Our Team
We believe it’s possible to end extreme poverty.
With a world-class team of over 310 staff, Village Enterprise is determined to end extreme poverty in rural Africa. Our team is made up of proximate leaders—we hire our business mentors directly from the communities we serve, and 94% of our staff are African.
We prioritize cross-cultural collaboration, innovative thinking, and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging at Village Enterprise. Our team exemplifies our core values every day, and the communities we serve are at the forefront of every decision we make.
Our Core Values
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Ubuntu
Through our North Star value of ubuntu—a recognition of our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of all people—we strive to serve people living in extreme poverty with the utmost respect, empathy, and dignity regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, or education level.
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Passion
We are passionate about our mission and vision, and we are relentless in our pursuits of ending extreme poverty in Africa.
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Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest levels of integrity and trustworthiness.
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Innovation
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to poverty alleviation, we encourage innovative ideas and creative thinking at all levels of the organization. Whether we’re testing out the latest digital technologies or partnering with outside organizations, we value innovation as a tool to enhance our program’s impact.
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Sustainability
Not only are we committed to ensuring our poverty graduation program is a long-term and sustainable solution to ending extreme poverty, but we strive to be an organization that stewards its resources well as we strategically grow and evolve. We also ensure that the businesses started by our entrepreneurs do no harm to the environment, and we are actively partnering with leading conservation organizations to safeguard Africa’s natural ecosystems and endangered species.
Leadership Team
Ethiopia Staff
- Feben Tamrat — Country Director
- Ismael Adan Abdulahi — Senior MEL Coordinator
- Zemicheal Berihu Tsehaye — MEL Coordinator
- Jamal Daud Abdulle — Finance & Administration Associate
- Mekuriyaye Geato — Project Manager
- Kalid Jabir — IT Coordinator
- Mohamed Kalif Bulle — People & Culture Coordinator
- Buzayehu Lemi — Finance & Administration Coordinator
- Mathewos Munaje — Product & Service Coordinator
- Mohamed Omar Ali — Project Manager
- Ahmed Omer — Product & Services Lead
- Said Abdi Ali — Field Associate
- Mohamed Abdinoor Ali — Field Associate
- Mohamed Shimoy — Field Associate
- Ikro Abdi Omar — Business Mentor
- Halima Abdile Ali — Business Mentor
- Noor Abdullahi Mohamed — Business Mentor
- Ikro Adan Hassan — Business Mentor
- Jelle Adow Abdi — Business Mentor
- Ifrah Adow Gure — Business Mentor
- Abdirahman Ahmed Abdi — Business Mentor
- Amran Ahmed Siyad — Business Mentor
- Mohamed Ahmed Abey — Business Mentor
- Mohamed Ali Mohamud — Business Mentor
- Ahmed Bilow Abdi — Business Mentor
- Nasteho Bishar Omar — Business Mentor
- Osman Mohamed Abikar — Business Mentor
- Abdifatah Mohamed Kullow — Business Mentor
- Rukia Mohamed Issack — Business Mentor
- Abdiaziz Mohamed Abdullahi — Business Mentor
- Hassan Muktar Abdi — Business Mentor
