Directors
Concepción Gaxiola, Executive Director
Concepción serves as the dedicated Executive Director of AGE Africa, driving the organization's mission and vision with over a decade of nonprofit operations experience. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding AGE Africa’s programming across Malawi’s central and southern regions. Notably, she has significantly grown the organization's scholarship program, supporting hundreds of AGE Africa scholars in their secondary and tertiary education.
Under Concepción's guidance, AGE Africa’s innovative approach has seen the successful scaling of Creating Healthy Approaches to Success life skills after-school clubs into radio programming, reaching an impressive four million girls across Malawi. Prior to her role at AGE Africa, she held positions at Women Thrive Worldwide, United to End Genocide, and Troxler and Associates Inc. This diverse experience, spanning corporate and nonprofit sectors over two decades, has shaped her leadership style and approach, driving AGE Africa forward with passion and determination.
Outside of her work, Concepción enjoys reading, practicing yoga, cooking, and taking leisurely walks with her loyal furry companion, Dante, reflecting her well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.
Dumisani Nkhonjera, Country Director
Dumisani provides Programme and Governance direction and guides the implementation of AGE Africa’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework. He brings over 10 years of experience in the Malawi education sector particularly in areas of M&E and Project Management. He has a demonstrated history of working in education management and is skilled in public speaking, development of M&E Systems and tools, as well as development and usage of digital Data Management systems.
Before joining AGE Africa, Dumisani worked as Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Manager for the Association of Early Childhood Development in Malawi where he was leading the overall monitoring of various programs and conducting baseline, midterm and end line surveys. He also led program management in various organizations including Blantyre Synod Education Department and the Ministry of Education of the Malawi Government first as a Teacher and then a Head teacher. Dumisani has worked with various stakeholders at National, District and community levels in over 15 Districts in Malawi. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Education Humanities and a Master's of Education in Policy Planning and Leadership both from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College.
Cozy Faber, Deputy Director of Partnership and Giving
Cozy Faber is a passionate professional fundraiser, serving as the Deputy Director of Partnership and Giving at AGE Africa. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Cozy has worked with a variety of small local organizations in California but now finds her true passion in working to create gender parity and focus on education through AGE Africa’s international efforts. Cozy’s enthusiasm for this cause is palpable, and she hopes that, through her work, she can make a meaningful impact across the globe.
Our Global Team
(in alphabetical order)
Jessie Banda Puwapuwa, District Officer Machinga/Zomba
Jessie Banda Puwapuwa holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Malawi College of Accountancy, an advanced diploma in Business Management from The Polytechnic; Management Development Centre, and a diploma in Journalism from the Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ). She is an experienced social worker and media expert with over 15 years of work experience, focusing on Adolescent girls and young women. She has direct experience in media production with 15+ years in project management, information, education, and communication (IEC), and community mobilization.
Before joining AGE Africa, Jessie worked as the Media Coordinator for Story Workshop, responsible for a USAID project, and was later promoted to Projects Manager at the same institution. She also worked for Blantyre Synod Health and Development Commission as the Communications Officer and later joined the Voice of Livingstonia radio where she was the Station Director. Her career path started in 2002 with Trans World radio where she worked for 9 years in different positions from a reporter/producer/presenter to a Station Manager responsible for the southern region office.
Bertha Bonongwe, District Officer Mangochi
Bertha is passionate to work with girls as she herself had been bursary beneficiary during her secondary and tertiary education. Her story inspires many girls and Bertha continues to identify deeply with what it means for a girl to have a dream without the resources to achieve it.
Bertha feels that working with AGE Africa will help girls that have dreams to become successful women in fulfilling their vision.
Before joining AGE Africa, Bertha worked with Concern Universal (now United Purpose) for a period of 5 years on different portfolios.
Bertha has also worked under Malaria Project as a Field officer, and also as a Field Facilitator for Enhancing Quality and Inclusive Public Services (EQUIPS). Between 2013 and mid 2016 Bertha worked as a Water and Sanitation Officer in the same organization. She has substantial experience in community mobilization and engagement.
Bertha has a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the Share World Open University and also a diploma in Food Nutrition and Livelihood Security from the Natural Resource College of Malawi.
