Yvette Kathurima joins Firelight’s Board of Directors

Firelight is pleased to announce that Yvette Kathurima, a leading African feminist and social justice advocate, has joined the Firelight Foundation’s Board of Directors. She brings to Firelight more than 15 years of experience in advocacy, gender programming, network coordination, grantmaking and resource mobilisation. 

Ms. Kathurima is the Senior Manager, Equity, Gender & Youth at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), where she also co-leads CIFF’s DEI agenda on programmes and partnerships. Previously she worked at the Adey Fund, Girls Not Brides, FEMNET and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Africa Region. 

Yvette joins Firelight’s Board as we embark on a new five-year strategic plan to catalyse change for children and youth in communities in Eastern and Southern Africa. Our proven model of community-driven systems change is helping communities address gaps in child learning, keep girls in school and boost families’ income and health. 

“Firelight’s community-based approach to addressing the needs of women and children, especially those among underserved groups is critical,” said Yvette. “It is the communities themselves who know what’s needed and must be supported to create and implement their own solutions.” 

Yvette, who is based in Nairobi, is also on the Steering Committee of the Elevate Children Funders Group, East Africa Board of the Creative Action Institute and is an Advisor at Eyala.

“We are thrilled to welcome Yvette to our Board,” said Gloria Johnson-Cusack, Firelight’s Board Chair. “We are inspired by her strong commitment to girls and women and look forward to what we will all do together.” 

You may read Yvette’s full bio here.