- Ibrahim Omar Mohamed — Business Mentor
- Bashir Salad Hassan — Business Mentor
- Shukri Sheik Mohamed — Business Mentor
- Mohamed Ahmed Arog — Driver
Kenya Staff
- Sazini Mojapelo — Chief Executive Officer
- Taddeo Muriuki — Chief Government Relations and Technical Assistance Officer
- Evelyne Mkungo — Vice President of People & Culture
- Leah Okero — Regional Director of Programs
- Mary Githinji — Global Director Strategy, Policy and Advocacy
- Eva Kigo — Senior Director of Technical Assistance
- Meshack Mbinda — Senior Director of Technology Solutions
- Eliakim Odero — Senior Director of Finance
- Mcroy Rutto — Director of Compliance and Risk Management
- Awal Abdullahi — Product & Service Coordinator
- Fred Akala — County Lead
- Abraham Alotokono — Technical Assistance Coordinator
- Millicent Ambenge — IT Coordinator
- Michael Asiago — MEL Coordinator
- Gideon Bonuke — Product & Service Coordinator
- Vivian Bwana — MEL Coordinator
- Joseph Edapal — Senior Project Officer
- Joseph Ekaran — IT Associate
- Hajir Farah — County Lead
- Teresa Galwab — Product & Service Coordinator
- Peter Gathuma — Finance and Administration Coordinator
- Ibrahim Gollole — Graduation Project Manager
- Juma Guyo — County Lead
- Peter Hamisi — Senior Director of Systems Architecture
- Abdirahman Hussein — MEL Coordinator
- Ahmad Ille — County Program Manager
- Victor Jobondo — MEL Coordinator
- Vivian Kendi — Risk and Compliance Officer
- Dan Kezengwa — County Program Manager
- Millicent Kibogong — Finance and Administration Coordinator
- Sheila Kinyamasyo — Procurement and Administration Coordinator
- Esther Kisavi — County Liaison Coordinator
- Ann Lealo — Product & Service Coordinator
- Rose Longor — Office Assistant
- Lele Lopong’o — MEL Coordinator
- Nathaniel Maiyo — Regional Manager
- Japheth Malombo — MEL Coordinator
- James Molu — Product & Service Coordinator
- Dismus Mumanthi — IT Associate
- Fredrick Murefu — IT Associate
- Mary Muthoni — Salesforce Associate
- Barbara Mutinda — Regional Executive Manager
- Gloria Mutuku — County Liaison Coordinator
- Kevin Mwanza — Senior Communications Manager
- Violet Nasambu — People and Culture Associate
- Brian Nayema — Database Assistant
- Judy Nduati — Regional Information Systems Manager
- Davina Nyangah — Finance and Administration Coordinator
- Billy Odhiambo — Senior MEL Manager
- Duncan Odhiambo — Senior Project Officer
- Joshua Ogembo — Senior People and Culture Manager – Kenya
- Eric Onchoke — Finance and Administration Coordinator
- Job Osewe — Regional Safeguarding Officer
- Gordon Otieno Omala — Finance and Administration Coordinator
- John Otieno — Project Manager – Policy & Advocacy
- Fredrick Otieno — Senior MEL Coordinator
- Joan Outa — People and Culture Associate
- Imelda Owuor — IT Associate
- Daniel Segelan — MEL Coordinator
- Mary Sopia — Grants Finance Manager
- Japheth Tanui — Graduation Monitoring,Evaluation, and Learning Manager – NAWIRI
- Faith Too — Regional Information Technology Support
- Edmond Wabwire — Senior Business Intelligence Analyst
- Carolyne Wafula — Regional Manager
- Saraphina Waiyego — Product and Service Manager
- Rasheed Wamalwa — MEL Coordinator
- Tabitha Wangari — Procurement Coordinator
- Sharon Wanjala — Office Administration
- Ali Abdi — Field Associate
- Salim Adan — Field Associate
- Hibo Ahmed — Field Associate
- Abdihafid Boru — Field Associate
- Rukia Buba — Field Associate
- Mohamud Dabar — Field Associate
- Ramadhan Dahir — Field Associate
- Diramu Dima — Field Associate
