Dr. Joanna Leigh, Executive Director
Dr. Leigh holds an M.A. in Psychology and a Ph.D. in International Development. In 2006, she co-founded the international non-profit which has blossomed into Moyo. Dr. Leigh developed the Moyo Model of poverty reduction with an aim to reduce poverty across the globe. Her dedication to finding innovative solutions to poverty reduction exend to her private international consulting business in which she assists corporations, government entities, and other NGOs in working within developing countries. Key in this work is "smart investing", mindful development, and showcasing the ability to do well fiscally while also doing good for the host country. www.joannaleigh.com
Vivian Unterweger, President, Treasurer
Ms. Unterweger has spent the past 20 years as the Chief Financial Officer of non-profit organizations, including working as the comptroller for both Boston University and Tufts. Ms. Unterweger lived and taught in Tanzania for 2 years and returns frequently as a volunteer. In 2005 she co-founded a U.S. based organization to raise funds for projects supporting women’s economic development, education, and access to legal justice. She continues that work with Moyo International.
Cynthia Salten, Secretary
Ms. Salten is a legal professional who has made several extended visits to Tanzania. She has done legal work for the United Nations Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, taught American and East African students in a university program in Arusha, worked with WEECE in Moshi, and tutored young children in an orphanage in Karatu. Ms. Salten also sits on the Board of the Sega School. She is excited to participate in Moyo's efforts to support local programs that focus on the empowerment of Tanzanians.
Anne Wells
Mrs. Wells is the founder and Executive Director of UNITE the World With Africa. She co-leads the Global Girls & Guys Unite youth group and has launched the philanthropic Ashe’ Collection online retail store. Ms. Wells serves as an advisor to the Board for Nurturing Minds in Africa/ Sega Girls School and as an advisor to Evolve the Conversation. She has worked for over 20 years as a communications professional in both corporate and non-profit ventures, including Safe Water Network and The Center for Contemporary Arts in St. Louis. Ms. Wells has published 2 books and written for numerous international publications, most recently, Africa.com.
Ibrahim Mkwizu
Mr. Mkwizu lives and works in the Kilimanjaro region and is the Executive Director of Afrishare Solutions. He works with different groups (International 4H, Columbia and Brown University) as well as individuals who visit Tanzania for research, volunteering, and tourism. Mr. Mkwizu has served as a program officer at Cross Cultural Solutions and has worked as a youth leader, social researcher and community educator in the Kilimanjaro Region, as well as a facilitator for the HIV/AIDS International Project. He is an active partner with other poverty reduction and democracy building organizations throughout East Africa.
Maya Knight
Mrs. Knight has spent her life studying abroad and volunteering. In East Africa, Maya has worked with the Step Up Center, the Tuleeni Orphans Home, Akili Day Care, and WEECE. She has a special understanding of youth and the East African educational system and has created innovative programs to address their needs. Maya's University studies have included years in Bolivia and Argentina, where she also volunteered with Fundacion Leon, a network of hospitals. Her education is in Anthropology and Global Studies, and at when she is at home in Colorado with her Tanzanian husband, she teaches ESL and volunteers with the Continental Divide Trail Alliance and Willy Wonka.