About Us

The Trust, Accountability, and Inclusion (TAI) Collaborative - Funders for Participatory Governance is a platform for funder learning and action in support of participation, openness and accountability around the world. Our members have over USD500 million in active grants in support of those goals. Join us!

We envision a society where

People are informed and empowered
Governments are open and responsive
Public good is enhanced through civic engagement and collective action

Our Members

Our members - both private foundations and public funders - recognize that governance challenges are complex and cross-cutting. They warrant a collaborative approach. TAI donors work together with partners around the globe to strengthen trust, and accountability and inclusion around the world through participatory approaches. Learn more about each member below.

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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

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Chandler Foundation´s mission is to help build strong and healthy nations that provide all people the opportunity to unleash their creative and entrepreneurial potential. At Chandler, they look to bring that mission to life in two ways: Social Investments Partnerships & Collaboration Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
Ford Foundation works in interconnected areas that can help challenge inequality: Civic Engagement and Government, Creativity and Free Expression, Disability Inclusion, Future of Work(ers), Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice, International Cooperation and Global Governance, Mission Investments, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Technology and Society Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
FCDO promotes the interests of British citizens, safeguards the UK’s security, defends their values, reduces poverty and tackles global challenges in collaboration with international partners. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a nonpartisan, private charitable foundation that advances ideas and supports institutions to promote a better world. For more than 50 years, Hewlett Foundation have supported efforts to advance education for all, preserve the environment, support vibrant performing arts, strengthen Bay Area communities, make the philanthropy sector more effective, and foster gender equity and responsive governance around the world. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
Luminate works to enable people to fully participate in civic and political life, to safely challenge power, and to access accurate, trustworthy information. Luminate´s team places a strong emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups who face structural barriers. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, decreasing nuclear risk, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., and reducing corruption in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
The Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros, are the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. We provide thousands of grants every year through a network of national and regional foundations and offices, funding a vast array of projects—many of them now shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
Inspired by the legacy of David and Lucile Packard, they work with people and communities to create enduring solutions for just societies and a healthy, resilient natural world. Learn more
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Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more

Itʼs only when people become aware, have pathways for action, and engage, that governments are held in account. Our three interconnected strategies focus on expanded participation, equitable resources and powerful engagement.

Learn more
USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. Learn more

Our team

TAI’s small and nimble team helps donors identify new opportunities for collaboration, supports design of out-of-the-box solutions and helps produce and share knowledge.

Staff

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Michael Jarvis
Executive Director

Michael Jarvis joined TAI after almost two decades working on different aspects of the global good governance and development agenda. He has led the development of TAI’s new strategy and approach, and directs engagement across the new priorities for the donor members.

Prior to joining TAI in 2016, Michael was the Global Lead for Extractives Governance within the World Bank Group’s Governance Global Practice. He led the institution’s programming to reinforce knowledge, learning and innovative approaches to strengthening good governance in the critical oil, gas and mining sectors. Overall, Michael worked over ten years with the World Bank in a variety of roles relating to anti corruption, private sector partnerships for development, and multi-stakeholder governance. This included a focus on contracting issues through which he helped shepherd development of a new global initiative on Open Contracting to promote better outcomes from the estimated $9.5 trillion in public-private contracts globally.

Michael previously worked on industry codes of conduct and as a consultant on corporate responsibility and transparency issues, including a focus on the agribusiness, chemical and defense industries. Michael has advanced degrees from the University of Cambridge and Johns Hopkins University. He is a frequent author and blogger and misses his time as a radio DJ.

Michael Jarvis joined TAI after almost two decades working on different aspects of the global good governance and development agenda. He has led the development of TAI’s new strategy and approach, and directs engagement across the new priorities for the donor members.

Prior to joining TAI in 2016, Michael was the Global Lead for Extractives Governance within the World Bank Group’s Governance Global Practice. He led the institution’s programming to reinforce knowledge, learning and innovative approaches to strengthening good governance in the critical oil, gas and mining sectors. Overall, Michael worked over ten years with the World Bank in a variety of roles relating to anti corruption, private sector partnerships for development, and multi-stakeholder governance. This included a focus on contracting issues through which he helped shepherd development of a new global initiative on Open Contracting to promote better outcomes from the estimated $9.5 trillion in public-private contracts globally.

