Our Team
Meet the dedicated individuals driving AYISD's mission forward
AYISD Board of Directors — 2026-2028 Term
Board Members
Benedict Baraka
BOARD CHAIR
Benedict Baraka is a visionary since his young age , entrepreneur and the president of board AYISD, . Since 2009, Benedict has been actively volunteering with various organizations, starting during his school days, driven by a strong passion for community service and development. Inspired by influential leaders, Benedict established a kindergarten in a refugee camp, which later transformed into a full-fledged primary school providing quality education to over 10,000 children in the camp after a decade. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work at LaTrobe University in Australia. Through his leadership in various professional and creative initiatives, Benedict remains steadfast in his commitment to building resilient and impactful communities.
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Dr.Eliza Crosbie
VICE CHAIR PERSON
Dr Eliza Crosbie
Dr Eliza Crosbie is a thoughtful and passionate human geographer and migration researcher whose work is grounded in a deep commitment to community, belonging, and social justice.
Based at the University of Melbourne, Eliza explores the experiences of migrants and refugees, with a particular focus on how communities can create more inclusive, equitable, and meaningful pathways to settlement. Her research brings together academic insight and genuine community engagement, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of those with lived experience remain at the heart of her work.
Her PhD research, shaped by collaboration with communities from the Great Lakes region of Africa, explored how ideas of Ubuntu—connection, humanity, and shared belonging—can inspire better approaches to refugee settlement in Australia.
Beyond academia, Eliza has contributed to community development in Australia and internationally, including work supporting migrant women and communities affected by displacement. Her journey reflects not only intellectual curiosity, but a sincere belief in the dignity of people, the strength of community, and the possibility of creating a more welcoming world.
Eliza is, at heart, a researcher who listens, a collaborator who connects, and an advocate who believes that everyone deserves a place where they can belong.
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Dr Eliza Crosbie is a thoughtful and passionate human geographer and migration researcher whose work is grounded in a deep commitment to community, belonging, and social justice.
Based at the University of Melbourne, Eliza explores the experiences of migrants and refugees, with a particular focus on how communities can create more inclusive, equitable, and meaningful pathways to settlement. Her research brings together academic insight and genuine community engagement, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of those with lived experience remain at the heart of her work.
Her PhD research, shaped by collaboration with communities from the Great Lakes region of Africa, explored how ideas of Ubuntu—connection, humanity, and shared belonging—can inspire better approaches to refugee settlement in Australia.
Beyond academia, Eliza has contributed to community development in Australia and internationally, including work supporting migrant women and communities affected by displacement. Her journey reflects not only intellectual curiosity, but a sincere belief in the dignity of people, the strength of community, and the possibility of creating a more welcoming world.
Eliza is, at heart, a researcher who listens, a collaborator who connects, and an advocate who believes that everyone deserves a place where they can belong.
Claire Kelly
Secretary
Claire Kelly serves as Secretary of AYISD, ensuring efficient organizational operations and supporting the coordination of AYISD's programs and administrative functions.
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MBILIZI KALOMBO
C.E.O
Sara Bramlage
Risk Assessment Consultant
Sara Bramlage is a young international development and public affairs professional with experience spanning government affairs, administration, research, data analysis and global collaboration. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo and has undertaken further postgraduate study in International Security at the University of Denver. Her professional experience includes working with OCHIN, Inc., as well as international and community-focused initiatives connected to youth development and humanitarian work.
Sara has developed a strong interest in refugee empowerment, international development and creating opportunities for young people. Her involvement with AYISD has included supporting research, fundraising and advocacy for youth-focused initiatives in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. She has also helped raise awareness and support for AYISD’s proposed youth skilling and experiential learning centre, aimed at strengthening vocational skills, digital literacy, employment pathways and entrepreneurship among young refugees.
Sara brings to AYISD a combination of analytical skills, international experience, communication, research and a strong commitment to locally led development. Her experience working across organisational and international settings strengthens AYISD’s capacity to connect community-led initiatives with wider development opportunities and partnerships. She continues to support AYISD’s vision of empowering young people to become active contributors to resilient, self-reliant and sustainable communities.
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Sara has developed a strong interest in refugee empowerment, international development and creating opportunities for young people. Her involvement with AYISD has included supporting research, fundraising and advocacy for youth-focused initiatives in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. She has also helped raise awareness and support for AYISD’s proposed youth skilling and experiential learning centre, aimed at strengthening vocational skills, digital literacy, employment pathways and entrepreneurship among young refugees.
Sara brings to AYISD a combination of analytical skills, international experience, communication, research and a strong commitment to locally led development. Her experience working across organisational and international settings strengthens AYISD’s capacity to connect community-led initiatives with wider development opportunities and partnerships. She continues to support AYISD’s vision of empowering young people to become active contributors to resilient, self-reliant and sustainable communities.
