The 2025-2026 Board

Dr. Zinia Afrin Doza (MBBS, MPH)
Chairperson

As a medical doctor and public health professional with over a decade of experience, Dr. Zinia brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and deep community commitment to her new role. Her work in community health, gender equity, and humanitarian action is complemented by her dedicated service as an active UNKLESA volunteer, where she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead, coordinate, and foster inclusive spaces.

  • Dr. Zinia’s vision, “Leading by Serving; Serving by Listening,” is a reflection of her collaborative and empathetic leadership style. She is committed to building a more inclusive, engaged, and supportive expatriate community, strengthening our working groups, and enhancing UNKLESA's visibility and unity across the UN and diplomatic landscape in Kenya. With her strong institutional memory and a proven track record of empowering members, Dr. Zinia is confident that she can work as a UNKLESA Chairperson with transparency, accountability, and a passionate dedication

Shreyasi Som
Secretary

I am an Indian national with over ten years of experience managing complex engineering and IT projects for international clients. Since relocating to Nairobi in 2022 as the spouse of a WBG staff member, I have been actively involved with UNKLESA—initially as an office volunteer and, since November 2023, as the Training and Development Coordinator. In this role, I have established strong partnerships with key UN agencies, including UNICEF, UNON-HRMS, UNON-ICTS, UNV …

  • UNDSS, and JMS, to expand training opportunities for members. I played a significant role in supporting the 2024 UNKLESA online learning program, secured free venues through FMTS, coordinated first aid and security awareness trainings, and mobilized members to share their expertise through workshops and sessions.


    As UNKLESA secretary, I aim to enhance communication, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen community engagement. I will ensure transparent communication, maintain accurate records, and support smooth Board administration using my strong organizational and project management skills. I will also leverage my networks and partnerships with UN agencies to create more opportunities for members, while actively supporting the Board’s fundraising efforts to sustain and grow the association.

Mark Patterson
Finance and Budget Officer

Mark Patterson, originally from Sri Lanka and now residing in Kenya, brings over 24 years of experience in humanitarian and development work. With a Master's in Business Administration and a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Planning and Leadership, he has held senior management roles in agencies like the UN, World Bank (IFC), Save the Children and more. Mark has extensive experience in fund management, budgeting …

  • and leading emergency programs, having managed over $10 million in donor funds from agencies like EU, ECHO, UNICEF, and USAID. His expertise includes financial management, fundraising, and partnership building.

    As UNKLESA’s Finance and Budget Officer, Mark's vision is to enhance financial sustainability through effective fund management and innovative fundraising initiatives. He aims to ensure timely and accurate financial documentation to meet donor compliance and attract new funding agencies. He is committed to transparency and leveraging his negotiation and partnership skills to design impactful programs for UNKLESA members.

Pragyawatee Rai
Family & Peer Support

Pragyawatee Rai is a dedicated development professional and UNON spouse from Kathmandu, Nepal. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Pune, India.

  • With over a decade of experience in the development sector, communications, and nonprofit management, Pragyawatee has contributed to several international and national organizations, including UNOPS Sri Lanka and Maldives, UNOPS Nepal, and WWF Nepal, where she played key roles in communications and public relations. She has also served in operations management and communications with the Department of Forests and Environment, and contributed to Sagarmatha Sambaad, a flagship global dialogue initiative of the Government of Nepal.

    Most recently, she worked with the USAID Early Grade Learning Program, advocating for improved early grade learning and strengthening primary education in government schools across Nepal.

    Currently, as the Family and Peer Coordinator for UNKLESA, Pragyawatee supports community engagement and fosters connections among UN families, promoting inclusion, well-being, and peer support within the UN Nairobi community.

Mahjabin Ferdoush
Training & Development

Mahjabin Ferdoush is a Bangladeshi national and business entrepreneur who blends strategic leadership with a passion for social impact. With experience in child rights, advocacy, and capacity building, she believes that true empowerment begins with learning and inclusion.

  • Having served as both a Communications Volunteer and Election Commissioner with UNKLESA, Mahjabin brings creativity, empathy, and integrity to every initiative she leads. She is dedicated to enhancing UNKLESA’s visibility through meaningful collaboration with UN agencies across UNON and beyond.

    As Training & Development Coordinator, Mahjabin designs programs that help members grow, connect, and thrive — personally and professionally. Guided by her belief in lifelong learning and inclusive leadership, she envisions a UNKLESA community where every member’s potential is valued and every voice matters.

Heena Gupta
Networking & Advocacy

I am a seasoned banking professional with over 13 years of experience, during which I have developed strong leadership capabilities and a proven ability to drive results. I have served as a key liaison between departments, effectively representing the voice of the sales team and contributing to performance-driven 

  • Growth. With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in International Business, I bring a well- rounded and strategic perspective to my work. Throughout my career, I have led executive training initiatives, facilitated impactful partnerships between institutions, and spearheaded projects that generated revenue and enhanced operational efficiency.

    Additionally, I have successfully managed customer service and grievance processes, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and institutional accountability. Beyond my professional accomplishments in the financial sector, I am also a certified chocolatier and baker. This creative pursuit has allowed me to channel my passion into curating high-impact community events and engaging diverse audiences. I have proudly showcased my artisanal products at prominent venues such as the U.S. Embassy, the International School of Kenya (ISK), and Bizarre Bazaar, among others - strengthening community ties and contributing to the local cultural fabric.