Michael previously worked on industry codes of conduct and as a consultant on corporate responsibility and transparency issues, including a focus on the agribusiness, chemical and defense industries. Michael has advanced degrees from the University of Cambridge and Johns Hopkins University. He is a frequent author and blogger and misses his time as a radio DJ.

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Eszter Filippinyi
Deputy Director

Eszter brings to TAI extensive international experience working in the philanthropy and civil society sectors designing, implementing, and assessing complex portfolios of work. More recently she worked to advance transparency and civic participation at the nexus of development, economic activity, environment, climate justice, and human rights, with a special focus on marginalized communities.  

Eszter has worked for over two decades with the Open Society Foundations in different roles, managing global grant making and advocacy work in the field of civic participation, supporting organizations and networks globally, regionally, and locally, advancing the rights of the most vulnerable communities such as indigenous and afro communities, women, and informal workers. 

Eszter has also a background in education, tourism, and a brief but happy journey in wine business. She is passionate about working in collaboration with visionary people to achieve social change for a World that focuses on the wellbeing of all humans, as well as of the Earth. She also loves literature, arts, and walking in nature. 

Eszter brings to TAI extensive international experience working in the philanthropy and civil society sectors designing, implementing, and assessing complex portfolios of work. More recently she worked to advance transparency and civic participation at the nexus of development, economic activity, environment, climate justice, and human rights, with a special focus on marginalized communities.  

Eszter has worked for over two decades with the Open Society Foundations in different roles, managing global grant making and advocacy work in the field of civic participation, supporting organizations and networks globally, regionally, and locally, advancing the rights of the most vulnerable communities such as indigenous and afro communities, women, and informal workers. 

Eszter has also a background in education, tourism, and a brief but happy journey in wine business. She is passionate about working in collaboration with visionary people to achieve social change for a World that focuses on the wellbeing of all humans, as well as of the Earth. She also loves literature, arts, and walking in nature. 

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Cristina Ordoñez
Program Coordinator

Cristina Ordóñez has over ten years of experience in social research, project management, and fundraising, working with civil society organizations and the public sector in Ecuador. Prior to joining TAI, Cristina worked at FARO, an Ecuadorian non-partisan think tank, as a Research and Evaluation Specialist, and was the first Coordinator of the Latin America and the Caribbean Hub of Innovation for Change, a network of civil society organizations from the Global South working to strengthen civil society and the defense of civic space.

In 2022, Cristina collaborated with TAI as a Community Solutions Program Fellow for four months, where she developed a case study on funding intermediaries and produced a paper on how narratives and the Transparency, Participation & Accountability field is seen by local civil society organizations in Latin America.

She holds a master's degree in local development from Paris 1 Pantheon - Sorbonne University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

Cristina Ordóñez has over ten years of experience in social research, project management, and fundraising, working with civil society organizations and the public sector in Ecuador. Prior to joining TAI, Cristina worked at FARO, an Ecuadorian non-partisan think tank, as a Research and Evaluation Specialist, and was the first Coordinator of the Latin America and the Caribbean Hub of Innovation for Change, a network of civil society organizations from the Global South working to strengthen civil society and the defense of civic space.

In 2022, Cristina collaborated with TAI as a Community Solutions Program Fellow for four months, where she developed a case study on funding intermediaries and produced a paper on how narratives and the Transparency, Participation & Accountability field is seen by local civil society organizations in Latin America.

She holds a master's degree in local development from Paris 1 Pantheon - Sorbonne University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

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Yery M. García
Communications Officer

Yery M García has worked as a researcher and practitioner in communication, development, and social change for more than five years.

Yery holds an M.A. in Media Practice for Development and Social Change from the University of Sussex in the U.K. and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Havana. She has worked as a communications consultant in several international cooperation agencies such as UNICEF, WFP, and Oxfam.

