Our Team

Nerissa is an advocate for Energy Justice and an equal world. Before joining the Global Greengrants Fund team, Nerissa served as a community volunteer for 350 Africa and worked as a coordinator on the Africa Coal Network Project, with a mandate to mobilize and unify grassroots voices resisting the injustices perpetuated by fossil fuel industries with a focus on the complete phase-out of coal in the Africa region. Nerissa holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Energetics and Environment from the University of Boumerdes, Algeria, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Winnie, a Kenyan citizen, is an advisor to the Executive Board of the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change, and she also works as a Research Fellow at the African Centre of Technology Studies. Since 2006 she has worked closely with youth, communities, and interest groups to foster environmental and climate-change awareness and to promote sustainable development. Winnie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Kenyatta University in Kenya, a Master's degree in Law and Environmental Science at the University of Nottingham, UK and a Master's degree in Climate Change from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Anne-Marie serves as an independent consultant, after over 10 years with both the private sector and NGOs. She joined the Centre for Environment and Development as a program officer then headed the administration and finance department. Anne Marie is a co-founder of the Support Centre for Sustainable Rural Development. She has a M.A. in Trade and Distribution from the Catholic University of Central Africa.

Nathalie has always been interested in socio-environmental rights, climate justice, and the protection of cultural values. She lives in Uruguay, where she has experience working with socio-environmental activities in the nonprofit field. She is a journalist and at the present she studies Linguistics at School of Humanities of Universidad de la República. Her passions are everything related to human communication and the different relationships that people establish with the nature.

Prior to joining Greengrants in 2022, Shena worked with a range of nonprofits and social movements around the world, most recently as an organizational effectiveness consultant for feminist and LGBTQI groups and at the International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC). She holds an MA in International Development from the University of Pittsburgh. Shena is passionate about her dog and approaches to philanthropy and international development that challenge the economic, social and political status quo.

Ibis has worked with rural communities for nearly two decades, focusing on participatory sustainable development. She is dedicated to helping poor, marginalized families participate in the management of local resources and improve livelihoods through environmentally-sound economic development. She has helped communities within Honduran protected areas develop non-timber forest products, community forestry management plans, and systems for protecting fragile watersheds. Ibis is based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Abdulai Darimani is an environment and social scientist. Abdulai has over two decades of experience working on environment and social issues with particular focus on environment, community rights and sustainable development. He holds a PhD in environmental science and MPhil in sociology from University of Ghana, a certificate in Professional Development: Environment Education from the University of Bath, as well as Bachelor of Art and Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast.

Jenna came to Global Greengrants in 2015 and has held various roles on the development team. She began her career teaching for several years in Spain while volunteering with the local UNICEF office, and has continued to volunteer, and serve as a board member, with several youth-centered nonprofits abroad and in Colorado. She holds a B.A. from the University of Oregon in International Development.

Tanya brings more than a decade of experience working with grassroots organizations internationally on the issues of environmental justice and nature protection. She graduated from Krasnoyarsk State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics/Translation, and then she was awarded a fellowship for graduate studies in the United States. In 2003, she received her M.P.A. from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at the University of Indiana in Bloomington.

Chinesom is a former Director of Investments at Africa Integras, an asset management firm headquartered in New York City that invests early-risk capital for the development of educational real estate. Prior to Africa Integras, Chinesom was Managing Director at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, where he managed over $900 million in capital reserved for private equity funds that hold investments in companies across four continents and over 30 countries. Previously, Chinesom worked in the fixed income industry - specifically asset and mortgage backed assets. Additionally, he was an Executive Member of the Washington Latin Public Charter School Board where he served as President and previously served as the Treasurer and Head of the Finance Committee. He maintains an honorary role on the Board. Chinesom graduated from The Colorado College with a B.A. in Economics and was a four year football varsity letter. He also holds an MBA from The Darden School of Business.

