Under her leadership, WWAYI has made a profound impact, providing transformative education, resources, and advocacy that not only empowers individuals but also catalyzes long-term improvements in community health, well-being, and social mobility. work is deeply rooted in a holistic belief in the power of education, mental health, reproductive well-being, and women’s advocacy as key drivers of societal transformation.
Her efforts emphasize the interconnectedness of these areas, recognizing that true empowerment is achieved when individuals are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to succeed and thrive in all aspects of life. She envisions a future where gender equality and access to opportunity are the norm, and where every person, regardless of gender, has the ability to pursue their dreams, contribute to their community, and lead fulfilling lives.
Her efforts emphasize the interconnectedness of these areas, recognizing that true empowerment is achieved when individuals are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to succeed and thrive in all aspects of life. She envisions a future where gender equality and access to opportunity are the norm, and where every person, regardless of gender, has the ability to pursue their dreams, contribute to their community, and lead fulfilling lives.
Her continued dedication to breaking down the barriers that limit opportunities for women, girls, and youth serves as an inspiration to others, driving her mission forward with resilience and an unwavering belief that collective action and community empowerment are the keys to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Mungereza Mayende - Founder & Executive Director
Wezesha Women And Youth Initiative (WWAYI), a transformative organization dedicated to addressing the systemic challenges faced by girls, women, and youth. Raised as the third youngest of twelve children in a small village in Kenya, Mungereza’s upbringing was marked by first-hand experiences of the barriers that women and girls often face—barriers that hinder access to education, healthcare, and the opportunity to realize their full potential. These formative experiences ignited her unwavering passion to create lasting, positive change and empower the most marginalized in her community.
In 2019, with the steadfast support of her family, community, and close network of friends, Mungereza founded WWAYI, which quickly garnered recognition as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and was also officially registered with the NGO Board of Kenya. Through WWAYI, Mungereza channels her fervent commitment to women’s rights, youth empowerment, and mental and reproductive health, leading a robust initiative that addresses the most pressing needs of marginalized women and youth.
At WWAYI, we are driven by a vision of a world where every girl and woman has the opportunity to thrive. Our journey began with a deep commitment to tackling systemic challenges that hinder the potential of women and youth. Early on, we focused on addressing critical issues such as the stigma surrounding menstruation and the lack of access to hygiene products, education, and health resources—barriers that strip girls of their confidence, education, and future opportunities.
What started as an initiative to provide menstrual hygiene products and education quickly evolved as we listened to the communities we served. We discovered that these challenges were deeply interconnected, extending to mental health struggles, reproductive health stigma, and barriers to education. These realizations called for more holistic, comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse needs of girls and young women.
Through our community engagement, we encountered the unique struggles of teen mothers who had dropped out of school due to early pregnancies. Their stories underscored the urgent need for educational reintegration, childcare support, and stigma reduction to help them reclaim their futures. As we continued, we also met grieving families who had lost children to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death—families in desperate need of emotional and financial support to navigate their loss with dignity and hope.
In today’s digital age, we recognized yet another pressing need: bridging the digital divide. Many underserved communities, particularly women and girls, lack access to technology and digital literacy, preventing them from participating in the opportunities of the modern economy. This realization inspired us to provide the tools and training needed to promote inclusion and economic empowerment.
Our journey has also been shaped by our own experiences as immigrants in the United States. These experiences fueled our passion to support new international students in navigating the complex challenges of adjusting to a new environment, fostering resilience, and building independence.
At WWAYI, we remain committed to listening, learning, and evolving to address the systemic barriers that hold women and youth back. Through our work, we aim to empower individuals to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Our story
Our Team
WWAYI, a registered nonprofit in Kenya and the USA with its headquarters in the U.S.A, is guided by a diverse global team of humanitarian advocates. This dedicated team brings together extensive expertise, unwavering passion, and a strong commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of women and youth. Our mission is to amplify the voices of women and youth, drive transformative change, and nurture the next generation of empowered and resilient leaders.