Since 2014, she has been working as a journalist in Cuban and international media outlets covering issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability. She is also a non-formal educator and has been a member of several citizen capacity-building projects using new information and communication technologies.

Yery M García has worked as a researcher and practitioner in communication, development, and social change for more than five years.

Yery holds an M.A. in Media Practice for Development and Social Change from the University of Sussex in the U.K. and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Havana. She has worked as a communications consultant in several international cooperation agencies such as UNICEF, WFP, and Oxfam.

Since 2014, she has been working as a journalist in Cuban and international media outlets covering issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability. She is also a non-formal educator and has been a member of several citizen capacity-building projects using new information and communication technologies.

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Leah Eryenyu
Gender Just Economy Learning Community Lead

Leah Eryenyu is a feminist Political Economy Analyst with more than 10 years’ experience working on women’s rights and gender justice issues across Africa. Her work is situated in the fields of public finance, labour rights, and reproductive justice. She previously served as the Research Advocacy and Movement Building Manager at Akina Mama wa Afrika and later on as Head of Programmes. 

Leah is an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity and has an Msc in Inequalities and Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science,  and a BA in Political Science from Williams College.

Leah Eryenyu is a feminist Political Economy Analyst with more than 10 years’ experience working on women’s rights and gender justice issues across Africa. Her work is situated in the fields of public finance, labour rights, and reproductive justice. She previously served as the Research Advocacy and Movement Building Manager at Akina Mama wa Afrika and later on as Head of Programmes. 

Leah is an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity and has an Msc in Inequalities and Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science,  and a BA in Political Science from Williams College.

Steering Committee

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Amina Salihu
Senior Program Officer, On Nigeria MacArthur Foundation

Amina is responsible for inclusive grant-making and communication, program idea generation, and networking with the On Nigeria team.

She was formerly a lecturer in the Political Science Department of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and Coordinator, DFID/UKAid’s Coalitions for Change (C4C) Program.

Amina received her B.Sc and M.Sc from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and PhD from the University of Abuja. She also has spent time at Aspen, the Universities of Cape Town, Sussex, and Liverpool. 

Amina is an honorary adviser to numerous government, private sector, and civil society organizations on gender, equity, inclusion, and policy. She is a member of the International Political Science Association, Chartered Management Consultants, and the African Feminist Forum. She was a past Chair of the Kaduna State Rehabilitation Board for Persons with Disabilities; pioneer Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, and now chair of the advisory team of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund;  and technical advisor to the EU RoLAC program on a web-based sexual offender database for Nigeria. Amina is a member of the Governing Council of Ekiti State University and an independent non-executive director on the board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc. Amina is Chair Board of Trustees of Hadis Foundation for voice, accountability, and safe spaces.

Amina is responsible for inclusive grant-making and communication, program idea generation, and networking with the On Nigeria team.

She was formerly a lecturer in the Political Science Department of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and Coordinator, DFID/UKAid’s Coalitions for Change (C4C) Program.

Amina received her B.Sc and M.Sc from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and PhD from the University of Abuja. She also has spent time at Aspen, the Universities of Cape Town, Sussex, and Liverpool. 

Amina is an honorary adviser to numerous government, private sector, and civil society organizations on gender, equity, inclusion, and policy. She is a member of the International Political Science Association, Chartered Management Consultants, and the African Feminist Forum. She was a past Chair of the Kaduna State Rehabilitation Board for Persons with Disabilities; pioneer Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, and now chair of the advisory team of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund;  and technical advisor to the EU RoLAC program on a web-based sexual offender database for Nigeria. Amina is a member of the Governing Council of Ekiti State University and an independent non-executive director on the board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc. Amina is Chair Board of Trustees of Hadis Foundation for voice, accountability, and safe spaces.

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Ousseynou Ngom
Program Officer of Gender Equity and Governance William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

Ousseynou leads and supports an extensive portfolio of grants aimed at increasing responsive governance and creating the conditions for evidence-informed policymaking in Africa and Mexico.

