Dedicated team committed to supporting women
who launch ideas that Innovate and thrive

Our Team

Yareka Mhango

President & CEO

Zambian Born Founder and President of Center for women empowerment and Development (Anakazi Center), which seeks to create and Foster support networks for business development and partnerships, and create networking platforms for African women across the globe including the United States, Zambia, South Africa and Kenya. As part of the organization's advocacy work she hosts the Center's signature radio program "Voices of Anakazi" which has featured numerous trailblazing and accomplished women across the globe. She is currently Chief Financial Officer for the Phoenix Houses of New York.

Patience Sakuringwa

Director, Business Development Specialist

A private sector specialist wih 24 years experience in Small and Medium Enterprise development. She has established and built capacity of Business Associations and Cooperatives in rural and urban areas and has a strong background in Local Economic Empowerment. As well as working with Investment Agencies and Organisations, she is well conversant with Public Sector policy issues related to Business Development.

Nicole McKenzie

Director, Marketing and Public Relations

A New Jersey resident, born and raised in Oklahoma, She has a passion for helping others. Nicole began her professional career as an Engineer in the United States Navy, and branched into Marketing and Business Development, dedicated to delivering transformational Marketing solutions. Nicole comprehends and tracks the trends of the market and direct market penetration plans. Nicole analyzes the competition and reviews the results of market research to steer the company’s marketing strategy accordingly.

Namonje photo

Namonje Chimwala

Manager, Development & Community Relations

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Susan Zulu
Program Manager, Zambia

Graceful

graceful Kamanga

Director, Member Services
Graceful Kamanga is a passionate business woman. Graceful’s passion revolves around working with people and ultimately their satisfaction. Graceful’s grass roots are Hotel and Tourism which sparked her passion for excellent customer service. She spent her formative years working as a College Lecturer at the Hotel & Tourism Training Institute in Lusaka, Zambia. Graceful currently runs a Zambian based Cosmetics business and spends a lot of time conducting informal training with young people, particularly women. She is a firm believer in the ‘what do you have in your hand’ concept to enable start ups and building thriving businesses from little capital.

Malo

Maloza Shaba

Fashion, Intern