President

Forest is an experienced entrepreneur, program manager, and volunteer with the United Nations. He has a degree from the University of Minnesota in Social Justice, Business, and Leadership and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in International Development from the University of York in England. Strong with developing relationships, Forest has experience growing organizations through financial, operational, and external partnership support. Passionate about finding ways to help the world fulfil the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, he is deeply motivated by Free Haven Community Initiative’s mission of holistic poverty alleviation for vulnerable families in Zambia.

Vice President

Roark is an architect with a broad range of experience from large urban design schemes to impactful local insertions. Working in South Africa has given him the opportunity to be involved in many social and community driven projects and much of his academic and professional focus has been on the development of affordable housing in South Africa and around the world. Roark recently founded Roro, a design consultancy that works on global projects surrounding the growing housing crisis in the world’s major cities, with a focus on affordability and the development of active and engaged urban spaces. His experience will be instrumental as FHCI moves through the process of developing its planned community center in Livingstone.

Secretary

Mirna is a student currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations at University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology. She works as a production manager and editor at independent student project AGORA Magazine and has been actively volunteering with several both local and international non-profit and youth led organizations. Mirna has a background in strategic development and communication as well as advertising. Inspired by Free Haven Community Initiative’s values and determined engagement in providing underprivileged communities with a sustainable future, she joined the board of FHCI as a Strategic Partnerships Director where she can best implement her skills in fostering professional collaboration.

Board Member

Jack is an experienced development professional with over 23 years in the NGO sector, specializing in governance, public policy, youth leadership, financial inclusion, and community development. Currently serving as the Director of Programmes at Zambia Red Cross Society, Jack provides strategic leadership in humanitarian and development programs. He has also worked as the Interim Program Manager at Aflatoun International, the Country Director at Miracle Corners Zambia, and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Zambian Governance Foundation. He holds a Ph.D. in Business and Management from the University of Zambia, and his rich background in project management, fundraising, and capacity building will be incredible assets to FHCI.

Board Member

Catherine is a Senior Project Manager at Bradley Project Management with a Bachelor of Science in Geography, specializing in sustainable development. Over her career, Catherine has developed a robust skill set by working across various multidisciplinary fields, from managing large-scale geothermal power station projects to overseeing local infrastructure developments. Catherine's entrepreneurial spirit led her to also establish and operate a business dedicated to providing healthy and nutritious meals for babies and young children. For seven years, she navigated the challenges of running a business, focusing on delivering quality products that supported the well-being of young families. Catherine’s connection to FHCI began when she volunteered with the organization in Livingstone for a month. Her deep passion for the organization's goals led her to join the board in 2024, where she continues to contribute her expertise and commitment to sustainable development.

Board Member

Maheen is a versatile professional with a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Toronto, specializing in Finance and Business Management. With over three years of cross-industry experience, Maheen has held leadership positions in design, consulting, and finance, demonstrating her ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver impactful results. She founded SeedxTech, a product design and branding firm, where she helped small to mid-sized businesses transition to virtual models during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience also includes roles in fund accounting, strategic partnerships, and policy research, contributing to her comprehensive understanding of financial systems and business strategy.

Board Member

Alissa brings a wealth of experience in program management, stakeholder engagement, and conservation. She holds a Master of Education in Environmental Education and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota. Currently, she serves as the Event & Program Manager at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she leads the Grad Academy's professional and career development programming, managing events, workshops, and initiatives aimed at supporting a diverse student body. With a strong background in environmental education, she has worked on numerous conservation projects and partnered with federal agencies to drive climate-related efforts. She even worked with FHCI previously as a volunteer researcher in 2022 and 2023, and we are so happy she decided to join our board in 2024!

Board Member

Emmanuel is an expert agricultural economist and thought leader in Financial Inclusion. He has lead multi sectoral projects in Agriculture, Health and Nutrition, Environment, Finance and Technology. He has worked extensively on issues of market systems development, trade, regional and global value chains, and economic regulation in Southern Africa advising governments, NGOs and businesses. Emmanuel is a member of Market Systems Community Hub of Practice and African Agricultural Economics Association. Emmanuel also has over 10 years’ experience in Market Systems Development, Inclusive Development Finance, Sustainable Finance, Rural development and Climate change, Knowledge Management, Financial Inclusion, Gender, Social Inclusion and Women Empowerment.

Board Member

Adam is an experienced sales leader with a passion for philanthropy and global advancement and a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management from the University of Delaware. As the Director of Sales at Avkin, Adam has driven significant revenue growth while managing a diverse international sales team. His dedication to empowering communities is evident in his founding of Bitcoin Victoria Falls, an initiative in Zambia focused on financial education and empowerment through open-source code. Adam's strong background in financial operations, international communication, and nonprofit work, combined with his leadership skills, makes him a valuable member of the board.

Board Member

Patrick is a dedicated and hardworking medical doctor who received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Mulungushi University here in Zambia. With a strong passion for health promotion and patient care, Patrick has developed excellent skills in infection prevention, decision-making, and problem-solving. He also contributes to health education initiatives and mentors junior students. We are particularly happy to have Patrick on the board because he was the first student sponsored by FHCI to graduate from university. He has decided to pay it forward, and we’re so excited to have his invaluable insight help guide our future decisions.

Board Member

Curtis is an accomplished growth strategist and digital marketing expert with a strong focus on leveraging data to drive performance. He graduated with a double major in Economics and German Language from Washington and Lee University. As the Founder of UpRight Growth Company, he specializes in using advanced data analytics to optimize marketing campaigns and deliver outstanding results for clients. Curtis has held key roles in companies like HealthCare.com, where he led performance marketing innovations, and Fēnx Digital, focusing on paid search and e-commerce strategies. His extensive experience spans industries such as financial services, e-commerce, and healthcare, making him a valuable asset to the board.

Board Member

Nicole is a seasoned digital product designer and entrepreneur with a strong background in marketing and user-centered design. She runs a design agency, Devy Digital, and is dedicated to working with purpose-led businesses, helping them achieve their goals through thoughtful and impactful design solutions. Nicole has a rich history of working with both nonprofits and impact-driven businesses, contributing her expertise to a wide range of projects across green-tech, youth development, health, and humanitarian aid. Nicole holds a dual degree in Marketing and International Business from Suffolk University. Her extensive experience in digital strategy, experience design, and marketing makes her a valuable asset to the board.