Ousseynou comes to Hewlett after spending the past two years at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a senior regional coordinator for Africa and the Middle East, based in Senegal. In this role, he worked closely with governments and civil society in advancing transparency, participation, and accountability, while supporting the development and implementation of relevant and ambitious OGP country action plans.

Ousseynou’s expertise covers open contracting, extractives, aid effectiveness, open data, and public service delivery. As a senior associate at Development Gateway in Senegal, his work was instrumental in developing data strategies and policies, creating evidence-based advocacy and decision-making tools, and leading hands-on initiatives to inform national planning and drive global conversations.

Previously, Ousseynou was a research coordinator at Dalberg and a lecturer at the University of Bordeaux (UB), France. He holds a master’s degree in quantitative and qualitative research and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UB.

 

Ousseynou leads and supports an extensive portfolio of grants aimed at increasing responsive governance and creating the conditions for evidence-informed policymaking in Africa and Mexico.

Ousseynou comes to Hewlett after spending the past two years at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a senior regional coordinator for Africa and the Middle East, based in Senegal. In this role, he worked closely with governments and civil society in advancing transparency, participation, and accountability, while supporting the development and implementation of relevant and ambitious OGP country action plans.

Ousseynou’s expertise covers open contracting, extractives, aid effectiveness, open data, and public service delivery. As a senior associate at Development Gateway in Senegal, his work was instrumental in developing data strategies and policies, creating evidence-based advocacy and decision-making tools, and leading hands-on initiatives to inform national planning and drive global conversations.

Previously, Ousseynou was a research coordinator at Dalberg and a lecturer at the University of Bordeaux (UB), France. He holds a master’s degree in quantitative and qualitative research and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UB.

 

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Erin Sines
Director, On Nigeria MacArthur Foundation

Erin has been with MacArthur since 2009. She is the co-director of the Foundation’s On Nigeria program and director of the Population & Reproductive Health program. Prior to her current position, she was a program officer for Population and Reproductive Health and Girls’ Secondary Education grantmaking.

Before joining MacArthur, Erin worked at the Population Reference Bureau, a Washington, D.C.-based non-governmental organization, where she provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to help policymakers in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and Mongolia use data to make policy and program decisions. Earlier in her career, she worked on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Latin America and conducted research on maternal and child health in the US.

Erin has an M.P.H. from Columbia University and received her B.A. in Spanish and International Politics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

She serves on the board of advisors of the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region.

Erin Sines works on the following MacArthur programs and projects:

On Nigeria

Population & Reproductive Health

Erin joined the TAI Steering Committee in 2017.

Erin has been with MacArthur since 2009. She is the co-director of the Foundation’s On Nigeria program and director of the Population & Reproductive Health program. Prior to her current position, she was a program officer for Population and Reproductive Health and Girls’ Secondary Education grantmaking.

Before joining MacArthur, Erin worked at the Population Reference Bureau, a Washington, D.C.-based non-governmental organization, where she provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to help policymakers in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and Mongolia use data to make policy and program decisions. Earlier in her career, she worked on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Latin America and conducted research on maternal and child health in the US.

Erin has an M.P.H. from Columbia University and received her B.A. in Spanish and International Politics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

She serves on the board of advisors of the International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region.

Erin Sines works on the following MacArthur programs and projects:

On Nigeria

Population & Reproductive Health

Erin joined the TAI Steering Committee in 2017.

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Leslie Tsai
Director of Social Impact of the Chandler Foundation Chandler Foundation

Prior to joining the Chandler Foundation, Leslie was on the executive team of Microclinic International, a global health non-profit. Leslie started her legal career at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell before moving into the non-profit and philanthropic sector. Prior to law school, Leslie spent a year at the World Bank working on financial sector development in Africa. She has been honored as a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and a TEDx speaker. Leslie received her law degree from Harvard and her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prior to joining the Chandler Foundation, Leslie was on the executive team of Microclinic International, a global health non-profit. Leslie started her legal career at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell before moving into the non-profit and philanthropic sector. Prior to law school, Leslie spent a year at the World Bank working on financial sector development in Africa. She has been honored as a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and a TEDx speaker. Leslie received her law degree from Harvard and her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Tony Bebbington
International Program Director, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ford Foundation

As international program director for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Anthony “Tony” Bebbington leads the team that works to ensure natural resource governance serves the public interest and reflects the aspirations of rural, low-income, and indigenous communities who claim customary rights to their land or have secured land rights.