- John Duba — Field Associate
- Michael Ekeno — Field Associate
- Mohamed Hassan — Field Associate
- Abdinasir Hussen — Field Associate
- Fatuma Ismael — Field Associate
- Fatuma Jillo — Field Associate
- Stephen Kuraki — Field Associate
- Joshua Leeba — Field Associate
- James Lemantile — Field Associate
- Yasmin Lengima — Field Associate
- Moses Lolpusike — Field Associate
- Hajir Mohamed Yussuf — Field Associate
- Abdi Mudana — Field Associate
- Nicolus Nayaba — Field Associate
- Dekow Noor — Field Associate
- Ephie Odongo — Field Associate
- Abdifatah Osman — Field Associate
- Nancy Shikuri — Field Associate
- Abdikarim Wako — Field Associate
- Natha Yussuf — Field Associate
- Everlyne Akutet — Senior Business Mentor
- Francisca Kales — Senior Business Mentor
- Emmaculate Abae — Business Mentor
- Zeitun Abdi — Business Mentor
- Sharmake Abdi — Business Mentor
- Hawo Abdukallik — Business Mentor
- Isnino Abdullahi — Business Mentor
- Anab Abdullahi — Business Mentor
- Shueb Aden — Business Mentor
- Halima Aden — Business Mentor
- Mohamed Aden — Business Mentor
- Issa Ahmed — Business Mentor
- Ibrihim Ahmed — Business Mentor
- Diramu Ali — Business Mentor
- Abdullahi Ali — Business Mentor
- Ismail Ali — Business Mentor
- Hussein Ali — Business Mentor
- John Amiyo — Business Mentor
- Annet Bagajo — Business Mentor
- Hassan Bile — Business Mentor
- Abdallah Bonaya — Business Mentor
- Kabale Bonaya — Business Mentor
- Michael Bonaya — Business Mentor
- Abdullahi Boru — Business Mentor
- Samuel Bulyaar — Business Mentor
- Sylvia Chepkorir — Business Mentor
- Everlyne Dhadho — Business Mentor
- Diba Diba — Business Mentor
- Abdi Diba — Business Mentor
- Abdirahman Diba — Business Mentor
- Murshid Dida — Business Mentor
- Fartun Diriye — Business Mentor
- Daud Dubow — Business Mentor
- Shamsa Dukow — Business Mentor
- Raphaela Eysimkoro — Business Mentor
- Marwa Farah — Business Mentor
- Siad Gabow — Business Mentor
- Joel Galhaille — Business Mentor
- Catherine Galido — Business Mentor
- Jumale Galma — Business Mentor
- Teresa Galsaracho — Business Mentor
- Mohamednoor Garas — Business Mentor
- Asha Golicha — Business Mentor
- Rob Golisa — Business Mentor
- Shindes Gudere — Business Mentor
- Dabo Guyo — Business Mentor
- Najma Haji — Business Mentor
- Mohamed Hared Ahmed — Business Mentor
- Ansila Hirsi — Business Mentor
- Farhan Hussein — Business Mentor
- Hawo Ibrahim — Business Mentor
- Shamsa Ibrihim — Business Mentor
- Camila Jaldesa — Business Mentor
- Yasmin Jarso — Business Mentor
- Poulina Joseph — Business Mentor
- Halima Karu — Business Mentor
- Halima Khalif Aden — Business Mentor
- Simon Kimogol — Business Mentor
- Eunice Kiombe — Business Mentor
- Hajji Komoro — Business Mentor
- Abdalla Lakole — Business Mentor
- Josephine Lantare — Business Mentor
- Thomas Lekalora — Business Mentor
- Gabriel Lenaisula — Business Mentor
- Henry Lesee — Business Mentor
- Raphael Lesengei — Business Mentor
- James Lkirebuk — Business Mentor
- David Lmogon — Business Mentor
- Pauline Lokwakira — Business Mentor
- Eliza Lolkinyati — Business Mentor
- Roseline Lomunyuny — Business Mentor
- Osman Luhmorogo — Business Mentor
- Siad Maalim — Business Mentor
- Lilian Madadi — Business Mentor
- Abdullahi Mamo — Business Mentor
- Hamida Mohamednur — Business Mentor
- Mary Mosor — Business Mentor
- Francisca Ngala — Business Mentor
- Emmanuel Nganga — Business Mentor
- Evans Ngeso — Business Mentor
- Shukri Ngojobe — Business Mentor
- Ali Noor Ismail — Business Mentor
