JOEL CHACHA I am a pragmatic, results-oriented, and decisive executive with a successful strategic leadership track record. For over a decade, I have cemented my reputation as one of the leading public relations consultant in East Africa, with an enviable reputation for quality, innovation, and delivery. My work reputation has been critically acclaimed - and has earned me major industry awards, including the Superior Achievement in Brand Building award, Best Media Relations Campaign, and Best Overall PR Campaign of the year. My unparalleled experience has seen me get appointed in both the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) where I chair the Media Relations Expert Advisory Panel and the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) where I serve as a judge, Chair of the Marketing and Gala Committee and a board member of MSK, where I was recently elected as a Corporate Member Representative. I have a firm grasp of the interplay between public relations and media relations. Having seen the gaps in the industry first hand within the newsroom, I ventured into PR with the sole purpose of delivering results-oriented PR strategies and plans tailor-made to suit the newsroom needs. Over the years, I have counseled clients on how to integrate key messages for various audiences. I specialize in breaking down complex ideas and packaging them into integrated communication campaigns that resonate with key stakeholders. This has resulted in a string of new business wins consisting of clients keen to move beyond traditional strategies to get real business results. I have a track record of success in leveraging best-in-class communications to help companies differentiate and distinguish themselves and enhance their credibility. My industry work and experience include Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), I&M Bank, Safaricom, Telkom, Procter & Gamble, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Salvador Caetano, Glovo, Visa, Renaissance Capital, Kenya Airways, Bolt, Coca-Cola, Glenfiddich, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Weetabix, SC Johnson, Alexander Forbes, Prudential Life Assurance, Heritage, and Liberty and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) among others. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from United States International University and I am currently finalizing my Master of Arts in Communications Studies from the same institution.

JAMES CUTHA GATHERE MEET GATHERE, ‘The guy with the plan’ The United States International University-Africa (USIU) will forever be a part of me and for good reason. I studied and graduated with a degree in International Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. As a student, I played a major role as part of the organizing committees for Mr. & Miss USIU, an active member of the successful USIU rugby team that graduated from 2nd division rugby (Eric Shirley Shield) to 1st Division (Kenya Cup), not a mean feat. In class, I would often lead group discussions especially in my leadership courses. Being part of all these activities helped me to not only horn my leadership skills but also easily interact with almost everyone from the faculty to the student fraternity. This, believe it or not, got me voted quite cheekily ‘The guy most likely to always have a plan’ in our 2007 yearbook. Professional life Thanks to the USIU system of education I quickly rose through the ranks of different organizations, with varying degrees of difficulty both in creating teams and also leading those teams. These were Capital FM: Senior Agency Sales Executive Nation Media Group: Business Manager Digital Division Magnate Ventures: Head of Business development East Africa Ringier Kenya Ltd: Country Manager Maverick One Ltd After running successful departments and businesses for my former employers, I decided to follow my dream to start my own business, Maverick One Ltd. The business comprises of two arms; construction and entertainment. Why do I want to be Chairman of the USIU Alumni Association? I am passionate about USIU because were it not for my alma mater, I would not be where I am both professionally and socially. MY AGENDA: To continue to develop and foster a spirit of building lifelong relationships amongst the students and the alumni members. To promote relationships between the university and the alumni committee. I want to do so by supporting and assisting in the establishment and development of USIU alumni chapters throughout the world. I want the Alumni committee to feel the impact of being members of the association as a mentorship platform as well as a networking platform. To impact the lives of the current students by mentoring and by setting up financial aid packages creating an even richer recruitment pool for the association. These great ideas were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the world in the 2 years of my leadership. It is with great desire that I would like to see them to full fruition in the coming term. I believe I can provide leadership to revive the association thanks to my strong leadership and sales background spanning close to 20 years now and coupled with my excellent networking skills. I can, and will use those skills for resource mobilization to help steer the Alumni Association and USIU-Africa into the future. Thank you.

