Meet The Team

Kellen Msseemmaa is a passionate social entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for girls’ rights in Tanzania. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Empowered Girls, a grassroots organization dedicated to ensuring that adolescent girls from rural and pastoralist communities are equipped to stay in school, access their rights, and lead the change they want to see in the world. Raised in a context where her mother’s dreams were disrupted by early pregnancy and limited access to education, Kellen’s path has been shaped by a deep sense of purpose: to create a different future for the next generation of girls. She founded Empowered Girls in 2011 with the belief that girls are not just beneficiaries — they are leaders, innovators, and change agents.

Jadilina is a proud alumna of Empowered Girls and a living example of the transformation the program makes possible. Today, she serves as both the Administrator of Empowered Girls and a trusted mentor to the girls in our programs — embodying compassion, leadership, and the power of lived experience. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is trained in Project Planning and Management, Creative Mentorship and Facilitation, Competence-Based Mentorship, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Mental Health Management, and Guidance and Counselling. Having journeyed through the Empowered Girls program herself, Jadilina brings a unique and heartfelt perspective to her role. Jadilina is passionate about making sure every girl receives the same support and life-changing guidance she did. Her authenticity, kindness, and unwavering belief in the potential of every girl make her a beloved role model. Girls are drawn to her warmth and often confide in her, knowing they will be met with empathy, encouragement, and unwavering support. In both her administrative leadership and her mentorship, Jadilina is a vital force in the Empowered Girls community — helping girls not only survive, but thrive and lead.

Brenda Julius is a proud alumna of Empowered Girls, a dynamic program strategist, and a passionate champion for girls’ education and empowerment. She currently serves as the Programs Coordinator, where she leads the design, implementation, and coordination of Empowered Girls’ core programs across rural schools and communities. Brenda holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems, and has received extensive training in Project Planning and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Competence-Based Mentorship, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Guidance and Counselling, and Mental Health Management. Her unique blend of administrative acumen and field-level insight allows her to bridge operational excellence with community-rooted impact. As a former beneficiary of Empowered Girls, Brenda initiated the very first Alumni School Clubs in Dodoma, laying the groundwork for a powerful model of alumni-led mentorship and community engagement. Her journey — from participant to mentor to program lead — exemplifies the transformative power of the organization’s work. Previously involved in MEAL systems, Brenda continues to shape program learning by supporting data-driven decision-making, refining implementation tools, and ensuring that programs remain responsive to the real needs of girls. She is known for her creativity, structure, and deep dedication to empowering others. What drives Brenda most is her unwavering love for Empowered Girls and her commitment to seeing more girls dream bigger, aim higher, and break through barriers to become leaders in their own right.

Penina is a compassionate Social Worker, dynamic Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, and dedicated Mentor at Empowered Girls. She plays a central role in supporting the social, emotional, and practical well-being of girls — ensuring they receive the care and tools they need to overcome barriers and thrive in school and life. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Gender and Development and is a proud alumna of GLAMI (formerly KISA), a program that ignited her passion for girls’ empowerment and equipped her with life-changing leadership skills. As a Maasai woman, Penina has witnessed firsthand the challenges girls in her community face — from early marriage and limited access to education, to poverty, early pregnancy, and the growing impact of climate change. These experiences fuel her mission to help girls rise above societal limitations and build lives of dignity, purpose, and confidence. Penina is trained in Competence-Based Mentorship, Mental Health Management, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) — empowering her to provide mentorship that is both emotionally supportive and practically empowering. Through her leadership in the Entrepreneurship Program, Penina equips girls with hands-on business skills, creative thinking, and income-generating opportunities — helping them build pathways toward independence and resilience. With empathy, strength, and deep cultural insight, Penina continues to be a vital presence in the Empowered Girls community — walking with girls as they define their futures and live their dreams

Eunice Mushi is a passionate mentor, and a dedicated Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer at Empowered Girls. A true embodiment of the organization's mission, Eunice is both an alumna of Empowered Girls and one of its most committed champions — having transitioned from a mentee to a mentor, and now a team member driving impact from within. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Project Planning, Management, and Community Development, and has built her career around advancing equity, youth empowerment, and evidence-based development. While at university, Eunice served as a mentor in the Empowered Girls Alumni "Giving Back" Initiative, supporting younger girls in Alumni schools and community. Her dedication to creating a ripple effect of empowerment has only deepened since then. Today, Eunice combines her expertise in MEAL with her mentoring spirit to ensure that Empowered Girls' programs are not only reaching communities — but doing so meaningfully and effectively. She tracks impact, documents stories of change, and ensures that the voices of girls guide the organization’s learning and growth. Deeply passionate about unlocking the potential of girls, Eunice continues to inspire, support, and guide the next generation of young women — proving that once empowered, a girl becomes a lifelong force for change.

Lisa Christopher is a distinguished Empowered Girls alumna whose journey from mentee to mentor has been truly transformational. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology, Lisa brings a deep passion for helping others and a nuanced understanding of the social and cultural challenges many girls encounter. Since becoming part of Empowered Girls, Lisa has benefited from valuable training in areas such as Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Mental Health. This enhanced skill set has made her an even more effective and empathetic mentor. Lisa approaches her work with enthusiasm, consistently offering kindness, energy, and unwavering support to the girls she guides. Recognized as one of our most inspiring mentors, Lisa embodies the qualities of a caring listener, an honest communicator, and a catalyst for girls to believe in their own potential. We are immensely proud to have her on our team. Currently, Lisa spearheads two vital projects at Empowered Girls: Alumni then Talent Development, and Social Development. Through these initiatives, she continues to cultivate safe, creative, and empowering environments where girls can flourish and realize their full potential.

