Michelle is a Managing Director at GEAPP, focusing on cross-sector partnerships to scale energy solutions. With 12 years of experience, she has led global initiatives in clean energy, workforce development, and public health. Previously, Michelle led COVID-19 response efforts at The Rockefeller Foundation and worked at Monitor Deloitte.
Our team
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Woochong UmWoochong UmCEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)Global
Woochong Um
CEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)GlobalWoochong Um is CEO of GEAPP, leading efforts to mobilize finance and accelerate renewable energy adoption to address energy poverty and climate challenges. Formerly Managing Director General at ADB, he drove global partnerships and climate initiatives, including the Energy Transition Mechanism to phase out coal in Asia. He has advanced funding for ocean sustainability and clean energy transitions. With a background in corporate IT and development finance, he brings decades of experience in climate action and sustainable development.
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Agnes DasewiczAgnes DasewiczChief Investment and Program OfficerGlobal -
Carol KoechCarol KoechVice President for AfricaAfrica
Carol Koech
Vice President for AfricaAfricaCarol Koech is the Vice President for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, where she leads the Africa region on strategy, partnerships, and operations across the continent. She is responsible for driving the Alliance’s mission to accelerate the Just Energy Transition, expanding access to clean and affordable energy, and catalyze economic opportunities for millions of people across Africa.
Carol brings over two decades of leadership experience in the energy, infrastructure, and consumer sectors. Prior to joining the Alliance in August 2025, she served as Strategy Director for Sustainability, Thought Leadership & International Operations at Schneider Electric, where she helped shape the company’s global sustainability agenda and advanced programs that expanded energy access to tens of millions of people worldwide.
Prior to that, Carol was the Country President for Schneider Electric East Africa, becoming the first Kenyan woman to lead a multinational energy company in the region. In that role, she oversaw strategic growth across multiple business lines, strengthened country partnerships, and scaled access-to-energy programs. Before Schneider Electric, she held senior roles at General Electric (GE), where she led regional sales and commercial expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa, and earlier spent five years with Unilever, where she built foundational expertise in operations and commercial functions.
Carol is also a passionate advocate for women in STEM and inclusive growth. She actively mentors young professionals through initiatives such as the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and Go Green City, and champions the empowerment of women and youth in Africa’s energy transition. She has also previously served in the Schneider Electric’s Inclusion & Care Advisory Board and the French Chamber of Commerce- Kenya.
She holds a B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Nairobi, an MBA from Strathmore Business School, and is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
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Eric GayEric GayHead of CommunicationsGlobal
Eric Gay
Head of CommunicationsGlobalA global communications strategist with nearly two decades of experience leading teams across the energy, technology, and development sectors, Eric guides the collaborative communications of GEAPP’s 50+ partners. While building GEAPP’s communications approach he also led Communications, Policy and Advocacy for The Rockefeller Foundation’s Power initiative and launched award-winning campaigns to end energy poverty with clean energy. Prior to joining the Foundation in New York, he spent a decade in emerging markets in the Middle East and Asia. As co-founder and Managing Director of Eye On, and Regional Director of The Energy Year he led market research, editorial, and event teams across these regions, creating sector-leading content and conferences in partnership with government, the private sector, and media.
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Isabel BeltranIsabel BeltranVice President, Latin America and the CaribbeanLatin America & Caribbean
Isabel Beltran
Vice President, Latin America and the CaribbeanLatin America & CaribbeanIsabel Beltrán is Vice President at GEAPP, leading efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean to expand energy access, foster green economies, and support the energy transition. Previously, she was a Director at The Rockefeller Foundation’s Power Initiative, working on energy resilience. With over 15 years of experience in economic development, she has worked at The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Isabel holds master’s degrees in Economics from the Catholic University of Ecuador and Public Administration from Syracuse University, bringing deep expertise in sustainable energy solutions to her role.
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Kitty BuKitty BuVice President, Southeast AsiaAsia
Kitty Bu
Vice President, Southeast AsiaAsiaKitty Bu leads GEAPP’s Asia team, driving investments in clean energy to support a just transition. With over a decade of experience in energy and agriculture system decarbonization, she has worked at the intersection of business, policy, and finance. She co-founded Rocky Mountain Institute’s China practice, shaping energy transition strategies, and later worked at the European Climate Foundation on Asia’s renewable energy scaling. Most recently, she led market expansion for Impossible Foods in Asia. Kitty’s expertise in catalyzing disruptive technologies and sustainable investments makes her a key force in advancing clean energy across the region.
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Lorin KavanaughLorin KavanaughManaging DirectorGlobal
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Makena IreriMakena IreriManaging DirectorAfrica
Makena Ireri
Managing DirectorAfricaMakena Ireri is the Managing Director of Energy & Opportunity at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), where she leads global strategies to harness clean energy as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. An energy specialist with more than 14 years of experience spanning nuclear power, renewable energy, and international development, she bridges technical expertise with systems-level approaches to development.
Her career began in nuclear energy generation in the UK, before moving into renewable energy and energy access in emerging markets. Over the past decade, she has led initiatives that connect clean energy to job growth, livelihood development, enterprise growth, women’s economic empowerment, and poverty reduction—working with partners such as the Rockefeller Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, Gates Foundation, IKEA Foundation, FCDO, and the World Bank, among others.
