Meet Our Team

Devang Vussonji is the Executive Director of Elimu-Soko, leading a pan-African movement to unlock public financing for scalable, locally rooted education innovations. Under his leadership, Elimu-Soko has grown from a bold idea into a government-backed initiative in Rwanda and Zanzibar, with expanding traction across Africa. As a co-founder of Axum and former Partner at Dalberg, Devang has over two decades of experience shaping education and employment systems in 20+ countries. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA in Economics from Claremont McKenna College.

Dr. Muna Ngenda is Deputy Director at Elimu-Soko, where he shapes strategy and government engagement to advance inclusive, politically informed education reform. Muna brings deep experience in policy design, institutional reform, and governance as a political economist and systems thinker. He previously served as Associate Director at the Future Africa Group and Project Manager at Dalberg, leading work on industrialization, trade, and youth economic empowerment. Muna holds a PhD in Politics and International Studies from SOAS, an MSc in African Development from LSE, and an MA in Economics from Temple University.

Jackson Mahenge is the Government Relations Director at Elimu-Soko, leading engagement with ministries to unlock domestic financing for education innovations. With over a decade of experience in public sector reform, Jackson has managed programs across education, agriculture, climate, and SME development. Before joining Elimu-Soko, he spent eight years at Dalberg Implement and supported capacity-building through USAID’s Africa Lead. He holds a Master’s in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Sokoine University of Agriculture and advanced training in project management and policy analysis.

Kaitlynn Saldanha is the Head of Impact & Evidence at Elimu-Soko, where she leads monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to assess education financing reforms. With 15 years of experience in foundational learning and teacher training, Kaitlynn has worked with the Luminos Fund, Save the Children, Teach For All, and Educate!, among others. She holds a BA from Middlebury College and an MPhil in Education and International Development from the University of Cambridge. Kaitlynn’s work ensures Elimu-Soko’s reforms are evidence-driven, equitable, and designed for measurable impact.

Chidi Blyden is a Senior Government Advisor at Elimu-Soko, leading engagement with African governments to integrate education innovations into national systems. She has over two decades of experience in U.S.-Africa relations, peacebuilding, and institutional reform, including senior roles as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs and Deputy CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Chidi holds degrees from Texas A&M University and George Mason University and has taught at Georgetown University. She brings deep expertise in policy, finance, and diplomacy to Elimu-Soko’s mission.

Alim Ladha is the Senior Innovation Advisor at Elimu-Soko, where he supports the design and scale of teacher development models within public systems. He is also Founder and CEO of Instill Education, operating in South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. Alim has broad experience in education reform and institutional design as a former McKinsey Education Practice leader and founding CEO of African Leadership University. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from École Polytechnique.

Sarah Osei is a Senior Government Advisor at Elimu-Soko, providing strategic guidance on integrating STEM, skills development, and inclusive pedagogy into public education systems. Her work bridges education and workforce development to prepare Africa’s youth for the future of work. With extensive experience in teacher training, EdTech, and TVET reform, Sarah has led large-scale programs that strengthened teaching quality and digital learning across the region. She is recognized for her ability to build partnerships and design sustainable, equity-driven education models.

Jessica Mejia is a Senior Technical Advisor at Elimu-Soko, where she helps governments embed proven education innovations into public systems. Her work focuses on designing scalable, equity-centered models that improve learning outcomes and unlock domestic financing. Jessica has advised global organizations including the Gates and LEGO Foundations, with experience spanning program design, policy, and strategic partnerships. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and is recognized for bridging policy and practice to build sustainable education ecosystems that connect pedagogy, technology, and workforce development.

Joe DeStefano is a Senior Technical Advisor at Elimu-Soko, supporting governments to integrate evidence-based innovations into public education systems. His work strengthens foundational learning through policy design, teacher development, and institutional capacity building. With over 30 years of experience, Joe has led education reform across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including senior roles at RTI International. He holds a Master’s in Education Planning and Social Policy and is known for translating policy into practice—aligning partnerships with national priorities and enabling sustainable, system-wide improvement in learning outcomes.

Tabitha Nduku Kilonzo is a Technical Advisor at Elimu-Soko, where she helps embed inclusive, evidence-based reforms into African public education systems. Her work focuses on foundational learning, gender equity, and disability inclusion. With over a decade of experience in education reform, she has worked with organizations such as the Aga Khan Foundation, RTI International, and AMREF. Tabitha holds an MPhil in Children’s Literature from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Kenyatta University. She is passionate about equitable systems that nurture holistic child development.

Wanjiru Njogu is a Senior Technical Officer at Elimu-Soko, guiding the integration of scalable teacher development models into public education systems. Her work focuses on aligning instructional innovations with national priorities and strengthening classroom practice for lasting impact. Anne has supported curriculum reviews and teacher development programs across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and advanced training in curriculum studies and education management. Her expertise in culturally responsive pedagogy and systems strengthening helps Elimu-Soko drive equity-focused education reform.

Musonda Chama is a Program Associate at Elimu-Soko, supporting the implementation of education financing reforms across sub-Saharan Africa. Her work focuses on aligning innovative education solutions with government priorities to ensure scalability and inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in the public and private sectors, Musonda has led local economic development initiatives spanning agriculture, climate resilience, and education. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration (SME Promotion and Training) from the University of Leipzig and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Zambia. Musonda is passionate about driving locally grounded, systemic education change.

Gathoni Kang’ethe is a Program Associate at Elimu-Soko, supporting the design and implementation of education financing reforms across Africa. Her work helps align innovative solutions with government priorities while embedding gender inclusion, evidence, and community voice into public budgeting. Gathoni holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development from McGill University, with minors in Social Entrepreneurship and Communications. She previously worked with The Africa Perspective and founded a grassroots initiative establishing libraries in under-resourced Kenyan schools. Gathoni brings a strong equity lens and passion for African-led systems change to Elimu-Soko’s mission.

Miriam Odonkor is a Program Associate at Elimu-Soko, where she works with governments to integrate and scale cost-effective education innovations within public systems. Her approach combines evidence, political insight, and community priorities. Miriam has advised clients such as the Mastercard Foundation, AfDB, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation through her work at Dalberg Advisors. She also brings on-the-ground experience from Edify and Rising Academies, where she supported school improvement and EdTech design. Miriam holds a Master’s in International Development from Sciences Po Paris and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Ashesi University, where she was a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.

Angel Thairo is a Communications Associate at Elimu-Soko, where she leads strategic communications to amplify the initiative’s mission of unlocking public financing for scalable education innovations across Africa. She ensures Elimu-Soko’s messaging is clear, compelling, and aligned with government and partner priorities. Previously, Angel worked at Dalberg Implement, managing communications for clients including the African Development Bank, the African Circular Economy Alliance, and national ministries in Kenya and Tanzania. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Intercultural Communication from Pepperdine University and is passionate about equity and storytelling for systems change.