MEET OUR TEAM
Our team is united by passion, vision, and commitment to action. We drive environmental stewardship, climate change inclusion, and youth empowerment, ensuring communities are part of sustainable solutions. With diverse expertise and shared values, we champion justice, sustainability, and equality. Together, we inspire young people and communities to rise as protectors of the planet and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
Abel Ondigi,He believes that the future is not defined by words but by actions, and he lives out this conviction through his leadership and advocacy. As an environmentalist, Abel champions sustainable practices and community-driven solutions. He is also a dedicated gender champion, advocating for the boychild to be heard and empowered. His work emphasizes training boys on gender-based violence prevention, shaping them not as perpetrators but as protectors and allies to girls. Abel’s commitment to justice, inclusion and environmental stewardship continues to inspire youth and communities to rise as agents of change.
Meet Abel Ondigi – Founder
People and culture
Our culture is rooted in people and indigenous trees symbols of resilience, heritage and hope. We believe communities flourish when nature is honored, traditions upheld and youth empowered to protect tomorrow.
Grace Njeri
Executive director
Grace is the Executive Director at Mpenda Mazingira Youth Initiative CBO, where she leads with vision and dedication. She is deeply passionate about environmental conservation and climate change inclusion, ensuring that youth voices and community perspectives are part of sustainable solutions. Through her leadership, Grace has successfully guided numerous projects within the organization, each aimed at empowering communities and advancing environmental justice. Her commitment to climate action and inclusivity continues to inspire and mobilize young people toward meaningful change
Milka Namano Lemaiyan
Lead Programs
Education & Expertise
Milka is an ICT specialist trained at the Africa Peace Mission Institute (APMI). She also holds a diploma in Human Rights and Media Reporting for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, equipping her to advocate powerfully for youth and teen wellbeing.
Role & Impact
As Lead Programs, Milka guides the heartbeat of our initiatives designing, coordinating, and scaling projects that uplift communities. Her work bridges technology, advocacy, and mentorship, with a special focus on empowering adolescents and amplifying youth voices
Vision & Dream
Milka dreams of a thriving motherland where every young person has the opportunity to grow, lead, and shine. She envisions a future where our impact multiplies creating safe spaces, bold programs, and lasting change across generations.
Derick Opiyo
Secretary General
Derick is a dynamic IT and environmental expert with a passion for sustainable solutions. He currently serves as the Secretary General of our organization, where he blends technology and environmental advocacy to drive impactful change.As a student of Environmental Science at the University of Nairobi, Derick is committed to advancing knowledge and practical strategies that protect our planet. His unique combination of technical expertise and environmental stewardship makes him a vital force in shaping innovative, eco-conscious initiatives.