At GEAPP, Makena’s work sits at the intersection of energy and opportunity, ensuring that electrification fuels job creation, agricultural transformation, climate resilience, and improved quality of life. She has mobilized millions in funding to scale productive uses of energy as a driver of socio-economic empowerment, advised social enterprises across Africa, integrated energy solutions in humanitarian and low-income contexts, and contributed to global thinking on how energy access underpins socio-economic transformation.
Previously, Makena was Director of Clean Energy Access Research at CLASP, where she managed a multi-million dollar research portfolio on off-grid technologies and authored widely cited publications on the role of appliances in stimulating demand, advancing gender equity, and driving universal energy access.
Her engineering foundation, research leadership, and global advisory experience have made her a trusted voice in shaping strategies and partnerships for sustainable energy transitions. She is frequently engaged as a speaker, advisor, and thought leader, with a distinctive ability to connect technical rigor to the human and economic outcomes of energy access.
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Marina ShmouklerMarina ShmouklerChief Financial and Operations OfficerGlobal
Marina Shmoukler
Chief Financial and Operations OfficerGlobalMarina Shmoukler is the Chief Financial and Operations Officer at GEAPP, overseeing the organization’s fiscal health and operational integrity. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit and business sectors, she has held senior finance and operations roles at Foundation for a Just Society, Concern Worldwide US, and American Jewish World Service. Marina also worked in private equity with Delta Private Equity Partners and the US-Russia Investment Fund. She holds an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Lviv State Polytechnic University in Ukraine.
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Michelle HammerMichelle HammerManaging Director, Strategic InitiativesGlobal
Michelle Hammer
Managing Director, Strategic InitiativesGlobal -
Rudyard W. CeresRudyard W. CeresDirector LegalGlobal -
Sean ThomasSean ThomasExecutive Assistant to the CEOGlobal -
Tanya SinghalTanya SinghalVP, Country Delivery IndiaAsiaIndia
Tanya Singhal
VP, Country Delivery IndiaAsia, IndiaTanya Singhal is an industry expert and thought leader in the renewable energy and climate tech space with over 18 years of experience.
With a background in strategy consulting at BCG and as an IIT Delhi alumni, she founded SolarArise.At SolarArise, Tanya raised and deployed over Rs 2000 Cr capital to build a portfolio of half a GW of 7 large-scale grid connected solar plants across multiple states in India.
- Core investment by European Investment Bank (EIB’s arm GEEREF based in Luxembourg) and Kotak Mahindra’s managed infrastructure fund from Singapore.
She led SolarArise’s investment strategy and ensured each asset was cash generating. She managed the portfolio return with financial engineering coupled with operational excellence to balance risks.
After eight years of leading SolarArise, Tanya successfully orchestrated an exit for the investors by selling the firm to an Infrastructure Trust (InvIT) listed on the London Stock Exchange as one of the first Indian renewable InvIT to be listed on LSE and gave a successful exit to its investors.
She has collaborated with government and industry stakeholders to shape India’s renewable energy policies through close collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
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She is a prolific writer and has written many opinion pieces on climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable economic growth and has been a speaker at Parliament panels, BloombergNEF Summit, universities and multiple industry forums evangelizing climate tech.She actively participates in Milaan, an NGO that empowers underprivileged adolescent girls to pursue professional excellence & is helping build Mynzo Carbon – MyNetZerO, an AI driven climate tech solution.
Her accolades, including recognition in
- Fortune 40 under 40
- Business World Sustainability Businessperson of the Year 2023
- Asia’s Most Influential Women in Renewable Energy
- Business World’s 40 under 40
- Power 100 – 2022, 2021, 2019
Outside of her professional pursuits, Tanya has diverse interests. She is an advanced scuba diver, a passionate cyclist, and an enthusiast of Hindi classical music and ukulele.
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Tulika NarayanTulika NarayanChief Impact OfficerGlobal -
Umang MaheshwariUmang MaheshwariManaging Director, BESSGlobal
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Abigail StallworthAbigail StallworthManager, Donor AccountabilityGlobal -
Alex FlowerAlex FlowerManager, ContractsGlobal -
Ana LazoAna LazoExecutive Assistant, Legal and FinanceGlobal -
Andrea Arenas FuentesAndrea Arenas FuentesManager, Monitory and KnowledgeGlobal
Andrea Arenas Fuentes
Manager, Monitory and KnowledgeGlobalAndrea is GEAPP’s Monitoring and Knowledge Manager, with deep expertise in sustainable development, evaluation, and learning. She holds a Master’s in Development Studies from LSE and a BA in International Relations from El Colegio de México, leading the design of innovative monitoring, evaluation and learning systems that drive measurable, systemic impact.
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Andrew OyooAndrew OyooManager, ITAfrica
Andrew Oyoo
Manager, ITAfricaAndrew Oyoo is an IT Services Manager in Nairobi with over 10 years of experience. He has worked with ACLED, KPMG, Deloitte, and ICRC. He holds a BIT degree from Strathmore University and an MBA in MIS from the University of Nairobi, alongside various IT certifications.
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Anju MathurAnju MathurOffice ManagerIndia
Anju Mathur
Office ManagerIndiaAnju joined GEAPP from Smart Power India and manages admin systems, IT, HR, travel, and office support. With 22 years of experience, she has worked with FHI360, IPPF SAR, and EngenderHealth. Anju holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Delhi.
