Interested in serving our community by joining our team. Check out our open positions .

 

Meet MEISHA LERATO ROBINSON
Our Founder and Chief Executive of Hope

 
 

I AM A LIGHT in dark places.

Meisha Lerato is an Instigator for Change, dedicated to empowering youth and fostering inclusive environments. As the Founder and Chief Executive of Hope at I Am We Are (IAWA), she channels her energy into uplifting South African youth, equipping them with the mindset and tools to achieve self-sufficiency. Through her coaching and inspirational speaking platform, Highest Truth, Meisha offers transformative guidance to individuals worldwide, helping them unearth their true essence and unlock their full potential. Her commitment to living love, reflected in the meaning of her name, is the driving force behind her Co-Founding UNITE, an initiative designed to bridge societal divides and promote understanding.

With a wealth of experience that includes roles such as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at Inspira and Enthuse Marketing, Small Enterprise Development Advisor in the U.S. Peace Corps in Benin, and Marketing and Community Events Manager supporting Special Olympics South Africa through Peace Corps Response, Meisha's career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating a world where all people can thrive. Meisha seeks to build a more just and compassionate world, grounded in love, empathy, and deep respect for humanity, and she invites you to join her.

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Meet Our Directors Circle

The Directors Circle is I Am, We Are’s Global Board of Directors.

 

Jacqueline Gayle Bony is a U.S. Foreign Service Officer and global development professional with two decades of experience designing and managing health and social service programs in Africa. She currently resides in Pretoria, South Africa posted to USAID/Southern Africa where she oversees one of the U.S. government's largest HIV/AIDS treatment programs in the world. She started her public health career in 2001 as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer working with South African primary school teachers to address the impacts of AIDS on students and their families early in the country’s epidemic. Since then, her work and passion for health and development has also taken across Africa, including postings in Tanzania, Madagascar, and Ghana. Ms. Bony speaks English and French and earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta, a historically black university, and a master’s degree in International Affairs from Ohio University. She was born and raised in South Florida by her parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica in the 1970s.

Jacqueline Gayle Bony (South Africa)
I AM MY AUTHENTIC SELF.
Co-Chair

Rachel Torres is the Administrator and National Director for the Employment Training Administration’s (ETA) Office of Job Corps at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). She previously served as the Associate Administrator for Administrative Operations in DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), whereas an integral part of the agency’s Executive Leadership Team, she oversaw its operational functions, including budget, procurement, business transformation, information technology, and human resources. Over the years, she has served as the Chair of the DOL’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and several other department-level executive committees.

She is currently the Vice President of the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) – an organization dedicated to developing African American senior executives in the Federal Government. Since 2017, she has served as the Community Affairs Director and Program Director on its Board of Directors. From 2017 to 2019, she chaired the Board of the Directors of Washington Leadership Academy, a charter school in Washington, DC that focuses on technology. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology and a Master’s Degree in public administration, both from Baruch College, City University of New York.

Rachel Torres (USA)
I AM HOPEFUL AND OPTIMISTIC.
Secretary

Ermias Tessema is a finance and strategy leader with expertise in corporate development, financial planning, and business operations across media, entertainment, and technology. His experience spans roles at Meta, FTI Consulting, and DuPont, where he has helped shape partnerships, streamline financial operations, and support long-term business planning. He currently sits as the Head of Strategic Finance at Obsidianworks which is a minority owned full service creative agency where he partners with executive leadership to drive growth, optimize resources, and lead strategic initiatives.

Beyond his corporate career, Ermias is deeply committed to community engagement and cultural advocacy. As the founder of Glasses Global, he has curated events and activations that foster creative expression and build inclusive spaces for BIPOC professionals between LA and NYC. From producing live showcases featuring emerging artists to organizing large-scale community gatherings, his work bridges finance, culture, and social impact. He holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from Saint Joseph’s University and is passionate about empowering businesses and communities through strategic innovation.

