Board Members
Alice Hastings-James
Alice Hastings-James is a graduate of St. Teresa’s Girls Secondary School and Valley Secretarial College in Nairobi. She has over 25 years’ experience as an Executive Secretary in the oil and gas industry, working for multinational corporations worldwide, including Amoco Kenya, Saudi Aramco and Chevron Corporation. Alice lives and works in Houston, Texas.
Alice is a devoted Rotarian, an active volunteer and member of her church.
Audrey Lhemann
Audrey Lhemann holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences and Economics from McGill University, a Master in Economic Law from Sciences Po Paris and a Specialized Master in International Project Management from the European School of Business. She currently lives in Houston, Texas, where she pursues a career in project management for an Oil & Gas services company. In the summer of 2010, she was a summer outreach volunteer with KSF in Nairobi. Today, she helps KSF’s social media development, notably the Facebook page.
Jacqueline Oburu
Jacqueline Oburu served as VP, People and Culture at Search for Common Ground for almost 6 years. She is now an IPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) certified professional coach with 30+ years of global senior HR leadership experience and a proven track record of empowering leaders and their teams to excel. She brings broad cross-cultural experience living and working in Africa, Asia, and the U.S., providing leadership in over 40 countries.
Prior to Search, Jacqueline served in several HR leadership roles in the international development sector, working with World Vision, CRS, WorldFish, and ChildFund International and was the Chief Talent Officer with Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, an affordable housing non-profit organization based in San Francisco.
Jacqueline is a native New Yorker (Brooklyn to be exact) and an “adopted daughter of Kenya.” She holds a M.A. in Inter-Cultural Studies and Leadership Development from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Jacqueline Oburu
Jacqueline Oburu served as VP, People and Culture at Search for Common Ground for almost 6 years. She is now an IPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) certified professional coach with 30+ years of global senior HR leadership experience and a proven track record of empowering leaders and their teams to excel. She brings broad cross-cultural experience living and working in Africa, Asia, and the U.S., providing leadership in over 40 countries.
Prior to Search, Jacqueline served in several HR leadership roles in the international development sector, working with World Vision, CRS, WorldFish, and ChildFund International and was the Chief Talent Officer with Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, an affordable housing non-profit organization based in San Francisco.
Jacqueline is a native New Yorker (Brooklyn to be exact) and an “adopted daughter of Kenya.” She holds a M.A. in Inter-Cultural Studies and Leadership Development from Fuller Theological Seminary.
June Kikumu-Aquil
June Kikumu-Aquil graduated from Green-Acres Preparatory School in Limuru, Kenya and the prestigious London Institute of Beauty in London, United Kingdom as a Medical Aesthetician. June has over 18 years’ experience in the Aesthetics field, working in well-renowned medical spas around the world. She currently runs a medical spa in Tampa, Florida.
June is an active volunteer in her local community and church. She joined Kenya Scholarship Fund International to give back to her beloved homeland. June is passionate about encouraging youth to achieve their dreams.
Peter Kariuki
Peter Kariuki Born In Embu, Kenya, Peter Kariuki is a Talent Management professional currently the Director for Global Talent Management at ChildFund International. Peter has previously worked in Human resources roles at IntraHealth International, Duke University, Barclays Bank and UNHCR.
Peter thrives in enabling people and teams realize their potential and become successful in their careers and lives. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering, cycling, reading and travelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in Learning and Organizational Development from North Carolina State University and a BA International Relations from United States International University (USIU) – Nairobi. He resides in Richmond, VA with his wife and two children.
Kenneth Gakuya
Kenneth Gakuya attended Nyeri Baptist High School. After graduating he ran several family-owned restaurants. He received his degree in Electrical Engineering at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Kenneth now lives in Houston and works as a Process Automation Engineer for Chevron. Involved in several volunteer and charity organizations, Kenneth most enjoys helping others attain higher standards of living.
Rhoda (Matilda) Matiru
Rhoda (Matilda) Matiru attended Kenya High School and then graduated from the University of Eastern Africa – Baraton, Kenya. Rhoda worked in administration in Nairobi, Kenya for 7 years before moving to Houston, Texas to pursue further education. She graduated from Texas Southern University with a master’s in Business Administration (management) and a law degree.
Rhoda has spent the last five years as a practicing attorney, focusing mainly on immigration law. Rhoda is an active member of her community and believes that providing a person with an education is one of the greatest gifts one can provide.
Susan Oloo-Oruya
Susan Oloo-Oruya owns and runs her own travel company, Real Useful Travel & Marketing. Her company is founded on Christian principles and works with several missionary groups, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), private sector organizations, as well as international organizations. Susan has been a member of Rotary International Club for the past 15 years.
Wilma D’Souza
Wilma D’Souza graduated from St. Teresa’s Girls Secondary School and attended Queensway College in Nairobi. She worked as a Secretary until immigrating to Canada in May 1989. Wilma has since worked in property management. She achieved her goal of becoming a registered condominium manager and became Condominium Property Manager for Brookfield Residential Services.
Emmanuel Elvis (Remmy)
Emmanuel Elvis (Remmy) is a gifted visual artist whose world revolves around drawings, fine art painting, and graphic design. His vibrant work, often inspired by Kenyan landscapes and stories, is fueled by a deep desire to connect and uplift. Remmy's journey with KSF began serendipitously when Alice Hastings-James discovered him and Calvin passionately creating in a Nairobi art and gallery shop. A conversation about art, purpose, and giving back ignited an instant connection. Remmy, with his generous spirit and creative vision, enthusiastically offered his skills to help tell KSF's story. He became one of the fund's very first volunteers in Nairobi, designing its early materials and helping to visualize its mission, proving that artistic talent is a formidable force for grassroots change.
Kelvin Mwanza (Calvin)
Calvin Mwanza is a travel photographer and adventurer based in Kenya, passionate about capturing the beauty, culture, and spirit of the places he explores. His work celebrates the richness of everyday life, from vibrant landscapes to authentic human stories, showing the world through a grounded and heartfelt lens.
As a dedicated volunteer with KSF, Calvin channels his creativity toward meaningful impact. He believes photography is more than art; it’s a tool for change. Through his involvement with KSF, he continues to use his craft to inspire, support communities, and highlight positive transformation across Kenya.
In Memoriam
In Loving Memory Irene Mwangi-Harvin (~ 2024) A beloved member of our KSF family, Irene’s grace, service, and warm spirit touched all who knew her. We honor her memory and lasting contributions.
Irene Mwangi-Harvin graduated from St. Teresa’s Girls Secondary School. She built a remarkable career in the Hospitality Industry, serving with distinction at Sabena Airlines, the British High Commission, Intercontinental Hotels, and the Nairobi Hilton. After moving to Cocoa, Florida, she continued her life of service as an active member of her church and a devoted volunteer in her community. Irene’s legacy is one of unwavering warmth, professionalism, and faith.
Take Time
Take time to think
It is the source of power.
Take time to read
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to play
It is the secret of staying young.
Take time to be quiet
It is the opportunity to seek God.
Take time to be aware
It is the opportunity to help others.
Take time to love and be loved
It is God’s greatest gift.
Take time to laugh
It is the music of the soul.
Take time to be friendly
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream
It is what the future is made of.
Take time to pray
It is the greatest power on Earth.
Author Unknown
How You Can Help
Online donations to KSF are highly appreciated
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