Aron William is a dedicated visual storyteller committed to empowering youth and fostering resilient communities. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Kampala International University, Aron combines his academic background with a passion for creative communication to inspire and uplift adolescent girls and boys in rural Tanzania.​ As the Communications Lead at Empowered Girls, Aron leverages his expertise in photography and videography to capture compelling narratives that highlight the journeys of Empowered Girls and the transformative impact of the organization's programs. His storytelling not only amplifies the voices of the girls but also serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and community engagement.​ Aron is also the Founder of Shutter For Impact, an organization dedicated to using visual storytelling to empower girls and drive community transformation. Through images and videos, Shutter for Impact aims to create a society where storytelling becomes a catalyst for social change and empowerment.​ In addition to his work in communications, Aron is passionate about climate change adaptation and resilience. He actively engages with youth to raise awareness and develop strategies that address environmental challenges, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle the impacts of climate change.​ Aron holds certifications in Nonviolent Communication, Project Planning and Management, Mental Health Management, Competence-Based Mentorship, and Guidance and Counselling.

Maria is a passionate economist and dedicated mentor with a deep commitment to empowering girls in rural Tanzania. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam and brings a strong foundation in job readiness, online safety, non-violent communication, mental health management, safeguarding, and mentorship. A proud Kisa Scholar (now GLAMI alumna), Maria's journey into youth and women’s empowerment was shaped by the very life skills and mentorship she now pays forward. Her experience fuels her mission to foster economic independence among girls and women, while working to bridge the gender gap in economics through education and leadership. As the Academic Lead at Empowered Girls, Maria plays a critical role in guiding girls—particularly in rural Maasai communities—to complete their academic journeys with confidence and purpose. Her mentorship inspires girls not only to dream, but to succeed.

Stellah Kimaro is a passionate environmental advocate, youth mentor, and champion for girls in STEM. She serves as the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Program Supervisor and Lead for STEM Initiatives at Empowered Girls Africa. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Investment and Banking, Stellah bridges sustainable agriculture, education, and empowerment to create meaningful, lasting impact in rural Tanzanian communities. A former Empowered Girls member and STEM program beneficiary, Stellah brings lived experience and inspiration to her role — making her a powerful role model for girls, especially those navigating similar challenges. She has earned multiple academic excellence awards throughout her education journey, and continues to demonstrate what’s possible when girls are given the opportunity to thrive. Stellah leads a range of high-impact programs: EcoVibeZ Clubs in schools promoting environmental stewardship, Permaculture garden development in partner schools, linking food security to climate education, STEM Camps and Clubs, designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and confidence in science and technology and Earth Day campaigns and school-based awareness drives that mobilize students and communities alike Her work seamlessly integrates climate-smart agriculture, leadership development, and mentorship, equipping girls with the tools to solve real-world problems and become future-ready leaders. Grounded in both practical action and compassionate guidance, Stellah is helping build a generation of girls who are not only environmentally aware — but also empowered to transform their communities.

Dina is a proud alumna of Empowered Girls, a dedicated mentor, and the dynamic Lead for the Mwezeshe Msichana Program — an initiative focused on ensuring girls have access to school essentials so they can stay in school, excel academically, and complete their education with dignity and confidence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and has received specialized training in Nonviolent Communication, Competence-Based Mentorship, Guidance and Counselling, and Mental Health Management. Dina combines academic insight with emotional intelligence to create a safe, inspiring space for the girls she serves. With a deep love for storytelling, Dina uses writing as a tool for social change, advocacy, and empowerment. Her background in literature allows her to amplify girls’ voices in ways that are both personal and powerful — helping them feel seen, heard, and valued. Dina is especially passionate about challenging societal norms, educating communities about the obstacles girls face, and guiding girls to embrace their identities, overcome barriers, and pursue their dreams with determination. Her empathetic leadership and heartfelt mentorship make her a beacon of hope for many. Through her work at Empowered Girls, Dina continues to be a transformative force — one who nurtures courage, champions education, and ensures that every girl knows she matters.

Happiness is a proud Maasai woman, an alumna of Empowered Girls, and a passionate advocate for girls' rights and education in rural Tanzania. While she was fortunate to pursue her own education, she has witnessed firsthand how harmful cultural practices have silenced the voices and stolen the dreams of many girls in her community. As the Lead of Empowered Girls’ Community Outreach Program, Happiness works at the heart of the issue — within her own community — engaging parents, spiritual leaders, and elders to champion girls' education and challenge deeply rooted norms like early marriage and FGM. Through community dialogues, parenting sessions, and cultural advocacy, she is helping build bridges between tradition and transformation. Happiness envisions a future where every girl is heard, protected, and given the chance to go to school and simply be a child. Her work is helping families become allies in a new narrative — one where girls grow up safe, educated, and empowered to shape their futures. She is trained in Competence-Based Mentorship, Mental Health Management, and Guidance and Counselling, allowing her to support girls and families not just through information, but with empathy, care, and sustained guidance