DORCAS MWINYI
FINANCE CONSULTANT
Dorcus is a businesswoman and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience working with communities across different sectors. Throughout her career, she has been committed to supporting community development, empowering individuals, and contributing to initiatives that create positive social and economic outcomes.
In addition to her professional work, Dorcus is a respected women's leader within her church community. She is passionate about mentoring young women and , providing guidance on financial literacy, personal development, leadership, and other important life skills. Through her mentorship, she helps women build confidence, make informed financial decisions, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Dorcus is dedicated to empowering others and fostering strong, resilient communities through leadership, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
In addition to her professional work, Dorcus is a respected women's leader within her church community. She is passionate about mentoring young women and , providing guidance on financial literacy, personal development, leadership, and other important life skills. Through her mentorship, she helps women build confidence, make informed financial decisions, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Dorcus is dedicated to empowering others and fostering strong, resilient communities through leadership, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
RICHARDS MARFAW
CHIEF ADVISER
Management Team
KM
Kalombo Mbilizi
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Mbilizi Kalombo is a social worker by profession with a bachelor's degree in social work and social administration and currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration. Kalombo has a deep passion for environmental and biodiversity conservation, community development, youth empowerment, and social justice. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of AYISD, Kalombo leads the organization's on-the-ground operations in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, coordinating programs and partnerships that serve thousands of refugees and host community members.
Staff Members
FK
Felix Kamana
Programs Coordinator
Coordinates AYISD programs and field activities in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
MA
Mugisha Alain Vainqueur
M&E Officer
Leads monitoring and evaluation of AYISD projects and initiatives.
TK
Thierry Kamana
Finance & Administration
Manages AYISD financial operations and administrative tasks.
AU
Aline Uwimana
Gender & Protection Officer
Ensures gender inclusion and protection standards across AYISD programs.
MM
Malaika Murhabazi
Community Mobilizer
Engages community members and facilitates participation in AYISD activities.
PB
Patrick Bahati
Field Assistant
Supports field operations and community outreach activities.
BN
Belyse Niyonzima
Youth Leader & Volunteer
Active youth leader facilitating youth engagement programs.
Advisory Board
Our advisory board comprises distinguished professionals and academics who provide strategic guidance and expertise across multiple disciplines.
DM
Dr. Mara Huber
Founding Director, UB Experiential Learning Network
Expert in experiential learning and community engagement. Designed NELIC in collaboration with AYISD.
Diana Doheny
Advisor
Diana Doheny
Diana Doheny is a US-based businesswoman with extensive experience in project management, real estate development, finance, manufacturing, and sales.
She is a founder and chairperson of Ampli5E, a non-profit serving the Northeast US and Africa dedicated to empowering women and girls, promoting education, employment, and protecting the environment.
She is a principal of Kingfisher-US, a consulting firm focused on the design and development of natural-based solutions. She is also the founder and principal of Agroforestry Impact and Development, a US-based social enterprise dedicated to regenerative agroforestry and value-added industry development for Africa and the Global South.
As a member of the Advisory Board of the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurial Development (SIBRED), the first university-based institute in Africa dedicated solely to bamboo research and economic development, she is responsible for the strategic direction of the institute. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Journal for Bamboo and Rattan (JBAR), which promotes research on bamboo and rattan in the Global South.
Over the past several years, Diana has worked in Ghana and Nigeria with local communities designing regenerative agroforestry solutions that empower women and youth and offer long-term value-added solutions for food security and economic development in rural agricultural communities.
Diana holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management from Louisiana State University and an undergraduate degree in Finance and Economics. She is also certified as a Prosci Change Management and Lean Practices consultant.
Diana Doheny is a US-based businesswoman with extensive experience in project management, real estate development, finance, manufacturing, and sales.
She is a founder and chairperson of Ampli5E, a non-profit serving the Northeast US and Africa dedicated to empowering women and girls, promoting education, employment, and protecting the environment.
She is a principal of Kingfisher-US, a consulting firm focused on the design and development of natural-based solutions. She is also the founder and principal of Agroforestry Impact and Development, a US-based social enterprise dedicated to regenerative agroforestry and value-added industry development for Africa and the Global South.
As a member of the Advisory Board of the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurial Development (SIBRED), the first university-based institute in Africa dedicated solely to bamboo research and economic development, she is responsible for the strategic direction of the institute. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Journal for Bamboo and Rattan (JBAR), which promotes research on bamboo and rattan in the Global South.
