Boniface Mouti
Country Manager
James Wabara
Assistant Country Manager | Head of Community Development Program
Jeddy Chepkurui
Human Resource Officer
Nicodemus Nyamumbo
Procurement and Logistics Officer
Wilkister Akinyi
Education Program Manager
Jackline Missati
Program Officer
Gibson Irungu
Community Development Officer
Jane Kadogo
Programs Coordinator (Baringo)
Joshua Ikaro
Program Officer
Joan Olasia Mukoya
Program Officer
Bridget Tuei
Accounts Assistant
Lilian Achieng
Program Officer
Moses Gachunji
Child Protection Officer
Stephen Njogu
Programs Accountant
Peter Mwaura
Communications and Sponsorship Officer
Christopher Kakimon
Program Officer
Roy Kipchumba
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Mathlida Oketch
Program Officer
Mercy Ochanda
Program Officer
Margaret Muthoni
Special Needs Education Teacher
Hassan Mwangi
Driver
Francis Makuk
Assistant Accountant
Dennis Cheboi
Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant
Franklin Arukudi
Program Officer
Cephas Mondi
Driver
Festus Lomuk
Program Officer
Nelson Apura
Social Worker
Roselyne Mariki
Country Manager
Wilson Kaijage
Monitoring & Evaluation Manager
Peter Nelson
Education Program Officer
Paulo Loishiye
Finance Manager
Yasin Mohammed Dudu
Driver
Zaddock Kweka
Community Engagement
Manager
Mohamed Jumanne
Shamba Letu Field Officer
Doreen Gabriel
Community Development Officer
Davis Manyinyi
Accounts Officer
Charles Isaya Mnyororo
School Improvement Officer
Cesilia Ndashuka
MEL Officer
John Jonas Mwakipesile
Communications & Logistics Officer
Justine Mesanga
Infrastructure Manager
Judith Abel Kitinga
Child Safeguarding Officer
Cassandra Treadwell
CEO & Founder
Sean Mura
COO and CFO
Clelia Preziuso
Administration Manager
Rita Reichelova
International Program Manager
Ellie Knight
Communications & Marketing Manager
Emily Whitehouse
Partnerships Manager
Lisa Wagg
Sponsor Relations Manager
Angela O'Connell
Grants Manager
Elise Norman
Fundraising & Community Engagement Officer
Tony Bleasdale
Strategic Partnerships Coordinator
Hannah McNicol
Grants, Research and Communications Executive
Amber Matthews
Chair of So They Can Board
- Amber has had a diverse career spanning 25 years as a lawyer and in senior leadership roles across DLA Piper, one of the world's largest law firms (including a presence in 19 countries in Africa).
- She started her career as a corporate lawyer in Sydney and then moved to London. During her 11 years there, she became DLA Piper's global General Counsel and held a wide range of risk and governance responsibilities.
- Most recently, Amber was the Managing Partner for DLA Piper in Australia from 2019 to 2025. She oversaw the day-to-day operations of the business in Australia and was responsible for implementing the firm’s strategic vision.
- Amber has a strong sense of fairness and has advocated throughout her career for the importance of equality of opportunity for everyone, recognising that many people don't have that opportunity for a variety of different reasons.
- Amber believes access to education is the foundation for so many opportunities in life. She has joined the board of So They Can to help our mission of providing access to education to African students, so they can achieve their potential.
Cassandra Treadwell
Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Co-Founder
- Cassandra Treadwell is the Co‑Founder and CEO of So They Can, a leading international charity that she launched in 2009 to provide access to quality education in East Africa. Her vision for creating social impact is rooted in the belief that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. She rejects traditional charity models that create dependency, and champions true impact that comes from locally driven partnerships that empower local communities to lead their own development.
- Cass’ leadership has underscored the organisation’s evolution from a traditional aid approach that relies on overseas funding at one school, to direct partnerships with 52 government schools in Kenya and Tanzania, supporting nearly 50,000 children with access to education and community development. A unique, long-term and sustainable approach that has made her a thought leader in the sector, and gained So They Can Full Accreditation with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which puts them in the top 1% of Australia’s charities.