‘B’ de Gersigny (they/them) is a communications professional and community organizer from South Africa. For two decades they have amplified messages and movements for transformative social change. B served as Director of Communications at Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice for seven years, leading strategic communications efforts to build capacity and resources for LGBTQI communities, globally. They have consulted for grassroots nonprofits with an emphasis on solidarity philanthropy, gender and racial equity. They hold a Masters degree from Bard College, NY and a B.A. from the University of Cape Town. B has also trained in traditional healing arts, facilitating folks to come into deeper relationship with themselves, their communities and the shared planet. They believe that building narrative power is part of a longer lineage of challenging oppression, healing and resourcing for collective liberation.

Amy has 30 years of experience working with civil society movements around the world. For the last 15 years, she has focused on connecting local movements in the global south and the global north to promote social, economic, and environmental justice in the policies and portfolios of International Financial Institutions. Before joining Arab Watch Coalition, Amy led the regional programs around the world, including in the Middle East and Northern Africa region, for the Bank Information Center. Amy has master’s degree in International Relations from George Washington University in Washington DC and a Participatory Community Development Diploma from Coady Institute, St. Xavier University, Canada. She has another Masters in French-Arabic Interpretation from Ain Shams University in Egypt, where she received a bachelor's degree in French Language and Literature few years earlier.

Khara is a Belizean Citizen. Her academic background includes a BEng in Chemical and Energy Engineering and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning. She has over seven years of experience managing climate change projects especially focused on sustainable energy transition within the Caribbean private and public sectors. She is passionate about climate issues and occasionally volunteers as a grant researcher and writer for small businesses and small non-government organizations. In her free time enjoys painting oil and watercolor pieces inspired by vibrant Caribbean life.

Laura is a Mexican feminist who has advocated for human rights, social justice, and civil society throughout her career. Before joining Global Greengrants, Laura served for seven years as the Executive Director of Fondo Semillas, a Mexican nonprofit organization that finances grassroots organizations to achieve gender equality. Laura has vast experience in grassroots philanthropy, human rights, and movements for social justice, and she has co-created networks to promote community philanthropy in the Global South. She holds a Master's Degree in International Peace and Security, from King’s College, London. She currently serves on the boards of Oxfam Mexico, Co-Impact, and the Global Fund for Community Foundations.

Inspired by the power of collaboration and partnerships, Jenny has over 8 years of experience leading grant writing and reporting for nonprofits, building meaningful relationships which drive transformative, positive change. Working at the intersection of environmental conservation and economic and social development, her areas of focus have included coffee, climate resilience, youth leadership and gender equality, and the strengthening of biodiverse landscapes towards a more sustainable and equitable future. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and a bachelor’s degree in Italian and European Studies from Cornell University. A coffee enthusiast, Jenny enjoys hiking and spending time with her cats.

Kézha is the Vice President of External Relations at Global Greengrants Fund and comes from a long line of family working for women’s, community, and Indigenous rights. Her relative, Alice Paul, was a drafter of the Equal Rights Amendment and a key advocate for the passing of the 19th Amendment and the creation of the CSW, her father was a co-founder of the Métis Indian Alliance which advocated for Métis and Indigenous rights in the US and Canada, and her mother was deeply involved in addressing hunger and poverty in the Bay Area. Kézha carries her family’s dedication to movements seeking justice for all people, wildlife, and the Earth, and has worked to protect the health of ecosystems in the West, to strengthen communities, and to increase educational access and equity for young people in New Mexico, all with a lens of ensuring women and local people are at the heart of decision-making. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a M.S. in Wildlife Biology.

Matthew is a Kenyan citizen, born and bred in the capital city, Nairobi. Matthew was one of the founders of the Kenyan-Australian initiative Bridging Borders, which works on development projects in Ndhiwa, one of Kenya’s poorest regions. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance, and has been working on research projects for various organizations in Kenya since graduation. In addition to global grantmaking administration responsibilities with Global Greengrants Fund, Matthew also administers the grantmaking for four Greengrants advisory boards—the East Africa Regional Board, the Next Generation Climate Board, the Southern Africa Regional Board, and the African Coal Network Board.