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Anita SharmaAnita SharmaDirector of Foundation PartnershipsGlobal
Anita Sharma
Director of Foundation PartnershipsGlobalAnita Sharma is the Director of Foundation Partnerships, with a dual focus on growing our foundation portfolio and supporting the Powering Opportunity Coalition. Anita is the founder and principal of Come Together Future, where she has consulted with organizations on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, climate response, and peace and justice globally. Most recently at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), she led foundation relations for the partnership and development team, securing and stewarding seven- and eight-figure grants. Prior to that, she supported multi-stakeholder initiatives at the World Bank through the Global Financing Facility and the Global Partnership for Education, overseeing external relations, governance, and management of complex blended-finance portfolios totaling over $2.5 billion. She has also served as Executive Director of the New York office of the UN Foundation, and held roles spanning development, humanitarian response, and conflict prevention with the Center for American Progress, the International Crisis Group, IOM, and the United Nations — with field experience in Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, and Kosovo. Anita holds a BA from Syracuse University and an MIA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She was a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
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Anna SmithAnna SmithHuman Resources AssociateGlobal
Anna Smith
Human Resources AssociateGlobalAnna supports HR programming at GEAPP in the US, focusing on benefits, onboarding, culture, and values. She holds a degree in Global Studies and Social Entrepreneurship and has experience in equitable food access and scaling HR at a global tech start-up. She enjoys fiction, creative pursuits, and nature.
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Anthony WuAnthony WuRegional Program Managing Director, Southeast AsiaAsia
Anthony Wu
Regional Program Managing Director, Southeast AsiaAsiaAnthony brings a strong background in finance and management, with 18 years of experience in energy investment, financing, and operations. Most recently, he served as CEO of Asia Clean Capital Ltd. In this role, he led sustainable fundraising efforts and oversaw the design and delivery renewable energy portfolio across China and Vietnam. Anthony has extensive experience managing high-level relationships with multinational corporations, financial institutions, investment funds, family offices, and local governments.
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Antonnette OmukagaAntonnette OmukagaHuman Resources Manager for AfricaAfrica
Antonnette Omukaga
Human Resources Manager for AfricaAfricaAntonnette serves as the Human Resources Manager for Africa, based in Nairobi. She brings over 12 years of regional experience in leadership support and talent management across multiple countries. Prior to joining GEAPP, she held senior HR roles at Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL), the Swiss Embassy, and SHOFCO.
In her current role, Antonnette leads the HR function for GEAPP Africa, focusing on delivering pragmatic, people-centered solutions that align with the strategic priorities.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi and is a certified HR professional accredited by the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM)–Kenya.
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Avi KestenbaumAvi KestenbaumDirector, Global OperationsGlobal
Avi Kestenbaum
Director, Global OperationsGlobalAvi Kestenbaum is GEAPP’s Global Operations Director, with over 10 years’ experience in organizational design and transformation. He previously held roles at PwC and Unilever, leading teams through operational transitions. Avi holds a BA in History from the University of Birmingham and has worked in the UK, Netherlands, and Middle East.
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Avishek NeogyAvishek NeogyManager, TechnicalIndia
Avishek Neogy
Manager, TechnicalIndiaAvishek joined GEAPP from Smart Power India, where he evaluates technology solutions and supports programs. He leads solar pilots for MSMEs, mini-grids, and aquaculture. Previously, he worked at Schneider Electric and Mlinda on mini-grid engineering and operations. Avishek holds a degree in electrical engineering.
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Benson KibitiBenson KibitiDirector, CommunicationsAfrica
Benson Kibiti
Director, CommunicationsAfricaBenson Kibiti joins the Alliance as Director of Communications for Africa, bringing over 15 years of deep expertise in climate and energy communications. A strategic storyteller and seasoned leader, Benson excels at transforming complex technical concepts into compelling narratives that inspire action and drive change. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing strategic communications and advocacy efforts to elevate the Alliance’s visibility and advance its mission of transforming lives and livelihoods through green energy.
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Biswarup GhoshBiswarup GhoshDirector, LegalGlobal
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Boaz LiesdekBoaz LiesdekDirector, Monitoring Evaluation & LearningGlobal
Boaz Liesdek
Director, Monitoring Evaluation & LearningGlobalBoaz Liesdek is the Director of Monitoring Evaluation & Learning (MEL) – Asia at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). With extensive experience in impact measurement and data-driven decision-making, he ensures rigorous impact monitoring, evaluation, and strategic learning. Boaz leads the development of high-impact measurement frameworks, integrates MEL across global and regional portfolios, and equips program teams with advanced monitoring tools. He also spearheads impact modeling to assess renewable energy solutions. His evidence-based approach enhances organizational effectiveness, ensuring MEL drives progress and scalability at GEAPP.
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Caro BrownCaro BrownDirector, ControllerGlobal
Caro Brown
Director, ControllerGlobalCaro holds a Master’s in Accounting and multiple professional certifications. With over 20 years’ experience in government contracting, INGOs, and public accounting, she manages GEAPP’s 501(c)(3) financial systems. A polyglot fluent in English, French, Swahili, and Spanish.
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Carolina ChurchillCarolina ChurchillManager, GrantsGlobal
Carolina Churchill
Manager, GrantsGlobalCarolina Churchill is GEAPP’s Grants Manager, with extensive experience across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. She has held roles at WFUNA, IRC, WCS, and Surgeons of Hope. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, she holds a Master’s in International Affairs and is fluent in English, Spanish, and conversational French.
