Vice Chair

Dennis Mutoro founded Africar Logistics, which specialises in import and export logistics across East Africa. A dedicated family man with a household of daughters, Dennis is actively involved in his children's schools, where he serves as a board member. 

Passionate about community development, he is a committed member of the Rotary Club of Embakasi, working to support local initiatives that foster growth and resilience. Known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his business, Dennis finds balance and peace in the village, where he enjoys reconnecting with nature and family roots. 

His leadership and community focus bring invaluable insight to Mama Respond's mission to empower families and communities to thrive.

Treasurer

An advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over nine years of experience, Janet Kabaya is deeply dedicated to advancing community rights and ensuring legal protections for vulnerable populations. Her expertise spans public interest litigation, disability rights, international compliance, and democracy and governance, with a strong focus on the rights of special interest groups. Key areas of her work include grant management, engaging with regional and international treaty mechanisms, policy review, and legal research.

 Janet has led impactful public interest cases, including a landmark case resulting in the recognition of intersex persons as a distinct sex category globally. She was also part of the legal team supporting Mau Mau War Veterans, leading to reconciliatory actions and compensation from the British Government. Additionally, she is a Certified Professional Mediator, Commissioner for Oaths, and Notary Public, bringing invaluable expertise to Mama Respond's mission of empowering families and individuals to thrive.

Secretary

With over 30 years of experience in Construction Health and Safety, Brendan brings invaluable expertise to Mama Respond’s building projects, ensuring they are guided by safe, effective practices. He has a keen eye for risk and compliance, consistently working to identify and mitigate potential risks to create a secure environment. 

Known for his dedication to workplace health, Brendan is especially passionate about implementing purpose-driven policies and processes that promote safety and well-being. His commitment to health and education initiatives aligns closely with Mama Respond’s mission, making him a valuable part of the team.

An avid "fix-it man," Brendan enjoys using his skills to help others and finds great joy in spending time with his family.

Board Member

Simon Mutugi is a highly respected occupational therapist known throughout Kitengela for his approachable and compassionate care. Simon graduated from Kenya Medical Training College in 2002 and began working at Watoto CIAO a program for children with disability, where he worked in pediatrics unit and in community-based rehabilitation program, sensitising parents, community volunteers and the community on disability issues.

With over 20 years of experience, Simon now serves at Sitoti Hospital, where he regularly refers mothers with children with special needs to the Strong Mama groups, helping them access crucial support.

Simon also assembles and fits Mama Respond wheelchairs, always putting his patients' needs first and ensuring they receive the best possible care.

A true community man, Simon's dedication to his patients and commitment to community well-being align perfectly with Mama Respond's mission to uplift and empower families.

Board Member

Diane is a determined advocate to end Family and Domestic Violence. Having migrated to Australia, Diane honours her multiculturalism and is committed to amplifying the voices of women and girls of colour in all spheres of society. For the past 16 years, Diane has built a solid career within the Disability sector; with expert knowledge the NDIS. She uses her talent to mentor younger organisations wishing to provide supports to people with Disabilities. 

During the day, Diane is a Strategic Director at Unique Support Services, a reputable Disability Service Organisation, specialised in providing supports to participants with complex needs. Of all her roles, what makes Diane the proudest is being a mother to two amazing children.

Board Member

As a Kenyan Australian, Anne is deeply committed to positively impacting her personal and professional life. Her dedication to sustainable development and tackling global challenges is evident through her extensive work in Australia and Kenya. With over 15 years of experience creating social impact and managing programs, Anne is a Senior Advisor for the State Government, where her strategic insights have shaped policies across community, industry, and financial programs.

Anne's connection to Mama Respond stems from shared values of empowering women and children and improving educational outcomes. She finds inspiration in Mama Respond's commitment to transforming the lives of children with special needs in Kitengela and alleviating hardship for their Strong Mamas. Outside of work, Anne enjoys serving her community, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Board Member

Dr. Edward Odundo is the Director of the School of Pension and Retirement Studies and a distinguished leader in finance, governance, and pensions. He serves on Equity Group Holdings Board and is the Chairman of Equity Life Assurance Company Ltd. 