Uyaiedu is a human rights advocate and a social change storyteller. Passionate about the rights of the marginalized, she has worked and collaborated with several human rights organizations and activists on campaigns to drive social and political change in her country, Nigeria. She has 5+ years of experience providing administrative and organizational support to non-profit organizations. She has a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies from Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus.

Kim Kaletsky (they/them) is a non-profit communications professional who got their start doing digital communications work in the publishing industry for a creative consultancy. Prior to their role at Global Greengrants Fund, they spent several years doing communications with Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, where they shifted resources to LGBTQI movements in the U.S. and around the world. Kim is also a writer whose work has been published in the New York Times, HuffPost, and more. They live in New York City with their very chatty cat.

Moses Kambou is the Executive Director of Organization of Capacity Building for Community Development. Moses also teaches at the University of Ouagadougou in the faculty of Languages, Arts and Communications. He has a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

With over 10 years of accounting experience in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Sahana keeps our books in order and funds flowing to the grassroots. Prior to joining the Global Greengrants Fund staff, she provided accounting training to more than 100 non-governmental organizations in Nepal, where she was born and raised. Sahana has a M.A. in Business Administration from Tribhuban University.

Maya is focused on bringing an intersectional feminist approach to global philanthropy. With a professional career spanning partnerships, philanthropic consulting, and research, she brings deep experience in building strong relationships with donors, and coaching them towards more equitable giving strategies. Most recently, Maya worked for the UN World Food Programme’s Innovation Accelerator in Munich, where she managed a portfolio of key public and private donors. With a lifelong interest in continuous learning and knowledge sharing, Maya spent the last year in the Netherlands completing her Master’s degree in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. She is committed to using her professional experiences, privileges, and knowledge to shift access and resources towards values-aligned work, including environmental justice efforts led by grassroots organizations. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time in nature.

At Global Greengrants fund, Naomi has a global role where she shares collective learning about inclusive grantmaking that supports the rights, self-determination, and environmental work of indigenous peoples. A Maasai woman from Narok, Kenya, Naomi previously worked at the Kenyan Land Alliance as their Women Land Rights Programme officer, advocating for effective implementation of Constitutional provisions for secure women’s land rights. She has an M.A. in Legal Studies from the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program at the University of Arizona, and she has attended and presented at the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues since 2011.

Pontso comes to Global Greengrants Fund from African Women’s Development Fund, where she served as Director of Programmes. Her career also includes roles with ActionAid, Comic Relief, International Planned Parenthood Federation, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Additionally, she has been recognized as one of the BBC 100 Women and is actively involved in various leadership and advisory roles within the development and social justice sectors; she is a member of Steering Committees for The Red Umbrella Fund and The Girl Generation. Pontso is currently Chair of the Programmes Committee and Board member of EMpower – The Emerging Markets Foundation Count – and Chair of the International Development Committee of the Baring Foundation. She is also a member of the Equality Fund Global Advisory Panel and the Human Rights Funders Network Global Racial Justice Advisory Network.

A native of Ecuador, Mateo has spent his professional career as an activist, researcher, and consultant, having written and edited several books and articles about Indigenous struggles in his country. He previously worked at Acción Ecológica, an environmental NGO and historical Global Greengrants Fund grantee and ally, and Land is Life. Mateo has also worked in the public sector to broaden access to quality higher education for excluded sectors of the population and to promote political transparency and participation rights. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy, a master’s degree in Social Sciences, and is currently finishing his doctoral dissertation on the problem of nature, technic, and culture in Modernity. He is passionate about observing the night sky with his telescope, cooking meals for his family, and caring for his little baby girl.

