Our Team

  • Dr. Camille Belmin

    Researcher Camille channels her talent in the application of quantitative tools into the study of living conditions for women and girls in low-income countries. In particular, the effect of increased access to education on their reproductive choices, and the implications for sustainable development

  • Atli Þór Jóhannsson

    Blending a background in social work with a foundation in computer science, Atli is dedicated to aligning technology with humanitiy’s best interests, working to realise the potential of new technologies in addressing global challenges.

  • Guðný Nielsen

    Having worked with vulnerable communities across regions with the Red Cross Movement for years, industrial engineer Guðný has first-hand knowledge of the barriers too millions of parents face when it comes to ensuring the education of their daughters.

  • Mia Witte

    Having conducted field research across Uganda and Mozambique on energy access and transition policy, Mia brings first-hand insight into the development realities shaping emissions and opportunity for women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa, committed to just and sustainable development.

  • Helena Lilja Torfadóttir

    With a background in Engineering Management focusing on optimisation modelling and a passion for sustainability, Helena brings insight into how data-driven approaches can be used to analyse complex demographic systems, working towards expanding the quantitative evidence base on the climate benefits of girls’ education.

  • Eva Bernhöft

    With a background in Engineering Management specialising in optimisation and analytics, Eva applies data-driven approaches to social and environmental challenges. Her experience in youth leadership and international volunteering has shaped a strong commitment to sustainable development and positive societal impact.

Our Implementing Partners

Our implementing partners are local organisations who bring our projects to life on the ground in Zambia. The team members listed here belong to the ZOCS and FAWEZA teams, contributing their local expertise and community roots to our work.

  • Cleopatra Muma — ZOCS

    As Executive Director, Cleopatra Muma Chona is a Zambian social worker and education advocate leading ZOCS. Based in Lusaka, she brings over 20 years of experience in the social sector, specializing in sustainable development and inclusive education models for vulnerable children.

  • Letticia Choola — ZOCS

    As Head of Finance and Administration, Letticia Choola Mbewe is a finance expert with a background in business administration, finance, and accounting, and 16 years of experience as a qualified chartered accountant. She combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership in this role.

  • Precious Simasiku — ZOCS

    As Project Lead for Empowering Girls' Secondary Education in Katete District, Precious Simasiku drives efforts to expand access to secondary education for girls in the area.

  • Alinaswe Simfukwe — ZOCS

    As Programme Manager for Community-Based Integrated Early Childhood Education, with additional project support for Empowering Girls' Secondary Education in Katete District, Alinaswe Simfukwe manages ZOCS's early childhood education programming and supports the girls' education project on the ground.

  • Costern Kanchele — FAWEZA

    As Executive Director, Costern Kanchele leads FAWEZA's engagement with the project, providing overall coordination and high-level strategic oversight. In this role, he ensures the project remains aligned with FAWEZA's broader mission and delivers on its intended impact.

  • Ivy Mutwale — FAWEZA

    As Programmes Manager, Ivy Mutwale oversees the project's implementation, ensuring activities are carried out effectively and that all reporting obligations are met in a timely and accurate manner.

  • Exildah Nsangu-Masumbuko — FAWEZA

    As Finance & Administration Manager, Exildah Nsangu-Masumbuko is responsible for the project's budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, and oversees the finance personnel involved in its implementation, ensuring sound financial management throughout.

  • Fabiano Mwanza — FAWEZA

    As Senior Programme Officer, Fabiano Mwanza leads the day-to-day planning and implementation of the project on the ground.

  • Fines Kingsley Sibuumbu — FAWEZA

    As Senior Grants Officer, Fines Kingsley Sibuumbu manages day-to-day financial planning, reconciliations, and financial reporting for the project.

  • Kebby Chiyokoma — FAWEZA

    As Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning Manager, Kebby Chiyokoma coordinates and oversees the project's monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning functions.

  • Prudence Siabana-Kabaso — FAWEZA

    As Documentation & Communication Officer, Prudence Siabana-Kabaso documents change stories and supports the project's visibility activities.

Our Scientific Advisory Board

  • Bjarni Herrera

    Sustainability & Sustainable Finance Expert. Founder of Accrona.

  • Dr. Christina Kwauk

    Gender, Education, and Climate Change Specialist. Research Director at Unbounded Associates.

  • Dr. Shonali Pachauri

    Lead Author for IPCC’s 6th & 7th Assessment Reports. Research Group Leader in ECE at IIASA.

  • Sunishchal Dev

    Data Scientist. AI Safety Researcher at Rand. Open Source Developer at Project Drawdown.