ANN MBARU Ann Mbaru has over 9 year's cumulative experience in the Media Industry attained from various sectors such as Film, Public Relations, Media Relations, and Television Broadcast cutting across the African market. She is a visionary, inspirational, and engaged leader with a deep commitment to the values of USIU-A Alumni. Ann possesses the ability and experience to build and articulate a comprehensive, unifying vision among all constituents educating each person to flourish in mind, body, and spirit—and cultivating a social consciousness and commitment to justice that will infuse all aspects of the Alumni Association. Miss Ann considers herself to be a 'Jack of all trades' as her background boasts of pure diversification. She has worked with CBO's, FBO's and has mentored the youth in Kenya at a community based level focusing mainly on HIV and AIDs and teen pregnancies. Her interest in joining media was when she was selected to represent Kenya in Big Brother Africa (2013) and would later gain acting opportunities with renowned film producers in the world. Her vast experience working for a a Dutch media firm anchored in Kenya called Scoop Network Africa enhanced and equipped her with leadership and communication skills. She is currently a business entrepreneur and has partnered with one of the biggest Shea Butter companies in Ghana and is closely attuned to its target market to create demand, the driver of all economic growth. Ann is the current elected Chairperson, Public Relations Executive Committee and her work has visibly been noted on the alumni council as she has spearheaded vast projects; such as Alumni profiling of Alumni holding leadership roles in their respective fields; on all the USIU-A Alumni social platforms. She was in the committee that facilitated Professor Freida Brown’s homecoming and successfully launching the South Sudan chapter which brought more than 200 plus South Sudan Alumni together in Juba. Her thinking on creativity has been influenced by the future trends of Public Relations as she believes being a brand ambassador for the USIU-Africa Alumni Association holds a perfect position to build relationships and provide an asset to develop meaningful stories and to cultivate win-win relationships between the institution and the Alumni Association. Miss Mbaru holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Double Major) in Psychology and Community Development from Daystar University, Kenya; and a Master of Business in Strategic Management from the United States International University - Africa (Class of 2018). She enjoys reading books, watching crime and investigation documentaries and spending time with my 13 dogs.

BANICE MBUKI MBURU Banice Mbuki Mburu is a public policy and youth development advocate. She has vast experience (8 years) in participatory development strategies, public policy research and analysis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a concentration in development studies and a minor in management. Banice is an adept in programme planning and management, monitoring and evaluation, effective board governance and political leadership and governance. Banice is a board of director at Kimisitu Sacco, a top tier one Sacco in Kenya. Featured in eminent newspapers, she has been acclaimed to be the youngest director among dominant Saccos in Kenya. She currently serves as a board member for Siasa Place and Tribeless Youth, distinguished youth serving organizations in Kenya. National Achievements Banice has co-founded three (3) youth initiatives, selected and participated in seven (7) fellowships, participated in development and review of five (5) policies affecting young people and championed one (1) public interest litigation in favor of young people’s interest. Her notable performance in service has earned recognition and awards; 2022 Diversity and Inclusion Award for Youth in Leadership Category, Africa Laureate for young change maker for Advocacy and Community Action and recognized by Daily Nation as Kenya’s under 30 women shaping our future in the governance sector. Additionally, she has been a judge in the Top 35 under 35 award for Youth in Leadership and Creative Sector categories. International Achievements In 2019, Banice was nominated by the president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to address the world during the commemoration of the International Conference on Population and Development. She delivered a speech at the high level political forum on review of SDG’s in New York and 75 years UN Celebration. Vision for USIU-Africa Alumni Revive the USIU Alumni card discount opportunities. Actively engage all the alumni and the diaspora to revitalize the endowment fund. Actively and formally engage the Chief Executive Officers, Managing Directors alumni to mentor and support ongoing students with internship opportunities and job opportunities. Co-opt DBA or GEMBA alumni in my committee to create better linkages among the membership Actively link the alumni with available opportunities. For example, access to USIU Library, Gym etc. Revive the Wazee Vs Vijana rugby, hockey and basketball tournaments etc.

