Board

---

 Aurora “Rory” Fleming – Chair - US Board

A retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer of more than 25 years, Aurora “Rory” Fleming is now the Sasamani U.S. Board Chair. Rory earned her Master's degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a certificate in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. Her experience includes leadership roles on three Coast Guard ships, as well as overseeing the formulation and implementation of maritime safety and security policies, emergency response doctrine and personnel development at international, national, and regional levels. Rory enjoys bringing her knowledge of strategic development, organizational planning and team building to the various roles she’s served at Sasamani, including collaborating extensively with our organization’s Women Leading Change program. A third culture kid that grew up in Honduras and the Dominican Republic, Rory is deeply grateful to Sasamani for the opportunity to engage with all of our extraordinary partners and focus on building thriving multicultural communities. She started as a volunteer in 2019 and joined the board in 2020.

Anita Thompkins – Vice-Chair - US Board

Anita is a senior executive and water-sector leader advancing equitable access to safe, reliable drinking water. She has worked in the water sector for more than 20 years across the U.S. and Europe and continues to champion practical, community-centered solutions that protect health and expand access to safe drinking water especially for communities that have historically faced the greatest risks. With a distinguished career spanning military service, federal executive leadership, and private industry, Anita has led strategic planning and policy development and directed critical environmental resources to build state and community capacity. Anita serves as the Vice Chair of the Sasamani Foundation’s U.S. Board. She has been a board member since 2023. She is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy (B.S., Civil Engineering) and holds an M.S. in Community Wellness and Health Promotions from the California College of Health Sciences and an MBA from Adelphi University.

 Ted O’Conner – Board Secretary - US Board

Ted O’Connor is a Partner at GrowthCounsel in Philadelphia, where he serves as a trusted legal and business advisor to mid-market and emerging companies. A Certified Information Privacy Professional, Ted brings particular expertise in corporate transactions, outside general counsel work, and privacy and information security. Ted began his career at a Philadelphia Am Law 100 firm before spending over seven years as in-house counsel for private equity-backed, tech-enabled companies — giving him a practical, business-minded approach that his clients rely on. Ted has served on the Sasamani Foundation’s U.S. Board of Directors since 2018 and currently serves as Secretary. He’s drawn to Sasamani because of the profound, tangible difference it makes in individual girls’ lives — and the way that ripples outward through their families and communities, creating change that extends far beyond a single generation.

 Joan Kimeri – Chair – Tanzanian Board 

I am deeply passionate about serving as a Board Chair since 2023, because Sasamani Foundation’s mission resonates strongly with both my professional journey and personal values. Throughout my work in youth empowerment, gender equity, and community development, I have seen firsthand how access to education can transform the trajectory of young girls. I am particularly driven by the opportunity to contribute my experience in program design, strategic partnerships, and capacity building to help the Foundation fulfill its mission.  Supporting Sasamani’s vision aligns with my commitment to support inclusive systems where young people, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed and lead.

Erica Mohr - Immediate Past Board Chair - US Board

As a Senior Executive Coach, Erica supports individuals and teams to cut through the noise and amplify the outcomes that matter most—in their heads and in their organizations. In 2019, Erica began partnering with world-renowned thought leader, Dr. Brené Brown, working within organizations to build courageous cultures. Erica’s leadership journey with the Sasamani Foundation began in 2016 as a volunteer helping to build the first Women Leading Change Program. She also served as the Foundation’s first Executive Director and as the U.S. Board Chair. Erica’s most meaningful work is her ongoing collaboration with the team of East African Women Leading Change coaches—gathering weekly to strengthen their capacity to empower others. She is grateful to have build deep and meaningful friendships with such an extraordinary group of change makers.

Jackson Oganga – Board Member - Tanzanian Board

Jackson Oganga joined the Sasamani Board in 2026. He brings strong organizational skills, dynamic leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing education initiatives and youth development. A Fulbright alumnus based in Dar es Salaam, Jackson also has prior experience as a secondary school teacher, which strengthens his practical understanding of education and learner needs. He contributes valuable expertise in program leadership, partnership building, and supporting initiatives that expand learning opportunities and community impact.

Katie Mitchell - Board Member – US Board  

Strategic global marketing executive with 25+ years of experience driving brand elevation, digital transformation, customer engagement, and omnichannel growth across iconic fashion and retail brands, including Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Coach, and Donna Karan. Known for balancing creative vision with data-driven decision-making to deliver sustained revenue growth, strengthen brand equity, and expand market share. A collaborative and people-first leader, passionate about building inclusive, high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning.  Guided by a belief that brands can be a force for connection and positive change, brings a values-driven approach to leadership that extends beyond business outcomes. This perspective was deepened through a year spent volunteering in Tanzania, where the focus was on education, empowerment, and long-term impact. Since 2017, has served as a board member of the Sasamani Foundation, supporting initiatives that expand access to education and opportunity. Committed to aligning philanthropic initiatives with broader business values to drive meaningful and measurable community impact.

 CPA Mathew  Honest Makilully - Board Member - Tanzanian Board

Mr. Mathew is a Certified Public Accountant Practicing Accounts and Tax Issues at KBM Consultancy and Co Ltd, handling all Tax and Accounts Matters Professionally. He holds a Bachelor Degree of Accountancy from Institute of Accountancy Arusha. He also holds a Masters of Science finance and Investment (MSC-FI) from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, Mr. Mathew is a member of National board of Accountants and Auditors holding a CPA and a Diploma in IPSAS making him a qualified Expert in Preparing financial reports for Both Private, NGO’s and other public entities, as an expert Accountant Mathew simplifies complex Accounting and Tax Concept to empower business and Organizations to Manage their financials effectively. In addition to handling tax and accounting matters at KBM Consultancy, I serve as the Regional Finance Manager for Tourvest East Africa. In this capacity, I oversee financial operations for the group’s companies across the East African region. My role involves managing regional teams to ensure robust financial reporting, effective internal controls, and strict adherence to policies, procedures, and compliance standards. Ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring that all entities within the group remain aligned with our strategic financial objective.

 Laura Delgado - Board Member – US Board 

Laura Delgado is a U.S. diplomat with the Department of State, specializing in international affairs and national security. With thirteen years of service across the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Coast Guard, Laura has held diverse leadership and operational roles spanning diplomacy, crisis management, and strategic problem-solving. Her dual graduate training — an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech — equips her with a rare blend of policy expertise, systems thinking, and evidence-based decision-making, including published research on behavioral science and sustainability. A Presidential Management Fellow and Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations, Laura is deeply engaged in the communities and institutions shaping global civic life. Her involvement with the Coast Guard's Women's Leadership Initiative sparked a passion for women's empowerment that led her to Sasamani's Women Leading Change program in East Africa. Meeting those women firsthand was transformative — deepening her commitment to international service and affirming her path in the global arena. Laura has served on the Sasamani Foundation Board of Directors since 2022, having previously supported the organization as Interim Executive Director in 2021.