THE FRIENDSHIP BENCH ZIMBABWE
BOARD
THE FRIENDSHIP BENCH ZIMBABWE PVO (PVO 12/21) BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Maria Shipiri
(Board Chairperson) - HR Chairperson
Maria is a global Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience across telecommunications, banking, pharmaceuticals, FMCGs, and the development sector.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering organizational excellence, she has previously worked as an Organization Design & Change Management Consultant with Mastercard Foundation, where she facilitated the transformation of talent acquisition and resource planning frameworks.
Julia Pettengill
Human Capital Committee (Chairperson); Fundraising, Governance
Julia Pettengill is the Executive Director of the Schooner Foundation, a Boston-based private foundation that seeks to advance human rights by leveraging funds where there is the greatest need and opportunity. In her role, she oversees the vision and execution of the Foundation’s strategic direction and grant-making in social Justice, global health equity, education, livelihoods and environmental initiatives, domestically and internationally. Julia comes from a diverse background in international development, nonprofit work, capacity building, and fundraising with a strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa, where she grew up. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and currently serves on the boards Network of Engaged International Donors, Friendship Bench, and co chairs the advisory council for HEAL Initiative. Previously, Julia served as a member of the National Cancer Institute’s Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Steering Committee, and co-chaired the Dana Farber Cancer Institute's pediatric patient and family advisory council.
Elizabeth Puleng Tswana
Programmes and Development
Elizabeth Puleng Tswana holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) with the University of Zimbabwe and a Masters in Human Rights, Peace and Development degree with Africa University.
She has worked for the Ministry of Justice, Legal & Parliamentary Affairs and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission on a vast number of human rights thematic issues.
Elizabeth has carried out human rights Consultancy work since November 2020. Her most recent accomplishment has been successfully carrying out an inclusion assessment on the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in political and electoral processes in Zimbabwe. She provides useful guidance and advice for the successful implementation of Friendship Bench activities. Elizabeth has a passion for human rights, particularly the respect, promotion, and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities as well as gender mainstreaming. She enjoys dancing, cooking, travelling and reading financial literacy books.
Joshua Chimhanda
Audit and Finance Chairperson
Joshua holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science, BCompt (UNISA), and completed his Articles of Clerkship with KPMG in 1991. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to the position of Audit Senior. He was an auditor in charge of several multi‐national companies and was exposed to all aspects of financial, secretarial, and tax-related matters. Joshua later joined First Merchant Bank of Zimbabwe Limited, a subsidiary of FMB Holdings Limited, and worked for a period of 8 years in his capacity as Senior Accountant and later as Group Accountant. At FMB, Joshua gained extensive exposure in financial and company secretarial matters. Joshua was also part of the Computer Steering Committee that spearheaded the implementation of an Oracle-based banking package at FMB. He later joined the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe in his capacity as Deputy General Manager – Finance and Accounting, where he spent 4 years. At CBZ he was tasked to head the Finance and Accounts Section and was also involved in the setting up of the Jewel Stock Broking Company.
Dr. Karen Webb
Programs Chairperson
Karen is the Deputy Executive Director for the Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID), based in Harare, Zimbabwe. OPHID is a local organization supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) to implement the National HIV Care and Treatment Program in over 320 public health facilities across Zimbabwe. She has over 23 years’ experience in public health and development program design and evaluation in sub Saharan Africa.
Karen is a passionate advocate for innovation and implementation science in public health programs and the pragmatic adaptation of evidence-based interventions like Friendship Bench at scale. Academically, Karen holds a Bachelors degree (honours) in Psychology, a Masters of Science in Public Health and a PhD in Epidemiology and Population Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Twesigye Jackson Kaguri
Fundraising Committee Chairperson
Twesigye Jackson Kaguri grew up in the small village of Nyakagyezi, Uganda, where his passion for education and justice was ignited early on. His journey from humble beginnings led him to Makerere University in Kampala and later to Columbia University in the United States, where he studied Human Rights Advocacy as a visiting scholar. But Jackson's heart remained with his community, driving him to take action when the HIV/AIDS epidemic devastated his village.
In 2001, Jackson made a promise to his dying brother to ensure his children’s education. What began as a single act of compassion grew into The Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project, a transformative organization that now serves thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children. Nyaka provides not only free education but also healthcare, nutrition, clean water, microfinance and critical support to the grandmothers who care for these children. Jackson’s holistic approach strengthens communities, fostering resilience and hope.
Nyaka’s mission goes beyond addressing immediate needs—it’s about sustainable development and empowering people. With two schools, libraries, a health clinic, a farm, and a grandmothers’ support program, Jackson has created a model that transforms lives. His leadership has been recognized on the global stage, including being named a CNN Hero, receiving the Waislitz Global Citizen Award, and being featured in Time Magazine’s “Power of One” series. Jackson has also spoken at the United Nations, sharing his vision for community-driven change.
Nyaka’s next chapter is even more ambitious: by 2030, the organization aims to empower 500,000 women, enabling them to raise over one million children. This bold vision is already in motion, creating lasting impact across Uganda.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to community empowerment, Jackson was named a 2022-23 Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow at Harvard University. This prestigious fellowship further amplifies his efforts to drive meaningful, scalable change.
In September 2025, Nyaka was invited to speak at the Clinton Global Initiative to share its bottom-up approach to empowering aging populations economically, spiritually, and emotionally, a testament to Jackson's innovative leadership and dedication to those most in need.
As Jackson often says, “The best is yet to come.” His work is far from finished, and Nyaka’s impact continues to grow, inspiring change not only in Uganda but around the world.
Tracy Mombo
Audit and Finance Committee - Board Advisor
Tracy is a highly experienced and strategically minded senior finance professional with over 25 years continuous experience as an Accountant and Consultant. She has experience working in large, medium and small enterprises, including nonprofit organisations. Strong background in finance and business planning with a solid work ethic and ability to partner with key stakeholders to achieve the financial goals and objectives of the organization.
Prof. Dixon Chibanda (Founder)
Dixon Chibanda is associate professor in psychiatry and Global Mental Health at the University of Zimbabwe and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, respectively. He developed the Friendship Bench program in 2006 as part of his MPH field work and has overseen its’ expansion over the years. He brings his vast knowledge in research and global mental health to the trust. He sits on a number of local and international boards.
Dixon is a martial arts instructor and is passionate about using alternative interventions such as Balavisx, Tai-Chi and Karate to enhance resilience in young people. Dixon speaks 4 different languages and lives in Harare.