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Catherine JeizaCatherine JeizaProgram AdministratorAfrica
Catherine Jeiza
Program AdministratorAfricaCatherine Jeiza joined GEAPP in July 2022 as an Executive Assistant and Team Coordinator. With over 9 years of experience across real estate, fintech, and philanthropy, she excels in administration, stakeholder management, and strategic support. She holds degrees in International Relations and Management, and is a certified Executive Assistant (ACEA).
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Chianda NjoguChianda NjoguDirector Energy & Opportunity, AfricaAfricaKenya
Chianda Njogu
Director Energy & Opportunity, AfricaAfrica, KenyaChianda is a Director Energy & Opportunity, Africa at the Alliance, based in Nairobi. He focuses on using renewable energy to create jobs in underserved communities. Previously, he worked at the Rockefeller Foundation and as a management consultant at One Acre Fund and Open Capital Advisors. Chianda holds an MSc in Business Analytics from Loughborough University and a BSc in Business Information Technology from Strathmore University.
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Chipo HamukomaChipo HamukomaManager, Demand, Jobs & LivelihoodSouth Africa
Chipo Hamukoma
Manager, Demand, Jobs & LivelihoodSouth AfricaChipo Hamukoma is the Senior Associate for Demand, Jobs, and Livelihoods at GEAPP, based in South Africa. She specializes in policy, philanthropy, and social impact, uniting stakeholders to address Africa’s challenges. Previously, she was Head of Funder Partnerships at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, focusing on youth employment in Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
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Claire GarciaClaire GarciaProgram Manager, GLC and Scalable SolutionsGlobal
Claire Garcia
Program Manager, GLC and Scalable SolutionsGlobalClaire is the Program Manager for GEAPP’s Leadership Council (GLC) and Scalable Solutions, overseeing the design and implementation of strategic initiatives. With nearly 10 years of experience in strategy and human-centered design, she previously worked as a Strategy Manager at Deloitte, supporting government and nonprofit organizations.
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Claudia SchwartzClaudia SchwartzInvestments AssociateGlobal
Claudia Schwartz
Investments AssociateGlobalClaudia Schwartz is an Associate on the Investments Team, bringing 13 years of experience in the energy access sector. She was previously the technical lead for distributed renewable energy and productive use of energy at the US Government’s Power Africa initiative, and before that was the energy portfolio lead at the US African Development Foundation, was involved in the start-up of a solar company in Somaliland, and worked across Kenya and Ethiopia. She holds a master’s degree in international business from the Fletcher School at Tufts and a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Brown University.
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Collen ZalengeraCollen ZalengeraCountry Delivery Lead (Malawi)Malawi
Collen Zalengera
Country Delivery Lead (Malawi)MalawiCollen Zalengera is the Country Delivery Lead for the Alliance in Malawi, overseeing the National Transformative Energy Program. With over 10 years of experience in renewable energy, he has worked on projects in Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia. Collen holds a PhD, MSc in Renewable Energy Systems, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in Malawi and has contributed to national energy policy development.
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Damola OmoleDamola OmoleDirector, Grids of the Future, AfricaAfrica
Damola Omole
Director, Grids of the Future, AfricaAfricaDamola is the Director of Utility Innovation at GEAPP, leading the development of renewable-powered utility strategies. Previously, he was Head of Energy Strategy at Dangote Industries and a consultant at McKinsey & Co. Damola holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida and degrees from Florida State University.
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Dana CephasDana CephasExecutive Assistant, PartnershipsGlobal
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Deepak BawariDeepak BawariManager, DREIndia
Deepak Bawari
Manager, DREIndiaDeepak leads GEAPP’s mini-grid program in India and has extensive experience in climate change, sustainability, and renewable energy. He has worked with Emergent Ventures and non-profits on projects across South Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Deepak holds a Master’s from Duke University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Forest Management.
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Deepthi ValsanDeepthi ValsanRegional Program Manager, SEAAsia
Deepthi Valsan
Regional Program Manager, SEAAsiaDeepthi Valsan, GEAPP’s Regional Program Manager for Southeast Asia, has over a decade of experience in energy and infrastructure. Based in Singapore, she specializes in renewable energy and technical advisory, with prior roles at Worley and Black & Veatch. She holds a Power Engineering degree and an Executive MBA.
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Duncan NyabutoDuncan NyabutoFinance AssociateAfrica
Duncan Nyabuto
Finance AssociateAfricaDuncan Moruri is an Associate, Program Accounting at the Alliance, overseeing finance, accounting, and compliance for the EWAS program. With 9+ years in the development sector, he previously worked as a Finance and Sub-awards Specialist at Mercy Corps Kenya. Duncan holds a Bachelor’s in Commerce and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is currently pursuing an MBA at Jomo Kenyatta University.
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Enas Abdella AbdulmalikEnas Abdella AbdulmalikCountry Delivery Lead (Ethiopia)Ethiopia
Enas Abdella Abdulmalik
Country Delivery Lead (Ethiopia)EthiopiaEnas Abdella Abdulmalik is the Ethiopia Country Lead for the Alliance, focusing on off-grid energy access and the National Electrification Plan. With 20 years of experience in finance, project management, and business strategy, she has worked in both Canada and Ethiopia. Enas holds a bachelor’s in Economics from York University and is an MBA candidate at the University of Oxford.
