Our Team
Board of Directors
Leadership
Colin Freund – Advisor, Modra Pharmaceuticals | Chair
Colin has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with a primary focus in oncology. Prior to joining Modra Pharmaceuticals, which specialises in oral chemotherapy, Colin was CEO of QUE Oncology, Inc., a company focused on cancer-related therapies. Colin also held senior business and corporate development roles at Transgene SA, Agennix Inc., and GPC Biotech AG, all of which were involved with developing novel oncology therapeutics. Earlier in his career, Colin was a project manager at the Boston Consulting Group in the healthcare and high technology practice areas. Colin received his MA in Economics and Management Studies from the University of Cambridge (U.K.) and his MBA from Stanford University (U.S.).
Dr. Tim Tucker – Founder and CEO, SEAD Consulting | Vice Chair
Tim is a public health strategist, with a track record in HIV, hepatitis, vaccines, COVID-19, and public health programmes in Africa and beyond. He is Founder and CEO of the Black-empowered public health organisation, SEAD Consulting, which for the past 20 years has consulted for a wide range of organisations around the world on health strategy, health programme interventions, health systems strengthening, and business analytics/M&E. In addition, Tim is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town (UCT) School of Public Health. He worked as a clinical virologist, before being appointed as the inaugural director of the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the (then) largest biotech and clinical initiative on the continent. Tim currently serves on the Board of the South African Medical Research Council, and is a member of the U.S. Government National Institutes of Health HIV Strategy Working Group. He is a registered Clinical Virologist, with a medical degree, Ph.D., and pathology specialisation from UCT.
Members
Dr. Annemiek de Ruiter, Vice President, Head of Global Medical Sciences, ViiV Healthcare
Annemiek is Vice President, Head of Global Medical Sciences at ViiV Healthcare, a British multinational pharmaceutical company specialising in the research and development of medicines to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. She also serves as an honorary consultant HIV physician at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT), where she treats HIV patients. A specialist in the care of women living with HIV, Annemiek established and led GSTT’s services for women living with HIV, most of whom are migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. She has lectured widely on HIV in women and pregnancy, authored or co-authored 93 related publications, and led the British HIV Association pregnancy guidelines from 2008 to 2014. Prior to joining ViiV in 2016 as its Senior Global Medical Director, she served for 22 years at GSTT where she directed general and women’s HIV clinics, the HIV antenatal clinic, and led on HIV pregnancy research. She received a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from St Thomas Hospital Medical School in London as well as the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians.
Andrea Hartley – Founder and CEO, Skating Panda
As an entrepreneur, Andrea started her professional journey as a girl helping her mother run a business from the kitchen. She is Founder and CEO of Skating Panda, the strategy and communications consultancy which drives performance through purpose. She is also Co-founder of Mum & You, the ethical parenting e-commerce company that creates products designed for mothers by mothers. Other start up experience spans sport, charity, and politics—the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Bid, the Women’s Equality Party, and Reach to Teach, an education charity. She is a Board Director of the food poverty social enterprise, Maymessy, and a Mentor at Unreasonable. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford University and Masters from the Universities of Salamanca and Exeter.
Nkanyiso Hlongwa – Senior Executive, MAC Consulting
Nkanyiso is a Senior Executive at Johannesburg-based MAC Consulting, where he helps organisations improve performance through strategy development, execution, and driving impact. With over 15 years of advisory experience, he has worked across the for-profit, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors to help clients enhance outcomes, navigate complex challenges, tackle critical social challenges, identify new value creation opportunities, and accelerate progress. His experience spans previous leadership roles at such consulting firms as The Bridgespan Group (partner and head of its Africa office) and Monitor Deloitte (corporate strategy and growth specialist). He also serves in a non-executive role with Africa Forward. Nkanyiso is driven by a passion to create lasting impact, support sustainable livelihoods, and expand access to development opportunities across Africa. He holds an MBA from St. Mary’s University College, Twickenham, and a Bachelor of Business Science (Honours in Economics) from the University of Cape Town.
Ariel Knowles – Finance Professional & Consultant
Ariel has spent her career working in finance roles in the U.S., Hong Kong, and London. Most recently, she was Senior Finance Manager for Interior Define, a Chicago-based omni-channel home furnishings retailer. Prior roles include Investment Banker within UBS Investment Bank’s Industrials and Consumer Products & Retail groups in Chicago and London, respectively, and Supervisory Analyst with Sanford C. Bernstein in Hong Kong. Ariel is involved in various other philanthropic causes and educational initiatives and institutions, including the Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago’s Field Museum, and Western Reserve Academy.
