Meet The Team – Young Women's Leadership Institute.

Staff

Shyleen Momanyi

Executive Director

Shyleen is a feminist activist and a champion in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for women and girls in all diversities. She is in charge of YWLI’s strategic thinking, planning, resource mobilization and overseeing the successful implementation of YWLI’s mission. She has a wealth of experience in young feminist organizing, movement building, and campaign and policy advocacy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), she is a driving force in the pursuit of gender equality. Her motivation is to foster communities where women and girls of all diversities are respected and treated with dignity. Shyleen's expertise has been instrumental in empowering the next generation of young feminist leaders. During her leisure hours, she enjoys collecting plants and nurturing her plant collection, making her a passionate plant enthusiast.

Melvine Obola

Program Manager

Melie Oblis the Program Manager at the Young Women’s Leadership Institute (YWLI), where they lead transformative initiatives advancing gender equality, safety, and social justice for women and girls in Kenya. They are also a continuing Master’s degree student at the University of Nairobi, pursuing Gender and Development Studies. With extensive experience in community development, feminist leadership, and advocacy, they have driven impactful campaigns such as #EndFemicideKE and #DefendingTheDream, focusing on ending gender-based and technology-facilitated violence. Their work spans grassroots mobilization, digital advocacy, and policy engagement—amplifying the voices of women and girls across communities in Machakos, Kisumu, Kwale, and Nairobi. Passionate about mentorship and capacity building, they design programs like the Girls’ Bootcamp and lead gender mainstreaming in Comprehensive Sexuality Education to empower young women with knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills. Grounded in feminist values, they are committed to building inclusive, safe, and accountable communities where women and girls can thrive and lead change.

Teresia Meshack (Judy)

Communications, Digital Advocacy and IT personel

Teresia Meshack (Judy) serves as the Communications, Digital Advocacy and IT personel YWLI. She is driven by a profound commitment to safeguarding digital landscapes against evolving threats. Her work involves meticulously assessing vulnerabilities, enhancing defenses, and contributing to the organisation's comprehensive security strategy. Inspired by YWLI's spirit of innovation, Teresia actively engages in research, continuous learning, and staying at the forefront of cyber threats and their solutions. Her journey at YWLI exemplifies her passion for securing the online world, one byte at a time.

Zawede Nzisa (Zawe)

Project Lead

Zawede is a multifaceted artist and dedicated activist passionate about creating meaningful change for women and girls in Kenya. Her artistry as a poet, singer, and songwriter allows her to amplify voices and shed light. .As a proud YWLI (Young Women's Leadership Institute) member, she serves as a project lead. In this role, she blends her artistic talents with her passion for social justice by creating compelling social media content that sparks conversations and drives awareness. She also plays a pivotal role in supporting YWLI's programs and projects, ensuring they have a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in our community.

Yeuvena Violet

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Yeuvena is a dynamic Statistician and Data Scientist with over five years of hands-on experience in data analytics, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning. Her expertise lies in transforming complex data into actionable insights, driving impactful decisions, and fostering organizational growth. As a passionate activist and committed feminist, Yeuvena tirelessly champions women's equality and empowerment, striving to dismantle systemic barriers and promote gender equity at every opportunity. Her professional prowess is complemented by her vibrant personal life. Outside of her career, Yeuvena finds joy in traveling and exploring the wonders of nature, which fuels her creativity and rejuvenates her spirit. Known for her infectious enthusiasm and positive energy, she brings light and motivation to her circle, inspiring others with her dedication and optimism. Yeuvena’s unwavering commitment to both her professional field and social causes makes her a remarkable force for change. Her blend of analytical acumen, advocacy, and personal charisma creates a powerful impact wherever she goes, making her an invaluable asset to any team or cause she supports.

Asiya Noordine

Operations Assistant

Asiya has over ten years of experience in a fast-paced office setting, she thrives on proactivity and the power of teamwork to achieve optimal outcomes. Her sociable nature cultivates strong relationships with colleagues. She loves working in an environment that encourages self-realization and allows her to reach her full potential while aligning with the organization's mission. She is motivated by YWLI's work and power instilled in girls and young women, inspiring her unwavering commitment to support and be part of YWLI's impactful mission.

Grace Muraguri

Finance Manager

Grace Muraguri is a certified accountant with 7+ years of dynamic career progression in leading financial and accounts strategies for established organizations. Her expertise lies in business planning, growth strategy, financial analysis, and strategic budgeting. Grace excels in driving efficiency through process enhancements and supports the development of financial systems and accounting procedures. Her ultimate aim is to be a valuable mutual asset, leveraging her financial acumen to effectively contribute to organizational success.

Saida Mumbua

Programs Associate

Saida Mumbua is a passionate Feminist activist and SRHR advocate with deep commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of young women and girls. She serves as the Programs Associate and Safeguarding Focal Point. In her role, Saida is responsible for managing and implementing the girls programs, ensuring they are empowering, inclusive and impactful. She is dedicated to empowering young women and girls in all their diversities to lead change in their communities, while advocating for their health, safety and access to opportunities.