Liziwe McDaid is the Coordinator for the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute. Liziwe has worked tirelessly to promote good governance, particularly in the energy sector. Liziwe holds a BSc from the University of Cape Town, a post graduate diploma in higher education, and an MSc in Climate Change and Development from the African Climate Development Institute at the University of Cape Town.

At Global Greengrants, Greg coordinates our strategic planning and the donor advised fund program. He previously spent three years in Mongolia as a Peace Corps Volunteer, where he taught English and assisted with community-led projects. Greg has a M.A. in International and Intercultural Communication from the University of Denver and a B.A.'s in History and Music from the University of Colorado.

Ursula brings experience working on human rights and environmental justice issues in Africa and Latin America, and she has worked in several organizations as an advocate for gender equity in development projects. She is an adjunct professor in the Master of Development Practice program at Regis University, a contributing author of the award-winning publication "Climate Justice and Women's Rights", and a frequent speaker at conferences about equity in environmental and climate financing. She also serves on the Community Council for the Creative Ideas Fund. Ursula holds a M.A. in International Studies and a B.A. in History.

Nicole's interest in social and environmental justice led her to Global Greengrants Fund from 2018-2020. Knowing that she wants to make a difference in the world, she came back to Global Greengrants Fund to help support the Accounting and Grants team. She holds a BS in Accounting from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Samuel Nnah Ndobe is an independent consultant and a part time instructor in some professional training centers, including CRESA Forêt Bois, of the University of Dschang. His work focuses on forestry, livelihoods, indigenous peoples (primarily “Pygmies”), non-timber forest products, climate change and facilitating stakeholder engagement and participatory processes related to natural resource management. Samuel received his university training in Agriculture and holds an Ingénieur Agronome diploma, specializing in Rural Economics and Sociology, from the University of Dschang, Cameroon.

For more than 25 years, Cesar has been working on behalf of Latin American communities affected by environmental degradation. He has served as both liaison and advisor for international development agencies, and co-founded his own environmental organization, Observatorio Latinoamericano de Conflictos Ambientales. In 2006, Cesar relocated from Chile to Bolivia to provide leadership for Observatorio de Conflictos Mineros de America Latina, and moved to Ecuador in 2009 to continue coordinating communities working on mining issues.

Alanna comes to Global Greengrants Fund with 9+ years of work experience in a variety of non-profit, governmental, and social enterprise environments, both in the US and abroad. She has also worked on several progressive political campaigns in Colorado. She has a B.A. in Sociology and a M.A. in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Chantal is an expert on human rights and civic space protection, over 20 years working and living in Sub Saharan Africa and North, Central and South America. Before joining Global Greengrants Fund, she ran her own consulting practice, helping organizations build and nurture strategic networks and coalitions to strengthen and defend civic space through inclusive, accountable, rights-based systems. She previously led Freedom House’s global emergency fund for civil society activists and organizations under threat, and its Mexico-specific efforts to protect journalists and defend freedom of expression. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, she headed up International Rescue Committee’s grants program, focused on community-based development and assistance to survivors of violence. She holds a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and a BA in International Affairs from Lafayette College.

Nuwan has worked for more than 15 years in human resources management, organization development, and organizational change management in the non-profit sector. His work focuses on developing and implementing impactful people and culture strategies that facilitate organizations to truly align culture and people practices to the values and principles they espouse. He has worked with civil society organizations as well as national and international non-governmental organizations in Sri Lanka and in multiple countries across South and South East Asia and globally. Nuwan joins Global Greengrants Fund from AWID, a global, feminist, membership, movement-support organization where he gave leadership to the human resources function for the past five years. Though based in Germany, Nuwan is from the global south, and he is an immigrant, a parent, and a person of color, and is strongly interested in anti-racist activism, racial justice, and immigrant rights. Nuwan holds a Master's degree in International Management and is a Member of the Society for Human Resources Management.