He also serves as the foundation’s representative on the Board of the Climate and Land Use Alliance. With over 35 years of experience, Tony’s work has addressed the impacts of extractive industries on community rights and territories, the role of social movements and NGOs in social and political change, and the factors driving inclusive rural development in Latin America and Indonesia.

Before joining the foundation in 2021, Tony was Higgins Professor of Environment and Society and Director of the Graduate School of Geography at Clark University, and an Australia Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. In addition to holding academic positions, he has worked for non-profit think tanks in the United Kingdom, as a social scientist at the World Bank, and as a research associate with NGOs in Peru and Chile. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, was a Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation and sits on the board of Oxfam America.

Tony holds a PhD in geography from Clark University in the USA, and a bachelor’s degree in geography and land economy from Cambridge University in the UK.

As international program director for Natural Resources and Climate Change, Anthony “Tony” Bebbington leads the team that works to ensure natural resource governance serves the public interest and reflects the aspirations of rural, low-income, and indigenous communities who claim customary rights to their land or have secured land rights.

He also serves as the foundation’s representative on the Board of the Climate and Land Use Alliance. With over 35 years of experience, Tony’s work has addressed the impacts of extractive industries on community rights and territories, the role of social movements and NGOs in social and political change, and the factors driving inclusive rural development in Latin America and Indonesia.

Before joining the foundation in 2021, Tony was Higgins Professor of Environment and Society and Director of the Graduate School of Geography at Clark University, and an Australia Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. In addition to holding academic positions, he has worked for non-profit think tanks in the United Kingdom, as a social scientist at the World Bank, and as a research associate with NGOs in Peru and Chile. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, was a Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation and sits on the board of Oxfam America.

Tony holds a PhD in geography from Clark University in the USA, and a bachelor’s degree in geography and land economy from Cambridge University in the UK.

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Robin Varghese
Associate Director, Knowledge and Innovation, Economic Justice Program Open Society Foundations

An expert in political economy with decades of experience in economic and financial policy, strategy development, research design and implementation, grant making, and managing multi-stakeholder coalitions.

An expert in political economy with decades of experience in economic and financial policy, strategy development, research design and implementation, grant making, and managing multi-stakeholder coalitions.

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Jamaica Maxwell
Civil Society and Leadership Director, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Jamaica is the Civil Society and Leadership director at the Packard Foundation where she oversees grantmaking in support of strong leaders, organizations, and movements, and a thriving civil society across the Foundation’s goal areas and global geographies in Asia, Africa, South America, and North America. Jamaica is passionate about shifting systems and power to improve outcomes for the environment and people. She believes that durable progress on the critical issues of our day will only occur when we apply a systems approach and invest deeply in the people closest to the problem. 

Jamaica has worked to support civil society leaders and organizations for over 20 years. She joined the Packard Foundation in 2013 as a program officer supporting the Foundation’s organizational effectiveness grantmaking to partners working on climate mitigation, ocean conservation, and reproductive health in the U.S., Asia, and Latin America. Before joining the Foundation, Jamaica spent 11 years at California Environmental Associates, where she gained deep experience providing strategic and organizational guidance to nonprofits, foundations, and businesses, with particular expertise in climate change, biodiversity conservation, and food systems. During this time, she supported the design and launch of several new climate-focused institutions. In addition, Jamaica ran her own organizational development consulting firm and served as the founding program director for the Roots of Change Fund, a nonprofit and funders’ collaborative working to increase the sustainability of California’s food system.  

