Our Team
Our Kenya team is highly educated, experienced and extremely passionate about making a difference for students in rural Kenya. Our “can-do” staff works closely with the local community, school leadership, teachers and students to determine priorities and programs to help students and teachers be successful with 21st century skills.
Senior Leadership
James Musyoka
Co-Founder and Executive Director, KenyaJames built Kenya Connect from a PenPal program to a vibrant NGO working to create options and new pathways for over 18,000 students.
Lindsay Kincaid
Executive Director, USAAn educator and connector, Lindsay builds partnerships that strengthen community-rooted programs and expand opportunity for rural learners.
Patrick Munguti
Senior Director for ProgramsA self-taught computer expert, Patrick is leading the charge to bridge the digital divide for rural teachers and learners.
Debora Nyangweso
Director of Human Resource and Business AdministrationDebora, a Certified Human Resource Professional, builds inclusive HR systems that strengthen organisational culture, compliance, and trust.
Kenya Team
James Musyoka
Co-Founder and Executive Director, KenyaJames built Kenya Connect from a PenPal program to a vibrant NGO working to create options and new pathways for over 18,000 students.
Patrick Munguti
Senior Director for ProgramsA self-taught computer expert, Patrick is leading the charge to bridge the digital divide for rural teachers and learners.
Debora Nyangweso
Director of Human Resource and Business AdministrationDebora, a Certified Human Resource Professional, builds inclusive HR systems that strengthen organisational culture, compliance, and trust.
Victoria David
Chef/JanitorVictoria is a passionate cook, widely recognized for making the best chapati in Wamunyu.
Maureen Gichohi
Program AssistantMaureen is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Intelligence and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology.
Danson Kaloki
DriverDanson is a skilled driver with over 20 years of expertise, known for his reliability, professionalism, and commitment to safety.
Primma Kioko
Program AssistantPrimma holds a Diploma in Business Management. She believes that collaboration is essential for personal and professional advancement.
Monicah Kyalo
Technology CoordinatorMonicah holds a B.A. in Criminology & Public Safety and is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering learners.
Brian Mateli
Empowerment Co-CoordinatorBrian Mateli is a committed professional in community development who holds a Bachelor's degree in Community Development.
Meshark Mbithi
Chef/JanitorMeshark holds a certificate in À La Carte Cookery and has built a successful career in the hospitality industry.
Brian Mbuvi
Program AssistantBrian Mbuvi holds a degree in Business Information Technology and is certified in Cisco networking by Strathmore University and the AALTI.
Kelvin Misoga
Quality of Education and PLC CoordinatorKelvin holds a Master’s degree in Physics Education from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Education Science.
Aaron Muema
Field Learning AssistantAaron delivers gamified math lessons in a low-pressure environment that builds confidence, closes learning gaps, and reduces math anxiety.
Esther Muinde
Literacy Coordinator and LibrarianEsther is a dynamic literacy advocate, driven by a deep passion for empowering others and holds a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science.
Peter Mumo
Program AssistantPeter holds a degree in Bachelor of Commerce, with a foundation in Finance & Accounting, and is passionate about community development.
David Mutembei
Pathways Co-CoordinatorDavid holds a Diploma in Community Health and Development, is experienced in mentorship, and literacy initiatives.
Joshua Mutheke
Program AssistantJoshua is self-driven and passionate about working with students, teachers, and the broader community to drive positive change.
Jacqueline Muthoka
Empowerment Co-CoordinatorJacqueline is a social development professional with a diploma in Social Development and was nominated for the 40 Under 40 Africa, 2025.
Daniel Mutuku
Water Kiosk AttendantDaniel plays a vital role in ensuring efficient distribution of clean water to the community and delivers excellent customer service.
Margaret Mutune
Monitoring and Evaluation CoordinatorMargaret is an M&E professional with experience in designing, implementing, and managing M&E processes.
Rael Mutunge
Program AssistantRael is a dedicated community development professional with a Bachelor's degree in Community Development.
Sharon Mwende
Pathways Co-CoordinatorSharon holds a BSc in Development Studies and is passionate about empowering students through creativity and hands-on learning.
