Our Team
Introducing the dynamic and visionary team at Afrthtive! We are a passionate group of individuals united by a shared mission: to mobilize, connect, and empower communities to create sustainability focused solutions.
Dr. Truphena Choti
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
As the Founder and CEO of AfriThrive Inc, Dr. Truphena Choti is responsible for running the day-to-day business operations of the organization and works with the Board of Directors and staff to determine the strategic direction of the organization. Dr. Truphena Choti is a nonprofit strategist with over 25 years of development experience leading humanitarian and sustainable development projects globally. Previously, Dr. Truphena Choti was the Director of Education Programs at Nascent Solutions.
Over the years, she has served in leadership positions in various for-profit and nonprofit organizations. She holds a PhD in International Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park and a master’s degree from Georgia State University. Dr. Truphena’s passion for positively impacting the world extends beyond AfriThrive. She chairs the board of directors of Thrive Ventures Africa Inc. and sits on boards of various institutions, community, and faith-based groups.
Truphena Choti, PHD
Dr. Charles Choti
Director of Community Engagements and Partnerships
As the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, he holds the responsibility for developing and implementing holistic community engagement strategies.
His commitment lies in nurturing collaboration, forging connections, and catalyzing impactful transformation within the communities we support.
With a penchant for fundraising, he brings over 25 years of voluntary service for non-profit organizations to the forefront of his role. In addition, he has a long teaching experience at the university level as a Professor of History and Politics. He is a former Fulbright Scholar with a PhD in Africana Women Studies from Clark Atlanta University, Georgia, USA, a MA in History from University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a BA degree from Egerton University, Kenya.
His research interests include gender & development, politics, and international relations. He is the author of Gender and Electoral Politics in Kenya: The Case of Gusii Women, 1990-2002 (2013). Dr. Choti is widely traveled and has presented papers in national and international conferences. He has interests in reading, politics and gardening.
Prof. Charles Choti
Lydiah Owiti
Director of Programs and Policy
As the Director of Programs and Policy at AfriThrive, Lydiah Owiti-Otienoh is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive sustainable impact in the communities we serve. Her leadership is centered on enhancing program delivery, fostering partnerships, and advancing policies that address food insecurity, health disparities, and social inequities among African immigrant and refugee populations.
Lydiah brings over 15 years of local and international experience to this role, from working with Hiring Our Heroes, a US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Kenya Export Processing Zones Authority, Kenya Investment Authority among others. Her qualifications are supported by a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and Masters’ degrees in Project management, and International Development Management.
A fervent advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social change, Lydiah is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities for transformative impact. Reflecting her humanitarian ethos, she embodies Martin Luther King Jr.’s timeless words: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Lydiah Owiti
Maurine Njororo
Maurine Njororo is the Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator at AfriThrive. She joined the organization in 2023 with a passion to building thriving communities through various initiatives having worked closely with Non-profit Organizations engaging in Community outreach activities. She possesses skills in mobilizing and fundraising resources from networks. Her experiences can be traced from organizations like the Karura Community Center (Kenya), an organization that reaches and provide resources for the communities ranging from food supplies, education funds, a mentoring program for the youth and care for the elderly.
A bachelor’s degree holder in Applied Chemistry (Technical University of Kenya), she embraced this path even though she had a secure job with the production company Bombil Industry as a production assistant. The higher call drove her to a 7 years’ experience with Umbrella Properties (Kenya) where her management, networking and sales skills were amplified. She also possesses profound organizational skills, project management and people relations skills acquired over years of career shaping. She works closely with the CEO of AfriThrive and senior management team offering administrative support and is a great team player in the AfriThrive organization.
Maurine Njororo
Tanya Doka-Spandhla
Farm and Food Education Manager
Tanya Doka-Spandhla is the Farm & Food Education Manager at AfriThrive. With a strong background as a farmer, community advocate, and visionary behind Passion To Seed Gardening, Tanya brings vast experience to her role.
With over a decade in the field, she’s successfully managed her own sustainable agricultural enterprise.
Beyond her farm, Tanya is active in various organizations, such as the Montgomery County (MoCo) Food Council and the Montgomery Countryside Alliance. She’s committed to preserving the region’s agricultural heritage. She’s also involved in the Farm-to-Food Bank Program by Manna Food, helping those in need.
Tanya initiated “The Hope and Resilience Garden,” supplying fresh produce and gardening skills to a women’s shelter in Gaithersburg, MD, empowering residents. Previously in ICT roles, her blend of tech expertise and agricultural insight is unique.
Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, Tanya’s farming passion grew from her parents’ backyard to the DMV area. Her dedication and achievements have been recognized by media outlets like The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, PBS, and more.
Tanya Doka-Spandhla
Jefferson Mandela
Director of Strategy and Finance
Jefferson Mandela is the Director of Strategy and Finance. In this role, Mr. Mandela is responsible for enhancing the AfriThrive’s strategy, managing the financial performance, improving the effectiveness of the programs, developing and maintaining web presence and related technology, and providing insights in both medium and long-range planning.
Mr. Mandela 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 extensive career experience in energy company management and strategy, state energy regulations, policy development, and financial economics.
Mr. Mandela is passionate about community development, empowerment, and inclusiveness. He serves as the Board President of Carroll Museums Inc, based in Baltimore City. He has also served on the board of Dundalk Renaissance Corporation and Exelon’s Eco-Team Baltimore Chapter.
Jefferson Mandela