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Erika BuffaErika BuffaProgram Administrator, Latin America and the CaribbeanLatin America & Caribbean
Erika Buffa
Program Administrator, Latin America and the CaribbeanLatin America & CaribbeanErika Buffa is the Program Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean at GEAPP, based in New York. With a decade of experience, she holds a degree in Business and Communications from Clarkson University. Fluent in three languages, Erika is passionate about advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting GEAPP’s global mission.
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Faraz UsmaniFaraz UsmaniDirector, EvaluationGlobal
Faraz Usmani
Director, EvaluationGlobalFaraz Usmani is Director of Evaluation at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. His work focuses on generating rigorous evidence on how energy access and climate programs affect employment, livelihoods, and environmental outcomes across Africa, India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. He specializes in causal inference and quantitative impact evaluation and holds a PhD in Environmental Economics from Duke University.
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Farouk BelloFarouk BelloManager, Energy and Opportunity (Nigeria )AfricaNigeria
Farouk Bello
Manager, Energy and Opportunity (Nigeria )Africa, NigeriaFarouk Magaji Bello is the Manager, Energy and Opportunity for the Alliance in Nigeria. He has over 13 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, previously working as a Principal Manager at the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission and an Energy Access Specialist at the World Bank. Farouk also led projects at eN Consulting & Projects Ltd, focusing on stakeholder engagement and regulatory affairs for solar power plants.
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Fauzia OkedijiFauzia OkedijiManager, DRENigeria
Fauzia Okediji
Manager, DRENigeriaFauzia Chevonne Okediji is the Manager of Utility Innovation at the Alliance, focusing on scaling distributed renewable energy solutions. With 13+ years in the power sector, she previously led the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme at GIZ. Fauzia holds a Master’s in Engineering and is a certified Renewable Energy Professional.
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Felix KhemboFelix KhemboUtility Manager, AfricaMalawi
Felix Khembo
Utility Manager, AfricaMalawiFelix is an energy economist and program evaluator with over 10 years in the energy sector. He has held roles at RMI, Malawi’s Electricity Generation Company, and the World Energy Council. Felix holds an MPhil in Program Evaluation from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor’s in Social Science.
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Fernando GironFernando GironAssociate, Accounts PayableGlobal
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Frances SantosFrances SantosManager, LegalGlobal
Frances Santos
Manager, LegalGlobalFrances Santos is Legal Counsel at GEAPP, advising on investments, contracts, and compliance across global clean energy programs. A qualified Solicitor and Attorney-at-Law, she brings experience in M&A, finance, and litigation. Frances holds an LL.M. from Warwick and is passionate about sustainable finance, climate justice, and inclusive development.
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Gabriela Gutierrez MoralesGabriela Gutierrez MoralesPartnership DirectorLatin America & Caribbean
Gabriela Gutierrez Morales
Partnership DirectorLatin America & CaribbeanGabriela is the Director of Partnerships for Latin America and the Caribbean at GEAPP. With over 10 years of experience in international affairs, energy policy, and diplomacy, she leads engagement strategies to enhance energy access. She holds a Master’s in Development Practice and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.
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Hali McKinley LesterHali McKinley LesterAssociate, ProgramsLatin America & Caribbean
Hali McKinley Lester
Associate, ProgramsLatin America & CaribbeanHali is the Program Associate for the Latin America and Caribbean team at GEAPP, focusing on productive energy uses for economic development. A fellow in Columbia’s Women in Energy program, she advocates for gender inclusion and Indigenous representation. Hali holds a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Florida.
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Hana RafikHana RafikExecutive AssistantAsia
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Hariom MishraHariom MishraManager, Demand, Jobs & Livelihoods, Bihar & JharkhandIndia
Hariom Mishra
Manager, Demand, Jobs & Livelihoods, Bihar & JharkhandIndiaHariom leads program implementation and demand generation in Bihar and Jharkhand at GEAPP, supporting mini-grid developers and creating market linkages for microenterprises. With extensive experience in financial inclusion, he previously worked with EKO India Financial Services. Hariom holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in sociology
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Ighodaro AjayiIghodaro AjayiAssociate, Finance and OperationsGlobal
Ighodaro Ajayi
Associate, Finance and OperationsGlobalIghodaro Ajayi is the Associate, Finance & Operations at GEAPP, supporting global finance and operations. Previously, he worked at the University of Hull and NESTOIL Limited. Passionate about SDG 7, he holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s in Energy Engineering, and certifications in Energy Transition.
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Ivy GitauIvy GitauOperations ManagerAfrica
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Jennifer WaldJennifer WaldHR DirectorGlobal
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John WanjemaJohn WanjemaExecutive AssistantAfrica
John Wanjema
Executive AssistantAfricaJohn Wanjema is the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Africa at GEAPP. He holds an MSc in Management for Business Excellence from the University of Warwick and a BSc in Management with Economics from the University of Bristol. John has worked across diverse sectors globally, including telecommunications, financial services, and social impact
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Kate WillsKate WillsSenior Adviser to CEO and Special InitiativesGlobal
Kate Wills
Senior Adviser to CEO and Special InitiativesGlobalKate Wills is a Senior Advisor at GEAPP. With over 25 years of experience across NGOs, the UN, and social enterprises, she has worked on initiatives spanning Fairtrade, youth entrepreneurship, and global health. Previously, she was Global Communications Director at Malaria No More, where she led the Zero Malaria Campaign, uniting 200+ partners and securing $4B in funding. Raised in Malawi and Indonesia, Kate now lives in London. Living with Stage 4 cancer, she advocates for breast cancer charities alongside her work in climate and development.