CLARA WANGARI MUTABAI

Clara Mutabai is a professional in Refugee processing and resettlement. She has dedicated most of her career to working with and for vulnerable refugee families.

In her recent career with the Department of Homeland Security /USCIS, Clara works towards re-uniting separated families and unaccompanied minors. Clara has worked with organizations like Rotary Canada, UNICEF Canada, and Red cross Uganda where she advocated for community-based projects that helped empower the needy, homeless and vulnerable in the society.

Having studied International Relations at one of the best Universities not only in Kenya but in Africa, Clara ventured into different mentorship programs, research and volunteer work. She maintained good grades and has published articles on Women and Politics a filed she is really passionate about.

If selected as the Alumni chairlady, Clara would love a USIU that brings together not just the Alumni in Kenya but Alumni in every country represented. She looks forward to building a stronger alumni association encouraging more alumni events and having a well-represented, connected, and balanced alumni association that offers mentorship to our fellow USIU-Africa family members.

CAROLYNE RACHEL MATENDECHERE

Academic Background

• MSc. in Organizational Development, United States International University
• Bachelor of Education Arts (French & English Lit) Kenyatta University
• Diploma in Human Resources Management, Kenya Institute of Management
• Chartered HR Professional: College of Human Resources Management Brief Profile

Brief Profile

I am a results-oriented person, highly motivated, positive and energetic person; a collaborator as well as team leader. I plan my work schedules, identify priorities and effectively coach and motivate staff working under me for high motivation and performance.

Throughout my career, I have worked with people from various cultural backgrounds having worked with various multinational organizations which has made significant impact towards my approach in managing and harnessing diversities in an organization.
I have also been a mentor and coach of many whom I have seen grow and develop in my professional and personal life. I find fulfillment in bettering the lives of others.

I have sound knowledge of HR concepts and principles with a broad knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes including ability to identify clients’ needs and matching them to appropriate solutions and enhancing strategic HR partnership with the business.

Areas of Expertise & Experience

• Leadership & Development
• Strategy Development & Execution.
• Talent management
• HR Business Partnering
• Project management
• Board Member- Mukumu Girls Alumni Association (passed), Simba Villas Estate Ltd
• Board experience while at Centum Investment Ltd

Interests

• Board participation, Fitness enthusiast, Avid reader.

Family

• Married, Mother of two daughters

SIMON SOKORTE NABOSU
CPA Simon S. Nabosu is a Kenyan citizen having more than 16 years’ extensive experience in finance, audit, risk management, policy and strategic development, system reviews and governance. Having worked in health, transport, and energy sector specifically with National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) as Auditor Risk & Compliance and currently working for Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO)- Energy sector as Ag. Manager, Internal Audit- Financial & Operations since May 2021 to Date. Served as audit committee member for Marsabit County 2019-2021.

He holds a degree in International Business Administration (Finance Option) from United State International University (USIU) Kenya, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) majoring in Finance and Strategic management from University of Nairobi. He has attended numerous professional and leadership trainings including Harvard Business School Executive Program on Audit Committees in new era of Governance, Risk Management, Senior Management and Strategic Leadership Course, Advance Fraud Course and Cybercrime and Forensic Investigation at ESAMI-Tanzania.

CPA Nabosu is a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and registered member of Institute of Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (ICPAK). Qualified Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and registered member of Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and a member of Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

He strongly believes in diversity mainstreaming, teamwork, and social responsibility activities. As giving back to society he has served technical team to support resource mobilization in support of over 80 needy pastoralist students in education. This was done through Goborre Education Fund (GOEFUND) mobilization event every December for last ten years. In addition, he supports mentorship program and sport activities at his local home in Marsabit.

PENNY MUSENGI
Ms. Penny Musengi is the CEO of ATS Travel Group a Tech-Travel Management company that has grown over the years the past 23 years into one of East and Central Africa’s leading Travel Management Companies.