Over the past several years, Diana has worked in Ghana and Nigeria with local communities designing regenerative agroforestry solutions that empower women and youth and offer long-term value-added solutions for food security and economic development in rural agricultural communities.
Diana holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management from Louisiana State University and an undergraduate degree in Finance and Economics. She is also certified as a Prosci Change Management and Lean Practices consultant.
FB
Francis Bosah
Advisor
Strategic advisor with expertise in African development and youth empowerment.
PR
Prof. Rasel Madaha
Advisor
Academic advisor contributing research insights and educational expertise.
Richard Morfaw
Advisor
Richard Morfaw
Richard is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in microenterprise development, vocational education management, and public administration. His career is characterized by a commitment to community development, entrepreneurship support, and strategic leadership across diverse sectors.
Current Role
As a Microenterprise Development Manager, Richard provides expert business coaching to 40 aspiring entrepreneurs annually, facilitating the launch and growth of new ventures. His approach combines personalized guidance with practical business acumen, fostering economic development at the grassroots level.
Executive Leadership in Education
Prior to his current position, Richard served as CEO for one of three vocational training colleges owned by him and his team of investors in Australia.
Under his leadership, one of the institutions specialized in business management, the other in Agriculture and horticulture and the third in building and construction.
This role showcased his ability to manage educational institutions and align curricula with industry needs.
Public Sector Management
Richard's tenure as City Manager of Mildura for seven years demonstrated his proficiency in public administration and stakeholder management. He successfully led initiatives to enhance the city's appeal as a tourist destination, investment hub, and residential community, balancing diverse interests to drive urban development and quality of life improvements.
Academic Background
Underpinning his professional achievements is a Master's degree study program in International and Community Development from Deakin University ongoing. This advanced program has informed his approach to both urban management and microenterprise development, providing a solid theoretical foundation for his practical work.
Early Career and International Experience
Richard's career trajectory began in the resources sector as a mining geologist with Western Mining Corporation in Western Australia. He subsequently transitioned into marketing and hospitality, where he excelled in client acquisition and business development. This role expanded his professional reach to include projects across Australia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Southeast Asia, cultivating a global business perspective.
Richard is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in microenterprise development, vocational education management, and public administration. His career is characterized by a commitment to community development, entrepreneurship support, and strategic leadership across diverse sectors.
Current Role
As a Microenterprise Development Manager, Richard provides expert business coaching to 40 aspiring entrepreneurs annually, facilitating the launch and growth of new ventures. His approach combines personalized guidance with practical business acumen, fostering economic development at the grassroots level.
Executive Leadership in Education
Prior to his current position, Richard served as CEO for one of three vocational training colleges owned by him and his team of investors in Australia.
Under his leadership, one of the institutions specialized in business management, the other in Agriculture and horticulture and the third in building and construction.
This role showcased his ability to manage educational institutions and align curricula with industry needs.
Public Sector Management
Richard's tenure as City Manager of Mildura for seven years demonstrated his proficiency in public administration and stakeholder management. He successfully led initiatives to enhance the city's appeal as a tourist destination, investment hub, and residential community, balancing diverse interests to drive urban development and quality of life improvements.
Academic Background
Underpinning his professional achievements is a Master's degree study program in International and Community Development from Deakin University ongoing. This advanced program has informed his approach to both urban management and microenterprise development, providing a solid theoretical foundation for his practical work.
Early Career and International Experience
Richard's career trajectory began in the resources sector as a mining geologist with Western Mining Corporation in Western Australia. He subsequently transitioned into marketing and hospitality, where he excelled in client acquisition and business development. This role expanded his professional reach to include projects across Australia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Southeast Asia, cultivating a global business perspective.
Hanna Linden
Advisor
Hanna Linden (she/her)
Hanna is a gender and social inclusion researcher working with CIFOR-ICRAF, and Global Communications Lead for the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH).
Hanna holds an MSc in Environmental Forestry and an MA in Gender, Feminist and Citizenship studies. Her current doctoral research is investigating the impact of male outmigration on women’s access to land in The Gambia.
Hanna has been working with international research organizations as a gender consultant since 2020, and she has extensive experience serving on boards for non-profit organizations both locally and globally. She is based in Newfoundland, Canada.
Hanna is a gender and social inclusion researcher working with CIFOR-ICRAF, and Global Communications Lead for the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH).
Hanna holds an MSc in Environmental Forestry and an MA in Gender, Feminist and Citizenship studies. Her current doctoral research is investigating the impact of male outmigration on women’s access to land in The Gambia.
Hanna has been working with international research organizations as a gender consultant since 2020, and she has extensive experience serving on boards for non-profit organizations both locally and globally. She is based in Newfoundland, Canada.