Raised in a small village in Kenya, Mungereza witnessed firsthand the barriers that prevent women and girls from accessing education, healthcare, and opportunity. These experiences fueled her lifelong commitment to empowering marginalized communities.

She holds an M.Sc. in International Humanitarian Affairs (Fordham University) and a B.A. in Psychology & Literature (Kenyatta University). With extensive experience in community development, humanitarian services and multi-stakeholder initiatives, Mungereza drives programs that strengthen equity, resilience and creates opportunity for vulnerable populations.

In 2019, with the support of her family, community and close network of friends, she founded Wezesha Women and Youth Initiative (WWAYI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. and NGO-registered in Kenya. WWAYI champions women’s rights, youth empowerment and mental and reproductive health.

Mungereza Mayende - Founder & Executive Director

Under her leadership, WWAYI has transformed the lives of women, girls, and youth by providing education, resources and advocacy that strengthen communities and promote long-term well-being across Kenya and the U.S.

Her work is rooted in the belief that education, mental health, reproductive well-being, and women’s empowerment are interconnected drivers of societal change.

She envisions a world where gender equality and access to opportunity are the norm, and where every individual can pursue their dreams, contribute to their community, and thrive. By breaking down systemic barriers, she equips women and youth with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in all aspects of life.

Her dedication inspires others and drives WWAYI’s mission forward with resilience and an unwavering belief that collective action and community empowerment are the keys to building a more inclusive, equitable future.

At WWAYI, we envision a world where every girl and woman can thrive. We tackle the systemic barriers that limit education, health and opportunity for women and youth, creating pathways for lasting growth and empowerment.

We began by addressing critical gaps in menstrual health and hygiene, education, and access to essential resources. Listening to the communities we serve revealed deeper, interconnected challenges—mental health struggles, reproductive health stigma, barriers for teen mothers and support for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

We also address the digital divide and provide tools, training, and mentorship to foster inclusion, economic opportunity and resilience. Our programs extend globally, supporting immigrant and refugee students in the U.S. as they navigate new environments and build self-determination.

WWAYI empowers women and youth to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities—one life at a time.

At WWAYI, we envision a world where every girl and woman can thrive. We tackle the systemic barriers that limit education, health, and opportunity for women and youth, creating pathways for lasting growth and empowerment.

Our Journey

Our Team & Board.

WWAYI is guided by a passionate team of humanitarian professionals and a dedicated Board of Governors, whose diverse expertise and lived experiences drive the organization’s mission. Together, they provide strategic leadership, program oversight, and operational excellence, ensuring initiatives are sustainable, impactful, and community-centered. From empowering women, girls, and youth to strengthening partnerships and advancing gender equity, our team and board work hand-in-hand to create lasting change and expand opportunities for those we serve.

  • Anouk Hulspas

    Anouk Hulspas

    OPERATIONS OFFICER

    Anouk, a graduate of the Erasmus Mundus Master of Excellence in Humanitarian Action, combines psychology and project management expertise. She ensures WWAYI’s programs run efficiently while promoting social impact, sustainability, and inclusion.

  • Arita Mogoba

    Arita Mogoba

    M & E MANAGER

    With a BA in Public Health and a Master’s in Environmental Science, Arita builds data-driven systems and manages grants to measure WWAYI’s impact. His work ensures programs are accountable, effective, and responsive to community needs.

  • Viviana Wamiru

    Viviana Wamiru

    SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

    A Maryland-based Biology student, Viviana brings research and biotechnology experience to WWAYI. She leads reproductive health initiatives and shares the organization’s mission through digital engagement.

  • Naserian Tumpes

    Naserian Tumpes

    EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

    A proud member of the Maasai community, Naserian holds a Bachelor’s in Business and IT from JKUAT. She supports WWAYI’s administration while bridging cultural and language gaps to strengthen community connections.

  • Delvin Monchari

    Delvin Monchari

    ADMINISTRATOR

    An IT professional specializing in cybersecurity, Delvin uses her skills to support WWAYI’s digital operations. She volunteers to help women and youth access education and technology safely and effectively.

  • Robert Schwanbeck

    Robert Schwanbeck

    STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYST

    With a background in data analytics and economics, Robert designs strategies that drive WWAYI’s growth and fundraising. He also applies his experience in event planning and donor engagement to build partnerships that advance the organization’s mission.

  • Euphy Maua

    Euphy Maua

    REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ADVOCATE .

    Holding a Master’s in Applied and Public Sociology, Maua empowers adolescents and young women through reproductive health education. She works to improve access to youth-friendly services and reduce stigma in underserved communities.

  • Joshua Ochanda

    Joshua Ochanda

    COMMUNITY ENGAMENT OFFICER 

    Joshua, an experienced teacher and education consultant, mobilizes communities to integrate reproductive and mental health awareness into schools. He creates opportunities and fosters positive change for vulnerable populations.

  • Darrel-jo Akuno

    PROGRAM LEAD PATH WWAYI

    With an MSc in International Conflict and Cooperation, Darrel-Jo brings humanitarian expertise to PATH-WWAYI. He supports immigrant and refugee students through research, program design, and events to expand inclusion.

  • Nyoriana Oyugi

    PROGRAM OFFICER REPRO-MENTAL

    An MBChB graduate from Moi University and intern at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nyoriana leads the Repro-Mental Program. She advocates for integrated reproductive and mental health education to support youth well-being.

  • Mercy Shitemi

    IT Consultant

    An experienced IT consultant specializing in digital transformation and cybersecurity, Mercy strengthens WWAYI’s technology infrastructure. She also leads digital literacy programs, helping women and youth gain essential tech skills for education and entrepreneurship.


WWAYI Scale-Up Roadmap

Strengthen & Standardize

  • Launch dashboards to track attendance, retention, and health outcomes.

  • Collect participant feedback to refine programs and ensure quality.

Geographic & Community Expansion

  • Open 3 new rural hubs in Kenya for Elimu Dada, Repro-Mental, and Kemi-Zola.

  • Expand PATH-WWAYI to a new U.S. city with a large refugee/immigrant student population.

  • Launch mobile outreach units delivering reproductive health, mentorship and grief support.

  • Train teen mothers and youth leaders as Community Ambassadors to mentor peers and advocate in schools and neighborhoods.

Digital & Tech Enablement

  • Develop e-learning modules and virtual mentorship covering reproductive health, life skills, and guidance via smartphones.

  • Launch a mobile app featuring crisis hotlines, virtual counseling, discussion forums and educational resources. 

Partnerships & Integration

Embed programs into schools, clinics, churches, youth groups, and local NGOs.

  • Collaborate with universities for research, program evaluation and volunteer support.

  • Partner with the private sector to fund scholarships, hygiene kits and digital literacy programs.

Policy, Advocacy & Thought Leadership

  • Advocate for adolescent health, mental health and teen mothers reintegration programs.

  • Publish case studies and best practices to inform national and global impact.

Recognition and Awards.

WWAYI’s work in gender empowerment, education and health advocacy has earned national recognition:

🏆 Gender Equality Champion Award – Nairobi, Kenya, September 2024
For our Elimu Dada Initiative, providing critical education and support to underage mothers, helping them rebuild their futures.

🏆 Youth Empowerment Award – Kakamega County, June 2024
For the success of our Repro-Mental Program, positively impacting hundreds of youth through mental and reproductive health education.

🏆 Health & Wellness Advocacy Award – Eldoret, Kenya, November 2023
For advancing mental and reproductive health through workshops, mentorship, and community education, reducing stigma and raising awareness.