Sivan Ya’ari is the founder and CEO of Innovation: Africa, a non-profit organization that brings Israeli solar, agricultural and water technologies to African villages. Born in Israel, raised in France, and educated in the United States; Sivan pursued an Undergraduate degree in Finance from Pace University and a Masters degree in Energy Management and Policy from Columbia University. Sivan has been working in Africa for over 20 years, and in the past decade has brought clean water and light using Israeli technologies to over 1.8 million people across 10 African countries.

Sivan and her organization, Innovation: Africa received a number of awards, including the Innovation Award from the United Nations and most recently the innovation diplomacy award from the Abba Eban institute.  Sivan has been recognized as one of "40 Under 40 Most Promising Israelis" by Globes magazine and one of the "50 Most Influential Women in Israel” by Forbes Israel. She was named one of the "Most Inspiring Israelis of the Decade" and one of the "Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life" by Algemeiner in 2019.

To learn more about Sivan Ya’ari: TED Talk Here.  Press.

Michal, born and raised in London, completed her BA in Political Science at the University of Birmingham after which, she qualified as a Teacher on the Teach First Leadership Development program, where she taught students from underprivileged backgrounds. Michal spent many summers traveling and volunteering abroad, where she taught English to orphans in Nepal and victims of human trafficking in Thailand. Combining her passion for Israel and volunteering, Michal made Aliyah in 2017 and joined the Innovation: Africa team.

Genna grew up in Virginia Beach, but a passion for soccer and Israel brought her to Israel in 2011. Genna played soccer professionally in Israel for 3 years during which time she volunteered with the Peres Center for Peace. Genna joined Innovation: Africa’s Israel team as the Communications Manager in October 2013, and has since developed the iA Volunteer and Ambassador community in Israel, and hosted the organization’s first Israel based events. Genna holds a BA in Communications and Marketing from The Ohio State University and an MA in Political Science from Tel Aviv University.

Tara was born and raised in heartland of Oklahoma. During her university years, Tara studied abroad in East Africa and the Middle East to become familiarized with third-world development and politics in each region. In the years following, Tara moved to Israel, first as a volunteer and then as a Master's student of Nonprofit Management and Leadership at Hebrew University. She is married to an Israeli and they have a daughter together. Joining the team at Innovation: Africa has allowed her to combine her two great loves, Africa and Israel.

Meir is an Electrical engineer and a graduate of Tel Aviv University. Meir worked for Intel Israel, National Semiconductor and for the Israel Electric Company in the Business Development Unit where he was responsible for project design and implementation. For the last year and a half, Meir Co-founded Ulysses solutions, a software company who develops an impact management platform for the developing world.

With a computer engineering degree obtained in 2016 at EPITA university (Paris), Jeremy worked as a Business Analyst for a management consulting firm where he participated in the analysis and the suggestion of improvement in companies information systems. Pushed by his future wife, Jeremy made Aliyah in 2017 and worked as Full-Stack Developer for a start-up, where he deployed server infrastructure, website, and mobile application presenting data analysis. Strong of his knowledge in telecommunication technologies, Jeremy joined Innovation: Africa in 2018 in order to help the integration of new technologies in iA projects.

Gabby grew up in the US and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Global Poverty at the University of Maryland. From a young age Gabby had strong interest in learning about the struggles within developing countries and the effects of poverty and affluence around the world. Gabby spent a semester studying abroad in Brazil and after completing her BA returned to work in Rio de Janeiro’s largest favela, Rocinha, where she ran educational and after-school programs for Rocinha’s youth. Through this experience, Gabby recognized the importance of building and strengthening communities and upon relocating to New York City, she worked for the All Stars Project focusing on community development and providing afterschool programming to marginalized youth. In 2018, Gabby immigrated to Israel and completed her masters degree in International Development through the Glocal program where she completed a 4-month internship in Rwanda. Through her role with IA, Gabby looks forward to continuing to work with diverse communities and support development across the globe.

Caroline grew up in Washington, D.C. and developed a strong passion for politics and working with others. After high school, she spent a year volunteering in the Yemin Orde Youth Village in northern Israel, working with young people from around the world, primarily high school students who had immigrated from Ethiopia. At the University of Texas at Austin, Caroline was active in campus life and studied Middle Eastern Studies with a focus on Arabic and Islamic culture and religion.  She spent a semester abroad in Morocco on a Multiculturalism and Human Rights program where she lived with a local family and conducted research on women's rights and equality in the public sector and police workforces. Professionally, Caroline spent almost six years working in the nonprofit world both in the United States and Israel at the intersection of education, student life and Israel giving her the opportunity to work closely with Jewish communities across the globe. Making Aliyah in 2016 set the stage for Caroline to join the iA team where she can directly contribute as an Israeli to global human development.

Omri was born and raised in Israel. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Media and Communications with a specialization in Radio and Middle East studies. Eager to continue with his studies, Omri earned a Master’s Degree in Government, Diplomacy and Conflict resolution from the Interdisciplinary Centre (IDC), Herzliya. During his studies Omri chose to focus on the effects of globalization in developing countries. Specifically on human trafficking and exploitation of woman and children in South East Asia. Omri joined the Ministry of foreign affairs and was posted in Senegal, West Africa. Throughout his service, Omri took part in multiple projects to better strengthen Israel’s position in West Africa while expanding and deepening Israel’s relations. Across Africa, he saw communities struggling due to lack of basic resources. Today, as part of the Innovation: Africa team as a Country Director of Cameroon & Senegal, Omri is happy to help develop rural communities in a place he used to call home.

Bruce Gimpel is a senior executive from the financial services industry. Mr. Gimpel is a CPA having worked at Ernst & Young for eight years, specializing in taxation and then for eighteen years in various capacities at the Permal Group, a global asset management group specializing in alternative investments with over $22b in assets under management and nine offices worldwide. At the Permal Group, Mr. Gimpel was involved in a variety of initiatives over his eighteen years including implementing a robust infrastructure and operations as the Permal Group grew significantly during the period as well as integration activities as the Permal Group was acquired by Legg Mason, a publicly traded investment management firm. Mr. Gimpel started his career at the Permal Group as Chief Compliance Officer and left the group in January 2017 as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Gimpel is currently a consultant to the financial services and non profit industries and is involved in a variety of non profit activities including serving as a volunteer EMT in the State of New York.

Emily grew up in NYC and received her B.A. in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University. As a Social Policy Fellow at Hopkins, Emily worked as a research assistant on multiple urban housing and development studies. After completing her degree, she moved to Tel Aviv to work at an Israeli-based NGO, where she found her passion for sustainable development. Now back in her native New York, Emily is thrilled to join the team at Innovation: Africa as Office Manager & Bookkeeper, where she will continue to pursue her goal of helping to generate social impact.

Robert Khakhosi was born and raised in Mbale, Uganda. After studying sustainable agriculture in KULIKA Charitable Trust, Robert worked as an agriculture extension worker with Heifer International and as an agricultural trainer with World Vision International. Robert has also volunteered as a community health worker with the Abayudaya Congregation and Foundation for Development of the Needy Communities in Mbale, Uganda. Robert speaks fluent English and Kiswahili as well as eight Bantu languages.

Sarah Gimono a female Ugandan, born and grew up in Mbale, a Bamasaba ethnic community around Mt. Elgon. Studied in different fields of Uganda and earned a degree in Information Technology. She taught computer skills in a community computer training centre and later volunteered with Uganda Revenue Authority where she worked as secretary e-tax until joining the Innovation: Africa team in 2013. Sarah speaks English, Kiswahili and many bantu languages. She has a passion for supporting vulnerable people and rural communities to enable sustainable livelihood.

Ibra Lemye was born in Kaliro district of Uganda, raised and attended high school in Mbale region. Later on, he joined Makerere University and acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering which equipped him with the necessary skills in irrigation, agricultural extension and crop handling for community sustainability. These skills enabled him to work with Smallholder Fortunes and Thermogenn, which is a non-governmental organization. Ibra worked as a Sales Engineer for “EVAKUULA”, a locally made milk refrigerator, which can be used without electricity for small scale farmers rearing animals to earn more from their milk. This increased his passion for working with communities. Ibra later joined Innovation: Africa as a Volunteer in order to pursue his career. Currently, Ibra is working full-time with Innovation: Africa. He speaks English, Kiswahili and most Bantu languages from East and Central regions of Uganda.

Richard Mangali, as our local Agronomist, his expertise lie in agriculture and heath within rural communities across Uganda. Richard trained in Japan under the Japan International Corporation (JAIC). He returned to Uganda as an Agricultural Coordinator for JAIC and with a focus on youth empowerment, trained high-school dropouts in specific agricultural techniques. As our most recent Ugandan team member, his knowledge has already proven to be valuable to Innovation: Africa. Richard’s extensive field work with the Foundation for Needy Communities (FDNC) has equipped him with the knowledge and experience needed to work within our communities.

David "Wakale" Wangale was first an Innovation: Africa contractor, our go-to water engineer for all water projects. With the number of projects growing so rapidly in Uganda, and with Wakale's outstanding dedication and quality of work, he joined our team as a full-time employee. His background not only lies in Engineering, but as a volunteer and community trainer. Throughout his career, Wakale has made it a point to train and sponsor orphans who may not have the necessary guidance and access to gaining such a skillset.

Charles Losike was raised in Karamoja, Uganda and attended both primary and secondary education in Karamoja region. Charles was awarded The Uganda Certificate of Education after graduating secondary school and speaks fluent English, Ngakarimojong, Kiswahili and Ateso languages. Charles has experience working with many organizations such as: The Red Cross Society serving as a Volunteer then later became a staff member, Samaritan's Purse as a Food Distribution Monitor, Concern Worldwide as a Community Health Educator, Mbarara-Mulago teaching hospitals HIV/AIDS joint program, and finally with (M-JAP) as a community HIV/AIDS Counselor, until his current role with Innovation: Africa.

Benedicto Loduk was born and raised in Karamoja, Uganda where he attained both primary and secondary education and was awarded the Uganda certificate of education after graduating secondary school. Benedicto went on to study at Busitema University, Arapai Campus Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science and attained a certificate in General Agriculture. He speaks fluent English, Kiswahili and Ngakarimojong languages.

He has experience working with many organizations such as: Caritas in Agriculture Field work, Farm Africa with live-stock field work, Northern Uganda Social Action Fund as lead local artisan, and as an intern at The German Cooperation (GIZ) until his current appointment with Innovation: Africa as an Agriculture Development Officer.

Ivan was born in Mayuge district from Eastern Uganda. After receiving strong Accounting carrier guidance training at Old Kampala Secondary School, he applied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Accounting and completed it in 2015. With his internship at Quality Chemicals Limited as his first practical hands on experience in the accounting profession, he managed to get experience about operations of the different departments of organizations such as the accounts, stores and sales and marketing departments. Ivan then worked at Amazon Chemicals Limited, Munyonyo, Kampala as their accounting assistant managing stock, cash & bank, debtors, supplies & deliveries as well as customer relations. This equipped him with the necessary skills and experience that increased his passion for the Accounting profession. Ivan enjoys visiting the football pitch for game exercise, listening to reggae music and has a passion for art. Ivan speaks English, Kiswahili and some other Bantu languages from eastern Africa.

Boniface was born and raised in Uganda, and has a Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering and a post-graduate diploma in Project Planning and Management from Gulu University. He is a water and sanitation expert who has many years of experience working in the water and sanitation sector for both local and international organizations in various countries in Africa.

Boniface's major roles involved capacity building, developing new project proposals, and implementing water construction projects. He is keen to use his skills and knowledge to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities and institutions across international communities. His experience and passion for water and community service make him an asset to Innovation Africa.

Lerian was born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. After studying she completed her Advance Diploma in Information Technology at Learnit Institute of Technology. She then began working as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for an NGO, Building Rural Incomes Through Enterprises until she joined Innovation: Africa in July 2017.

Lerian speaks both English and Swahili and some bantu languages.

Elias was born and raised in the region of Morogoro, Tanzania. Finding his passion for the field of agriculture, Elias pursued his Masters of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. Previously, Elias worked with World Vision as a program facilitator where her monitored and evaluated projects that focused on education, health, and livelihood.

For Elias, joining Innovation: Africa as a Field Officer mean being a part of a team that I solving real problems in rural African villages, particularly addressing issues of lack of energy and water which are the fundamental needs of humans. Elias feels blessed to work with Innovation: Africa; achieving his personal dreams and being a part of an organization that is changing the lives of millions of people.

Faith was born and raised in Blantyre, Malawi. She attended Malawi Adventist University and obtained a BSC in Public health from University of Eastern Africa, Baraton and has worked as an Environmental Health Officer for a number of years where she did field work on public health services and trained others in environmental health services. She worked with World Vision International as a WASH Development Facilitator where they provided water, sanitation and hygiene and other services in communities, schools and health centres in Malawi. With her passion for community development and belief that everyone deserves a happy, healthy and environmentally friendly community, Faith joined the Innovation: Africa team in 2018 to serve communities in Malawi. She enjoys traveling, learning new cultures, and supporting others in need.