- Dorine Odhiambo — Business Mentor
- Gumato Okotu — Business Mentor
- Adnan Osman — Business Mentor
- Ibrahim Osman — Business Mentor
- Renny Otieno — Business Mentor
- Judith Otieno — Business Mentor
- Christopher Paina — Business Mentor
- Paul Riwomuk — Business Mentor
- Tache Salad — Business Mentor
- Fardowsa Salad — Business Mentor
- Rashid Shana — Business Mentor
- Yakub Sheikh — Business Mentor
- Rahma Shuke — Business Mentor
- Abdia Taro — Business Mentor
- Nuria Wajera — Business Mentor
- Stephen Wako — Business Mentor
- Amos Wambille — Business Mentor
- Charity Wangila — Business Mentor
- Bokayo Wario — Business Mentor
- Fozia Yarrow — Business Mentor
- Aden Yerow — Business Mentor
- Hassan Adi — Senior Enumerator
- Victor Alwala — Senior Enumerator
- Abass Baraki — Senior Enumerator
- Isa Fecha — Senior Enumerator
- Caleb Galboran — Senior Enumerator
- Hussein Hussein — Senior Enumerator
- Dancan Nyang’acha — Senior Enumerator
- Erick Opiyo — Senior Enumerator
- Lynne Owambo — Senior Enumerator
- Julius Pokoo — Senior Enumerator
- Eunice Rhigo — Senior Enumerator
- Mohammed Sahal — Senior Enumerator
- Darmi Wako — Senior Enumerator
Rwanda Staff
- Joseph Mudenge — Vice President, Monitoring, Evidence, and Learning
- Jean Pierre Sibomana — Country Director
- Esther Ishimwe — Regional Manager
- Maurice Manzi — Finance and Administration Associate
- Uwera Mireille — Product and Service Coordinator
- Alexis Munyaneza — Regional Manager
- Maurice Murindankiko — IT Coordinator
- Jeanine Musabyemariya — Office Assistant
- Christophe Rukundo — People and Culture Coordinator
- John Sekamana — MEL Manager
- Augustin Tuyishime — Driver and Logistics Associate
- Liliane Uwibambe — Finance and Administration Manager
- Jean De La Paix Kubana — Field Associate
- Janviere Ingabire — Field Associate
- Esther Kakuze — Field Associate
- Beathe Mukakalisa — Field Associate
- Hosiane Muhorakeye — Senior Business Mentor
- Adelphine Mukashyaka — Senior Business Mentor
- Providence Abahuje — Business Mentor
- Peace Busingye — Business Mentor
- Clementine Byukusenge — Business Mentor
- Marie Claire Usanase — Business Mentor
- Janvier Habinshuti — Business Mentor
- Renatha Kanzayire — Business Mentor
- Andre Muhakwa — Business Mentor
- Anaclet Muhire — Business Mentor
- Flora Mutuyimana — Business Mentor
- Aimée Gisèle Nsengiyumva Niyigena — Business Mentor
- Nathalie Niyonshima — Business Mentor
- Eric Nshimiyimana — Business Mentor
- Marthe Nyirahabimana — Business Mentor
- Immaculee Nyirandizihiwe — Business Mentor
- Moise Nzabamwita — Business Mentor
- Jean Paul Muhayimana — Business Mentor
- Florentine Rukundo — Business Mentor
- Zawadi Tuyiringire — Business Mentor
- Apronie Uwajeneza — Business Mentor
- Aline Uwamahoro — Business Mentor
- Gratien Nkundwamfite — Senior Enumerator
- Sandrine Umuhoza — Senior Enumerator
- Jackson Mugisha — Graduation Technical Assistance Manager
- Ange Christa Nishimwe Niyonkuru — MEL Coordinator
- Monicah Bagweneza — MEL Coordinator
- Emmanuel Simbarikure — Senior Business Mentor
Uganda Staff
- Winnie Auma — Chief Operations Officer
- John Ilima — Country Director – Uganda
- Pheona Akullo — Senior Technical Assistance Manager
- Zita Akwero — Senior Regional Manager
- Zainabu Akweso — Office Assistant
- Mercy Angela Nantongo — Digital Product Manager
- Mary Atukunda — Digital Solutions Implementation Coordinator
- Nancy Ayoo — Office Assistant
- Godfrey Drani — Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Coordinator
- Sam Emukok — Regional People and Culture Manager