- In her TEDx talk, Revolutionising Charity, Cass shares how the African philosophy of Ubuntu—I am because of you— has inspired her to drive collective action against poverty. Today So They Can has entities globally in Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Tanzania, UK, and US and over $40 million has been mobilised. Cass was appointed as an Advisor on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Centre’s International Advisory Board in 2024, awarded Women’s Refuge Services Inspirational Woman of the Year in 2022, and has been a New Zealander of the Year finalist.
Keri Chittenden
Director and Founder
- Bachelor of Business (Land Economy).
- 3 years project management with Lend Lease Development in Sydney and London.
- 10 years event production and general manager for David Grant Special Events.
- 10 years owner/director of the Skywalk Company, operating as executive producer/ project manager.
- 10 years’ experience in international development and NGO projects.
- Recognised as one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence in 2015.
David Southon
Director
- Bachelor of Business (Land Economy).
- Co-founder, Director and Executive Chair of the Aliro Group, an institutional quality property development, investment and funds management group
- Over 30 years' experience in the office, industrial, retail and residential property sectors.
- In 1991 David co-founded of Charter Hall Group, a diversified listed property investment and funds management group with over 45 billion of funds under management.
Previous Positions
- Joint Managing Director of Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC).
- Director of Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR).
- Director of Charter Hall Direct.
- Director of Commercial Industrial Property.
- Member of NSW Advisory Board of the Property Industry Foundation.
- Director and Vice President of Property Council Australia.
- Member of various investment committees of unlisted property funds.
Aidan Coleman
Director
- Aidan joined Scentre Group in 2019, and has over 25 years technology experience across a range of industries and geographies including retail, real estate, media, consumer goods, consulting, financial services and telecommunications.
- In his current role as Chief Technology Officer for Scentre Group, Aidan leads the delivery of the groups digital & technology capabilities with a distinct focus on enabling operational excellence & growth initiatives across all aspects of the organisation.
- Prior to joining Scentre group, Aidan worked at Charter Hall Group as Chief Technology Officer and was awarded #3 in the CIO Magazine Top 50 Australian CIO’s in 2018. Aidan’s additional experience includes senior technology leadership roles at Stockland, News Corporation, Diageo and Accenture.
- Aidan holds a Bachelors Degree (Hons) in Information Technology and Telecommunications, as well as a Masters Degree in Business Administration and Technology.
Georgie Herb
Director
Georgie Herb is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bold Trading, a global investment advisor in the energy and commodities space. Georgie’s role as CEO involves ensuring the efficient ongoing operations of the company, as well as longer term strategic planning and problem solving. Georgie has worked in commodities markets for over 15 years, working for banks and proprietary trading companies including Macquarie Bank and Epoch Capital before launching Bold in 2019.
Georgie is a passionate philanthropist, with a strong focus on education, especially for girls and women. Georgie believes that education is the pathway out of extreme poverty for both individuals and communities, and that all children should have the opportunity to access quality education.
Georgie is also a believer in effective altruism – everyone has their own unique skill set and should use those skills to maximise the ways in which they can give back to those in need. She has joined the board of So They Can to bring her skillset and perspective to our mission of providing access to education to African students, so they can reach their potential and one day also give back to their own communities.
Georgie holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Management).
Diana Crossan
Chair of So They Can New Zealand
Diana started her career as a probation officer. She held several senior roles in the public service including the head of the Equal Employment Opportunities unit and Group Manager HR for the Justice Department.
She later held a number of leadership roles in the private sector in New Zealand and the UK, before returning to New Zealand as Retirement Commissioner and then Chief Executive for Wellington Free Ambulance.
Diana is on several boards in the private, public and community sectors, including Chair of the JR McKenzie Trust and the Ngai Tahu Savings Scheme, Whai Rawa.
Her community work focuses on justice and wellbeing for New Zealanders and include work with disadvantaged women and families, financial literacy, financial products and support for refugees.
Diana was appointed Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Year honours.
Cassandra Treadwell
Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Co-Founder
- Cassandra Treadwell is the Co‑Founder and CEO of So They Can, a leading international charity that she launched in 2009 to provide access to quality education in East Africa. Her vision for creating social impact is rooted in the belief that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. She rejects traditional charity models that create dependency, and champions true impact that comes from locally driven partnerships that empower local communities to lead their own development.
- Cass’ leadership has underscored the organisation’s evolution from a traditional aid approach that relies on overseas funding at one school, to direct partnerships with 52 government schools in Kenya and Tanzania, supporting nearly 50,000 children with access to education and community development. A unique, long-term and sustainable approach that has made her a thought leader in the sector, and gained So They Can Full Accreditation with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which puts them in the top 1% of Australia’s charities.
