Dilulu Welcomes Three New Board Members

We are pleased to announce the addition of three new members to our Board of Directors. Dr. Fatima Ndiaye, Professor James Okafor, and Ms. Sophia Mensah bring valuable expertise in sustainable agriculture, education, and nonprofit management that will help guide Dilulu's strategic growth and impact in the coming years.

"We're thrilled to welcome these exceptional leaders to our board," says Dr. Kwame Osei, Board Chair. "Each brings unique perspectives and deep expertise that will strengthen our governance and help us expand our impact across Africa. Their commitment to sustainable development and community-led solutions aligns perfectly with Dilulu's mission and values."

The new board members were selected following a comprehensive search process that prioritized candidates with relevant expertise, diverse perspectives, and a demonstrated commitment to sustainable development in Africa.

Meet Our New Board Members

Strategic Priorities

The new board members join Dilulu at a pivotal time in the organization's development. With programs now operating in seven countries and growing demand for our resources and training, the expanded board will focus on several strategic priorities:

• Organizational Sustainability: Developing diverse funding streams and operational models to ensure long-term sustainability
• Impact Measurement: Strengthening systems for evaluating and communicating the impact of Dilulu's programs
• Strategic Partnerships: Identifying and developing key partnerships to expand reach and enhance program quality
• Knowledge Management: Improving systems for documenting and sharing best practices and lessons learned
• Governance: Enhancing board structures and processes to support organizational growth

"As Dilulu continues to grow, strong governance becomes increasingly important," explains Marie Ndongo, Executive Director. "Our expanded board brings the diverse expertise and perspectives we need to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead while staying true to our mission and values."

Board Composition and Governance

With these additions, Dilulu's Board of Directors now consists of nine members representing six countries across Africa. The board maintains a balance of expertise across key areas including agriculture, education, community development, finance, and organizational management.

The board operates through four committees:

• Programs & Impact Committee: Oversees program strategy, quality, and evaluation
• Finance & Sustainability Committee: Guides financial management and resource development
• Governance Committee: Manages board development, policies, and procedures
• Strategic Partnerships Committee: Identifies and develops key organizational relationships

Dr. Ndiaye will join the Programs & Impact Committee, Professor Okafor will serve on both the Programs & Impact and Strategic Partnerships Committees, and Ms. Mensah will contribute to the Finance & Sustainability and Governance Committees.

Looking Ahead

The new board members will participate in a comprehensive orientation program over the coming weeks, including visits to Dilulu program sites in Ghana and Kenya. Their first full board meeting will take place in March 2025, where they will contribute to discussions on Dilulu's 2025-2028 strategic plan.

"We're at an exciting moment in Dilulu's journey," says Dr. Osei. "With our expanded board, dedicated staff, and committed partners, we're well-positioned to deepen our impact and expand our reach in the coming years. I'm particularly excited about the fresh perspectives and expertise our new members bring to our collective work."

The board will hold its annual retreat in June 2025, where members will engage in in-depth strategic planning and team building. The retreat will include field visits to program sites and meetings with community partners to ensure board decisions remain grounded in the realities and aspirations of the communities Dilulu serves.