Charles McGregor – Trustee, University of Cape Town Trust
A South African residing in London, Charles was Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Hospitality Europe BV from 1994 to 2006, when it sold to Blackstone. He is currently a Trustee of the University of Cape Town Trust, England, and the Bembridge Sailing Club having served the Club for 17 years, including a term as Rear Commodore (Finance). Previously Charles served as a Governor of the Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chair of the Hospital’s Patient Carer Advisory Group, and on the Hospital’s Integrated Governance and Risk Management Committee, retiring in 2018. In 2018, Charles was awarded the UCT Vice Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of his service to the University. In May 2021, he retired as a Trustee of Goodenough College, but remains on the Finance, and Investment Committees.
Mpumi Nkabinde - Head of HR for POLMEDS
Mpumi is a seasoned human capital executive with over 20 years of experience. She holds a PhD (in human resources) from one of the recognised local institutions. She has a unique HR experience which is drawn from leading HR operations as well as human capital consulting across different industries for local and multinational organisations. Over and above her operational and consulting HR experience, Mpumi has led a multidimensional HR auditing team as an Associate Director. Mpumi is currently a Chief HR Officer for a regulator where she is accountable for the oversight of the HR function. She has been the Country Lead for HR Transformation for one of the international consulting firms where she held accountability for all HR transformation projects across the country. She has operated across all areas of HR, including setting up and running an HR shared services for a financial institution that employs over 24 000 people.
Terry D. Peigh – Marketing Communications Consultant; Advisor; Development Organisations Board Member
Following a career of over 40 years in the advertising and marketing communications business, leading the programmes of some of the world’s largest and most successful companies, Terry has recently retired and now devotes his time to consulting and Board service. His professional experience includes over 20 years serving as a Senior Vice President/Managing Director of Interpublic Group, a global marketing communications firm. Prior to that , he was Executive Vice President of True North Communications and Fcb Advertising. For most of his career, Terry has also utilised his marketing skills to advise governmental and NGOs on how best to use modern day marketing principles and practices to advance health and livelihood goals in the developing world. He currently serves on the Boards of four global NGOs.
Meena Ravella – Advisor and Consultant
Meena has over 20 years of experience in the consumer internet, and currently advises several Silicon Valley companies. Meena most recently was the Vice President of Business Development for Shutterfly, whose mission is to help the world share life’s joy by helping people share their memories. Prior to Shutterfly, Meena headed up marketing partnerships for eBay, with a focus on the largest consumer websites, electronics manufacturers, and wireless carriers. Prior to eBay, Meena worked at NBC Internet, Boston Consulting Group, and JP Morgan Chase.
Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela – CEO, South African Health Products Regulatory Authority
Boitumelo is CEO of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative. Prior to joining SAHPRA, she managed a biotechnology incubator at The Innovation Hub Management Company. She was also a McKinsey & Company Leadership Fellow for two years and a Senior Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Boitumelo holds a Ph.D. (Biochemistry) and an MSc in Management Finance and Investment, and is the author of scientific publications, review articles, and book chapters. She sits on a number of scientific advisory committees and Board of Directors, and is involved in leadership projects, including the African Union Strategy for Health Research and a WHO Expert Panel on scaling health Innovations in Africa.
Naomi Walkland – Chief Marketing Officer, Motorway
Naomi is the Chief Marketing Officer of Motorway, the U.K.’s fastest-growing car marketplace, where she oversees the company’s marketing, growth, and communications teams. Previously, Naomi served as the Vice President of Bumble, where she led the international marketing team, driving new customer and revenue growth outside of the U.S. She was part of the team which took Bumble public in 2021 and built and scaled the marketing team and operations across EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and APAC (Asia Pacific). Under her leadership, Bumble expanded its brand presence into over 15 markets worldwide. During her tenure at Bumble, Naomi led some of Bumble’s most impactful global campaigns, such as My Love is Black Love, a celebration and representation of Black Love in Britain. Naomi is passionate and committed to diversity and inclusion in the marketing and creative industries. She sits on the global board of The Marketing Society and is an Advisor for OK Mentor, which provides free in-person training and mentorship programs for women graduates looking to break into creative industries. She is an Honorary Fellow of The Marketing Society and has been recognised by Marketing Week and Campaign Magazine as one of the top marketing leaders in the U.K.
Strategic Observers
Dr. Mitch Besser – Founder, m2m
An obstetrician and gynaecologist, Mitch’s career has been dedicated to the public health needs of women. In 1999, he joined the University of Cape Town, assisting with the development of services for pregnant women living with HIV to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). It was through that work he recognised a need for an education and psychosocial support programme that would help PMTCT services achieve the best medical and social outcomes, and founded m2m in 2001. Among the many awards Mitch has received are the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and the U.S. Presidential Citizen’s Award.
Derek Lubner – Chair and Co-founder, Izinga Assist
Derek is Chair and Co-founder of Izinga Assist, a South African-based NGO which is creating a platform to digitise philanthropy in the country. He manages his late parent’s family Foundation, MAID (Make an Immediate Difference), which distributes funds to 30+ NGO’s in South Africa. He has been on the Board of m2m since its inception in 2001.