Margaret holds a BSc in database and GIS mapping from the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. She has been working for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as Senior Policy and Planning, before joining Pacific Environment Consultants Ltd as the GIS and mapping specialist. Margaret has now over 7 years of working experience in the environment area of EIA, GIS mapping, infrastructure, and risk management planning. She is married with 2 kids.

Laura is from Colombia and currently lives in São Paulo, Brazil where she has gained experience in grant writing and project planning to promote conservation and help improve local living conditions. She is a professional in International Relations with an emphasis on International Political Affairs and holds an MBA in Project Management. She is passionate about helping create a more sustainable and equal world and is particularly interested in research, environmental cooperation issues, and sustainable development. Laura enjoys meeting people from different cultures and learning their perspectives, which has been an incentive to learn languages. She participates in a research group on public policies related to food security and environmental advocacy networks.

Francesco was born in Varese, Italy and raised in the foothills of the Alps. Francesco earned his B.A. in Philosophy, with an emphasis on Political Philosophy, from Bologna University. He worked as a database manager for a small internet media company for five years before joining Global Greengrants Fund in 2012.

Huub has over 25 years of experience monitoring the social and environmental impacts of development finance. He served as Executive Director of CEE Bankwatch Network: the largest network of grassroots, environmental, and human rights groups in Central and Eastern Europe. Alternating roles as Campaigner, Advocate, and Manager, he supported grassroots organizations in the Global South at Both ENDS for over 20 years. He co-founded and currently serves as a board member of Zero Waste Europe, and he is the European member of GAIA's Global Advisory Hub. Huub holds an MSc in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen Agricultural University.

Alexander Schulz, who goes by Alex, is 23 years old. Alex was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He studied International Affairs at the University of Colorado Boulder with a focus on East Asia. Alex's experience working with non-profits includes canvassing for the Human Rights Campaign and advocating for reformed environmental legislation on behalf of the Colorado Public Interest Research Group (COPIRG). He began an internship with Global Greengrants Fund in the Fall of 2021 during his senior year and has become dedicated to the organization’s mission ever since. Alex has a Chihuahua named Chancho and 2 tarantulas as well. He appreciates music and art and in his free time, he enjoys embroidering, needle-punching, reading, hiking, and playing video games.

Lavetanalagi (Lagi) is a climate justice activist whose work of over nine years has spanned the areas of youth development, climate change, gender, human rights, and social inclusion in disaster risk reduction. Prior to joining Global Greengrants Fund, he held the role of Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network. He has years of experience in climate policy development, campaigns, movement building, and strategy development. Lagi is no stranger to Global Greengrants, as he was formerly part of the Next Generation Climate Board, as well as the Climate Action Network – International Board, and is engaged in many social movements and civil society networks on climate change in the Pacific and globally.

Ainissa's passion for social justice brought her to Global Greengrants Fund. Prior to joining GGF she worked in accounting and management at several non-profits serving people and communities. She has over fifteen years of accounting experience in the non-profit field. Ainissa obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Metro State University, and a master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from Regis University. Having been born and raised in Kazakhstan and having ancestors hailing from China and Mongolia, she still practices their culture and appreciates their roots. Ainissa joins us from Colorado, having moved to America 23 years ago, and she proudly calls it her home now. She is a proud mother of two amazing boys, and loves spending time with her children, family, and friends. Outside of work, Ainissa enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and being outdoors with her family.

Rita has experience designing, planning, and implementing programs on institutional strengthening, biodiversity, climate change, protected areas, forest management, and economic growth. For the last two years, Rita worked as Global Program Lead for Capacity Development and Inclusion for an Indigenous-led Foundation to empower Indigenous Peoples. She served as Executive Director of Panama´s leading environmental NGO, National Association for the Conservation of Nature (ANCON). For 10 years, she worked with USAID as Economic Growth and Environmental Program Specialist leading the biodiversity conservation portfolio and was Chief of Party of an institutional strengthening project to improve the management of the Panama Canal Watershed. She worked as Communications Associate of the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands. Rita holds a M.Sc. in Natural Resources Management and a B.A. in Journalism and certificates in corporate sustainability and climate change. Rita is based out of Panama City, Panama.

