Meisha Lerato Robinson, Founder and Chief Executive of Hope
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.
Morreenie Legote, Operations and Development Coordinator
I AM IMPACT
Morreenie Legote studied Project Management and Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing further studies at UNISA. Co-founder of Mix-Match Media, a short-film producer, arts and culture adjudicator, and aspiring author, she brings over six years of nonprofit experience and a passion for women’s empowerment, arts, and community impact.
Sabine Keinath, Director of Growth Initiatives
I AM PASSIONATE
Sabine Keinath, is a social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader with deep experience in international education, youth development, and social entrepreneurship. She has led and designed global programs across five continents, bringing her expertise in organizational development, M&E, and cross-cultural partnerships to empower young leaders worldwide.
Nyanyo Wong, Development & Fundraising Coordinator
I AM CREATIVE
Nyanyo is a Digital Experience and Community Engagement Specialist with over seven years of experience spanning edtech, startups, and small-business ecosystems. A creative soul and a natural tinkerer, she specializes in blending customer research with experimentation to design impactful digital journeys and has a proven track record of scaling engagement for massive remote communities while maintaining high satisfaction levels and operational excellence. Driven by a deep curiosity for how technology can bridge human connections, she is dedicated to shipping iterative, human-centred solutions that empower users and organizations to thrive in the digital space.
Funanani Masekwalo, Marketing and Growth Coordinator
I AM SHARP
Funanani is a digital marketing specialist focused on building brands that drive real results. He combines strategy, content, paid media, and creative direction to create campaigns that engage audiences and convert effectively. Passionate about brand growth and digital storytelling, he works with businesses and personal brands to strengthen their online presence through impactful content and performance-driven marketing. Driven by creativity and innovation, Funanani turns ideas into measurable impact and meaningful digital experiences.
Portia Phakatwana, Development & Fundraising Coordinator
I AM A BELIEVER
I am a Business Development and Strategic Partnerships professional with over 15 years of experience across media, corporate, and the nonprofit sector in South Africa and Eswatini. A passionate entrepreneur and community building. But beyond the boardroom, my greatest passion lies in empowering young people to discover who they truly are, helping them uncover their purpose, ignite their passion, and find the courage to live their truth unapologetically. I believe that when a young person is seen, heard, and guided toward their authentic self, they become unstoppable. I believe I bring both commercial strength and genuine purpose to every table I sit at.
Avalaura Gaither, Program Manager, US Programs
I AM A MIRROR
Avalaura Gaither, MSW, LGSW is an internationally celebrated Intuitive Consultant, Life Coach, and Licensed Graduate Social Worker who has spent nearly two decades guiding individuals from hole to wholeness in their lives, relationships, and purpose. A proud Howard University alumna, avid traveler, foodie, and lover of golf, laughter, and lifelong learning, she brings her whole self to every space she enters. Her work has been featured on the Real Housewives of Potomac, Men's Health, the Huffington Post, and Readers Digest, and she has spoken for organizations including PayPal, the United States Secret Service, and Andrews Air Force Base.
Avalaura is also the founder of the Girl, Live Your F*cking Life (LYFL) Movement, a bold initiative dedicated to mental health, radical self-care, and unapologetic empowerment. Rooted in her own story of burnout, surrender, and rebirth, she doesn't just teach transformation.
Job Bakama, Parlimentarian
I AM JOY
Job Bakama is an accomplished Executive Producer and Director with over 20 years of experience in branded storytelling and content strategy across TV, digital, and streaming platforms. He is recognized for crafting high-impact visual narratives and leading cross-functional teams to deliver engaging, on-brand content. With a results-oriented approach that blends creativity and strategy, Job excels in driving audience connection and fostering collaboration across diverse media environments.
KAeden Arnold
I AM INQUISITIVE
Kaeden Arnold is an American-born, Africa-bred educator and strategist passionate about youth development and leadership. His work in Rustenburg included creating the 13th Year high school-to-university bridging program and leading initiatives like the Bafokeng Student Legothla. Now based in Johannesburg, Aeden works in management consulting and holds multiple qualifications from the Gordon Institute of Business Science, where he is pursuing a Master’s in Philosophy in International Business.
Koffi Assouan
I AM TRUSTING YOUTH TO LEAD
Koffi Assouan is an international development expert with over 15 years of experience in education, trade facilitation, and philanthropy. He has led market-driven development programs and strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation, Coca-Cola, and Chevron. Passionate about youth leadership and inclusion, Koffi champions humility, respect, and collaboration as drivers of sustainable development
Mashane (Mash) Nthutang
I AM PEACE
Mashane (Mash) Nthutang is a dynamic sport and community development leader with a deep passion for promoting health, inclusion, and empowerment. As Senior Manager of Healthy Athletes for Special Olympics Africa, she drives initiatives that improve the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities. Her infectious energy and commitment to fairness, compassion, and social justice continue to inspire those around her.
Ranahnah Afriye
I AM A SEED
Ranahnah A. Afriye is a visionary social impact executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of leadership experience spanning global development, strategic fundraising, and large-scale program implementation across Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States. With a deep commitment to equity, education, and youth empowerment, she has mobilized significant resources, expanded mission-driven initiatives, and built high-impact partnerships that drive systems change.
Ranahnah’s leadership portfolio includes serving as the Regional Director for Africa at Pact, where she oversaw 40+ projects across 25+ countries and managed a regional budget exceeding $110 million. She has also held senior roles such as Chief of Party/Country Director at Pact South Africa, Country Director at Africare Tanzania, and Senior Technical Advisor with USAID Southern Africa. Across these roles, she has designed and delivered digital and in-person programs, strengthened mentorship ecosystems, and advanced social justice and community-led development.
In addition to her executive roles, Ranahnah is an accomplished entrepreneur. She is the founder of the Asili brand spanning South Africa, Tanzania, and the US. Asili Global includes ventures in wellness, hospitality, and advisory services. Her entrepreneurial work reflects her belief in sustainable, Africa-centered business models that create jobs, nurture local talent, and foster community well-being. Through these enterprises, she champions mission-driven, culturally grounded approaches that bridge economic opportunity with social impact.
Having worked extensively across the African continent, Ranahnah brings a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics, cultural diversity, and grassroots innovation, ensuring that every initiative she leads is inclusive, contextually informed, and built for long-term sustainability. She is fluent in English and Kiswahili, with professional proficiency in French.