Jamaica holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University and a master’s degree in writing from the University of San Francisco. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, two children, and one very large rescue dog. She enjoys walking her dog in the fog, trying new foods, and traveling with her family to beautiful cities and wild places, near and far. 

Jamaica is the Civil Society and Leadership director at the Packard Foundation where she oversees grantmaking in support of strong leaders, organizations, and movements, and a thriving civil society across the Foundation’s goal areas and global geographies in Asia, Africa, South America, and North America. Jamaica is passionate about shifting systems and power to improve outcomes for the environment and people. She believes that durable progress on the critical issues of our day will only occur when we apply a systems approach and invest deeply in the people closest to the problem. 

Jamaica has worked to support civil society leaders and organizations for over 20 years. She joined the Packard Foundation in 2013 as a program officer supporting the Foundation’s organizational effectiveness grantmaking to partners working on climate mitigation, ocean conservation, and reproductive health in the U.S., Asia, and Latin America. Before joining the Foundation, Jamaica spent 11 years at California Environmental Associates, where she gained deep experience providing strategic and organizational guidance to nonprofits, foundations, and businesses, with particular expertise in climate change, biodiversity conservation, and food systems. During this time, she supported the design and launch of several new climate-focused institutions. In addition, Jamaica ran her own organizational development consulting firm and served as the founding program director for the Roots of Change Fund, a nonprofit and funders’ collaborative working to increase the sustainability of California’s food system.  

Jamaica holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University and a master’s degree in writing from the University of San Francisco. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, two children, and one very large rescue dog. She enjoys walking her dog in the fog, trying new foods, and traveling with her family to beautiful cities and wild places, near and far. 

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Kecia Bertermann
Director, Monitoring and Learning, Luminate

An experienced leader in global research, evaluation, and strategy for social change, Kecia was previously Director of Digital Research and Learning at Girl Effect. Kecia led the organisation’s digital research and evaluation, set the strategic agenda for digital learning across its portfolio, and designed frameworks to measure changes in knowledge, behaviour, and social norms.

Prior to joining Girl Effect, Kecia was Senior Monitoring, Learning and Results Manager at Nike Foundation, where she developed innovative tools such as the Girl Impact Map, a mapping platform layering data sets related to teenage girls in Rwanda. She also designed and managed the Girl Research Unit, an award-winning group of young Rwandan women trained in in qualitative research methods. 


She previously led monitoring and evaluation, strategic design, and programmatic support for Medical Teams International’s Asia program portfolio.

An experienced leader in global research, evaluation, and strategy for social change, Kecia was previously Director of Digital Research and Learning at Girl Effect. Kecia led the organisation’s digital research and evaluation, set the strategic agenda for digital learning across its portfolio, and designed frameworks to measure changes in knowledge, behaviour, and social norms.

Prior to joining Girl Effect, Kecia was Senior Monitoring, Learning and Results Manager at Nike Foundation, where she developed innovative tools such as the Girl Impact Map, a mapping platform layering data sets related to teenage girls in Rwanda. She also designed and managed the Girl Research Unit, an award-winning group of young Rwandan women trained in in qualitative research methods. 


She previously led monitoring and evaluation, strategic design, and programmatic support for Medical Teams International’s Asia program portfolio.

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Toyin Akinniyi
Principal (Representative), Africa Luminate

Based in Nigeria, Toyin focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and managing grants for Luminate in Africa.

Toyin brings experience in international development with a focus on media development, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, civic engagement, and broad stakeholder capacity development to her position. 

Prior to joining Luminate, Toyin was Africa Program Officer at Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) where she helped develop and deliver initiatives aimed at advancing the organisation’s resource governance goals in Nigeria. She also served as NRGI’s Communications and Advocacy Officer for Anglophone Africa, managed media programs across the region, and contributed to the global media Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework and online platform.

Previously, Toyin helped improve Nigeria’s investigative journalism landscape through her work at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. 

Based in Nigeria, Toyin focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and managing grants for Luminate in Africa.

Toyin brings experience in international development with a focus on media development, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, civic engagement, and broad stakeholder capacity development to her position. 