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Kenneth KamauKenneth KamauDirector Investments, AfricaAfrica
Kenneth Kamau
Director Investments, AfricaAfricaKenneth is the Director Investments, Africa at Global Energy Alliance. Before GEAPP, he worked at Centum Capital Partners and served as Group CFO at ComzAfrica. Kenneth also has experience as a private equity Investment Officer at Centum Investment and as an Analyst at Trans-Century Limited
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Kit LindsayKit LindsayManager, FinanceGlobal
Kit Lindsay
Manager, FinanceGlobalKit is the Finance Manager at GEAPP, based in New York, joining in August 2024. With extensive experience in finance, accounting, and grant management, she has overseen budgets and fund accounts for $100M+ in annual grants. Kit holds an MBA in Finance from SUNY Empire State University.
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Larry EdevbieLarry EdevbieDirector, Global FinanceGlobal
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Lauren OlsonLauren OlsonAssociate, Human ResourcesGlobal
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Lisa LeeLisa LeeDirector, InvestmentsGlobal
Lisa Lee
Director, InvestmentsGlobalLisa is a Director at GEAPP in London, supporting teams in originating, diligencing, structuring, and executing transactions. She previously worked on the Power & Climate team at The Rockefeller Foundation and at 100 Resilient Cities, designing innovative financing solutions. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and French Studies from Wesleyan University
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Logan AppelLogan AppelManaging Director, Information TechnologyGlobal
Logan Appel
Managing Director, Information TechnologyGlobalLogan is the Global Director of IT at GEAPP, leading the IT function across software, hardware, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. He previously served as Director of IT Operations at the Rockefeller Foundation. Logan holds a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems from Kansas State University and is recognized as an emerging leader in tech.
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Luanna GohLuanna GohOffice Manager, SEAAsia
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Lyza ShoduLyza ShoduCountry Delivery Lead (DRC)Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lyza Shodu
Country Delivery Lead (DRC)Democratic Republic of the CongoLyza O. Shodu is the Alliance’s DRC Country Lead. With 18 years of experience, she specializes in renewable energy, private sector development, and gender equality. Previously, she managed Mwinda Fund and worked on DRC’s Access to Electricity project. Lyza holds a master’s degree in economics and finance.
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Marcela PerezMarcela PerezGrants AssociateGlobal
Marcela Perez
Grants AssociateGlobalMarcela Perez is GEAPP’s Grants Associate. She has extensive experience in grants management, compliance, and internal controls. Her career in the non-profit sector has been focused on administering private and government funds and contracts in support of sustainable community development initiatives. Marcela holds a Master’s in Urban Planning and a BA in Finance and International Affairs.
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Malina BrannenMalina BrannenExecutive Assistant to the Chief Program and Investment OfficerGlobal
Malina Brannen
Executive Assistant to the Chief Program and Investment OfficerGlobalMalina Brannen is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Program and Investment Officer. She previously served at USAID as a Green Cities Communications Assistant and, before that, as the Climate and Environment Action Officer. Her prior experience also includes working on environmental policy at the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. House of Representatives, and New Mexico House of Representatives. She is an honors and summa cum laude graduate of Georgetown University.
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Maria Victoria CreamerMaria Victoria CreamerManager, Digital CommunicationsGlobal -
Michael MainaMichael MainaProgram ManagerAfrica
Michael Maina
Program ManagerAfricaMichael is a Program Manager with the Demand, Jobs and Livelihoods team overseeing the design and implementation of programs to accelerate the uptake of clean energy solutions to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods of rural communities. With over 9 years of experience in the clean energy access space, he previously worked at CLASP, implementing programs and action research on scaling access to energy efficient appliances and equipment.
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Minh NguyenMinh NguyenCountry Delivery ManagerVietnam -
Mistre LegesseMistre LegesseManager, Energy & Opportunity (Ethiopia)AfricaEthiopia
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Muhammad WakilMuhammad WakilCountry Delivery Lead (Nigeria)Nigeria
Muhammad Wakil
Country Delivery Lead (Nigeria)NigeriaMuhammad Wakil is the Country Delivery Lead in Nigeria for the Alliance. Previously, he was a Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank, focusing on energy infrastructure investments in Africa and the Middle East. He holds an MSc in Metals & Energy Finance from Imperial College London and the CFA designation
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Mukesh KhandelwalMukesh KhandelwalDirector, Country DeliveryIndia
Mukesh Khandelwal
Director, Country DeliveryIndiaMukesh leads the Rooftop Solar for MSMEs program at GEAPP. Previously, he worked with Smart Power India and Lybrate, focusing on mini-grid operations and business development. He’s a Chartered Accountant with an MBA in Finance, and created MCOMS, a data management system now used by multiple mini-grid developers.
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Narang, SachinNarang, SachinAccounts ExecutiveIndia -
Naomi WaguraNaomi WaguraManaging Director-BD & PartnershipsAfrica
Naomi Wagura
Managing Director-BD & PartnershipsAfricaNaomi joined the Alliance in 2021 and has worked in Africa’s energy sector, designing energy access solutions and managing policy programs. She leads strategy development for the Alliance’s African interventions, collaborating with governments and partners. Naomi holds a MEng in Renewable Energy and a Bachelor’s in Engineering. She enjoys spending time with her family.