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![Anouk Hulspas]()
Anouk Hulspas
OPERATIONS OFFICER
Anouk Hulspas is a driven and socially engaged professional with a passion for sustainability, social impact, and inclusivity. She graduated with honors from both her Erasmus Mundus Master of Excellence in International Humanitarian Action and her double bachelor’s degree in social and work & organizational psychology, complemented by minors in criminology and journalism.
With over eight years of experience in project and process management, Anouk has contributed to social, human rights and sustainable strategic initiatives in the finance industry. She combines her analytical skills with a people-centered approach and has extensive international experience in both research and policy development. Her strength lies in connecting people, ideas, and projects to achieve meaningful results and contribute to a more inclusive society. -
![Arita Mogoba]()
Arita Mogoba
M&E and PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Arita is a results-driven professional with a strong background in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project management, and grant management. He holds a BA in Public Health and a Master's in Environmental Science. Arita is skilled in designing and implementing M&E systems, conducting comprehensive assessments, managing grants, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to achieve impactful program outcomes. His expertise allows him to address complex project challenges effectively.
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![Viviana Wamiru]()
Viviana Wamiru
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Viviana, an undergraduate Biology student in Maryland, USA, combines her academic background with experience in biomedical research and biotechnology. As WWAYI’s Reproductive Health Consultant and Social Media Manager, she addresses health disparities in underrepresented communities. Her dedication to giving back to Kenyan women and youth reflects WWAYI’s core mission.
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![Naserian Tumpes]()
Naserian Tumpes
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Naserian, a proud member of the Maasai community, is passionate about social justice and cultural advocacy. Holding a Bachelor's in Business and Information Technology from JKUAT, she is currently interning at Bomet University. Fluent in three languages, she excels in bridging communication gaps and supporting WWAYI's administrative tasks. Since joining as a volunteer, her dedication to fostering connections and creating impactful change has been an inspiration.
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![Delvin Monchari]()
Delvin Monchari
ADMINISTRATOR
Delvin, an IT professional specializing in cybersecurity, holds a degree in Information Technology and has three years of experience in network security and IT support. Passionate about WWAYI’s mission, she volunteers to create a positive impact while contributing her technical expertise.
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![Robert Schwanbeck]()
Robert Schwanbeck
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYST
In his role, Robert applies his extensive experience in data analytics and economics to support strategic vendor initiatives and business decisions. He leverages his expertise in event planning and donor engagement to create impactful fundraising experiences that align with WWAYI's mission. Passionate about driving social impact, Robert plays a key role in securing resources and building partnerships that advance WWAYI's programs, ensuring sustainable growth and community empowerment.
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![Euphy Maua]()
Euphy Maua
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & YOUTH ADVOCATE
Maua holds a Master’s in Applied and Public Sociology and a Bachelor’s in Business Strategic Management. She is a passionate advocate for sexual and reproductive health, focusing on empowering adolescents and young women. She drives initiatives that enhance access to comprehensive reproductive health education and youth-friendly health services.
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![Joshua Ochanda]()
Joshua Ochanda
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION SPECIALIST
Joshua is a seasoned education consultant and teacher with a deep commitment to empowering vulnerable communities. Specializing in education, community mobilization, and the integration of reproductive health and mental health awareness programs, Joshua works to engage, inspire, and support those who face significant barriers to success. His innovative approach fosters positive change by creating educational opportunities and raising awareness about essential health issues.
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Darrel-jo Akuno
Path WWAYI Team Lead
Darrel-Jo, a humanitarian consultant with expertise in international relations, holds a BA from Eastern Mediterranean University and an MSc in International Conflict and Cooperation from the University of Stirling. Since May 2024, he has volunteered at WWAYI, contributing to research and events that promote the organization’s mission. His passion for empowering marginalized communities drives his impactful work.
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Nyoriana Oyugi
Repro - Mental Program Lead
Nyoriana Oyugi, a healthcare professional with an MBChB degree from Moi University, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role at WWAYI. As an intern at Moi Teaching and Referral General Hospital, Nyoriana leads the Repro-Mental Program, where she advocates for the integration of reproductive and mental health education.escription goes here
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Janet Mwende
Kemi Zola Team Lead
Janet, a Business Information Technology graduate from Multimedia University of Kenya, is a dedicated volunteer with WWAYI, bringing over a year of valuable experience. As the Kemi-Zola Team Lead, she plays a pivotal role in project management, the design of training materials, and various administrative tasks.