Prior to joining Luminate, Toyin was Africa Program Officer at Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) where she helped develop and deliver initiatives aimed at advancing the organisation’s resource governance goals in Nigeria. She also served as NRGI’s Communications and Advocacy Officer for Anglophone Africa, managed media programs across the region, and contributed to the global media Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework and online platform.

Previously, Toyin helped improve Nigeria’s investigative journalism landscape through her work at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. 

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Alvin Mosioma
Division Director for Fiscal Justice at the Open Society Foundations, Global Programs.

Prior joining OSF, Alvin served as the founding Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, a Pan-African Advocacy and Research Network of 31 members in 16 African countries working on Tax Justice and curbing of international financial flows from Africa. Alvin, who served as the Chair of the Financial Transparency Coalition (FTC) is a leading voice on tax policy in Africa and has spear headed numerous civil society campaigns in Africa. Additionally, Alvin has also served as member of the steering committee Open Government Partnership and on the board of the coordinating committee of the Global Alliance for Tax Justice (GATJ).
He has published a number of articles and reports on fiscal policy in Africa and has also co-authored two books on taxation and development in Africa. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. His special interest areas include fiscal policy, international taxation, financial regulation and natural resource governance.

Prior joining OSF, Alvin served as the founding Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, a Pan-African Advocacy and Research Network of 31 members in 16 African countries working on Tax Justice and curbing of international financial flows from Africa. Alvin, who served as the Chair of the Financial Transparency Coalition (FTC) is a leading voice on tax policy in Africa and has spear headed numerous civil society campaigns in Africa. Additionally, Alvin has also served as member of the steering committee Open Government Partnership and on the board of the coordinating committee of the Global Alliance for Tax Justice (GATJ).
He has published a number of articles and reports on fiscal policy in Africa and has also co-authored two books on taxation and development in Africa. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. His special interest areas include fiscal policy, international taxation, financial regulation and natural resource governance.

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Emmanuel Kuyole
Program Officer, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Nigeria - West Africa, Ford Foundation

Emmanuel Kuyole is a program officer on the Natural Resources and Climate Change team, based in the foundation’s office in Lagos, Nigeria. He has worked on extractive governance and public policy for nearly 20 years, leading national and international development institutions, projects, and campaigns.

Before joining Ford in 2021, Emmanuel was executive director of the Centre for Extractive and Development, Africa, where he was responsible for strategy development, team leadership, fundraising, research, and program management. He was also responsible for establishing the institutional and program presence of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (formerly Revenue Watch) in sub-Saharan Africa as Africa regional coordinator and later served as deputy director, Africa, from 2008 to 2016.

He has experience working with government, industry, civil society leaders, and community groups and believes in the importance of collaborative approaches. He has led the design and execution of several programs on transparency and accountability, capacity-building, community participation, and citizen oversight in the extractive sector. A passionate advocate for social justice, he has led several national and global campaigns on injustice, rights, corruption, and social exclusion. He has also championed centering Africa’s extractive sector in development policy discourse, with the goal of promoting better governance of the continent’s mineral resource endowment.

Emmanuel holds a master of science degree in oil and gas management from Coventry University and an executive master’s degree in governance and leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

Emmanuel Kuyole is a program officer on the Natural Resources and Climate Change team, based in the foundation’s office in Lagos, Nigeria. He has worked on extractive governance and public policy for nearly 20 years, leading national and international development institutions, projects, and campaigns.

Before joining Ford in 2021, Emmanuel was executive director of the Centre for Extractive and Development, Africa, where he was responsible for strategy development, team leadership, fundraising, research, and program management. He was also responsible for establishing the institutional and program presence of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (formerly Revenue Watch) in sub-Saharan Africa as Africa regional coordinator and later served as deputy director, Africa, from 2008 to 2016.