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Navneet GuptaNavneet GuptaEnergy Transition DirectorIndia
Navneet Gupta
Energy Transition DirectorIndiaNavneet joined GEAPP from Smart Power India as the business development manager for the Solar Rooftop for MSMEs program. He leads strategic partnerships and on-ground initiatives. Previously, he worked with Adani Solar, Sterling and Wilson, and Jakson Engineers. Navneet holds an MBA, a Master’s in Telecommunications Engineering, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Electronics
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Nidhi SarinNidhi SarinDirector, Business Development, Policy & RegulatoryIndia -
Nirmal ShajuNirmal ShajuManager, Scalable SolutionsIndia
Nirmal Shaju
Manager, Scalable SolutionsIndiaNirmal is a Manager in GEAPP’s Scalable Solutions team, focusing on deploying BESS projects in emerging economies. With seven years of experience, he specializes in energy modeling, forecasting, and market development. Previously at Deloitte, he led energy modeling projects for global organizations like the World Bank and USAID.
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Nivea IkutwaNivea IkutwaProgram Administrator, SolutionsAfrica
Nivea Ikutwa
Program Administrator, SolutionsAfricaNivea Ikutwa is the Executive Assistant supporting the DJL and Country Delivery teams at GEAPP. With over 9 years of experience, she specializes in executive operations, project management, and partnership coordination. Nivea previously worked at The Rockefeller Foundation and various international NGOs, holding a Master’s in Project Planning and Management.
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Nonny NkomoNonny NkomoGlobal Office Operations ManagerGlobal -
Phylicia PearsonPhylicia PearsonManager, LegalGlobal
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Prabhat KumarPrabhat KumarManager, Demand Jobs and LivelihoodsIndia
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Rebo WahogoRebo WahogoFinance Manager (Africa)Africa -
Rizki WildanRizki WildanCountry Manager, IndonesiaIndonesia
Rizki Wildan
Country Manager, IndonesiaIndonesiaWildan is a Sustainable Energy Engineer and Energy Transition Practitioner, currently serving as the Country Manager for GEAPP Indonesia, overseeing program delivery and supporting regional initiatives. With extensive techno-commercial experience in renewable energy project development across Southeast Asia, Wildan holds a Master’s in Sustainable Energy Engineering from the University of Glasgow and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering. Previously, Wildan worked as an engineering consultant and project manager at AFRY, collaborating closely with national utility companies and private sector renewable energy players across SEA. He specializes in the project development of Solar, Wind Farms, Waste-to-Energy, Biomass, BESS, and hybrid distributed renewable energy solutions.
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Roberto EstevezRoberto EstevezManager, Latin America and CaribbeanLatin America & Caribbean
Roberto Estevez
Manager, Latin America and CaribbeanLatin America & CaribbeanRoberto Estevez has 10+ years of experience in the energy sector, focusing on renewable energy and energy access across Latin America and beyond. He has led projects in Argentina, India, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Chile, and currently develops and implements GEAPP’s renewable energy, BESS, and decarbonization projects in LAC
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Sakshi AgarwalSakshi AgarwalManager, Business Modelling & AnalyticsIndia -
Samit MitraSamit MitraManaging Director, Country DeliveryIndia
Samit Mitra
Managing Director, Country DeliveryIndiaSamit leads GEAPP’s DRE programs and MEL initiatives in India, with over 25 years of experience in business, rural marketing, and social impact. He has managed operations for solar technology providers like Su-Kam and d.light, and played a key role in scaling mini-grids and rural rooftop programs. He holds a Bachelor’s in Statistics and an MBA
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Sarah Maina KandaSarah Maina KandaLead Manager, EWAS (Africa)Africa
Sarah Maina Kanda
Lead Manager, EWAS (Africa)AfricaSarah Maina Kanda has over a decade of experience in driving inclusive, sustainable energy solutions across Africa. At the Alliance, she focuses on clean energy, livelihoods, and green jobs, especially enhancing women’s participation in the energy transition. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and is PRINCE2 certified.
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Satya ChoubeySatya ChoubeyDirector, Demand, Jobs and LivelihoodIndia
Satya Choubey
Director, Demand, Jobs and LivelihoodIndiaSatya Choubey leads demand generation and microenterprise development at GEAPP in India, focusing on renewable energy and green jobs. He developed the “Demand Generation Handbook” for mini-grid villages. With experience at organizations like CARE and PSI, Satya holds a Bachelor’s in Agriculture and a Master’s in Rural Management.
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Sannae OuladbrikSannae OuladbrikExecutive AssistantGlobal
Sannae Ouladbrik
Executive AssistantGlobalWith 17 years of experience, Sannae supports GEAPP’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer and Chief People Officer. Previously at Ogilvy, she managed operations and executive support for major clients like American Express, IKEA, and Coca-Cola. Sannae excels in fast-paced environments, delivering high-quality results and building strong relationships.
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Seema ChandelSeema ChandelDirector, People and OperationsAsia
Seema Chandel
Director, People and OperationsAsiaSeema brings 24 years of experience in finance, audit, and operations, having worked at Save the Children, IPPF, Water Aid, and Marie Stopes India. Prior to GEAPP, she led finance and operations at Smart Power India (SPI) and built systems for governance and compliance. Seema is a Chartered Accountant.
