Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors
The Guiding Force for Good
Our board balances the pursuit of growth with prudent risk management, while upholding corporate governance standards and fostering transparency.
Chairman of the Board
Dr. Otiso is Professor of Geography, Professor of Service Excellence (2017-2020), and Director of the Global Village at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. He’s the founding president of the US-based Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA). He has a PhD in Urban and Economic Geography from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, USA, an MA from Ohio University, USA, and a B.Ed from Kenyatta University, Kenya.
His research interests are in urbanization, globalization, international migration, development, governance, and cultural change in the context of Africa and North America. He is co-author of Population Geography: Problems, Concepts, and Prospects, 10th Edition (Kendall Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, IA, 2013) and author of Culture and Customs of Tanzania (Greenwood Press, 2013), Culture and Customs of Uganda (Greenwood Press, 2006) and many refereed journal articles, book chapters, and editorials. He has presented papers in many national and international conferences and is a past editor of the African Geographical Review. He is a 2008 recipient of the Republic of Kenya’s Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) award and is a frequent media commentator who has been featured on many US, Kenyan, and other international news outlets. He is an active volunteer in many community initiatives.
Secretary
Jane Mwebi, PhD
Dr. Mwebi has rich experience serving on board committees, having served as a member of The Institute of Internal Auditors Global Public Sector Committee, the local church’s Women’s Ministries Committee, and the Community Services Committee.
Jane currently serves on the board of her local church and chairs the Community Services Committee. Her academic background is in accounting and finance. She has extensive professional experience in auditing and risk management in both the public and private sectors.
Jane is a Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). She holds a doctoral degree (PhD) in Management (Finance) and a Master’s in Business Administration degree (MBA) from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Board Member
Roselyn Akombe, PhD
Dr. Akombe is the Chief of Policy at the Policy and Mediation Division, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at the United Nations in New York. In 2017, Dr. Akombe served as a Commissioner with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). She also previously worked with the African Union as an Economist. Dr. Akombe is an advocate for the protection of human rights, social justice, environmental protection, and inclusion of youth and women in all political and socio-economic spheres of life.
As a student leader in Kenya, Dr. Akombe led demonstrations to protect Karura forest, demand for a new constitution, and denounce police brutality. Dr. Akombe later joined the women’s movement in Kenya co-authoring her first monogram, Setting the Pace: Kenyan Women in the 7th and 8th Parliament. She continued this work in the United States with WomenRising Inc. focusing on economic opportunities for Black women. Dr. Akombe supports several causes dedicated to social justice and the full involvement of youth and women in all aspects of life.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nairobi and Masters and Doctorate degrees from Rutgers University.
Board Member
James Mogendi Arati
James is a professional business advisor for agricultural businesses and entrepreneurs. He is currently a small business development specialist at Oklahoma State University. He develops and provides educational programs and applied research activities to improve farm, food and natural resources-based businesses.
With a wealth of experience spanning agricultural production practices, economic development, project implementation, entrepreneurship, workforce investment and stakeholder engagement, James is a well-rounded professional. He holds a Masters degree in Agribusiness from Kansas State University and a bachelors degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls, further solidifying his expertise.
James has worked with several non-profit organizations in Kenya and the USA. He is passionate about growing and fostering community engagement through a strong sense of social responsibility.
Board Member
Joshua Ariga, PhD
Dr Ariga is a senior program officer with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has over 20 years’ experience working with global and local development partners to support governments design and implement evidence-based policies that enable investments in agriculture. Before joining the Foundation, he was head of the policy program at the International Fertilizer Development Center where he led fertilizer regulatory and policy activities in Asia and Africa. He is a leading international development specialist in the design, implementation and management of development projects and has advised policy makers and consulted for international organizations and development partners.
He has published journal articles and chapters in books covering a range of policy issues. In 2017 he received the Bruce Gardner Memorial Prize for applied policy analysis in recognition of outstanding impact on agricultural and related policy. Joshua has a PhD in agricultural economics from Michigan State University and master’s degree from the University of Arizona.
Board Member
Channing Heng
Channida is a Vice President at TD Bank, with 9+ years in financial industry. He is a member of TD Bank Regional Lead in the Delaware/Maryland Market. He is responsible for new business development, consumer/residential/business lending, managing/overseeing the day-to-day operations. He generates millions in revenue sales through banking products and services.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of Maryland in College Park, MD and an associate degree in Business Administration from Montgomery College in Rockville, MD.
Channida actively volunteers for charities supporting fundraising efforts and community development. He joins AfriThrive with vast experience in advising on financial products and providing strategic insights on organizational development. He is very passionate about improving lives and adding great value to the communities we serve.
Board Member
Jefferson Mandela
Jefferson is passionate about community development, professional empowerment, and corporate inclusiveness. He currently works as a Manager of Regulatory Affairs for CFC. He serves as the Board President of Carroll Museums Inc, based in Baltimore City, Maryland. He has previously served on the board of Dundalk Renaissance Corporation and Exelon’s Eco-Team Baltimore Chapter.
He holds a Masters of Science degree in Energy Policy and Climate from The Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Economics from University of Maryland Baltimore County. He also has an Associates of Science degree in Business Administration from Montgomery College.
He has an extensive career in energy regulations, electricity and gas pricing, revenue policy and strategy, and financial economics, with over 10 years of experience in the energy industry.