He has experience working with government, industry, civil society leaders, and community groups and believes in the importance of collaborative approaches. He has led the design and execution of several programs on transparency and accountability, capacity-building, community participation, and citizen oversight in the extractive sector. A passionate advocate for social justice, he has led several national and global campaigns on injustice, rights, corruption, and social exclusion. He has also championed centering Africa’s extractive sector in development policy discourse, with the goal of promoting better governance of the continent’s mineral resource endowment.

Emmanuel holds a master of science degree in oil and gas management from Coventry University and an executive master’s degree in governance and leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

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Mouna Ben Garga
Program Officer, Packard Foundation

I am a seasoned civil society innovation pioneer with over a decade of experience designing and implementing impactful programs across the Middle East, Africa, and globally. My work has focused on pioneering innovative approaches to organizing, collaboration, and funding, specifically aimed at empowering social movements and promoting civic engagement among youth, women, and LGBTQ+ communities.

I have developed regional strategies and programs that leverage design thinking and human-centered design methodologies, ensuring their effectiveness and relevance. Additionally, my expertise extends to exploring the potential of technology in advancing human rights. Through incubation, testing, and scaling of ideas and tools, I have fostered civic innovation and facilitated learning within diverse movements.

As a recognized civil society expert and thought leader, I have made significant contributions to broadening civic space, promoting social inclusion, establishing alternative financial sustainability models, and facilitating the growth of decentralized networks.

Working group member representing CIVICUS in the World Bank, Community of Democracies, and Tech for Democracy Advisory Group.

Experienced at working in a multi-cultural, multi-national diverse environment. Proficient in English (fluent), Arabic (native), French (fluent), and Italian (fluent).

I am a seasoned civil society innovation pioneer with over a decade of experience designing and implementing impactful programs across the Middle East, Africa, and globally. My work has focused on pioneering innovative approaches to organizing, collaboration, and funding, specifically aimed at empowering social movements and promoting civic engagement among youth, women, and LGBTQ+ communities.

I have developed regional strategies and programs that leverage design thinking and human-centered design methodologies, ensuring their effectiveness and relevance. Additionally, my expertise extends to exploring the potential of technology in advancing human rights. Through incubation, testing, and scaling of ideas and tools, I have fostered civic innovation and facilitated learning within diverse movements.

As a recognized civil society expert and thought leader, I have made significant contributions to broadening civic space, promoting social inclusion, establishing alternative financial sustainability models, and facilitating the growth of decentralized networks.

Working group member representing CIVICUS in the World Bank, Community of Democracies, and Tech for Democracy Advisory Group.

Experienced at working in a multi-cultural, multi-national diverse environment. Proficient in English (fluent), Arabic (native), French (fluent), and Italian (fluent).

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Sarah Iqbal
Program Officer, Gender Equity and Governance

Sarah Iqbal is a Program Officer in Gender Equity and Governance at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Sarah is an expert in women’s economic empowerment and indicator development. She is responsible for grants to expand women’s economic opportunities.

Prior to joining the foundation, Sarah developed and managed the World Bank Group’s Women, Business and the Law flagship report examining the intersection between women’s economic activity and the legal environment. She produced indicators highlighting constraints to women getting jobs and starting businesses. She also provided guidance to policymakers on women’s economic empowerment in areas such as employment, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.

Sarah has published and presented on women’s economic empowerment. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and history from the University of California Berkeley, a master’s degree in international relations and economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a juris doctor degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law. Sarah is enjoying being back in her home state of California.

Sarah Iqbal is a Program Officer in Gender Equity and Governance at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Sarah is an expert in women’s economic empowerment and indicator development. She is responsible for grants to expand women’s economic opportunities.

Prior to joining the foundation, Sarah developed and managed the World Bank Group’s Women, Business and the Law flagship report examining the intersection between women’s economic activity and the legal environment. She produced indicators highlighting constraints to women getting jobs and starting businesses. She also provided guidance to policymakers on women’s economic empowerment in areas such as employment, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.

Sarah has published and presented on women’s economic empowerment. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and history from the University of California Berkeley, a master’s degree in international relations and economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a juris doctor degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law. Sarah is enjoying being back in her home state of California.

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