She previous held the following positions: Director Finance and Investment Enterprise Africa Limited, CEO of Raspberry Adams Group a techno-social investment firm with the responsibility of bringing social and economic empowerment to the masses, Company Secretary for Kents and Kents Ltd Security firm, Chairlady of Delka Trust in partnership with Chandaria Foundation, Founder of the YouthKE Trust and Director of Kenya Cultural Festivals. She also served on the Board of Rotary Club of Nairobi Lavington and Advisory Board of Lavington Public Secondary School. Ms. Musengi also served as member of the Nyeri County TIVET Task Force where she was the Treasurer and up to 2012 she was a Banker serving in various management positions in leading Banks in Africa.

Ms. Penny Musengi has broad multi-industry leadership experience with over 17 years in Sales and Marketing, Finance and Investments Management, Administration and Operations, People and Project Management, Product Development in the Private and Public sectors. Government and Community Development across industries in the Region-Africa.

She has Strategic experience as an Entrepreneur & Director with proven ability in developing innovations, creative business, community solutions, cross functional financial and operational success, mentoring future leaders and building winning team achieving the following milestones:-

• As CEO & Founder of Raspberry Adams Group successfully positioned Raspberry Adams Group as the strategic Social Business Investment partner for private, public and individuals with biggest milestone been organization in Kenya of Nyeri County Investment Forum in 2013 that won Ksh 10.5 Billion in pledged ventures and deals.
• As Trustee & Founder of YouthKE Trust established a national presence with mobilization of over 300,000 youth and facilitated the Youth Stakeholders Forums with county governments to successfully implementation of youth programs.
• As Chairperson of Delka Trust established a sister country office in Nairobi from the parent Trust; Delaware Trust in Newark USA and oversaw the implementation of the Ksh 100 Million Youth Entrepreneurship Center in Kabete, Kenya.
• As Treasurer and committee member of Nyeri County TIVET Task force production of a TIVET Force Report on Policy Recommendations and Strategic Plan to Align TIVET Sector Reform of 42 Technical trainings centers to Nyeri County Socio-Economic Goals and Objectives.
• As a Banker created winning teams and implemented successful projects in the following banks; Fina Bank, CfCStanbic Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank attaining department and individual awards on performance.

Ms. Musengi holds a BSc. International Business Administration-Finance and Marketing, United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) (2005) and Project Management Certification-Kenya Institute of Project Management (2011).

In 2010; Ms. Musengi was awarded the Homegrown Heroes Awards for Exceptional Leadership in Service in Kenya.

Ms. Musengi Mission Statement is to serve as a leader, live a purposeful balanced life and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference in the world.

EKURU PAUL
Ekuru Paul is the founder and CEO of the Pawlehouse Company – a media production and training organization that utilizes disruptive storytelling to shift mindsets and inspire action across Africa.

Mr. Ekuru has a 15 - year portfolio of leading broadcast media, communications, advocacy as well as social and behavior change campaigns. A Seasoned leader, Mr. Ekuru was named a 2021 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur and a 2018 Obama Leadership Fellow, honoured by the Obama Foundation in commendation of the impact of his work on communities across Africa. He currently volunteers his time to serve as Obama Leaders Africa Alumni Facilitator, leading and coordinating virtual convenings for Obama Foundation’s leaders – 2022 Africa cohort.

Mr. Ekuru is also privileged to be a 2014 International Emmy Award winner for his masterful multimedia campaign approaches. He is highly skilled in human-centred design approaches to big challenges. Additionally, Mr. Ekuru is an experienced coalition builder - having worked on various projects in the development sector, supported by leading development agencies such as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Ikea Foundation, German Embassy and Hans Seidel Foundation.

Mr. Ekuru graduated top of class with the highest honours (Summa Cum Laude) in Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from United States International University – Africa, and has been accepted at the London School of Economics for his post graduate studies: MSc. In International Relations. He regularly offers in-depth, incisive and popular analysis on foreign affairs as a columnist across various newspapers in East Africa, including the Daily Nation, People Daily, Viewpoints Ke and Daily Monitor in Uganda.