Samantha provides support to the fundraising team, managing the donor database and helping build relationships with donors. Samantha previously worked for several nonprofits in Colorado. She holds a M.A. in Communication from the University of Colorado Denver, as well as a B.A. in Journalism and a B.S. in Sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Susan brings over 30 years of nonprofit development experience to Global Greengrants Fund. Among the important issues she has championed include child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, LGBTQI rights, mental health, and disability rights. Susan graduated with a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and is also certified in Integrative Nutrition and Eating Psychology.

Dorottya Szekely is a feminist and climate advocate who is dedicated to uplifting and promoting grassroots activism. She has spent extensive time researching the role of women’s organizations as key climate actors and she is passionate about the intersection of climate justice and gender equality. Currently, her role at Global Greengrants Fund focuses on grantmaking, compliance, and data analysis. Dorottya holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and graduated from the Master of Global Affairs program at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy with a specialization in Human Rights & Global Justice.

Davila comes from the Fiji Islands. She is a Pacific Island youth climate activist, who is passionate about protecting and preserving land, ocean, culture and traditions. She acquired a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Before joining Global Greengrants Fund she was a remote intern for the World Meteorological Organization and has actively engaged in the climate change, youth and sustainable development space for over 7 years.

With a dynamic career spanning over 15 years, Tariro is a seasoned Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Specialist. Most recently, Tariro was the Director of Partnerships and development at Urgent Action Fund (UAF)-Africa. Her expertise encompasses fundraising and resource mobilization, donor management, the forging of strategic partnerships, and a nuanced understanding of philanthropy. She is particularly passionate about development communications, where her emphasis on storytelling amplifies the voices and narratives of the communities she serves. She has had extensive experience working with environmental justice movements, feminist groups, disability groups, LGBTQI communities, and advocates for economic justice. Her frontline experience as an activist has imbued her with a unique perspective on philanthropy, ensuring that it responds genuinely to movements' needs and that these movements significantly influence philanthropic directions - fostering a deeper introspection into the philanthropic landscape, enriching her approach to her work. Currently, Tariro is channeling her extensive experience and passion for social justice into academia, working towards a Ph.D. in Communication. Her research focuses on the strategic communication tactics employed by social justice movements, aiming to uncover how these movements harness the power of communication to advance their causes. This scholarly pursuit reflects her lifelong commitment to supporting and amplifying the efforts of those striving for a more equitable and just world.

Roxanne graduated in 2020 with a B.A. in International & Global Studies from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a M.A. in Global Security from Arizona State University. She has also studied South African politics in the University of Cape Town. Roxanne has previously interned with several non-profits, including Global Hope Network International and Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. She holds both US and Philippine citizenship, growing up in the city of Olongapo. She is passionate about issues surrounding generational poverty and environmental sustainability in developing nations.

Federico is an anthropology student at Argentina’s National University in Rosario and brings to the role a deep affinity for social movements and the environment.

Carrie is a Canadian feminist and seasoned fundraiser with nearly two decades of experience in women’s rights organizations worldwide. During her 14-year tenure at JASS, where she held integral roles including Director of Development, she contributed to significant revenue growth and agile resourcing mechanisms tailored to the needs of grassroots movements. As Chief Development Officer, Co-Lead for Fòs Feminista, Carrie spearheaded efforts to mobilize critical funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Her social justice journey began in South America, where she coordinated projects aimed at raising awareness about dangerous abortion restrictions and violence against women. Committed to a feminist solidarity approach to philanthropy, Carrie is dedicated to disrupting paternalistic and colonial practices, and shifting power and resources to grassroots movements. She is excited about her role in supporting the trust-based resourcing models championed by Global Greengrants Fund. Carrie holds an M.A. in International Relations, specializing in international human rights, and a BA in Political Science.