Tamara Chalanda, District Officer Dowa
Tamara is a passionate advocate for girls' education and women's empowerment, bringing over eight years of project management experience in education, youth advocacy, child rights, safeguarding, and sponsorship projects. Her tenure at World Vision International was marked by significant achievements, including rescuing children from child marriages and labor, empowering them to return to school, and ensuring their protection from abuse. Tamara's efforts also extended to giving youth a second chance through literacy and life skills training. As a staunch gender advocate, she has worked tirelessly to promote economic empowerment among women, encouraging their participation in savings initiatives and leadership roles within community forums. Previously a secondary school teacher, Tamara witnessed firsthand the impact of financial barriers on students' dreams, making her work with AGE Africa deeply personal and fulfilling. She holds a bachelor's degree in Education Humanities and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership, further solidifying her commitment to creating transformative educational opportunities.
Lessenia Chikho, District Officer Mchinji
Lessenia Chikho, a 2012 AGE Africa Alumna, holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a concentration in Economics and Sociology from the University of Malawi-Chancellor College (2018).
Before Joining AGE Africa, Lessenia worked for Greater Involvement International (GIM) Microfinance Company as an Operations Manager in the Dedza District. Prior to that, Lessenia worked with the Government of Malawi as an Economist, where she led and oversaw development planning and overall monitoring of different programs in the Dedza District. In 2018, Lessenia joined CorpsAfrica Malawi as a Development Facilitator and implemented two income-generating projects with community members in the Mchinji District. Lessenia has also worked as a Secondary School Teacher at Dedza CCAP Christian Secondary School.
Lessenia, a focused and determined individual, finds her joy in working with and inspiring girls from low socioeconomic upbringings, as she comes from a similar background.
Shareef Chitenje, Finance Officer
Shareef holds a Bachelor of Applied Accounting, Auditing, and Information Systems from the Malawi College of Accountancy, as well as a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management from the University of Malawi. He is a registered member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Malawi and the Malawi Institute of Procurement and Supply.
With more than eight years of progressive experience in finance and administration, Shareef has served with both local and international organizations, including St John Malawi, Islamic Relief Malawi, and World Child Cancer. In these roles, he has built a track record of integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to accuracy and clarity—qualities essential to managing organizational finances.
Known for his diligence, reliability, and attention to detail, Shareef brings not only technical expertise but also strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. He excels at building effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, colleagues, and partner organizations.
As Finance and Administration Officer at AGE Africa, Shareef is proud to contribute to the organization’s mission of ensuring that girls in Malawi have the opportunity to achieve their aspirations. He is inspired daily by the dedication of his colleagues and the resilience of the young women AGE Africa serves.
Faith Chiwenda, Field Officer
Faith Chiwenda serves as a passionate Field Officer in AGE Africa’s Central region. Her role allows her to work closely with girls in the field, sharing her personal story to inspire and encourage them to rise above challenges and become leaders in their own lives and communities.
Having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of Malawi, Faith understands firsthand the power of resilience and the impact of mentorship. She has been a beneficiary of goodwill, which motivated her to pursue her education courageously, and now she’s driven to give back by guiding girls to see beyond their obstacles and unlock their potential.
Faith’s ultimate goal is to empower girls to become the best version of themselves and relevant contributors to their communities. She believes that resilience is nurtured through support and assistance, and she is committed to teaching and encouraging others to succeed.
Her values—hard work, meaningful relationships, kindness, and teamwork—are at the core of her work. Outside of her professional life, Faith enjoys meeting new people, singing, and sharing meals, always bringing her warmth and passion to connect with her community.
Elizabeth Chiweyu, M&E Coordinator
Elizabeth Chiweyu has seven years of experience in monitoring and evaluating different program sectors, including health and nutrition, Education, Reproductive health, HIV, and Adolescent Girls and Young Women in the NGO sector.
She has worked with World Relief Malawi as a Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant for Strengthening Community Health Outcomes for Community Engagement (SCOPE) in Machinga District and Youth Initiative for Community Development (YICOD) in Dedza District, supporting the development and management of M and E systems.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with a focus in Family Science from the University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture.
Lissa Kambalametore, Field Officer
Lissa Kambalametore serves as a Field Officer at AGE Africa, where her biggest responsibility is providing mentorship to scholarship beneficiaries, alongside a range of other duties supporting the organization's mission. Raised by the women in her family (especially her grandmother), Lissa's education was supported every step of the way. That opportunity shapes the work she does today.