With decades of experience, Dr. Odundo has held key roles, including CEO of Kenya's Retirement Benefits Authority, Commissioner at Kenya Revenue Authority, and Director of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Honoured with the Moran of the Order of The Burning Spear (MBS), Dr Odundo is also an advisor, lecturer, and author dedicated to strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and empowering people with disabilities. 

His expertise brings immense value to Mama Respond's mission of transforming lives and empowering families. Dr Odundo holds a PhD in Business Administration and has studied at Harvard, LSE, and the University of Nairobi.

Board Member

Jason Davison is the CEO of Winunngari Aboriginal Organisation, a role in which he leads with a deep commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal communities.

With a strong passion for people and vulnerable communities, Jason dedicates his efforts to creating positive change and fostering opportunities for those in need. His leadership is driven by a genuine desire to uplift and empower marginalised groups, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive.

Through his work, Jason continues to make meaningful contributions to the advancement and well-being of Aboriginal communities.

Board Member

Hayley Borissow is the Sustainability and Decarbonisation Manager at a global food services and facilities management business, and central to delivering on the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

With nearly 20 years of experience in Western Australia's energy and resources sector, combined with a decade in global hospitality management, Hayley brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her educational background in environmental engineering, science, and management provides her with a deep understanding of the complexities of sustainability and the challenge of balancing business objectives with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Hayley approaches her work with purpose, curiosity, and a strategic mindset.

Her passion for climate science, environmental conservation, and intergenerational equity drives her to support businesses on their journey to sustainability leadership. She is dedicated to fostering positive change and creating a more sustainable future for all.

Board Member

Njoki has led an impressive career as a project and program specialist in her 14 years working in the health and education development sector.

Njoki holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community Psychology from Makerere University and is pursuing a master’s degree in Gender and Development She is a proud mother of two wonderful.

In her personal life, she has a keen interest in hiking and aspires to conquer the highest mountains in East Africa within the next five years.

Board Member

Dr Daniel Jeffrey is a healthcare leader, consultant, and clinician with extensive experience in medical administration, clinical governance, and digital health transformation. His career spans frontline clinical practice, executive healthcare leadership, and consulting, where he has led major system reforms across hospitals, health services, and government agencies.

Dr Jeffrey specialises in organisational governance, workforce optimisation, and digital strategy. He has successfully guided organisations through complex service redesigns, policy development, and health technology implementations. His work has included the development of large-scale clinical governance frameworks, innovative workforce planning solutions, and digital transformation initiatives that have improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Dr Jeffrey also contributes to national discussions on the integration of artificial intelligence in health and social services, serving on advisory committees focused on AI adoption and digital health innovation. His expertise has been recognised internationally, including awards for leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has presented at major conferences and contributes to the ongoing development of health policy, service design, and digital health advancement.

Human Relations - Kenya

Veronica brings over 17 years of experience in General Human Resource Management, with a robust background in both international and regional contexts. Veronica is HR Manager Kenya for Mama Respond, where she plays a crucial role in shaping the organisation's HR strategy to support its mission. Additionally, she serves as a Human Resource Specialist at AfricaNenda Foundation, supporting diverse teams across multiple countries.

Her expertise lies in nurturing organisational culture, talent development, and ensuring a healthy work environment. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Veronica is deeply passionate about mental health support, advocating for resources and practices that promote well-being in the workplace. She also loves travel, which has enriched her understanding of different cultures and enhanced her ability to effectively manage HR functions across various regions.

Veronica is a dedicated mother to two boys, balancing her thriving career with her family life and continuously seeking new ways to contribute to her community and profession.

Programs Coordinator

Ann has dedicated her recent years to improving community health, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and outreach. Her extensive Community Health and Development background has empowered her to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, addressing public health challenges with empathy and expertise.

Her passion for this work is deeply personal. As a mother caring for her daughter with Cerebral Palsy, Ann understands the unique challenges faced by the special needs community. Her lived experience extends to caring for her siblings, further deepening her commitment to advocating for health equity, social justice, and the transformative power of education and grassroots action.

As Project Coordinator Kenya for Mama Respond, Ann is dedicated to advancing the organisation's mission of enhancing health to improve education for the special needs community. She brings a wealth of knowledge, a compassionate heart, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves. 

Ann's journey with Mama Respond is driven by her unwavering belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their challenges, to thrive with the right support and resources.