At Umsizi Fund, we recognize that we lack the lived experience of the populations we aspire to assist and that we come to this work with a legacy of inherited privileges. We recently added Melissa Mbazo as a consultant to help us build more just processes and decision-making. Melissa brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, advocacy, and organizational development, particularly in the African context. Her role is to support the organization's shift towards more equitable grantmaking practices that prioritize African leadership and collaboration with local stakeholders. Her work has included revising the fund's grantmaking criteria, making it easier for organizations to understand who is eligible for support.
With her expertise and passion for impactful work, Melissa is already making a significant contribution to the Umsizi Fund's mission of promoting sustainable development across Africa.