MICHAEL ZENI MALENYA
I am a highly organised, conscientious, and target-driven professional with experience in contributing to business-wide strategic planning and strategy development, building, and maintaining relationships with key business stakeholders and participating in the development of company policies, systems, and processes.

Career Summary:
Head of Sales & Business Development: Current: Sendy Kenya Marketplace Limited - (Nairobi, Kenya).

Successfully launched Sendy Fulfillment after joining Sendy, achieved 89% of target in the first month and 220% in the second month.

Senior Sales and Marketing Manager: Feb 2020 – August 2021: Moko Home+ Living - (Nairobi, Kenya).

Managed the sales department to and exceeded performance in account management, operations, customer support, and marketing through strategic team management techniques on culture.

Technical Specialist: Sept 2018 – Dec 2019: Money & Pension Service - (London, UK).

Improved the lives of 80,000 United Kingdom citizens through our services with an organization budget of $3.4 million.

Snr Business Development Officer: Sept 2013 – Sept 2018: UAP Old Mutual Group.

Ensured full understanding of complete Pension, life insurance services while acquiring and managing key stakeholder relationships to ensure on time SLA were met.

Pension Administrator: Feb 2013 to Aug 2013: UAP Old Mutual Group.

Managing a portfolio of schemes, effectively increased compliance from 30% to 90% through monthly internal compliance audits and follow up on gaps to completion.

Assistant Consultant: 2009 – 2013: Alexander Forbes Financial Services, Nairobi, Kenya.

Managed consulting affairs of the Alexander Forbes Fund set and maintained high standards for regulatory compliance through increased communication and management of documentation effectively increasing client engagement and satisfaction at 89%

Education:

• Master of Business Administration: Sept 2015 – Sept 2017 - United States International University (Africa)
• Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science: Sept 2005 – Sept 2009 - University of Nairobi
• Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK
• Diploma in Insurance, Chartered Insurance Institute, London (UK)
• Certificate of Proficiency in Insurance, College of Insurance, Nairobi, Kenya

Technical Skills: Creative (thinking without the box), Innovative, Problem-Solving, Analytical, Documentation, Strong business acumen, Financial skills, modelling skills, Presentation , Customer Service and Planning

Personal Skills: Personal drive, Interpersonal Communication, Motivation, Flexible, Communication skills, Dependable, Reliable, Motivation, Ambition, Rational, Logical and Sociable

• Member, Chartered Institute of Marketing (London),
• Member, Chartered Insurance Institute (London),
• Qualified First Aider

LINDA OGANGA
Linda is a business development, and career financial services professional having worked both in the banking industry and Fintech companies. She is also a leadership and life skills expert.

She has over 15 years’ experience mainly in Branch Operations, Credit Relationship Management, Sales and Business development, Marketing and Customer Service. During her banking career, she served as a Branch Manager in both Family Bank and Jami Bora Bank which rebranded to Kingdom Bank. She has also worked in Trustgro SCA Ltd, which is a Microfinance as a Branch Manager, and currently working with ED Partners Africa Ltd as a Relationship manager.

As a Branch Manager in Family Bank, she played a key role in in fighting frauds and was recognized and rewarded by the bank. Linda was also recognized as a top performer in the bank, while working in Family Bank Ruiru, since her branch was always amongst the top three branches in the country in terms of performance and revenue generation. She received a recognition letter from the CEO for the same and earned a lot of respect and trust both with staff and customers. She also turned around a loss making branch that had an unhealthy loan book to a performing branch, thus saving the branch a potential loss of over Ksh 300 Million.

As a Branch Manager in Trustgro SCA, she played key roles in business development and strategy formulation and implementation, operation management and control, monitoring and review of organizational processes as well as change management and implementation.

Linda is a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing Major) graduate from the University of Nairobi. She also has a Master of Science in Management and Organization Development from the United States International University-Africa. She is a member of Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) and also a member of Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), and is also a Public Speaker from DTI-an Image Consulting Company. She is also the class president of the Form 3 in Njumbi High School and serves as a member of the Parents Association in the School. She also serves in the Teens Ministry in the Anglican Church where she fellowships.