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Javan Wandera
Community Mobilizer
Javan, currently pursuing a Diploma in Accountancy at Eldoret National Polytechnic, has been a dedicated volunteer with WWAYI since 2023. As a Community Mobilizer, Javan plays a pivotal role in advocating for gender equality, supporting the WWAYI community, and driving advocacy efforts that empower individuals and foster positive change. His commitment to uplifting others and promoting social justice is central to the success of WWAYI's initiatives.
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Mercy Shitemi
IT Consultant
Mercy is an experienced IT Consultant at WWAYI, specializing in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure development. She plays a pivotal role in enhancing the organization’s technological capabilities, ensuring secure and efficient digital operations that support WWAYI’s mission. Through her expertise, she strengthens WWAYI’s digital literacy programs, helping women and youth acquire essential tech skills for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Board of Governors - WWAYI
The Board of Governors of Wezesha Women And Youth Initiative (WWAYI) is a dynamic and dedicated group of professionals with diverse backgrounds. Their collective expertise provides essential strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring that WWAYI’s programs are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with the organization’s mission. Through collaboration and innovation, the Board plays a crucial role in amplifying WWAYI’s reach and impact, driving the vision of creating equal opportunities for women, girls, and youth. Their leadership is key to advancing the mission, building strong partnerships, and ensuring long-term success. The Board’s unwavering commitment to social equity and empowerment strengthens WWAYI’s ability to create meaningful and lasting change, solidifying the organization’s position as a leader in advancing gender equality and community development.
Sustainability: Ensuring Long-Term Impact.
Strategic Partnerships:
Collaborate with local health clinics, social welfare offices, and educational institutions to integrate grief support into existing maternal health programs.
Develop joint initiatives with organizations focused on adolescent reproductive health and mental well-being.
Capacity Building:
Train frontline health workers and community volunteers to offer basic grief counseling and referrals, expanding the program’s reach.
Community Ownership:
Engage local youth groups and faith-based organizations to champion the cause, ensuring that the program’s message of empathy and understanding permeates the wider community.
Encourage young mothers to participate in program design and feedback sessions, ensuring interventions remain relevant and culturally sensitive.
Data-Driven Refinements:
Continuously monitor and evaluate the outcomes of counseling, financial assistance, and advocacy activities.
Use evidence-based research to improve service delivery.
Our Future Goals
Digital Support Platforms: Develop a mobile-based application offering crisis hotlines, virtual counseling, and community forums for young mothers in remote areas with limited access to physical support groups.
Scale-Up Peer Mentorship: Expand the peer mentor model to rural counties, training teen mother “ambassadors” to lead local support networks and community dialogues.
Holistic Maternal Care Centers: Partner with healthcare providers to establish youth-friendly maternal care centers that combine prenatal care, mental health services, and post-loss support under one roof.
Policy Advocacy: Work with government stakeholders to strengthen policies and funding aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancy risks and improving post-loss care, ensuring that young mothers’ voices are central to policy-making processes.
Research & Thought Leadership: Publish case studies and best practices on teen mother bereavement interventions, contributing to global discussions on reducing the stigma around pregnancy loss and improving maternal health outcomes.
Recognition and Awards.
WWAYI’s transformative impact in gender empowerment, education, and health advocacy has earned prestigious awards.
🏆 Gender Equality Champion Award – Awarded in Nairobi, Kenya, September 2024 for consistent advocacy of gender equality through for our Elimu Dada Initiative which provide critical education and support to underage mothers, enabling them to rebuild their futures.
🏆 Youth Empowerment Award – Presented in Kakamega County, June 2024 for the success of our Repro-Mental Health which has positively impacted hundreds of youth by addressing mental and reproductive health.
🏆 Health & Wellness Advocacy Award – Recognized in Eldoret, Kenya, November 2023 for promoting mental and reproductive health through education, workshops, and mentorship. The Repro-Mental Health Program has been widely praised for reducing stigma and raising awareness in communities.