At Rooted Wisdom Africa, we champion local leadership, ownership, and a deep-rooted connection with the communities we serve. This commitment is reflected in our hiring practices, where preference is given to individuals from the region or those who have graduated from our programs. We firmly believe that decision-making should be guided by those most affected, tapping into the invaluable insights and experiences of individuals intimately acquainted with the community’s challenges and aspirations. This collaborative approach not only empowers our staff but also fosters a sense of ownership within the community, ensuring the success and sustainability of our programs.
As the organization’s Operations Manager in Uganda, Irene oversees on-the-ground activities. She designs strategies for new programs that help families become economically, socially, and environmentally self-sustainable. In keeping with Rooted Wisdom Africa’s guidelines, Irene manages the ethical compliance of all program activities, including confidentiality between schools, parents, communities, and students. With 15 years of NGO experience, Irene excels in program development, human resources, and training. Previously, she served with Mercy Corp and volunteered at SWEI Uganda. As a team leader at the Community Integrated Development Initiative and field operations manager at Lend A Hand Uganda, Irene navigated challenging environments, contributing to projects spanning health, nutrition, WASH, empowerment, and peacebuilding. Irene has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since January 2023.
As a Program Officer, Imelda serves as a crucial link between Rooted Wisdom Africa’s farming initiatives and the communities it serves. Her primary role involves capacitating farmers with on-farm skills and knowledge to foster increased income generation and improved nutrition. Imelda is a distinguished graduate of Rooted Wisdom Africa’s Farmer Field School Program and brings a robust background in agronomic and agribusiness skills with 12 years of practical experience. Imelda has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since January 2023.
With over 17 years of practical farming experience, Emmanuel serves as a cornerstone in Rooted Wisdom Africa’s farming initiatives. As a Program Officer, he orchestrates facilitated demonstration training, equipping farmers with on-farm skills and knowledge to boost vegetable production and income. His oversight of agricultural programs ensures their alignment with organizational goals. Emmanuel’s Certificate in Education augments his farming expertise, enabling clear communication and effective knowledge transfer to farmers. His dedication to sustainable development is encapsulated in his favorite quote: “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” Emmanuel has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since 2018.
As the organization’s Operations Manager in Uganda, Irene oversees on-the-ground activities. She designs strategies for new programs that help families become economically, socially, and environmentally self-sustainable. In keeping with Rooted Wisdom Africa’s guidelines, Irene manages the ethical compliance of all program activities, including confidentiality between schools, parents, communities, and students. With 15 years of NGO experience, Irene excels in program development, human resources, and training. Previously, she served with Mercy Corp and volunteered at SWEI Uganda. As a team leader at the Community Integrated Development Initiative and field operations manager at Lend A Hand Uganda, Irene navigated challenging environments, contributing to projects spanning health, nutrition, WASH, empowerment, and peacebuilding. Irene has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since January 2023.
As a Program Officer, Imelda serves as a crucial link between Rooted Wisdom Africa’s farming initiatives and the communities it serves. Her primary role involves capacitating farmers with on-farm skills and knowledge to foster increased income generation and improved nutrition. Imelda is a distinguished graduate of Rooted Wisdom Africa’s Farmer Field School Program and brings a robust background in agronomic and agribusiness skills with 12 years of practical experience. Imelda has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since January 2023.
With over 17 years of practical farming experience, Emmanuel serves as a cornerstone in Rooted Wisdom Africa’s farming initiatives. As a Program Officer, he orchestrates facilitated demonstration training, equipping farmers with on-farm skills and knowledge to boost vegetable production and income. His oversight of agricultural programs ensures their alignment with organizational goals. Emmanuel’s Certificate in Education augments his farming expertise, enabling clear communication and effective knowledge transfer to farmers. His dedication to sustainable development is encapsulated in his favorite quote: “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” Emmanuel has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since 2018.
Gerald brings a unique blend of experience and skills to his Program Officer role at Rooted Wisdom Africa. With 17 years of hands-on farming experience under his belt and through his guidance, farmers are empowered to implement sustainable practices that positively impact their livelihoods and communities. Alongside his agronomic and agribusiness skills, he possesses excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, fostering meaningful connections with farmers and stakeholders. His training skills ensure that knowledge is effectively transferred, empowering farmers to implement best practices. Gerald holds a Certificate in Stenography and Secretarial Duties. Gerald has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since July 2023.
Esther brings five years of accounting experience as the organization’s Bookkeeper. With a Diploma in Business Administration, Esther is vital in delivering business training across all Rooted Wisdom Africa’s programs and ensuring the compilation and submission of monthly accountabilities. Her competencies include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, training expertise, computer proficiency, and report writing. Esther joined Rooted Wisdom Africa in July 2023.
As Executive Director, Kristy provides leadership in developing programs, fundraising, and communications. She oversees all strategic and operational responsibilities of Rooted Wisdom Africa’s (RWA) staff and the execution of the organization’s mission, goals, and standards. Before joining RWA, Kristy worked in the international nonprofit sector for six years, focusing on entrepreneurship opportunities through community leadership and education. She has led over 16 vocational training programs and managed five nonprofit partners in the education and health sectors. While working on-site in India, Kristy helped to develop and implement a two-year Masters of Entrepreneur Program and has been a guest speaker in the classroom on topics of time management, goal setting, business etiquette, and employee development. Kristy has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since September 2015.
Gerald brings a unique blend of experience and skills to his Program Officer role at Rooted Wisdom Africa. With 17 years of hands-on farming experience under his belt and through his guidance, farmers are empowered to implement sustainable practices that positively impact their livelihoods and communities. Alongside his agronomic and agribusiness skills, he possesses excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, fostering meaningful connections with farmers and stakeholders. His training skills ensure that knowledge is effectively transferred, empowering farmers to implement best practices. Gerald holds a Certificate in Stenography and Secretarial Duties. Gerald has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since July 2023.
Esther brings five years of accounting experience as the organization’s Bookkeeper. With a Diploma in Business Administration, Esther is vital in delivering business training across all Rooted Wisdom Africa’s programs and ensuring the compilation and submission of monthly accountabilities. Her competencies include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, training expertise, computer proficiency, and report writing. Esther joined Rooted Wisdom Africa in July 2023.
As Executive Director, Kristy provides leadership in developing programs, fundraising, and communications. She oversees all strategic and operational responsibilities of Rooted Wisdom Africa’s (RWA) staff and the execution of the organization’s mission, goals, and standards. Before joining RWA, Kristy worked in the international nonprofit sector for six years, focusing on entrepreneurship opportunities through community leadership and education. She has led over 16 vocational training programs and managed five nonprofit partners in the education and health sectors. While working on-site in India, Kristy helped to develop and implement a two-year Masters of Entrepreneur Program and has been a guest speaker in the classroom on topics of time management, goal setting, business etiquette, and employee development. Kristy has been working with Rooted Wisdom Africa since September 2015.
Our blueprint: education and enterprise, fueled by internal drive, leads to financial independence.
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