Dr Olivia Gumbo
Founder & Patron
Dr Olivia Gumbo is a PHD holder in Development Studies. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the development sector specifically in human rights, democracy, public sector reform, gender, transparency, and accountability. She is a social accountability expert who has passion of empowering citizens targeting less privileged groups with information to empower them to be active recipients of quality services in their communities. She is a philanthropist who helps people living with disabilities mainly children in Chiredzi District. She founded the disability initiative called Research Hub for Children with Disabilities. She has authored 3 books the first one called ‘It’s for you Lord, Surrendered to His Will’, that is igniting many people to put the Lord first in their lives and calling her to mentor them. Her second book ‘Parenting Children of Influence In the Digital Age’ emphasizes the importance of parents born in undigitized world to learn to parent Gen Z and Alpha children to live their lives to the fullest in an appropriate Godly manner. Her third upcoming book is called voices of professional women that focuses on airing out the struggles and success stories of professional women. She has authored 10 academic articles that had been published in peer reviewed journals.
Thembile Phute
Secretary
Ms. Thembile Phute is a Governance and OD Independent Consultant, former Country Director at Pact Zimbabwe, a USAID Contractor, with its head office in Washington DC. Has worked for the European Union Delegation in Zimbabwe. Has been a leader in international development with over 20years in senior management roles within the Zimbabwe Civil Society. She holds an MSc in Sociology and Anthropology (UZ), Masters in Business Administration (UZ) and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology& Industrial (UNISA) .She is experienced in operations management, leadership, program delivery, grants management, capacity development, monitoring and evaluation and budgeting. She has managed and implemented programs for USAID, EU, Finish Embassy, DFAT; DAI, FCDO, UNDP, Sida and Wellsprings. She pioneered the first local Zimbabwe Civil Society Leadership program for 20 young women in middle management. She Coordinated the Zimbabwe Youth Situation Analysis Study, both initiatives supported by USAID.
She has been featured in the VOKAL (2020) Leadership publication whose purposes is to fundraise for women - centred projects in Africa. Post Pact , has consulted for International organizations like Research Triangle International (RTI), Humentum, International Republican Institute (IRI) and local NGOs. Currently a Humentum Associate covering Zimbabwe. Has contributed to an number of publications in Zimbabwe Civil Society and Zimbabwe Civil Society Sustainability Index,2022. She speaks English, IsiNdebele, Shona. She is based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
She has been featured in the VOKAL (2020) Leadership publication whose purposes is to fundraise for women - centred projects in Africa. Post Pact , has consulted for International organizations like Research Triangle International (RTI), Humentum, International Republican Institute (IRI) and local NGOs. Currently a Humentum Associate covering Zimbabwe. Has contributed to an number of publications in Zimbabwe Civil Society and Zimbabwe Civil Society Sustainability Index,2022. She speaks English, IsiNdebele, Shona. She is based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Kessy Dumba
Treasurer
Personal Vision:
- To be a successful influential business woman, inspiring and empowering others to greatness through the fulfillment of their God given purpose.
Competencies
- Successful business woman and entrepreneur
- Strong administrative, organizational and communication skills
- Self motivated, dedicated and loyal.
- Excellent leadership abilities and a team player
- A Coach & Mentor – Help individuals Discover and Pursue their Purpose with Passion and Perseverance for life.
Professional Qualifications
- MBA in Strategic Management and Leadership (CIML)
- Executive Diploma in Business Leadership (ZIM)
- Executive Diploma in General Management (ZIM)
- Higher Diploma in Human Resources Management (IPMZ)
- Diploma in Banking (IOBZ)
- MAP4LIFE Certified Coach
Dr Vellim Nyama
Board Member
Vellim Nyama is a holder of PhD with specialisation in Human Geography from University of the Free State (SA). He has more than 13 years experience in the development sector and working in Zimbabwe and Africa. He is a specialist in project management,Monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting, policy advocacy,rights based approaches. He has interests in citizen participation and he has published in peer reviewed journals.
Dr. Vellim Nyama: Ph.D. Human Geography (UFS)
Development Practitioner
Skype: vellim.nyama
Dr. Vellim Nyama: Ph.D. Human Geography (UFS)
Development Practitioner
Skype: vellim.nyama
Dr Douglas Gumbo
Board Member
He has over 18 years as an Expert in evaluating and conducting Feasibility studies, baselines, Mid-term, and impact assessment in key areas such as resilience, agriculture and livelihood initiatives including Climate smart agriculture interventions, Disaster Risk Reduction, enterprise development, value chain analysis for agricultural subsectors, Productive Asset Creation, Conservation Agriculture and Natural Resources Management. He has worked in
Southern Africa (Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe); East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania); Central Africa (DRC, Republic of Congo, South Sudan); South Asia (Pakistan). He is a multilingual of English, Shona and Other Indigenous southern African languages (Ndebele, Zulu, Tonga, Sotho).