African Immigrant Women Youth and Children Ry
Providing support and activities for African immigrant youth to uplift their voices, build their capacity, and advocate for inclusive opportunities.
Supporting African immigrant families with a focus on health and integration through cultural events, language classes, and mentorship.
Organizing cultural exchanges to introduce African cultures to Finns and Finnish culture to Africans, promoting unity and understanding.
Assisting African immigrant parents in identifying children's hobbies, sensitizing youth, and supporting children with disabilities.
Founder
Elizabeth is the founder and chief executive officer of AFROWIST Ry (African Immigrant
Women, Youth, and Children Ry). She oversees a portfolio of interconnected humanitarian
initiatives that further the organisation’s objectives. Employing a comprehensive, human-
centred approach, she ensures that each project aligns with and supports the overarching goals
of the organisation. She has over ten years of experience as a programme manager in the
humanitarian sector and is adept at navigating the complexities associated with international
humanitarian projects, cross-cultural communication, and market expansion strategies, with a
keen focus on aligning project objectives with deliverables. She has extensive experience in
coordinating, designing, and managing programmes for international NGOs and both public
and private sectors. She worked as a child protection specialist with Oxfam Novib International
in Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, successfully implementing projects funded by
organisations like UNICE, ILO, and the European Union. She has also worked as an intern as
a project service designer for Turku Municipality and Novia University of Applied Sciences in
Finland, where she successfully developed a strategic plan focusing on optimising transport
services and reducing carbon emissions in the city of Turku.
Her project management skills have equipped her with knowledge and expertise to manage all
phases of the project lifecycle, including planning, execution, risk management, and
evaluation, with a focus on timely and budget-compliant completion. She effectively
coordinates multidisciplinary teams, manages resources, and adheres to international donor
reporting standards. Her skills include strong leadership skills, market research, data analysis,
and feasibility studies, along with strong relationship-building and negotiation abilities with
diverse stakeholders. Academically, Elizabeth holds two master's degrees: an MBA in
Leadership and Service Design from Novia University of Applied Sciences in Finland and a
Master of Arts in Rural Sociology and Community Development, as well as a Bachelor of Arts
in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Nairobi. She is currently pursuing a
PhD in leadership and governance at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
in Kenya.
Project officer
Wendy is a highly accomplished and results-oriented international business and project officer at AFROWIST Ry. She has a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects across organisations, industries, and global markets. She has pursued a degree in international business at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in Rauma. She earlier graduated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme from the Turku International School and another diploma programme in hotel management. During her summer holidays, she gained practical experience at Trattoria Wiklund. Wendy is fluent in both Finnish and English, a significant asset that she leverages to enhance projects.
Project Adviser
Dr. John Otieno is one of the project advisors at AFROWIST Ry, he is a researcher with
expertise in key areas of internationalization and business sustainability. He is a distinguished
specialist in economics and business administration, with a strong academic background. He
holds a master’s degree in management with a focus on accounting, as well as a doctorate in
Economics Sciences emphasizing information systems from Åbo Akademi University. He has
a rich teaching tenure spanning over 18 years at Turku University of Applied Sciences; he has
honed his skills, imparting knowledge across a wide range of subjects to graduate and
postgraduate students through autumn 2024. His dedication to fostering a stimulating learning
environment has earned him recognition among peers and students alike. In addition to his
teaching responsibilities, he actively engages in research projects that bridge theoretical
concepts with practical applications in the business world. His expertise encompasses key areas
such as international business, business management, and marketing, ensuring a
comprehensive and multifaceted educational experience. A staunch proponent of scholarly
excellence, Dr. Otieno dedicates himself to nurturing the next generation of academics,
providing thesis supervision and mentorship across various levels of academia. His hands-on
experience as an account assistant within a leading manufacturing firm grants him a unique
blend of practical and theoretical knowledge. His active participation in development initiatives
in emerging economies, including Vietnam, Tanzania, and Kenya, reflects his passion for
international development and his drive for fostering global partnerships.