Catherine Ndinda
Book Keeper/AccountantCatherine, a certified Public Accountant holds a Diploma in Business Administration. Her passion for reading drives her personal growth.
Felistus Tom
Program AssistantFelistus is a BSc graduate in Computer Science, passionate about technology and currently serves as a Program Assistant.
Cyrus Wambua
In-School CoordinatorCyrus holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology. His deep passion is driven by the inspiring smiles of students during field visits.
Kenya NGO Board of Directors
James Musyoka
Co-Founder and Executive Director, KenyaJames built Kenya Connect from a PenPal program to a vibrant NGO working to create options and new pathways for over 18,000 students.
Stephen Kilonzo
Board ChairStephen has a background in horticultural sciences and strategic management and excels in leadership, strategy, and networking.
John Kiendi
TreasurerJohn has a masters degree in special education with 23 years of experience working with persons with disabilities.
Joel Kilonzo
Joel is an electrical engineer with experience in the food/beverage industry. His passion is creating solutions that improve quality of life
Mary Mbithi
Mary Mbithi, PhD, HSC, is a Professor of Economics at Univ of Nairobi and Associate faculty member of Trade Policy Centre in Africa (TRAPCA)
Benson Musau
Benson is a finance professional in financial and project accounting. He brings skills in budgeting, project management, and networking.
Ann Njeri
Ann holds a MA in Peace Studies and International Relations, with 19 years’ experience in peace-building.
Tina Thyaka
Tina is an experienced educator in home schooling and as a yoga instructor. She brings a deep passion for education to the board.
Esther Wambua
Esther is a dedicated community health nurse with 10 years of experience in healthcare. Esther also enjoys baking and designing custom cakes
Peter Wambua
Peter brings audit and finance expertise to the resource mobilization committee. He is passionate about youth mentoring and community servic
Irene Wanjiru
Irene is a seasoned specialist who brings valuable experience in governance, risk oversight, and strategic leadership.
Kenya Connect, USA Board of Trustees
Lindsay Kincaid
Executive Director, USAAn educator and connector, Lindsay builds partnerships that strengthen community-rooted programs and expand opportunity for rural learners.
Marsha Trant
ChairWith a career in tech management at IBM and Avanade, she is using her expertise to lead KC’s board. MBA from Tuck and BA from Dartmouth.
Rosemary Kioko
Vice-ChairA systems engineer in the Aerospace industry, she is passionate about STEM and wants to enable students as the next generation of innovators
Chris Cochran
Finance ChairPayPal Executive inspired by trips to Wamunyu where he saw thoughtful and committed staff growing the world of each child through education
Lindsey Burns
Community volunteer, fundraiser and UNH grad, Lindsey collected over 5,200 panties for the Wings Poa Reusable Sanitary Pad Kits.
Jackie Crispell
After 30 yrs in information systems and relational database fields, she teaches Oracle classes and is a math instructor at Towson University
Cindy Dyer
Emeriti Board Chair, she is passionate about the empowering work of KC and shares her talents in tech, architecture, and mentoring.
Bill Marino
Worked in AI for a decade, startup founder (exit to Adobe), PhD student at Cambridge and visiting Lecturer at Cornell Tech.
Victor Odwori
A marketing and public relations consultant, he is a director of the board of the Friends of the Kenya Community Development Foundation.
Aashi Parikh
Technology-focused venture capital investor for foundational industries. Passionate about innovation, climate, and sustainable development.
Steve Sharpe
Retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Commander after 23 years' service and the American Bureau of Shipping, Steve oversees the KC5K.
Dorothy Sheppard
Retired Assoc. Dean of Students at JHU, she works with students in the college search process and is passionate about Kenya Connect students
Blair Villa
40 years in residential real estate and mortgage banking, Blair first traveled with Kenya Connect in 2023 and was inspired by the programs.
Leadership Emeriti
Sharon Runge
Executive Director EmeritaInspired by the passionate, creative, and dedicated staff, Sharon works to garner funds and partnerships to support their work.