Robin Allinson Smalley – Co-founder, m2m
Robin enjoyed an award-winning career as a television producer/director/writer before realising that the legacy she wanted to leave had nothing to do with entertainment. Turning her attention to the non-profit world, she became the Executive Director of The Media Project, working to incorporate healthy messages around sexuality and reproductive health into television. From there, she moved her family to South Africa to become m2m’s first Executive Director. During her tenure as head of our North America operations, Robin supported U.S. fundraising, partnership development, advocacy, and global communications.
Ex Officio Member
Chad D. Rathner – President & Chief Executive Officer
Chad brings more than 20 years of experience in the global health community and private sector. He joined mothers2mothers (m2m) as Chief Operating Officer in 2014 and was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer in 2025, where he leads the organisation’s global strategy and continued expansion across Africa. Before joining m2m, Chad served as Deputy Country Director at FHI 360 in Zambia and as Chief of Party on USAID’s flagship HIV and AIDS Prevention programme in the country. From 2007 to 2010, he was Director of the Local Partners Capacity Building Program at the Academy for Educational Development (AED), a USAID-funded organisational development initiative. At m2m, Chad draws on his experience developing solutions across HIV and AIDS, family planning, maternal and child health, education, public–private partnerships, and organisational capacity building.
Officer of the Corporation
Alex Fitzgerald – General Counsel; Board Secretary
Alexandra (Alex) Fitzgerald, our Director of Legal Affairs, brings a wealth of experience to our organization. She’s a qualified attorney admitted to the High Court of South Africa. Previously, Alex served as Senior Legal Policy Advisor for the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa, offering legal and policy counsel to nearly 900 member schools. Her background includes roles at the South African Human Rights Commission and Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa. Alex holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Master of Law from Harvard University. She’s recognized as a 2020 Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Institute.
Executive Management Committee
Chad D. Rathner – President & Chief Executive Officer
Chad brings more than 20 years of experience in the global health community and private sector. He joined mothers2mothers (m2m) as Chief Operating Officer in 2014 and was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer in 2025, where he leads the organisation’s global strategy and continued expansion across Africa. Before joining m2m, Chad served as Deputy Country Director at FHI 360 in Zambia and as Chief of Party on USAID’s flagship HIV and AIDS Prevention programme in the country. From 2007 to 2010, he was Director of the Local Partners Capacity Building Program at the Academy for Educational Development (AED), a USAID-funded organisational development initiative. At m2m, Chad draws on his experience developing solutions across HIV and AIDS, family planning, maternal and child health, education, public–private partnerships, and organisational capacity building.
Meaka Biggs - Chief People Officer
For more than 20 years, Meaka has dedicated her career to the non-profit sector, spanning across Africa, the U.S., and the U.K. Her roles have ranged from facilitator and advocacy coordinator to learning specialist and HR Business partner in both local and international NGO’s. Passionate about fostering people’s development, cultivating positive work cultures, designing organisational processes, and facilitating learning, Meaka has spent the last decade at m2m, where she’s held multiple positions within the Human Resources Team. She holds a master’s degree in law from the University of Cape Town.
Tricia Cassidy – Senior Director: Resource Development
Tricia has over 15 years of experience in the international development sector, predominantly serving in emergency response, programme management, strategic partnerships, business development, and institutional funding roles in the U.K. Before joining m2m in January 2021, Tricia worked with ActionAid International and ActionAid UK, and managed a European refugee response programme in Greece for the Start Network. She also led a partnership development unit with ACTED in South Sudan, and created institutional funding teams for Muslim Aid and the British Red Cross. In her current role, Tricia is focused on organisation-wide leadership and leads the Resource Development Department. She holds a master’s degree in Development and Emergency Practice from Oxford Brookes University.
Alex Fitzgerald – General Counsel
Alexandra (Alex) Fitzgerald, our Director of Legal Affairs, brings a wealth of experience to our organization. She’s a qualified attorney admitted to the High Court of South Africa. Previously, Alex served as Senior Legal Policy Advisor for the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa, offering legal and policy counsel to nearly 900 member schools. Her background includes roles at the South African Human Rights Commission and Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa. Alex holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Master of Law from Harvard University. She’s recognized as a 2020 Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Institute.