HANNAH MOTURI

Education and Training:

University of Birmingham 2021 - ongoin
MSc International Development (Conflict, Security and Development)
Commonwealth Scholar (Distance Learning)

United States International University (USIU) - Africa 2008 - 2011
BA Psychology and a minor in International Relations

UN Women Online Workshop on Aid Effectiveness with a Gender Perspective October –
November 2012

Boards
Steering Committee Member of the Advisory Board
World Youth Alliance Africa: November 2017 - Present

Work Experience
World Youth Alliance: Regional Director Africa (2013 - 2016)
African Women’s Development and Communication Network - FEMNET: Communications Mentee (2012).
World Youth Alliance Africa/ North America: Committee member (2007 - 2011)

I am passionate about creating systems that ensure growth, impact and inclusion. I have dedicated my time to work and volunteer in Youth work, Mentorship, Policy, Advocacy, Gender and Development in national, regional and international organizations and represented youth across Africa in policy spaces within the continent and in Europe and the United States.

I worked as the Regional Director at World Youth Alliance Africa (2013 -2016) and I am currently serving in the Steering Committee under the World Youth Alliance Africa Board since 2017. I previously worked in different capacities at the World Youth Alliance Africa office and at the International Headquarters in New York. In the Africa Regional office, my work involved empowering young people, advocacy and policy, education and training and membership and community outreach. Internationally, my work involved advocacy and policy work at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, in the Economic and Social Council.

In 2012, I worked at The African Women’s Development and Communication Network - FEMNET where my key achievements were my published articles, on women’s empowerment and mobilizing and amplifying the voices of African women through social media. One of my articles, “Why are women withdrawing Gender-Based Violence - GBV cases?” was published in the African Women’s
Journal.

I request your vote for the opportunity to serve the USIU-Africa Alumni as the Vice Chair of the alumni association and bring my skills to continue in the good work of past Alumni association members especially in membership growth and meaningful engagement of the alumni.

BARRACK ONGONDO
Barrack is a Meticulous, and exceptionally organized registered Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager specializing in Quantity Surveying, and Project Management.

aving graduated from the Technical University of Kenya in 2002 with a Diploma in Architecture, Bachelor of Quantity Surveying in 2015 from the same Institution and MBA Strategic Management from USIU 2018, QS Barrack has professional experience in both public and private sectors having worked for Kenya Defense Forces an Assistant Architect and Kenya Airways among other private entities within the Country.

Barrack is Currently the Managing Director of Boam Construction Limited, he is also Board Chairman of Broadway Guards Limited, a local security firm based along Mombasa Road, He also works with Entrex Communciation Services Inc. 6100 Executive Blvd, Suite 430
Rockville, in Maryland, USA as Survey Consultant.

He is also the Associate Director of Cost & Value Management Consultants Ltd, a Quantity Surveying and Project Management firm.
Barrack, is a member of Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya as well as Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya, he also served as a Contract Documentation edmember 2020-2022 within IQSK Contract Documentation Committee and is currently running for the Honorary Secretary for the IQSK. He is also in the process of starting his DBA in due course.

HALIMA KIMALO RAMADHAN
Motivated Financial Analyst and Peer Counselor with 3 years of progressive experience in
administration, analysis and management. Team player dedicated to helping those around me improve their skills and techniques in order to reach larger goals. Detail-oriented multi-tasker who thrives in fast-paced environments.

Having been on campus since 2018 has given me a deep understanding of the university culture, core values and student life. This makes me a suitable candidate with hands on experience. I’m also a natural leader having been Chair for HeForShe club In my undergraduate years.

Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. -Active listener committed to providing helpful feedback tailored to individual strengths and opportunities.

I enjoy spending my free time mentoring, fundraising, hiking and traveling.