- In her TEDx talk, Revolutionising Charity, Cass shares how the African philosophy of Ubuntu—I am because of you— has inspired her to drive collective action against poverty. Today So They Can has entities globally in Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Tanzania, UK, and US and over $40 million has been mobilised. Cass was appointed as an Advisor on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Centre’s International Advisory Board in 2024, awarded Women’s Refuge Services Inspirational Woman of the Year in 2022, and has been a New Zealander of the Year finalist.
Ellen Cheyne
Trustee
Ellen holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and is a member of Chartered Accountants ANZ.
With over 20 years’ experience in Financial Services, Retail, Infrastructure and Professional Services, Ellen has enjoyed a successful international career spanning New Zealand in the UK.
Currently Chief Financial Officer of Retirement Income Group, Ellen also holds a number of community board positions including Trustee of New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Perpetual Members Trust and Trustee of So They Can New Zealand.
Ellen is passionate about social justice and inclusion, and has been a strong supporter of So They Can’s work in East Africa for a number of years.
Michelle Luping
Trustee
Michelle is a Director of a Wellington consultancy firm and works on various assignments that cover a range of industries. Michelle is an outcomes-based thinker, thriving on complex challenges.
She has extensive experience in legal, procurement, strategic consulting and programme management roles in the public and private sector.
She’s commercially astute with strong negotiating skills, handling intricate pieces of work and implementing effective governance models. She’s highly regarded for establishing strong working and stakeholder relationships.
Michelle’s passion for So They Can comes from a deep seated belief that education provides children with the confidence to build on their talents. Every child should have a baseline on which to grow and develop their natural learning instincts as from there, they can create a continuum of education for the future children.
Margie Chambers
Trustee
Margie holds a Masters in Business Administration along with a NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Investment). She is also a member of Financial Advice NZ.
She is an experienced leader with international business experience, and has held programme roles in both public and private organisations. More recently she has owned and operated a number of small businesses.
Margie enjoys sharing her knowledge and believes that education is key to creating opportunity. She has been an active supporter of So They Can since 2020.
Olivia West
Trustee
Olivia holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago, majoring in Accounting with a minor in Business Law.
Olivia has built a career in technology and sustainability at HP Inc, where she currently leads sustainability strategy and customer engagement across Asia Pacific and America, following several leadership roles focused on sustainable impact and community initiatives.
Passionate about education, sustainability, and social impact, Olivia has led and community programmes that have diverted thousands of kilograms of e-waste from landfill and raised significant funds for schools.
Olivia joined the board of So They Can to contribute her expertise in sustainability, marketing, and stakeholder engagement to help empower communities through education.
Christie Esch
Director
Christie has over 25 years of experience working as an Account Executive across leading technology companies in the United States and Asia Pacific. In this role, she works with global organisations to enable digital transformation using innovative technology solutions.
In addition to her professional career, Christie is passionate about holistic health and is a certified Holistic Nutritionist. She volunteers her time to educate and create health and wellness programs, with a focus on children’s health and wellness.
Having grown up in Jamaica, Christie recognises the importance of education and mentoring programs. She is especially passionate about mentoring young people and actively mentors High School and University students to develop career plans.
Christie holds a dual degree in International Finance and Economics from the University of Southern California.
Valerie Danielewicz
Director
Valerie's career has focused on both law and banking. She started as a lawyer in Washington, DC specializing in national plaintiff class action cases. She then moved from the legal field to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. where she worked as a Vice President in Corporate Trust Services.
Valerie has a heart for children and is very active in youth development programs. She spends her time volunteering in the public school system and her passion for youth education currently has her serving on a committee allocating funds for innovative teach grants.
Valerie holds a Law Degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University.
Valerie currently resides in California.
Cassandra Treadwell
Chief Executive Officer, Director and Co-Founder
Cassandra Treadwell is the Co‑Founder and CEO of So They Can, a leading international charity that she launched in 2009 to provide access to quality education in East Africa. Her vision for creating social impact is rooted in the belief that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. She rejects traditional charity models that create dependency, and champions true impact that comes from locally driven partnerships that empower local communities to lead their own development.