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Sheila KorirSheila KorirDirector, LegalAfrica
Sheila Korir
Director, LegalAfricaSheila Korir is the Director of Legal for Africa at the Alliance, with over a decade of experience across 25 countries in public, private, and philanthropic sectors. She has led complex transactions at Northbridge Advisors and worked at AGRA. Sheila holds multiple law degrees, including an LL.M. from Duke University.
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Shoaib KocharShoaib KocharManager, FinanceIndia
Shoaib Kochar
Manager, FinanceIndiaShoaib is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and compliance at GEAPP. With over 13 years of experience, he has worked with organizations like Sesame Workshop India, GIZ India, and CARE India. Shoaib holds an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor’s in Commerce.
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Suka PraditaSuka PraditaAssociate, Country DeliveryIndonesia
Suka Pradita
Associate, Country DeliveryIndonesiaSuka Pradita is a Country Associate for GEAPP in Indonesia, with over nine years of experience in the energy transition sector. He has previously worked at Accenture, GIZ, and TMLEnergy. Suka specializes in renewable energy, green hydrogen, BESS, and ESG compliance, fostering sustainability in Indonesia.
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Tabby OlangTabby OlangManager, ImpactAfrica
Tabby Olang
Manager, ImpactAfricaTabitha is the Alliance’s Impact Manager for Africa, based in Nairobi. She leads the impact function, analyzing strategy and key indicators. With 5+ years in renewable energy, she has previously worked at The Rockefeller Foundation and IDinsight. She holds a Master’s in Sustainability Science from the University of Tokyo
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Tasha KosvinerTasha KosvinerEditorial Director, CommunicationsGlobal
Tasha Kosviner
Editorial Director, CommunicationsGlobalTasha, a passionate storyteller since childhood, began her adult writing career as a London-based journalist covering social issues. Her love for nature led her to environmental journalism, and before joining GEAPP, she was Editorial Director at the Environmental Defense Fund. She holds a degree from the London School of Economics
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Tatiana NikiforovaTatiana NikiforovaInvestments DirectorGlobal
Tatiana Nikiforova
Investments DirectorGlobalTatiana Nikiforova is Director on the Investments Team, where she supports investments and programs expanding clean energy access across our priority markets in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Prior to joining Global Energy Alliance, she spent more than a decade at a leading emerging markets transaction advisory firm, where she facilitated close to $1 billion in capital commitments from DFIs, multilateral development banks, and private impact investors for infrastructure transactions across 30+ countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Tatiana holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University’s Elliott School.
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Tshegofatso NeeuwfanTshegofatso NeeuwfanCountry Deliver Lead, South AfricaAfricaSouth Africa
Tshegofatso Neeuwfan
Country Deliver Lead, South AfricaAfrica, South AfricaTshegofatso is a Manager for Utility Innovation at the Aliiance, bringing over 13 years of experience in the Southern African electricity supply industry. Previously, he worked with Deloitte Consulting on USAID’s Power Africa initiative and held roles at Eskom and Accenture South Africa. He holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Pretoria
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Vaishali MishraVaishali MishraDirector – Asia Communications and Global Special ProjectsAsia
Vaishali Mishra
Director – Asia Communications and Global Special ProjectsAsiaVaishali Mishra leads communications for Asia and global special projects at GEAPP, championing narrative-driven storytelling in the energy transition. With a background in project management, marketing, and communications, she has developed impactful initiatives like ENTICE, TETD, and the Climate Leaders Network. A Commonwealth Chevening scholar, she was featured in PRovoke Media’s Innovator 25 Asia-Pacific 2022.
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Victor OkindaVictor OkindaManager, DataAfrica
Victor Okinda
Manager, DataAfricaVictor is a renewable energy professional with ten years of experience in sub-Saharan Africa, developing wind, solar, and hydropower plants. At the Alliance, he focuses on expanding clean energy access and promoting innovations to reduce costs for underserved communities. He is also passionate about emerging technologies in energy and IoT.
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Wanjiru WambuguWanjiru WambuguAssociate, Energy and OpportunityAfrica
Wanjiru Wambugu
Associate, Energy and OpportunityAfricaWanjiru is the Associate, Energy and Opportunity at the Alliance, focusing on preparing youth for roles in the organization’s mission. With experience in grants advisory, business franchisability, and investment feasibility, Wanjiru has worked across Africa, supporting youth and creating opportunities for sustainable development.
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William MadaraWilliam MadaraDirector of Government EnablementAfrica
William Madara
Director of Government EnablementAfricaWilliam is an energy sector expert with over 20 years of experience driving renewable energy, power sector reform, and large-scale electrification across East and Central Africa. He previously led USAID’s Power Africa program in the region, overseeing $150 million in partnerships that delivered 7.5 million new electricity connections, advanced over 1,000 MW of clean energy projects, and supported key policy reforms. Earlier, he held senior roles at Kenya Power, managing transmission operations and regional interconnections. A registered engineer, William holds a BSc in Electrical & Communications Engineering from Moi University and an MBA from the University of Nairobi.
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Xiaojing FeiXiaojing FeiDirector, Partnerships and Fundraising, Southeast AsiaAsia
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Our global team currently sits across 14 countries, working together daily across 12 time zones toward our collective impact. But we have barely scratched the surface, and with the threat of climate change here and accelerating, we are looking to bring more dedicated team members ready to create action.