ISAAC WEKESA MASIGA

I would describe myself as someone who is transformational and developmental with a passion for change. An entrepreneur with broad capabilities in various business start-ups.

Engaged in developmental initiatives, with an added advantage in IT and engineering industry experiences. Professionally, I have strong social and communicative skills. Well-traveled, ambitious and enthusiastic. Able to quickly learn, adapt and provide results under pressure. Experienced in project management and team leadership.

As a digital communications strategist I have worked on different digital strategies for non- governmental organizations on various aspects by developing strategic communication plans for organizations and implementing them.

I have also been involved in hands on technical duties within the various communication goals. Some of these projects have involved, but not limited to; capacity building and training, content creation, advocacy etc.

MICHAEL MBUTHIA
Michael is a financial services professional with 15+ years of experience cutting across digital financial services, strategy formulation, project Management and business development. His working knowledge spans across Banking, Aviation, Agriculture, and impact development covering multiple geographies in Africa.

He is currently the Regional Director East-Africa for AfricaNenda, a digital financial services program funded by Bill & Melinda Gates foundation and incubated by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors with the objective of supporting digital payment infrastructure that benefit all Africans and drive financial inclusion.

Michael was the project lead for Rwanda National Digital Payments Platform working directly with Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) and National Bank Rwanda (BNR) spear-heading Interoperability blueprint development and rollout. Prior to this he served as Pesalink Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Ag-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Kenya Bankers Association payments services company - Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL) and was instrumental in leading the industry towards launching real-time interoperable payment platform.

He holds two Masters degrees, MBA in Strategic Management from United States International University and MSc. in Information Technology from Nairobi University respectively and is currently undertaking a PhD in Information Systems at Cape Town University South Africa with research interests in Payments Interoperability, Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) and ICT for development (ICT4D).

ABDIFATAH IBRAHIM
I am a recent graduate from the famous USIU-Africa. Hardworking and detail-oriented 26-year-old, I will happily serve my alma mater again as the secretary to its vibrant Alumni family.

While in school, I served Peer Educators and Counseling Club as secretary, was member at Rotaract Club, Public Speaking Club and International Relations Forum.

Over the years, I have consciously developed a mentality of NEVER GIVING UP on what we want from life. For instance, from a young age, I always wanted to join USIU-Africa, a dream I am grateful came true. Will I be a secretary for Alumni Association? Only God has the answer. I hope my dream come true.

I can proudly say I undertook a six-week leadership course with Olive International at USIU-Africa, Mindset Training, all certified. I learned to be patient, to be consistent and to serve others.

Currently in Mombasa working as Human Resource Manager, I would one day love to come to Nairobi and work for USIU-Africa. Maybe the eventual appointment to the position of secretary Alumni Association is all I need to realize this dream. God help me.

LUCY KARIMI MAORE
Profession: Certified Customer Experience Specialist
Industry: Banking
Degree:
Class of 2009 - BSc. IBA concentration in Finance and Marketing
Master’s Degree: Class of 2019 MBA concentration in Strategic Management
Favorite Quote: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit. Aristotle.

Dream - To leave every person I have the honor of engaging with feeling better, positive and spread positive energy.

Why I love USIU-Africa: It made me dream big! Aspire to be great because of all the diverse cultures and people I met there. Some have become my sisters and brothers by choice.

Why USIU-Africa Alumni: I would like to give back to the institution that opened so many doors for me!

GIKUHE IVY MUMBI

Profession: Customer Service Specialist
Industry: Asset Finance
Academia:
B.A. in International Relations - Class of 2015
M.A. in International Relations - Class of 2019

Skills:
I work well with others.
I am highly organized and efficient in my work.
I am a fast learner.
I multitask very well.

Hobbies:
Cycling - I do a 2-hour bike trail every Sunday afternoon and shorter trails on weekdays.
Reading And Writing - I try to read at least two books of all genres every week. I haven't written in a long time but it is something I am truly passionate about. I have so many tales in my mind and I am yet to find the courage to put pen to paper.
Cooking - I love trying out new recipes I pick up on the food network. It took me 7 months to perfect my choco-chip banana bread recipe. The first few tries were disastrous.
Mentorship - I teach and counsel pre-teens in my neighborhood during my free time.