Cass’ leadership has underscored the organisation’s evolution from a traditional aid approach that relies on overseas funding at one school, to direct partnerships with 52 government schools in Kenya and Tanzania, supporting nearly 50,000 children with access to education and community development. A unique, long-term and sustainable approach that has made her a thought leader in the sector, and gained So They Can Full Accreditation with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which puts them in the top 1% of Australia’s charities.
In her TEDx talk, Revolutionising Charity, Cass shares how the African philosophy of Ubuntu—I am because of you— has inspired her to drive collective action against poverty. Today So They Can has entities globally in Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Tanzania, UK, and US and over $40 million has been mobilised. Cass was appointed as an Advisor on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Centre’s International Advisory Board in 2024, awarded Women’s Refuge Services Inspirational Woman of the Year in 2022, and has been a New Zealander of the Year finalist.
Harry Margolis
Director
Harry has more than 35 years of experience as an elder law attorney in Massachusetts, having founded the ten-lawyer law firm of Margolis Bloom & D’Agostino. But he’s never been a full-time attorney. He’s written extensively about elder law, special needs and estate planning both for other legal professionals and consumers and founded organizations of elder law and special needs planning attorneys. He now answers consumer questions about estate planning on MarketWatch.com, TheStreet.com and his own website, AskHarry.info.
Harry is a Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel,, has served on the adjunct faculty of Boston College Law School, and been designated as one of the top 100 lawyer in Massachusetts since 2019. He believes strongly that the best legal solutions are achieved through the partnership of well-informed clients and attorneys who combine great technical expertise, experience, and an ability to listen.
Harry is especially interested in how his own charitable giving and that of his clients and others can be more effective. Harry is a graduate of the New York University School of Law and of Swarthmore College.
Tom Benner
Director
Tom has been President and CEO of Lesaffre Corporation and Red Star Yeast Company since 2016. With its mission ‘To Better Nourish and Protect the Planet’, Lesaffre is a provider of ingredients and fermentation products for companies serving baking, food taste and pleasure, and other industries.
After beginning in manufacturing, his career has spanned commercial, functional, and operational leadership roles in large global chemistry and materials companies. Prior to joining Lesaffre in 2016, he was Chief Commercial Officer at Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE: RYAM). Prior to that, he was global President of the Silica Division and member of the Management Committee of Solvay, a global chemistry company based in Belgium. Tom has specialized in leading global businesses in both growth and turnaround contexts.
Tom holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University and an M.B.A. from Columbia University in New York.
Boniface Mouti
Director
Boni is an expert and published author on matters of children’s rights in Africa, with over 15 years of experience in the sector.
He joined So They Can Kenya in 2013, following over a decade of working in the development sector in Tanzania. Boni's motivation to join So They Can was largely to use the skills and wide experience he had gained in development work to transform the lives of vulnerable children and individuals in his home country.
Boni’s goal is to make a sustainable and long-lasting difference by working hard to increase access to quality education for children in Kenya, particularly from marginalised and needy communities. He is driven to empower the next generation to enable social, political and economic growth for Kenya and more broadly, East Africa.
Sean Mura
Director
- Sean holds a business degree, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Justice of the Peace (JP)
- A Fellow member of the Institute of Public Accountants, member of the Chartered Management Institute and a Certified Practicing Marketer.
- An accomplished Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer with extensive expertise in increasing business productivity and building high-performance teams.
- Demonstrated history in the NGO sector, franchising, and the health and fitness industry, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Director.
- Skills in business planning, analytical skills, retail, management, and leadership have been pivotal in driving organisational success.
- Sean's commitment to excellence and his strategic vision have made him a respected leader in the SME sector.
- His ability to inspire teams and drive impactful initiatives has significantly contributed to the success and growth of the organisations he has been a part of.
Roselyne Mariki
Director
Roselyne strongly believes that each person is born intelligent, and that circumstances shape us differently. She is passionate in empowering rural based Children to reach their full potential. Currently, the Country Manager for So They Can Tanzania, she is privileged to be part of a team that works with rural based communities, bringing positive impact everyday.
She trained as a Chemical & Process Engineer, specialized in Environmental Engineer, and is a pioneer for promoting STEM in rural schools, especially for marginalized girls. She has worked in different sectors, including forestry, renewable energy, climate change, agriculture, and at all times working with underserved communities. She believes in educating the girl and boy child for building better families.