Lissa is deeply committed to advancing girls' education, driven by the belief that if she was able to complete her education because of the women who invested in her, more girls can do the same. Having grown up in a culture that often teaches women to depend on men, Lissa is determined to be part of the change, and she believes that change starts with advancing girls' education — and with herself.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work and strives for excellence, especially in the young women and girls she works with. Watching them achieve big things is what drives her. Lissa hopes to leave a legacy and be living proof to other girls that if she can do it, they can too.
Lovemore Kutani, Program Coordinator Central Region
Lovemore Manford Kutani is an experienced program manager dedicated to advancing education in Malawi. He currently serves as the Regional Program Coordinator for the Advancing Girls’ Education in Africa (AGE Africa) program, where he leads the development and implementation of initiatives in Malawi's Central Region.
Before taking on this role, Lovemore coordinated projects with the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Education Department, focusing on inclusive education and child protection. He began his career as a secondary school teacher with Malawi's Ministry of Education, which provided him with valuable insights into the challenges facing girls' education and the need for collective efforts to address these issues.
Lovemore holds an M.Sc. in Transformative Community Development and an M.A. in Youth Development. He has also completed numerous certifications in project management, monitoring, and safeguarding, demonstrating his commitment to educational and community transformation.
Debbie Lee, Operations and Donor Relations Coordinator
Debbie serves as the Operations and Donor Relations Coordinator at AGE Africa and brings with her 13 years of experience working at a non-profit private school along with a genuine love for helping people. Outside of work, she’s a self-proclaimed travel enthusiast with a soft spot for great coffee, sunshine, and laughter, and is a proud mom to a 19-year-old soon-to-be college student. She lives in California with her husband, son, and two mischievous (but very sweet) dogs and spends her free time walking, dancing, playing piano, cooking, reading, and planning her next big adventure.
Irina Manjomo Pasiya, Programs Coordinator: Southern Region
Irina is a Special & Inclusive education specialist & entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience in community-based rehabilitation programs using the human rights-centered approach (CBI), girls and women empowerment, entrepreneurship skills development, and advocating for girls' rights. Irina's greatest satisfaction working with AGE Africa comes from seeing girls develop and reach their full potential.
Irina graduated with a bachelor's degree in Special Needs Education (Hons) from the Catholic University of Malawi in 2011 and is currently pursuing a Master's of Science in Entrepreneurship from the Malawi University of Science and Technology. Irina has worked with the Malawi Council for the Handicapped as a Community Rehabilitation Officer, Women and Children programs Officer, and a Project Coordinator before joining Advancing Girls Education in Africa in 2016 as a District Officer.
When she is not working, Irina enjoys gardening, social media, and travelling. She currently lives in Blantyre with her husband and three children.
Lucy Morris, District Officer Mulanje
During Lucy’s university years at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College, she began volunteering at the AGE Africa Mulanje office. She aimed to empower young girls in various secondary schools associated with AGE Africa, inspiring them to believe in their dreams and abilities, just as she did. Her service continued when she was selected as an AGE Africa scholar in 2022.
In 2023, Lucy’s commitment to AGE Africa continued when she became the AGE Africa district officer for Mulanje. She aims to see more disadvantaged girls pursue their education and become independent women and future leaders. Lucy’s journey is a testament to her belief in the power of education and her unwavering commitment to empowering young girls.
Lucia Munthali, Procurement and Logistics Officer
With over nine years of experience in the NGO sector, Lucia plays a vital role in managing human resources, procurement, and logistics to ensure seamless support across all organizational functions. She also contributes to developing systems and policies that align with AGE Africa’s mission and long-term strategic objectives.
A strong advocate for girls’ education, Lucia is inspired by AGE Africa’s holistic approach, which not only provides academic and financial support but also equips girls with critical life skills and leadership development through programs like CHATS. She admires AGE Africa’s emphasis on stakeholder involvement, which fosters a lasting, visible impact in the communities they serve. Being part of an organization that invests so deeply in empowering young women is a source of pride and fulfillment for her.
Lucia’s personal story mirrors the challenges faced by many of the girls AGE Africa supports. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and later achieved her MBA, driven by her passion to further her leadership skills and enhance her impact.
Today, Lucia shares her story as a beacon of hope to young girls, proving that with support and determination, it is possible to rise above obstacles, break the cycle of poverty, and achieve one’s dreams. Her deep belief in nurturing potential extends to her professional ethos, where she is dedicated to creating supportive and efficient work environments that empower teams to thrive.
Lucia’s profound commitment to advancing girls’ education and lifting their communities remains at the heart of everything she does.