Strengthening Our Vision: Welcoming Three Exceptional Members to AEP’s Board of Directors

African Education Program
3 min readFeb 1, 2024

--

JJJulie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza
Co-founder & Executive Director
African Education Program

I am thrilled to announce and welcome three outstanding individuals to the Board of Directors of the African Education Program (AEP). Each of these esteemed members brings a wealth of experience, passion, and expertise that will undoubtedly elevate our organization to new heights. It is with great honor that I introduce Marcia Small, Cecilia Milambo, and Sombo Muzata to the AEP Family.

A photo of AEP’s new Board member, Marcia Small.

Marcia Small: Expanding Horizons with Program Development and Management

We are honored to have Marcia Small, Deputy Project Director of the Mandela Washington Fellowship at IREX, join our Board. Marcia’s extensive background in project management, community development, corporate social responsibility, and education makes her an invaluable addition to AEP. Her wealth of experience in program development and management will play a pivotal role in advancing and expanding AEP’s initiatives. We are confident that Marcia’s strategic insights and extensive network will strengthen our partnerships and help broaden our reach, bringing us closer to our goal of providing quality education to every child in need.

A photo of AEP’s new Board member, Cecilia Milambo.

Cecilia Milambo: Bridging Diplomacy and Impactful Partnerships

Cecilia Milambo, a native Zambian and President of the United Nations African Ambassadors Spouses Group, brings a unique blend of diplomatic skills and a global network to our Board. We anticipate that Cecilia’s diplomatic expertise will help us forge critical partnerships that will significantly benefit AEP, allowing us to extend our reach and impact. Moreover, as an Entrepreneur, her financial and business acumen will prove invaluable as we optimize our financial strategies, build donor relationships, and ensure sustainable growth. We are particularly excited about Cecilia’s commitment to championing our work in Kafue, especially the Read for Rose Special Education Program.

A photo of Sombo Muzata and quote, “I was drawn to AEP’s work because it seeks to support those who would not have an opportunity to get an education. I am thrilled to join the the Board and share my expertise, skills, and experiences to serve the organization, partners, and beneficiaries.”

Sombo Muzata: Academic Excellence and Nonprofit Leadership

We are delighted to welcome Sombo Muzata, a native Zambian and Assistant Professor of Political Science at James Madison University, to our Board. Sombo’s academic background and diverse expertise make her an invaluable addition to AEP. We look forward to collaborating with Sombo to solidify AEP’s partnership with James Madison University. Her role in building relationships with government entities, embassies, especially the U.S. Embassy, and individuals in Zambia will be instrumental in advancing our mission. Furthermore, Sombo’s previous experience overseeing nonprofits in Zambia will greatly assist us in enhancing the autonomy and self-sustainability of our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre.

As we move forward, I am confident that the collective knowledge, passion, and dedication of Marcia, Cecilia, and Sombo will propel AEP to strengthen our vision and increase the impact of our work. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in Zambia and beyond, ensuring they have access to the tools they need to build a brighter future in their communities.

--

--

African Education Program

Transformation starts with people dreaming about change in their communities. This ‘What Shapes Us’ Blog will show dreaming should be a right, not a privilege.