Boniface Mouti
Director
Boni is an expert and published author on matters of children’s rights in Africa, with over 15 years of experience in the sector.
He joined So They Can Kenya in 2013, following over a decade of working in the development sector in Tanzania. Boni's motivation to join So They Can was largely to use the skills and wide experience he had gained in development work to transform the lives of vulnerable children and individuals in his home country.
Boni’s goal is to make a sustainable and long-lasting difference by working hard to increase access to quality education for children in Kenya, particularly from marginalised and needy communities. He is driven to empower the next generation to enable social, political and economic growth for Kenya and more broadly, East Africa.
Sean Mura
Director
- Sean holds a business degree, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Justice of the Peace (JP)
- A Fellow member of the Institute of Public Accountants, member of the Chartered Management Institute and a Certified Practicing Marketer.
- An accomplished Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer with extensive expertise in increasing business productivity and building high-performance teams.
- Demonstrated history in the NGO sector, franchising, and the health and fitness industry, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Director.
- Skills in business planning, analytical skills, retail, management, and leadership have been pivotal in driving organisational success.
- Sean's commitment to excellence and his strategic vision have made him a respected leader in the SME sector.
- His ability to inspire teams and drive impactful initiatives has significantly contributed to the success and growth of the organisations he has been a part of.
Jesca Moiro
Director
Jesca joined Mamire Teachers College in September 2018 as the College Principal, a position which she holds to-date. She has a background in education and agriculture. She has more than 26 years of teaching experience in Agricultural Science and has held leadership roles for 25 years.
Prior to joining Mamire Teachers College, Jesca worked at the Monduli Teachers College, from a humble beginning as a Dormitory warden for 1 year, to becoming the Dean of Students and later the College Vice Principal.
She is passionate in delivering quality education, and has been instrumental in ensuring that Mamire Teachers College remains to be one of the best in Tanzania.
Katja Ullrich-North
Chair of So They Can UK
Katja is a partner and director of knowledge at a leading international law firm based in London. She has spent her career working in the legal industry, both in-house and private practice law firms.
Katja is actively involved in a number of committees focused on championing gender equality, social mobility and diversity and inclusion.
Aleena Khan
Director
Aleena Khan is an accomplished professional with over 10 years of experience in the international development sector. She has a strong background in designing and managing youth and health-focused interventions in various contexts across East and North Africa, and South Asia.
With expertise in thematic areas such as youth empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal and neonatal child health, gender transformative programming, and health systems strengthening, Aleena brings a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues. Believing in the power of partnerships and collaboration, Aleena leverages these approaches to ensure enduring health and social change. Her commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals, especially the youth, is evident through her efforts to address their needs and promote their rights.
Aleena holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies from the American University of Sharjah and a Master's degree in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London. Currently residing in London, UK, she is dedicated to contributing to the betterment of communities and advocating for positive change.
Justin North
Director
Justin is the founder of Pickering Pearce - a management consultancy firm that works with international law firms. He has worked in the legal industry for close to 30 years and has an active interest in a number of social justice areas.
Justin is Trustee of Adoption UK and an Advisory Board member of BARBRI Global and Maanch.
Cassandra Treadwell
Chief Executive Officer, Director and Co-Founder
Cassandra Treadwell is the Co‑Founder and CEO of So They Can, a leading international charity that she launched in 2009 to provide access to quality education in East Africa. Her vision for creating social impact is rooted in the belief that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. She rejects traditional charity models that create dependency, and champions true impact that comes from locally driven partnerships that empower local communities to lead their own development.
Cass’ leadership has underscored the organisation’s evolution from a traditional aid approach that relies on overseas funding at one school, to direct partnerships with 52 government schools in Kenya and Tanzania, supporting nearly 50,000 children with access to education and community development. A unique, long-term and sustainable approach that has made her a thought leader in the sector, and gained So They Can Full Accreditation with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which puts them in the top 1% of Australia’s charities.
In her TEDx talk, Revolutionising Charity, Cass shares how the African philosophy of Ubuntu—I am because of you— has inspired her to drive collective action against poverty. Today So They Can has entities globally in Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Tanzania, UK, and US and over $40 million has been mobilised. Cass was appointed as an Advisor on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Centre’s International Advisory Board in 2024, awarded Women’s Refuge Services Inspirational Woman of the Year in 2022, and has been a New Zealander of the Year finalist.