Emmanuel Mwebe Kimera
Communications & Outreach

Emmanuel Mwebe Kimera is a Ugandan telecom and data engineer with a background in marketing and data analytics. Currently serving as UNKLESA’s Communications and Outreach Coordinator, he combines creativity and strategy to connect people and tell impactful stories. Since joining UNKLESA in 2024, Emmanuel has enhanced its visibility through engaging digital content, event photography, and website updates that highlight the organization’s global reach.

  • He believes communication is about creating meaningful connections and fostering engagement. With strengths in teamwork, cultural awareness, and adaptability, Emmanuel envisions UNKLESA as a vibrant, inclusive network that supports and empowers its members through both traditional and digital platforms.

Sharon Muganda
Office Manager

Currently serving as the Office Manager at UNKLESA, Sharon is a trained dietician with expertise in project management and an American citizen.  She oversees the organization’s daily functions and ensures operational efficiency. Her excellent organizational and administrative skills help streamline workflows and support the team in accomplishing its objectives. She is dedicated to maintaining a well-coordinated environment that fosters productivity and collaboration within UNKLESA. 

  • Before moving to Nairobi from California with her family, Sharon, who has over 15 years of experience, worked at the Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She also worked in the Nutrition department of the Long Beach Unified School District in California. She formerly served as a project coordinator at the World Agroforestry Center's, African Women in Agricultural & Research Development program in Nairobi, Kenya.  She is excited about the new year and encourages all UNKLESA members to touch base with her for volunteer opportunities.

Previous Boards

2024-2025

Dominic Cover
Chair
Sameer Kermalli
Secretary
Mark Patterson
Treasurer
Gulraze Shafiq
Family & Peer Support
Jocelyn Walters-Brannon
Advocacy
Shreyasi Som
Training & Development
Emmanuel Mwebe Kimera
Communications & Outreach

Sharon Muganda

Office Manager

2023-2024

Poonam Sikka
Chair
Dr.Regina Akise
Secretary
Sarah Gimsay
Treasurer
Gulraze Shafiq
Family & Peer Support
Dominic Cover
Advocacy
Shreyasi Som
Training & Development
Christina Christoforou
Communications & Outreach

Sharon Muganda

Office Manager

2022-2023

Poonam Sikka
Chair
Dr.Regina Akise
Secretary
Dioulde Kane
Treasurer
Adelaida Leon
Family & Peer Support
Idzai Muchabaiwa
Advocacy
Laurette Tovalou Ekon
Training & Development
Sagun Pradhan
Communications & Outreach

Mireine Noramou

Office Manager

2021-2022

Sameer Kermalli
Chair
Chitalu Lwamba-Zulu
Secretary
Dioulde Kane
Treasurer
Mahwish Gul
Family & Peer Support
Idzai Muchabaiwa
Advocacy
Laurette Tovalou Ekon
Training & Development
Christina Christoforou
Communications & Outreach

Njoki Njoroge

Office Manager

2020-2021

Soraya Soemadiredja
Chair (stepped down)
Chitalu Lwamba-Zulu
Secretary
Sayon Ndiaye
Treasurer
Mahwish Gul
Family & Peer Support
Maryann Nwankwo
Advocacy
Oscar Delgado
Training & Development
Christina Christoforou
Communications & Outreach

Njoki Njoroge

Office Manager

2019-2020

David T. Dessie
Chair
Soraya Soemadiredja
Secretary
Dioulde Kane
Treasurer
Gohar Ayoub
Family & Peer Support
Maryann Nwankwo
Advocacy
Myrthel G. Guillaume
Training & Development
Morgan Banea
Communications & Outreach

Njoki Njoroge

Office Manager

2018-2019

David Dessie
Chair
Ann Weller
Co-Chair
Chanda Ginsberg
Secretary
Sarah Gimsay
Treasurer
Gohar Ayoub
Family & Peer Support
Anwar Subratty
Advocacy
Fabian Luetzig
Training & Development
Morgan Banea
Communications & Outreach

Njoki Njoroge

Office Manager

2017-2018

Vivienne Helps
Chair
Robin Afrique Pouakouyou
Co-Chair
Priscilla Boateng
Secretary
Sarah Gimsby
Treasurer
Stijn Taal
Board Member
Ann Weller
Board Member
Sharmina Nasrin
Board Member
Morgan Banea
Board Member

Njoki Njoroge

Office Manager

2017-2018(2nd)

Stefan De Groote
Chair
Vivienne Helps
Co-Chair
Priscilla Boateng
Secretary
Sarah Gimsay
Treasurer
Stijn Taal
Board Member
Robin Afrique Pouakouyou
Board Member
Samaa Elkassaby
Board Member
Morgan Banea
Board Member

Njoki Njoroge

Office Manager

2016-2017

Mkuleko Hikwa
Chair
Christa Magbity
Co-Chair
Snehal Talathi
Secretary
Riccardo Cavicchi
Treasurer
Stijn Taal
Board Member
Kiki Knezevic
Board Member
Anindita Sarkar
Board Member
Vivienne Helps
Board Member

Beatrice Okao

Office Manager

2015-2016

Chianghua Hereward
Chair
Mike Monono
Co-Chair
Dilani Jayasekara
Secretary
Riccardo Cavicchi
Treasurer
Ben Campbell
Board Member
Stijn Taal
Board Member
Beatrice Okao
Office Manager