Our Team

Ashika Davechand

Chief of Staff

Ashika directly supports the Executive Director by freeing up her time to focus on executive activities and decision making. As the Chief of Staff Ashika ensures strategy alignment by connecting strategic thinking, planning and implementation across the organisation. She facilitates the realisation of AFRE’s vision and priorities in addition to providing problem solving and strategic support.

Prior to joining AFRE, Ashika spent over 10 years in management and strategy consulting in addition to several years supporting founders of scale-ups (companies that have matured and scaled from their start-up phase), and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to grow. Her prior experience includes working for a global non-profit supporting scale-ups and creating impact in developing markets (Endeavor), a global consulting company (Bain & Company) and a national advisory firm that supports the development of small businesses in South Africa (Edge Growth).

In her spare time, Ashika can be found enjoying well made films and television series as well as having fun with her two dogs.

Modupeola “Dupe” Oyebolu

Associate Director, Communications

Modupeola “Dupe” Oyebolu manages AFRE’s internal and external communications, including content creation, social media and newsletters. She also supports narrative change projects across AFRE, including MOYA, our literary magazine.

Prior to joining AFRE, Dupe worked at StoryCorps, where she cultivated relationships with community organizations across the U.S., and provided guidance to hundreds of participants as they recorded personal and community histories. She also supported the production of stories for National Public Radio.

In her spare time, she can be found marveling at the small children in her family, making photographs, and milling about used bookstores.

Nigel Richard

Sr Programme Director & Facilitator

Nigel leads AFRE’s leadership development supports for Fellows, including coaching and project development, and he co-facilitates fellowship sessions including both the virtual and immersive retreats.

Prior to joining AFRE, Nigel was Managing Director at the Global Teachers Institute, where he led the development of several multi-stakeholder collaborations and initiatives.

In his spare time, Nigel can be found outside somewhere looking for interesting people, places and inspiring spaces.

Yasmeen Rubidge

Facilitator

Yasmeen co-facilitates fellowship sessions including both the virtual and immersive retreats. She also is a Founding Director of Leadership Pathways, which focuses on the intersections of leadership development, systems transformation and the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion.

In her spare time, Yasmeen can be found practicing yoga in the sunrise or jumping on a trampoline with her daughter.

Amanda Webb

Programme Coordinator

Amanda coordinates AFRE’s Fellow selection process and supports the implementation of Senior Fellow community-building and funding opportunities.

Prior to joining AFRE, Amanda was at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, where she worked in the operations department. She assisted in managing the board of trustees, coordinating local and national events. She also supported the HR team in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff.

In her spare time, Amanda loves listening to audiobooks, watching TV, and planning her next (cruise) vacation.

Gil Winters

Director, Finance & Operations

Gil leads the development of the financial and investment strategy of AFRE, creating necessary processes and infrastructure. Gil is also responsible for AFRE’s operations, organisational risk management, compliance, and certain components of legal and informational technology.

Prior to joining AFRE, Gil successfully developed and executed operation and finance strategies for public and private organisations as an independent consultant with WinterBerry Management Consulting. He also served as Director of Finance and Operations at Frontline Solutions, as Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and as an interim Chief Operating Officer at New Africa Advisors, implementing best practices in financial management, internal financial and business controls, project management, budget analysis, and client and staff education and training.

In his spare time, Gil can be found coaching a local soccer team, spending time with his family, or baking.