Ermias Tessema (USA)
I AM A COMMUNITY BUILDER 
Treasurer

Koffi Assouan is an international development expert who specializes in market-driven development, program partnerships, and employability and youth. Koffi has over 15 years’ expertise in sectors such as education, trade facilitation, and philanthropy. As a strategist and innovator, he has provided positive brand equity for companies such as Coca-Cola, Chevron, developed JBC’s African practice, and managed a $50M+ portfolio of programs/partnerships. He has been fortunate to work with high caliber individuals in various organizations such as Mastercard Foundation, to drive the strategy, policies, and programming for sustainable development. He is an advocate for trusting youth to lead and appreciate humility, respect for others, genuine intellectual curiosity, generosity, and diversity and inclusion.

Koffi Assouan (Canada)
I AM TRUSTING YOUTH TO LEAD.

Mashane (Mash) Nthutang is a dynamic and compassionate leader dedicated to empowering marginalized communities. As Senior Manager of Healthy Athletes for Special Olympics in the Africa Region, Mashane has made a significant impact in promoting health, fitness, and inclusivity for people with intellectual disabilities. With a multifaceted background in sport, fitness, health, and community development, Mashane is a driving force for positive change. Her expertise spans grants management, floor hockey coaching, family/youth health summit organizer and fitness instruction, with a special passion for Floor Hockey, Bocce and fitness exercise specialization. Mashane's vision is to found and direct social impact businesses and organizations that uplift youth, the elderly, and disabled individuals. She strives to create innovative solutions that promote health, sport, fitness, wellness, environmental sustainability, and social justice. A self-driven and motivated individual, Mashane embodies the values of fairness, compassion, and Christian principles. Her infectious enthusiasm and love for life are inspiring, and her commitment to spreading laughter and love is contagious. Connect with Mashane and join her journey to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Mashane Nthuthang (South Africa)
I AM PEACE.

Job Bakama is an Executive Producer and Director with 20+ years’ expertise in leading branded storytelling and dynamic content strategies for TV, digital, and streaming platforms. Specializes in developing high-impact visual narratives, managing cross-functional projects, and driving engagement across multi-platform media. Known for a results-driven approach that balances creative vision with strategic execution, fostering collaboration, and delivering on-brand content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Job Bakama (USA)
I AM JOY.

 
 
 

Meet Our Bokgoni Circle

The Bokgoni Circle is the Bokgoni Empowerment Programme’s, I Am, We Are’s South Africa organization, Board of Directors.

 

Mashane Nthutang is a passionate sport and fitness manager and leader possessing a strong commitment to social justice and advocacy for the voiceless especially those with intellectual disabilities. She is in the youth ministry at the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Cosmo City dedicated to serve in the community and to make the truth Gospel be known and most importantly to mentor and support the youth to beleive in themselves, be courageous, tolerate, respect and strive to achieve what fulfills their hearts. She is currently a Healthy Athletes Manager in Special Olympics Africa Region. She has a Diploma in Sport Management from Rosebank College and an Exercise Science Diploma from Health Fitness Professional Association/Academy qualifying her as the exercise specialist and sports conditioning coach.

Mashane Nthuthang (South Africa)
I AM JOY.

Kaeden Arnold is American born and African bred. His passion for education led him to Rustenburg where he first met Meisha. He was there to work on grassroots leadership programs in high-schools. Following this, he formalized a high-school to university bridging program called 13th Year and led other student programs such as the Bafokeng Student Legothla, before returning to Johannesburg to work in management consulting. Kaeden has an undergraduate in Politics and International Relations form Wits University, a Post-graduate Diploma in Business Admin, a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship and is currently studying towards a Masters in Philosophy in International Business, all through the Gordon Institute for Business Science.

Kaeden Arnold (South Africa)
I AM INQUISITIVE.

 
 

Meet Our Nia Circle

The Nia Circle is composed of the staff, volunteers, consultants, and interns that are doing the day-to-day work that enables IAWA to fulfill its mission. 