- Stellah Ikiring — Finance and Administration Associate
- Fahad Jumba — Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Manager
- Hawa Kagoya — Government Relations Officer
- Monica Kansiime — Instructional Design Lead
- Dennis Kwaligira — Regional Finance Officer
- Janani Loum — Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Coordinator
- Ahalam Mahamud — Office Assistant
- Edwin Masereka — Senior Evaluation and Learning Manager
- Paul Mike Anywar — IT Coordinator
- Martin Mugumya — Senior Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Manager
- Esther Namata — People and Culture Coordinator
- Isaac Obongo — Technical Advisor Conservation, Climate Change, and Adaptation
- Winnie Ojok Abua — Product and Service Coordinator
- Julius Okello — Finance and Administration Manager
- Claire Okuferu — Project Manager – DREAMS
- Isaac Otim — Senior Product and Service Coordinator
- Paul Oukot — Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Coordinator
- Florence Akello — Field Associate
- Tom Akuma — Field Associate
- Juliet Amonding — Field Associate
- David Bongomin — Field Associate
- Lidia Ederu — Field Associate
- Anne Icumar — Field Associate
- Adrine Mpaire — Field Associate
- Geofrey Odongo — Field Associate
- Moris Omoya — Field Associate
- David Eseru — Product Scaling Officer
- William Onyango — Product Scaling Officer
- Mirriam Aguti — Senior Business Mentor
- Ben Amanya — Senior Business Mentor
- Fiona Atimango — Senior Business Mentor
- Michael Ekadu — Senior Business Mentor
- Nasa Hindum — Senior Business Mentor
- Allan Ongwec — Senior Business Mentor
- Pauline Rusoke — Senior Business Mentor
- Sharon Aceng — Business Mentor
- Sarah Adoch — Business Mentor
- Susan Aguti — Business Mentor
- Fauzu Ajidra — Business Mentor
- Eunice Akello — Business Mentor
- Rachael Akullu — Business Mentor
- Margaret Aluka — Business Mentor
- Catherine Ameso — Business Mentor
- Lilly Apio — Business Mentor
- Dinah Apuko — Business Mentor
- Agnes Aryemo — Business Mentor
- Isaac Candia — Business Mentor
- Amos Ekeu — Business Mentor
- Judith Happiness — Business Mentor
- Denish Komakech — Business Mentor
- Charles Malinga — Business Mentor
- Isaac Murungi — Business Mentor
- Habert Mutegeki — Business Mentor
- Nixon Ociti — Business Mentor
- Francis Odok — Business Mentor
- Philips Okello — Business Mentor
- Tonny Omara — Business Mentor
- Majid Taban — Business Mentor
- Moses Torach — Business Mentor
- Ojas Ware — Business Mentor
- Leyila Zalika — Business Mentor
- Dosoline Adeno — Senior Enumerator
- Josphine Anyango — Senior Enumerator
- Beatrice Busobozi — Senior Enumerator
- Sunday Edema — Driver
US Staff
- Zach Hoins — Managing Director, US
- Lisa Allen — Senior Marketing Manager
- Caroline Bernadi — Head of Innovative Financing
- Kathleen Christensen — Finance Support Associate
- Aubrey Davis — Senior Director of Individual Giving
- Abdi Debela — Chief Financial Officer
- Vautralise Dunlap — Senior Accountant
- Maia Insinga — Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
- Arwa Jivanjee — Director of Development Operations
- Hollie Schmiedeskamp — U.S. Operations Coordinator
- Rebecca Skipp — Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships
- Brett Slezak — Vice President of Marketing and Communications
- Justina Sosnovske — Annual Giving Manager
- Joelle Swarner — Senior Prospect Research and Development Coordinator
- Martha Temesghen — U.S. People & Culture Coordinator
- Hallie Tucker — Senior Grants Coordinator
