Board of Directors

  • Executive Director

    Karen Francis is a dedicated Canadian humanitarian and executive with a deep commitment to supporting refugees and advancing education. Her passion for making a difference was ignited through her work with refugee youth in Toronto and her visits to Kenya, where she saw the transformative power of education in remote communities.

    As Executive Director of Matthew House Toronto, she implemented key strategies that expanded the organization’s services and established it as a leading voice in refugee resettlement.

    Now, as Lead Strategist at Jack The Publicist Group, Karen leverages her extensive experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and branding to drive growth and success for clients, combining her humanitarian values with executive expertise.

  • Treasurer

    Geoff Seaborn is a seasoned financial executive who has spent his career at the intersection of global business and grassroots change.

    He served as Finance Director at Trinity College (University of Toronto) and now sits on multiple boards, including Rainmaker Enterprise, where he supports sustainable water solutions in East Africa.

    What sets Geoff apart is his humility and lifelong commitment to building a more just world. From education to environmental resilience, he brings strategic thinking and financial stewardship to causes that matter.

    At The Nyakim Project, Geoff is a steady presence—offering trusted guidance, big-picture thinking, and a true belief in the power of education to transform lives.

  • Chair

    Chair & President of the Board, The Nyakim Project

    Emily Pang is a seasoned executive with over two decades of international experience in operations, finance, and organizational transformation.

    Currently the Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, and Corporate Secretary at SickKids Foundation, Emily provides governance and strategy leadership for one of Canada’s largest child health foundations. Trained as a tax accountant, her career spans a variety of roles at CIBC, Canada Post and Royal Mail (UK), where she’s helped drive complex change, integrate strategies and build high-performing teams. She currently also serves on the Boards of Granite REIT and Quantum Valley Ideas Lab.

    At The Nyakim Project, Emily seeks to guide our growth with wisdom, rigour and passion for making a difference to the lives of young people in Kenya.

  • Director

    Born and raised in Toronto, Samia Tecle has worked with migrants, refugees, and newcomers throughout her career—as an academic, a community advocate, and now as a Policy Advisor with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

    Her insights, rooted in lived experience and rigorous scholarship, help us better serve the communities we love.

  • Director

    Fred Anyona brings soul to everything he creates—from lush editorial shoots to bold visual campaigns that center African identity and joy.

    Born and raised in Kenya, Fred went to highs chool in the coastal region—an experience that shaped both his creative lens and his deep connection to community.

    As a board member of The Nyakim Project, Fred helps us reimagine what representation can look like for displaced children—ensuring our storytelling is beautiful, honest, and deeply human.

  • Director

    Sydney Kirkland is a marketing and growth consultant who helps purpose-driven organizations scale with clarity and heart. With deep expertise in creator partnerships, data strategy, and digital transformation, Sydney brings a sharp eye for opportunity—and a steady hand for execution.