technical Advisory Board

Lead Research Expert for Education Global Access Programme in Kenya.

Dr. Charles Obiero

Innovation Manager at Brink, MSc in Public and Urban Policy.

Ciku Mbugua

Educator and program manager with two decades of experience.

Dr. Evangeline N. Nderu

TSC County Director-Kirinyaga, dedicated to impacting children through education.

Dr. Sam Marigat

Technical Advisor at the National Council for Nomadic Education (NACONEK)

Dr. Edwins L. Saka

Over 25 years in the Ministry of Education, from district officer to Acting Director.

Joshua Mwangi

Leads the Population Council’s GIRL Center.

Dr. Karen Austrian

Director of Education Programmes at Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.

Mary Kang’ethe

CEO of Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI)

Dr. Maurice Odondo

Chief Executive Officer of the Graça Machel

Melizsa Mugenyi

School leader at Riruta Jubilee Academy School in Nairobi.

Nick Odhiambo

Board of Trustees

Retired medical practitioner, active philanthropist focusing on health and education.

Dr. C. S. Sheth

Retired maxillofacial surgeon actively involved in health and education philanthropy.

Dr. Perry Devani

Management Consultant with vast insurance industry experience, engaged in philanthropic initiatives.

Atia Yahya

Dedicated to child and youth development, leading initiatives for community transformation.

Steve Kariithi

Director at KPMG Kenya, contributing to progress in governance, health, and community development.

Smita Sanghrajka

Business executive with 15+ years in financial services, specializing in strategy, risk, and governance.

Joseph Kahenya

Dual qualified lawyer and director in family-owned education consultancy, experienced in legal and education sectors.

Amit R. Gadhia

Board of Directors

Former Harvard researcher, teacher, and admissions counselor passionate about education equity.

Tiffany Cheng Nyaggah

Co-Founder
CEO of Pioneer Circuits, with extensive leadership and strategy experience.

Bobby Lee

Co-Founder
Senior Managing Attorney, former church planter, and lead pastor committed to organizational development and child mentoring.

Min Tak

X