The board Powering Our Mission
Meet the Team
Our team is composed of dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and passion to their roles. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to excellence, each member plays a crucial part in driving our success. From leadership to advisors and management, our team's combined experience and skills ensure that we consistently deliver outstanding results. Get to know the individuals who are the backbone of our organisation and discover the unique talents they bring to the table.
Dr. Michelle Nicole Chapa
Founder & CEO
She serves as a Public Mental Health Doctor and Mental Health systems consultant. She holds a degree in Medicine, Master degree in Public Health and Professional training in Global Mental Health.
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For the past six years, she has been honored to work as the Public Health Doctor and Managing Director of Pamoja Tunaweza Women’s Center. Additionally, she is the Founder of the Michelle Chapa Foundation, established on November 4, 2023. A mental health policy and systems organization that strengthens primary and community care, translates evidence into action and advances suicide prevention in Tanzania and across Africa.
Dr. Daima Machang'u
Executive Secretary
He is a distinguished Fulbright alumnus, & a highly proficient healthcare practitioner with over 5 years of clinical experience. Armed with a Masters degree in…
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Public Health specialising in Epidemiology & a Medical Doctor degree..his expertise lies in maternal, child, and adolescent health. Dr. Machang'u has made significant strides in epidemiology, research methods, and statistical analysis, disseminating research findings on crucial topics such as adolescent pregnancy, the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, and HIV care optimisation among adolescent girls and young women. His holistic approach to public health extends from mental health interventions to HIV care and treatment, where he tirelessly works to enhance access to and quality of sexual and reproductive health services and rights for diverse populations. Dr. Machang'u is not only a skilled practitioner but also a seasoned project manager with a knack for implementation research. His leadership and community mobilisation skills have been instrumental in driving positive change within his field. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Machang'u is a charming public health specialist who finds solace in nature and relishes outdoor adventures.
Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh
Board Advisor
He is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is a member of the Faculty…
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of Psychiatry West African College of Physicians. External Examiner at Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and International Faculty Member at Harvard Medical School, Faculty of Global Mental Health.
He served as the Head of Department of Psychiatry, Ahmadu Bello University, Medical Director/CEO of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna. He is the immediate past President of Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, he was the Chairman of the Faculty of Psychiatry, West African College of Physicians (WACP) and presently National Secretary, WACP Nigeria Chapter.
Prof. Sheikh has been involved in mental health policy development in Nigeria through his membership of the National Mental Health Action Committee (NMHAC) of the Federal Ministry of Health (mental health policy advisory committee to the Hon. Minister of Health, he participated in revision of national mental health service delivery policy 2013, national mental health policy 2023 and national suicide prevention strategic framework 2023), at ECOWAS (he participated in the finalization and validation of mental health strategic plan for West African Health Organization) and African Union through his membership of the “High-Level Advisory Committee” to Africa CDC on NCDs, Mental Health and Injuries (he participated in the finalization and subsequent validation of the Africa continental strategic plan for NCDs, Mental Health and Injuries, he is presently involved in the implementation of the strategic plan).
He is the founder and President of Biological Psychiatry Society in Nigeria (an NGO), he is presently mentoring young mental health specialists and aspiring specialist, and others in related basic sciences in biological psychiatry. He is presently the Principal Investigator for Nigeria in a multi-country research on genetics of depression in Africa.
As a passionate mental health advocate, one of his major research fields is stigma in mental health, he has conducted considerable research both locally and in collaboration with international researchers in this area and has published several articles on mental health stigma in peer review journals.
Professor Sheikh led the group that drafted and pushed for major mental health legislation reform in Nigeria after several failed attempts spanning over twenty-five years; the National Mental Health Act (2021), it is the first modern and post-independence mental health legislation for Nigeria and a major shift from the colonial “lunacy act” that Nigeria inherited from the colonial government as regional law in 1959 but was enacted in 1916 and remained in use until 2022.
Professor served on the 2022 and 2023 International Conference for Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) Scientific Program Committee. He has authored and co-authored over eighty research articles in peer-reviewed journals, he has made scientific presentations at more than sixty local and international conferences and has published over one hundred and fifty articles in National and International print media. He has co-produced monographs and participated in World Bank technical reports.
Professor Sheikh loves reading and writing, he was a columnist for the Vanguard newspaper. He has received several awards among which are the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation award for service to humanity, Grants Fellow of the year by Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and very recently Special Recognition, Physician of the Year Award.
Zakia Juma Chapa
Treasurer
Holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Dar es Salaam.
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For the past six years, Zakia has served as a bookkeeper for Patshitshi Bakery and Patshitshi African Design. Over the years, she has also collaborated with various organizations as a research assistant, currently holding the position of a temporary research assistant at the Economic and Business Foundation Limited in Tanzania, working on the Land Tenure Improvement Project for the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlement Development. Additionally, Zakia serves as the treasurer of The Michelle Chapa Foundation, which focuses on preventive medicine with an emphasis on mental health. Furthermore, Zakia is proficient in tailoring and works as a tailor for Patshitshi African Design.
Rehema Ahmed Mavura
board member
Ms. Rehema Ahmed Mavura (Env Health, MPH) is a dedicated public health specialist with a fervent commitment to advancing public health, particularly in the realm of adolescent health.
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Ms. Mavura is adept at grant writing, focusing on addressing issues such as adolescent substance use and mental health. She has supervised students in the field, guiding them to address community problems and develop solutions for the improvement of public health. Actively involved in project implementation, she works towards creating healing spaces for patients. Ms. Mavura is also passionate about advocating for adolescent health, empowering them to adopt positive perspectives and strategies to navigate life's challenges effectively.
Vicky Alex John
board member
Vicky is a community development professional with a wealth of experience in environmental science and natural resource management.
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. She has held positions in both governmental and non-governmental organizations in Tanzania, focusing on addressing environmental challenges, climate change, and food security issues. Vicky's work has primarily centered on strengthening the resilience of rural communities, particularly in rural areas, where socioeconomic vulnerabilities to climate-induced risks are prevalent.
As the Managing Director of an organization dedicated to empowering communities economically, socially, and promoting environmental justice, Vicky has been instrumental in implementing various initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience. Through programs such as smart agriculture and the establishment of farmers' cooperatives, she has worked tirelessly to improve the livelihoods of rural women and girls, with the overarching goal of fostering economic empowerment.
In addition to her professional role, Vicky is actively involved in community service as a Rotarian. Through her involvement in various Rotary projects, she contributes to initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development within the community. Her dedication is to serve others and her commitment is to create a positive change within the community.
Ansila Galgano Lyimo
Board Member
Is a dedicated radiation therapist based at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. With a background in physiotherapy..
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, Ansila has devoted her career to enhancing healthcare services and community awareness programs. Her commitment to community health is evident through her extensive experience. From her tenure as a Physiotherapist at Nansio District Hospital to her volunteer efforts at Mawenzi Regional Hospital, Siuyu Rehabilitation Centre, and Tanzania Cancer Society (TACASO), Ansila has consistently prioritized patient care and advocacy. Continuously striving for personal and professional growth, Ansila actively participates in workshops and training programs. Notable endeavors include the Bugando Clubfoot Care Project and 3D IG Brachytherapy Training in Egypt, which have broadened her skills and expertise for the benefit of her patients and community. Outside of her healthcare endeavors, Ansila enjoys pursuing diverse interests such as singing and tailoring during her leisure time.