Sarah Esekon

Intern

Sarah is a Program Intern at the Young Women Leadership Institute (YWLI), where she contributes to advancing feminist organizing, advocacy, and movement building.She is passionate about creating inclusive and safe spaces where young women can exercise their voice, power, and influence while challenging systemic barriers that hinder equality. Sarah is committed to amplifying the voices of adolescent girls and young women, fostering resilience, and contributing to the realization of a just and equitable society.

Adolescent Girls Council

The Adolescent Girls Council (AGC) is a leadership and advisory body established to ensure that adolescent girls play a meaningful role in shaping YWLI’s programs and decisions. The AGC provides strategic guidance and oversight from the unique perspectives of girls aged 13–17 years. Its core purpose is to center adolescent girls’ voices in governance, ensuring that YWLI’s initiatives reflect their experiences, needs, and aspirations.

The AGC strengthens YWLI’s adolescent-centered programming by offering advice and feedback that make programs more inclusive and impactful. It also serves as a platform for girls to advocate for issues affecting them, including gender equality, education, safety, and leadership. Through participation, members develop leadership, governance, and advocacy skills, preparing them to become future feminist leaders.

The Council undertakes key management functions such as advising on program priorities, monitoring the implementation of girl-focused activities, and promoting accountability to girls’ rights. It also fosters collaboration between YWLI and community structures to amplify girls’ voices.

Profiles Coming Soon!!

YWLI

Strategy Advisors

Nelly Kamau

Strategy Advisor

Nellie is a founding member of the Young Women’s Leadership Institute and has been a Trustee of YWLI since its inception. She has been practising mental health for over 20 years. There has been a community emphasis on her practice over the years and especially during the last 11 years. An increased understanding of the important link between mental health and offending behaviour has guided her professional activities. Nellie is a qualified mental health nurse having gained her qualification in 2003. Nellie has a passion for young women’s leadership, empowerment and mental health and continues to bring this to YWLI. FaceBook: Nellie Kamau Twitter: @nellie_kamau

Saida Ali

Srategy Advisor

Saida Ali is an International Policy Analyst and a seasoned advocacy strategist. She provides strategic guidance and leadership to YWLI staff and the Board of Trustees. Saida has served in various senior-level positions. She is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Fellows Programme for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) hosted by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). FaceBook: Saida Aaliyah Twitter: @SaidaAaliyah

Board Of Trustees

Amisa Rashid

Board Chair

Amisa is a counselling psychologist and a mediator specializing in peacebuilding and Trauma Healing centring her work on Trauma-informed resilience for community building. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Nivishe Foundation. She is a YALI alumni and participated in Ms President Reality TV show.

Florence Otieno Achieng

Board Member

Florence is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a feminist, a fellow of the East Africa Emerging Advocates Programme and a member of the International Commission of Jurists-Kenya Section She currently works at the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness Kenya (CREAW).

Vilda Atieno

Board Secretary

Vilda Atieno is a young woman with disability from Kisumu County. She has been in the advocacy space championing for the health rights of girls and women with disabilities for two years. She has participated in both regional and national conferences as a youth speaker. She is currently serving as a Regional and Global youth panel member in a consortium program called Make Way embracing an intersectionality approach to echo the voices of youth with compounding identities. As a survivor of Sexual Gender violence, she is keen to echo the voices of youth with disabilities in regard to autonomy and rights. Vilda is a graduate of BSc social Work from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology where she also served as the female representative for persons with disability. She is also a member of the Kenya Network of Women and Girls with Disabilities.

Rock Freaq

Board Treasurer

Rock Freaq is feminist and social justice activist who is passionate about the intersections of finance, human rights and its impact on communities and movements. A dynamic finance professional with expertise that spans of over a decade in finance, audit, grant management and human rights. Nanjala brings a potent blend of financial prowess and a fierce commitment to driving change. Currently serving as the Senior Finance Controller at Mama Cash International Women Fund, they are on a mission to revolutionize financing models in philanthropic spaces to ensure that financial resources reach feminist movements. A champion for inclusive and decolonized funding systems, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most. From grassroots activism to boardroom strategies, their influence extends far and wide across civil society organizations, where they advocate for gender equity and human rights. Nanjala has contributed as a consultant and in other affiliations with esteemed organizations. They are a recognized leader committed to creating a more equitable world.

Cherie Oyier

Board Member

Cherie Adhiambo Oyier is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She earned her law degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in October 2012, and a postgraduate diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law in March 2015. Ms. Oyier is currently the Programs Officer- Women’s Digital Rights at Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet). Her work here revolves around advocating for equal rights for women in the digital space. Based on research on access to and impact of technology on women in Kenya she has been able to spearhead efforts towards advocating for the recognition of different forms of online gender-based violence in the existing laws and the inclusion of adequate remedies for victims and survivors of online gender-based violence. Cherie has also been at the forefront of training women politicians, human rights defenders, and journalists on cyber-hygiene and digital resilience measures to ensure online safety. Cherie is a former fellow of the Kenya School of Internet Governance and the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy.