MEET OUR PEOPLE

Meet TSOLA

Tsola is a passionate African feminist dedicated to advancing the health and rights of young women and diverse communities across West Africa. Her advocacy operates at the intersections of LGBTQI+ rights, gender equality, and reproductive justice, with a focus on fostering solidarity across movements through a decolonial feminist lens.

Tsola holds a Postgraduate Diploma (Distinction) in Social Work from the University of Nigeria and currently serves as the Commonwealth Youth Health Network Lead on the Alliance for Active Action Against HPV.

As the Interim Co-Executive Director at CHEVS, Tsola is committed to collaboratively reimagining and strengthening feminist organizing across the region. She envisions a future where cross-movement efforts drive meaningful change for marginalized communities, creating a more just and equitable society.

Meet FAEYFAEYY

Faeyfaeyy is a dedicated advocate for youth, gender justice, and LGBTQ+ liberation. With extensive experience in community mobilization, advocacy, and media, he is committed to promoting social inclusion and dismantling systemic barriers.

Prior to joining CHEVS, Faeyfaeyy served as a Programs Associate at Equality Triangle, where he further honed his skills in advocacy and program development. He also holds a Diploma in Accounting which strengthens his approach to strategic planning and resource management.

As the Community Mobilization Officer at CHEVS, Faeyfaeyy designs and implements inclusive engagement strategies with diverse communities.

Meet ESTHER

Esther is a feminist committed to advancing the rights of marginalized communities, particularly in the areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), LGBTQIA+ rights, women’s rights, education, and economic justice. 

With a background in digital rights and tech, Esther has successfully applied her skills in her previous roles as an executive assistant and customer experience to drive social change. As an Advocacy Associate at CHEVS, her mission is to uplift young LBTQ individuals, amplify the voices of women and girls from diverse backgrounds through an intersectional lens, and ensure meaningful youth participation in policy-making and global development.

Meet MARLINE

Marline Oluchi is a dedicated queer feminist activist with a deep commitment to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and gender justice, particularly through the lens of youth engagement. With over seven years of experience as a policy and advocacy strategist, Marline focuses on how policy and practice intersect across diverse contexts and issues.

As the Policy and Advocacy Lead at CHEVS, Marline leads the organization’s advocacy efforts at the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, treaty bodies, and other global and regional platforms. She is at the forefront of driving systemic change by shifting power dynamics, reshaping narratives, and advocating for political and institutional reforms that promote social inclusion and equity. Her work is rooted in fostering meaningful change, empowering marginalized communities, and ensuring that policy reforms lead to real, transformative impact across the region.

Meet JULS

Juls is a skilled content strategist and storyteller with a deep passion for capturing the human experience. With a rich background in film, design, and media, and a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts, she brings a creative edge to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

At CHEVS, Juls expertly manages the organization’s digital presence, amplifying its advocacy and impact across all media platforms. Her storytelling ability elevates CHEVS' mission, ensuring that its message of inclusion and empowerment reaches far and wide.

Meet IFEANYI

Ifeanyi is an experienced finance professional with over six years of expertise in non-profit accounting. He holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration from Enugu State University of Technology and brings proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.

As the Finance Officer at CHEVS, Ifeanyi ensures the organization’s financial integrity, managing resources with precision and accountability. His dedication to excellence drives CHEVS' commitment to transparency and responsible financial management, supporting the organization’s mission to empower LGBTQI+ communities in West Africa.

Meet KENNY

Kenny is a dedicated human rights activist and YALI Fellow, passionately advocating for the rights of sexual and gender minorities across the Global South. With over five years of experience managing human development projects and holding a Master's degree in International Relations, he has honed his expertise in conceptualizing and executing impactful social initiatives.

As the Insight and Learning Officer at CHEVS, Kenny is committed to ensuring that the organization’s projects are measurable, inclusive, transparent, and accountable. He employs his skills in storytelling, research, and social impact evaluation to drive meaningful change. Grounded in feminist principles, Kenny strives to enhance the livelihoods of sexual and gender minorities through thought leadership and evidence-based advocacy, aiming to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Meet JUSTIN

Justin is a visionary program strategist and innovator dedicated to advancing LGBTIQ rights and intersectional feminism. With a solid background in community organizing and advocacy, he brings extensive experience in management, philanthropic advocacy, and movement building.

Holding a degree in Mass Communication, Justin leverages his communication skills to effectively promote social justice. As the Co-Executive Director of CHEVS, he is committed to strengthening the West African LGBTQI movement and advancing equality for all through strategic policy advocacy, and feminist organising.

In addition to his role at CHEVS, Justin serves on boards and advisory committees for several global and regional organizations, including Pan African ILGA, HIV Justice Network, and the Netherlands Mission, where he continues to influence policy and drive positive change for marginalized communities.

Meet JAMILA

Jamila is a passionate young Black feminist with a rich background in movement building and NGO work. Deeply engaged in political theory, her interests span queer and feminist Islam, anarchism, and Black feminism. She also draws from her experiential knowledge of African and Southwest Asian ancestral healing practices, applying a healing justice framework to her advocacy.

As the Francophone Programs Lead for CHEVS, Jamila is committed to building an intersectional, queer, and language-inclusive feminist movement across West Africa. She envisions a liberated feminist future for all and strives to achieve that through advocacy, fostering LGBTQI+ and youth inclusion, and facilitating cross-movement collaboration.

Jamila’s work is dedicated to ensuring that every voice in the region is heard and empowered in the fight for justice and equality.

Meet LYDIA

Lydia is a passionate feminist, writer, and communication strategist with over six years of experience in the media, technology, and nonprofit sectors. She specialises in social and behavioural change communications and excels at developing innovative communication strategies, brand management, and creating narratives that inspire and mobilise.

As the Communications and Engagement Lead at CHEVS, Lydia plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s public image and amplifying its mission. She leverages her expertise to drive narrative change and advocacy for the rights of LGBTQI+ and sex worker communities across West Africa, using media as a powerful tool for visibility, justice, and social transformation.

Meet ENEZE

Eneze is a dedicated research and evaluation specialist with a passion for using data to address complex social issues. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Educational Measurement and Evaluation, providing her with the analytical skills to draw evidence-based conclusions and insights.

As a Monitoring and Evaluation Intern at CHEVS, Eneze applies her expertise to support the organization’s research and program evaluation efforts, helping to measure impact and drive positive change within LGBTQI+ and sex worker communities in West Africa.

Meet OWEN

Owen is a visionary strategist and tech policy expert with over six years of experience driving innovation and scaling enterprises in the global tech, investment, and policy spaces. His expertise spans digital transformation, strategic growth, and fostering inclusivity across diverse sectors. As a member of both the IMF Civil Society Group and the LGBTQI+ Global Innovators Alliance, Owen is committed to using technology as a force for economic empowerment.

Leading CHEVS' Tech4Pride initiative, Owen is on a mission to break down systemic barriers and empower LGBTQI+ communities, harnessing technology to create opportunities and drive transformative change.

Meet Latiyah Orniell

Latiyah is a pioneering young trans feminist activist from Côte d'Ivoire, whose journey in advocacy began in 2015 with the country’s first-ever trans-led organization. In 2017, she founded Association Transgenres et Droits, Côte d'Ivoire’s first human rights-focused trans-led organization, marking a significant step in the fight for trans rights in the region.

From grassroots activism to global LGBTIQ+ advocacy, Latiyah’s leadership has expanded across continents. In 2022, she was appointed chair of the African Queer Youth Initiative (AQYI) board, and she currently serves on the board of Global Action for Trans Equality. Recently, she joined Outright International as the United Nations Program Advisor, where she continues to be a powerful voice for trans and LGBTIQ+ rights worldwide.

As a CHEVS board member, Latiyah brings her extensive experience in both regional and global advocacy, helping to strengthen the organization’s mission of fostering equality and justice for marginalized communities across West Africa.

Meet Chima Mmeje

Chima Mmeje is the founder of The Freelance Coalition for Developing Countries, a UK-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free training and resources for marketers of color in over 30 countries. Her work focuses on empowering underrepresented communities by equipping them with the skills and tools needed to thrive in the global marketplace.

Chima's impactful work has gained widespread recognition, and she has been featured in notable publications such as HubSpot and Entrepreneur for her contributions to advancing diversity in the marketing industry.

As a board member at CHEVS, Chima brings her expertise in Marketing, capacity building, and inclusive leadership to further strengthen CHEVS’ mission of empowering marginalized communities across West Africa.

Meet Fatumata Binta Sall

Fatumata Binta Sall is a dedicated Muslim LBTQ rights activist and intersectional feminist, committed to advocating for the inclusion of Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary individuals in healthcare and empowerment programs across Liberia. As the founder and Executive Director of Sisters 4 Sisters (Liberia), Binta has been at the forefront of championing the rights of marginalized communities for over a decade, with a focus on supporting young queer women and girls.

Binta holds a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights from Lund University, Sweden, and is a certified Psychological First Aid responder from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to her work with CHEVS, Binta serves as the Co-Chairperson of the Women Human Rights Defender Network of Liberia, is an alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and is an active member of the Liberian Feminist Forum.

Meet Sambe Martha Laraba

Sambe Martha Laraba is a retired social justice warrior who now spends her time creating art, nurturing and facilitating a return to spirit-centeredness as an antithesis to Western imperialist superstructures that have pillaged the Earth and its indigenous peoples.

In her previous life, Laraba worked in social development becoming the first Development Columnist for Stears Intelligence Agency. Laraba has also contributed her expertise to projects analyzing south-south migration, funded by the Council for the Development of Social Research in Africa and the Canadian Research Chair in Migration and Integration. She has also supported the research and archival efforts of queer language in Nigeria, collaborating with Obodo and Kampnagel on the visual arts and installation project Reimagining History: Towards A Decolonial Queer Vocabulary.

She is the creator of Spring of Wellness (SoW) a monthly newsletter and platform that weaves sacred practices from various indigenous spiritual systems into practical tools for a more spirit-centered life. She is the curator of African Religions, a platform that offers in-depth analyses of various Indigenous African spiritual systems.

An animist and advocate for right action, Laraba is a medium whose ability to foster meaningful dialogue has earned her recognition as a moderator and workshop facilitator. In addition to finishing a memoir, Laraba is working on her first two novels.

Meet Aminata Kamara

Aminata is a committed feminist activist and an adolescent girls' program specialist, with a passion for designing and managing strategies that empower girls, young women, and non-binary people. She focuses on creating platforms where they can amplify their voices, promote their interests, and lead decisions that impact their lives.

As co-lead of the Resourcing Resistance team at Purposeful, Aminata mobilizes and allocates flexible resources globally to support girls and gender-expansive youth. She has extensive experience in managing youth-led participatory grant-making initiatives, placing resource allocation and decision-making in the hands of young people themselves.

Aminata is also deeply engaged with philanthropies, using insights from youth to inform strategic decisions and resource distribution, ensuring that the needs and interests of young people, especially girls, are centered and amplified in global conversations. As Treasurer of the CHEVS Board, she brings her expertise in resource management and feminist advocacy to support the organization's mission.

Meet Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah is a Communications Strategist, Facilitator, and a Writer. She has over 15 years of training, facilitation and leadership experience. Nana Darkoa has a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic communications programmes across media, public sector and non-governmental organisations. She has a deep understanding of digital technologies for feminist activism, and is widely recognised as a key African feminist working at the intersections of gender, sexualities and technologies. Currently Nana Darkoa is Co-Founder/Co-Director of the Institute of Journalism and Social Change, and leads MAKEDA PR, a boutique feminist communications agency.

Meet Enow Awah Georges Stevens

Dr. Enow Awah Georges Stevens is a renowned public health expert and advocate with extensive experience in digital health, comprehensive sexuality education, and youth empowerment. He has extensive clinical and programming experience on global health; HIV/AIDS; and sexual, reproductive, maternal, new-born, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH). He has refined skills and knowledge on emergency obstetric and neonatal care, family planning, post-abortion care, and clinical care for survivors of sexual violence. He held several positions of responsibility first as a clinician in the gynecology and obstetrics department, then as the manager and senior manager of reproductive health projects in emergency and post-conflict situations in Cameroon and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Currently he manages Advocates’ AMAZE International work in sub-Saharan Africa. In this capacity, he cultivates organic and strategic partnerships at regional and local levels, providing technical support to partner organisations on youth sexual and reproductive health programming with a focus on sexuality education, use, adaptation, and dissemination of AMAZE digital resources, and meaningful youth engagement. Prior to joining Advocates, Enow led the Youth & CSE work in the Africa region at IPPF where he provided strategic and technical guidance to the IPPF program in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Youth SRHR programmes design and management.

Meet Omolara Oriye

Omolara Oriye is a decolonial feminist researcher and organiser. Her work confronts imperialist power structures and  colonial legacies through critical consciousness raising and the embodiment of knowledge as liberatory practice. She co-leads the work of the Liberation Alliance Africa, a feminist, pan-African collective raising critical consciousness, is an Associate at the Nawi Feminist Macroeconomics Collective and a member of the T20 think tank, a G20 official engagement group supporting Brazil in its G20 leadership commitments.