Margaret Mliwa Takes the Helm as Regional Director for Ford Foundation in East Africa

Ford Foundation Appoints Margaret Mliwa as Regional Director



The Ford Foundation is proud to announce Margaret Mliwa as the newly appointed Regional Director for its East African office, located in Nairobi, Kenya. This strategic move highlights the foundation's commitment to advancing social justice, equity, and civic engagement across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

In her new role, Mliwa will lead initiatives aimed at fostering open civic spaces and enhancing public dialogue with government entities throughout the region. Her appointment reflects the foundation's dedication to supporting civil society and promoting important social issues in East Africa.

A Proven Leader



Margaret Mliwa brings with her a wealth of experience, having joined the Ford Foundation in 2017. Through her tenure, she has progressed from being a Program Officer to a Senior Program Officer, and most recently served as the Acting Regional Director. Mliwa’s diverse expertise includes managing a broad grants portfolio focused on community organizing, national advocacy, independent media, and leadership development within civil society. With a strong emphasis on defending civil liberties, she aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities across the region.

In her words, "It is an honor to lead the Ford Foundation's East Africa regional office and continue our legacy of impact in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. I look forward to advancing this history in partnership with grantees and partners we serve, grounded in our values of dignity, justice, and equity."

A Background of Impact



Mliwa's background showcases her aptitude for leadership and commitment to social change. With more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, she has worked alongside government, civil society, and philanthropic organizations to drive policies that support community-driven programs. Her dedication to empowering youth voices and enhancing leadership capabilities within youth-led networks has been a hallmark of her career.

Before joining the Ford Foundation, Mliwa served as the Country Director for Restless Development Tanzania, a global youth-led development agency. Her expertise also spans across her role as the Head of the Youth Social Mobilization Unit within Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as working as a lead consultant for the National Youth Service framework in Sierra Leone.

Mliwa holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Kenyatta University and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Applied Philosophy and Ethics at Strathmore University. Additionally, she was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, further underscoring her academic and professional prowess.

A Legacy of Support



Founded in 1963, the Ford Foundation's Nairobi office has played a pivotal role in shaping East Africa’s civil landscape. Initially focused on building institutional capacities, the foundation supported the training of civil servants and technical experts who became leaders in their fields. Over the years, Ford has championed various initiatives, from enhancing Kenya's microfinance sector to promoting critical areas such as health, agriculture, and academia.

Moreover, the foundation has been instrumental in bolstering human rights organizations and advocating for the arts, culture, and media as vital avenues for national development.

With Mliwa’s leadership, the Ford Foundation is positioned to not only reinforce existing partnerships but also create new pathways for impact in East Africa. As the foundation embarks on this new chapter, it remains focused on addressing inequality and furthering its mission to create a fair and more just world.

Conclusion



The appointment of Margaret Mliwa as the Regional Director marks an important milestone for the Ford Foundation in East Africa. Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to social change will undoubtedly contribute to the foundation's legacy of impactful work in the region and beyond.

Topics People & Culture)

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