Why vote for me?
I love my Alma Mater and being part of the association will allow me to still be part of the school even though I am no longer a student. I would like to wholeheartedly offer my secretarial skills to the association and work with the team to create a robust and engaging alumni network focused on improving advocacy, recruitment, and fundraising efforts

BRIAN SIMIYU
It goes without saying that I am beyond humbled by your nomination.

A few things about me just to get you started - I discovered early in my career that I have a love for numbers with a strong appreciation for the creative. For context, in my childhood - I was fascinated by the abacus and in my teenagehood, the rubric cube took center stage. By way of nothing but pure chance, this blend of affinities crystallized as a love for financial engineering while I was in campus and ever since, I have never looked back.

Today, I am a qualified financial analyst and advisor with seven years of working experience and currently pursuing a CFA charter at the CFA Institute. I have been fortunate enough to work for and with some of the most exciting high growth startups, corporations, MSMEs and non-profits on both the continental and global stage where I have served in various capacities such as a Founder, Chief Finance Officer, Managing Partner, Fund Advisor or Board member to mention but a few.

In networking terms, I am a fellow of the first Jasiri cohort - a program sponsored by the Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies and a friend, affiliate and ambassador of the Harambean Alliance. Both organizations have been responsible for the maturity of the African eco-system by birthing unicorns such as Flutterwave, Andela and Go1.

My main purpose for applying for the Treasurer, Alumni Council role such that I can give back to the institution that made my journey possible with a focus on revitalizing the foundations already in place in terms of providing a bridge to employment opportunities for our alumni, fulfilling entrepreneurship programs or funding and inspiring on-campus workshops. I will be more than honored to be of service.

CAROLINE MUGADI
Caroline is the current Treasurer of the USIU-Africa Alumni Association. A solid treasury practitioner, she is a senior commercial banking professional with 15+ years’ experience gained working with Tier one brands in the financial markets in East Africa. Caroline has been a key strategic business leader involved in financial planning, bank operational support strategy and accountabilities in Treasury & Risk Management.

Her Treasury career began at Standard Chartered Bank before she moved to Stanbic as a Senior Dealer in the Treasury function. She later moved to Head of Treasury roles at DTB and the Co-operative Bank where she held other senior roles and was a member of the EXCO.

She later transitioned to senior market infrastructure and global technology leadership roles in sub-Saharan Africa, enabling financial institutions, regulators, governments, and clients leverage technology for competitive advantage. Caroline served as a Consultant for Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Africa and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) in establishment of a self-regulatory exchange frameworkto streamline Treasury Bond trading in Kenya. Caroline is a past member of the working Nairobi Securities Member Derivatives & Risk Management Committee.
A former Kenya International Rugby and Hockey player, Caroline, has served as Director, Women’s’ Committee, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), Treasurer, Kenya Hockey Umpires Association (KHUA, Assistant Treasurer Kenya Hockey Union as well as a member of the Finance Committee, Karen Country Club and she is a member of the Kenya Institute of Bankers, Women on Boards Network and the Institute of Directors.

She holds an MBA, in Global Business Management from USIU (class 2019), Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management and BSc. Mathematics and Chemistry from Moi University. She is currently undertaking a LLB at the University of Nairobi.

Her goal therefore is to work together with the Alumni office and leadership to ensure we live a profound mark in line with our values of networking, leadership, mentorship and communication and delivering value to the Alumni body.

PHANICE OMONDI
A Finance and Administration professional, with expertise in financial analysis, support functions, office, procurement, information technology and general logistics management in the Corporate, Humanitarian sector and International Development agencies funded by multiple donors.

I have vast experience in working with diverse and multi-cultural teams at a national and global level. My competencies and strengths include operational and financial analysis, work planning, financial accounting, procurement and logistics management.