 

Michelle Gilliard Houston is a creative producer, cultural worker, storyteller, restorative practice practitioner and mother of two incredible young adults. A student affairs practitioner at the University of Pennsylvania, Michelle is committed to the success of young people. A third generation Philadelphia native, Michelle is passionate about Black culture, social justice and the common threads of the Black diaspora’s connective ancestral stories. A proud HBCU alum, Michelle holds a B.A. in Communications from Howard University and a Masters in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Michelle Gilliard Houston (USA)
I AM A RESILIENT DREAMER.

Sabine Keinath is a social entrepreneur and accomplished non-profit leader with a passion for international education programming, entrepreneurship, cultural exchanges and youth development. Sabine consults on organizational development, M&E, and program design for international non-profits. Before joining IAWA, Sabine led a US-based educational non-profit organization, LearnServe International, for over 16 years, designing international social entrepreneurship programming and establishing partnerships with organizations in Costa Rica, Jamaica, Paraguay, South Africa and Zambia, developing the M&E system and streamlining operations. As an educational economist, Sabine worked for multilateral organizations, including the European Commission, African Development Bank and the World Bank, on education program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as on inclusive finance. Sabine has lived and worked in Germany, India, Mexico, UK, Tanzania, Egypt and the USA, and traveled to many more countries. Sabine currently lives in Washington DC, USA, with her husband, two children and their dog. Sabine loves art, photography, silversmithing, gardening, reading, hanging out with family and friends – and of course international travel.

Sabine Keinath (USA)
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT CONNECTING PEOPLE ACROSS REAL AND IMAGINARY BORDERS.

Morreenie Legote holds qualifications in Project Management and Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing further studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA). She is the co-founder of Mix-Match Media, a short-film producer, arts and culture adjudicator, and an aspiring author. Before joining IAWA, she spent over six years working in non-profit organisations across various roles. An art enthusiast and poet, Morreenie is passionate about women empowerment and actively engages in programs that drive change and create meaningful community impact.

Morreenie Legote (South Africa)
I AM IMPACT.

Thembi Mtimkulu is an environmental enthusiast and conservationist with a National Diploma from Nelson Mandela University. Driven by passion for protecting the natural world and its resources, she is always eager to explore new ways to preserve the planet. With a heart for helping others, she enjoys working with young people, addressing daily challenges, and finding solutions to real world problems. By sharing her knowledge and experience, she hopes to inspire youth to take action and make a positive impact on their communities and the environment.

Thembi Mtimkulu (South Africa)
I AM A BRIGHT AND CURIOUS SOUL.

Bophelo Moagi is a curious learner. He holds a National Diploma in Marketing from the University of Johannesburg, an Advanced Diploma in Marketing from Vaal University of Technology, and a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Marketing from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his mini dissertation explored digital marketing strategies in the promotion of Agro-Products in SADC Communities. He is now pursuing his Master of Commerce in Marketing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with his dissertation focusing on sustainable packaging and its role in shaping a more responsible future.

Rooted in a passion for innovation, and continuous growth, Bophelo believes in using his knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution to both business and society. Beyond his academic journey, he finds joy in going to the gym, watching movies, and immersing himself in new opportunities to learn and grow.

Bophelo Moagi (South Africa)
I AM PURPOSE-DRIVEN.

Ikageng Morobane a curious and little bit shy person who has a passion for learning and exploring new ideas. A recent high school graduate and alum of I Am We Are, she is always looking for ways to grow and make a positive impact.

Ikageng Morobane (South Africa)
I AM PEACE.

Pheyello Tshepo Namane is a Psychology graduate from the University of Johannesburg. He worked as a youth facilitator at IAWA in 2021. Before coming back to IAWA, he I was a storeman in a granite company and has also worked in various positions in the retail industry. He is outgoing, goal and people-orientated, optimistic and energetic. He loves games, movies, anime, and visual arts. He is focused on growing his network connections and solving social issues. Most importantly he sees every problem as a challenge. 

P. Tshepo Namane (South Africa)
I AM JOY.