I was born and raised in Blantyre, Malawi and obtained my Bachelor's of science in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Malawi, Bunda College (currently known as Lilongwe University of Agriculture and National Resources, LUANAR). I have worked with World Vision International as a livelihood facilitator for 9 months and I was responsible in promoting resilience in communities affected from disasters and persistent droughts in Malawi through the creation of productive sustainable activities, both household and communal activities. I also worked as an Irrigation Development Facilitator for 2 years in establishing and constructing solar-powered irrigation system to improve the livelihoods and promote resilience to vulnerable communities. I love motivating young girls to work hard and give it their all in their studies to become game changers and contribute to the development of my country, the warm heart of Africa, Malawi. My hobbies are reading and traveling.

Enid Banda is 25 years old and was raised in Malawi. She holds a Bachelor of Science in

Irrigation Engineering that she obtained from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bunda Campus, in Malawi. She has worked with Bluezone Limited, Kasinthula Agricultural Research Station and Illovo-Nchalo Sugar Estate designing, installing, operating, maintaining and evaluating irrigation systems. She is so glad to be part of innovation: Africa as a Field Officer/Irrigation Engineer, changing lives and making them better.

Robert received his bachelor's degree in Renewable Energy obtained in 2016 at Mzuzu University in Malawi and he received a diploma in Electrical Engineering in 2012 from University of Malawi. These degrees enabled him to develop vast knowledge in the electrical and solar industry. In addition to his academic qualifications, he worked as a technician at Bluezone Limited and was responsible for designing solar-water pumping systems and servicing Grundfos and DAB water pumps. He acquired a permit for renewable energy activities in 2016 by Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority. Robert is very passionate about working with rural communities as he knows that this is where the effects of poverty and lack of access to basic needs is felt most. This is where he has chosen to focus his potential and play a role in transformation of lives by working with Innovation: Africa. Robert is a Chelsea FC football fan and enjoys watching English Premier League football.

Emmie Kumbikano-Gumulira has a total of 13 years working experience, 11 of which were in the field of Medical Rehabilitation (A combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy and communication therapy). She has worked in rural settings across the districts of Malawi having worked as District Rehabilitation Officer for Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP) and Partners in Health (PIH). During her 4 years of service in Neno, her passion for vulnerable persons, especially women, children, orphans, persons with disabilities increased due to the high level of desperation and destitution among the people. She decided to upgrade herself academically and professionally and she enrolled at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) for a BSc in Human Sciences to improve her skills in serving vulnerable persons. This degree has enabled her to work in the fields of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS, Education, Youth as well Emergency Situations through working for Creative Center for Community Mobilization (a local NGO), Assemblies of God Care (a faith based local NGO), GIZ Nutrition and Access to Primary Education International (an International NGO) among others. She is extremely excited to be a member of the Innovation: Africa team and participate in bringing water, light and nutritious food (through drip irrigation) using Israeli innovations and technologies. She sees this not as a job, but as her service to mankind.

Mercy Tayim is a 6 time Champion of Female Table Tennis in Cameroon and has represented her country in several international Table Tennis competitions. She is also a teacher by training and has taught Biology to High School students for the last decade. She recently graduated from Peking University, China with a Master’s in Management and Public Policy. Currently working for Innovation: Africa enables her to pursue one of her passions -- contributing to improve the living conditions of the less privileged.

Serge Mbaïnassem was born and raised in Maroua-Cameroon. Since his childhood, he has had a passion for the arts. The poor living conditions and lack of social good wealth in his surroundings increased his passion for social work. That is the reason why he created the Salam Art Company  to promote peace through arts and improve disabled people’s living conditions. Thanks to his actions, many peoples’ lives have been impacted and they can now have hope for a better future. Joining the Innovation: Africa team will enable him to accomplish more good deeds at the favor of local communities. Serge speaks English, French, and some Cameroonian languages.

Yanawa Bidai was born and raised in Cameroon. He obtained his Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP) in Electricity of Equipment and then a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked as a teacher of Electricity of Equipment in college but later went back to school at the National School of Polytechnic of Maroua, Cameroon, where he gained knowledge in Renewable Energy. He worked in multiple capacities in different structures: the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the Social Networks Project (PFS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) as a trainee in the transport and distribution of average electrical energy and low voltage. He also worked at the oil production plant (SODECOTON) on their solar pumping sites and achieved electrification of several buildings. Bidai joined the Innovation: Africa team at the end of 2018 as the In-House Electrical Engineer in Cameroon.