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Our Board
Providing strategic leadership, accountability and guidance for lasting change.
OUR GOVERNANCE
Committed to transparent and effective leadership
Our Board provides strategic direction, oversight and accountability to ensure that A Chance for Change Foundation remains true to its mission and delivers lasting impact. The Board brings together a diverse group of professionals with experience in development, agriculture, governance, finance, social impact and community engagement.
Strategic Direction
Provides strategic guidance to advance our mission and long-term impact.
Oversight & Accountability
Ensures good governance, risk management and responsible use of resources.
Mission Stewardship
Safeguards our values and supports sustainable, inclusive and community-led development.
OUR BOARD & COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Board & Committee Members
Our Board and committee members volunteer their time, skills and experience to support C4C’s mission and strengthen oversight of our work.
Arnold Schiemann
Board Chair
Arnold Schiemann brings experience in technology strategy, financial services and digital transformation. He has held senior consulting roles and served as CIO and board member of Grupo Financiero Serfin, alongside teaching and advisory work.
Sheila Garakara
Board Member
Sheila Garakara works in sustainability and impact investment, focusing on climate-resilient agriculture and smallholder livelihoods across Africa. A Chartered Accountant, she holds a master’s in Sustainable Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
Karen Vetterli
Board Member
Karen Vetterli is a Business Informatics Engineer with an MSc in Information Technology. Her experience spans academic leadership, nonprofit governance and programme development, including leadership and board-level roles with Mercy Hands Foundation and AMA Foundation.
Dr. Sidney Kawimbe
Board Member
Dr. Sidney Kawimbe combines financial-sector and higher-education experience, with teaching and research in business growth, project finance and entrepreneurship. He has served as Dean and Director for Research and Innovation at ZCAS University.
Juliet Nkunta Mbesha
Board Member
Juliet Nkunta Mbesha brings experience in programme management, grants, partnerships and humanitarian response. She holds a BA with Education and an MA in Social Work and Community Development from the University of Zambia.
Dr. Argent Chuula
Board Member
Dr. Argent Chuula brings experience in agribusiness, international development, policy and regional trade. He holds a doctorate in Business Administration and has served as CEO of Fairtrade Africa and COMESA’s ACTESA.
Martien Ariaans
Board Member
Martien Ariaans is a Dutch Registeraccountant with an MSc in Accounting and Auditing. His experience spans financial leadership, treasury, risk management and mergers and acquisitions, alongside non-executive board and audit committee work.
Malyombo Mumbi
Committee Member
Member of the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee (RMPC).
Mbali Pearl Myeni
Board Member
Mbali Pearl Myeni brings experience in corporate governance, strategic planning and risk management. She has served as chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority and deputy chairperson of the Moses Kotane Research Institute.
Lindiwe Banda
Committee Member
Member of the Programs, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (PMEC).
BOARD COMMITTEES
Strengthening Oversight Through Specialised Committees
Our Board carries out its oversight responsibilities through specialised committees that provide focused attention to key areas of governance, organisational performance and accountability.
Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARC)
Financial oversight, audit, internal controls, and risk management.
Sheila Garakara
Committee Chair
(Board Member)
Arnold Schiemann
(Board Chair)
John Sakala
(Executive Director)
Mbali Pearl Myeni
(Board Member)
Wakunuma Lishomwa
(Non-Board Member)
Idah Mwale
(Committee Secretary,
Non-Board Member)
Programs, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (PMEC)
Oversight of program quality, results, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and safeguarding.
Dr. Argent Chuula
Committee Chair
(Board Member)
Arnold Schiemann
(Board Chair)
John Sakala
(Executive Director)
Dr. Sidney Kawimbe
(Board Member)
Karen Vetterli
(Board Member)
Sheila Garakara
(Board Member)
Lindiwe Banda
(Non-Board Member)
Walufu Evans
(Non-Board Member)
Idah Mwale
(Committee Secretary,
Non-Board Member)
Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee (RMPC)
Oversight of partnerships, donor engagement, fundraising, resource mobilization, and external collaboration.
Martien Ariaans
Committee Chair
(Board Member)
Arnold Schiemann
(Board Chair)
John Sakala
(Executive Director)
Juliet Nkunta Mbesha
(Board Member)
Malyombo Mumbi
(Non-Board Member)
Mbali Pearl Myeni
(Board Member)
Wakunuma Lishomwa
(Non-Board Member)
Idah Mwale
(Committee Secretary,
Non-Board Member)
Governance, Nominations and Human Resources Committee (GNHRC)
Governance effectiveness, Board nominations, leadership succession, and HR oversight.
Mbali Pearl Myeni
Committee Chair
(Board Member)
Arnold Schiemann
(Board Chair)
Wakunuma Lishomwa
(Non-Board Member)
Walufu Evans
(Non-Board Member)
John Sakala
(Executive Director)
Idah Mwale
(Committee Secretary,
Non-Board Member)
Committee participation does not necessarily constitute membership of the Board of Directors. Some committees include management or external members whose expertise supports the Board’s oversight responsibilities.
Good Governance for Greater Impact
Our Board and its committees are committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability as we work to create lasting change in the communities we serve.