Lawrence Nachito – Chief Finance Officer
With 35 years of diverse accounting and finance leadership experience spanning NGOs, commercial, retail, financial services sectors, and the public sector, Lawrence brings a wealth of financial expertise to m2m. Before joining m2m, Lawrence was the Group CFO of Right to Care, a Johannesburg-based NGO dedicated to delivering prevention, care, and treatment services for HIV, tuberculosis, STIs, and Hepatitis C, as well as responding to global healthcare emergencies. Before Right to Care, Lawrence was the Chief Operating Officer at the Africa Centre for Health & Population Studies in KwaZulu-Natal, working with major bilateral organisations and foundations like USAID, CDC, NIH, GIZ, Wellcome Trust, and the Gates Foundation. Lawrence is a qualified Chartered Accountant with a proven track record in managing all aspects of finances, accounting, risk and compliance, and treasury operations.
Dr. Kathrin Schmitz – Chief Programmes & Impact Officer
A Medical Doctor with an MBA, Kathrin has extensive clinical, research, and technical expertise in programme design and implementation. Early in her career, she specialised in paediatric clinical practice and research, and oversaw the accreditation of informal Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across South Africa. Since joining m2m in 2005, Kathrin has played a leading role in the organisation’s programmatic and geographical expansion. In her current role, she leads programme innovation aligned with organisational strategic objectives, and drives the conceptualisation and design, implementation and scale-up of m2m’s rapidly expanding portfolio of programmes, while overseeing technical quality.
Country Leadership
Dr. Chinyerem Immanuel – Country Director, Nigeria
Dr. Chinyerem Frances Immanuel is a dedicated medical doctor with over a decade of experience in public health. She holds an MSc in Health and Environment from Cranfield University, UK. Chinyerem has worked extensively with governments and NGOs, leading projects funded by USAID, CDC, the Global Fund, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Her expertise spans all aspects of HIV/AIDS programmes, including prevention, treatment, care and support, PMTCT, HIV/TB, and health systems strengthening. Outside of her professional life, Chinyerem enjoys Scrabble and documentaries. Her guiding principle is: “Make a difference, leave a legacy.”
Mpolokeng Mohloai – Country Director, Lesotho
Mpolokeng is a dedicated, committed, and goal-oriented healthcare professional with a successful background in clinical training and education, and programme management. She holds a Master’s Degree in Community Health Nursing, plus an Honours Degree in Nursing, specialising in healthcare management, primary healthcare, and HIV and AIDS care. Mpolokeng joined m2m in 2008 as the Regional Manager in Lesotho and then moved to Head Office in Cape Town, South Africa, to work as the Training and Education Officer. She returned to Lesotho as the Programme and M&E Manager, and was promoted to Senior Programme Manager in 2016 and to Country Director in 2020.
Elijah Mvula – Project Director, Zambia
Elijah brings more than nine years experience in Public Health to m2m Zambia, having worked for the Ministry of Health (MoH) and various international NGOs. He joined m2m in 2019 to support the USAID-funded Supporting an AIDS Free Era (SAFE) Project as a PMTCT Specialist. He has also provided technical leadership in the design, implementation, and expansion of m2m Zambia’s programme activities, ensuring that the programme aligns with m2m, donor, and MoH priorities. Before joining m2m, Elijah worked as a Project Coordinator at Pact and led on the implementation of community HIV prevention, care, and treatment strategies under the Zambia Community HIV Prevention and Care Project. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, a degree in Environmental Health, and a postgraduate certificate in project planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
Sbonelo Zondo – Country Representative, South Africa
With over 14 years of experience in HIV/AIDS programming, Sbonelo specialises in Strategic Information, HIV Prevention and Treatment. His expertise spans various areas including reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), and DREAMS initiatives across Southern and Eastern Africa. Throughout his career, Sbonelo has held senior positions in Strategic Information and Programme Management at organisations such as m2m South Africa, JSI Inc., and FHI360. He has also contributed to PEPFAR programmes like the DREAMS Innovation Challenge and Epic, focusing on capacity building, digital health, and economic strengthening initiatives. Sbonelo’s educational background includes a foundation in Medical Sciences, complemented by postgraduate qualifications in Demography, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics.
Spokeswomen
Teddy Atim – Uganda
Site Coordinator, Namayingo District
Teddy learned she was living with HIV when she was 20 years old and expecting her first child. The devastating news strained her relationship with her husband, who tested HIV-negative. Fortunately, m2m Mentor Mothers at her clinic educated Teddy and her husband about staying healthy as a discordant couple and protecting their baby from infection. After seeing that it is possible to break the cycle of HIV infection, Teddy decided she wanted to become a Mentor Mother. She is happily married and now has three children who are all HIV-free. She is proud to be a driver of change in her community and earn a living so her family can have a bright future.
Millicent Magwa – South Africa
Community Mentor Mother Coordinator, Western Cape
Diagnosed with HIV at the height of the pandemic in South Africa in 2002, Millicent relied on a television programme that aired once a week to access information about how to live a healthy and positive life. At the time, HIV treatment was very expensive; most people could not afford it and many died from AIDS-related illnesses. Now, 17 years later, Millicent is working as a Community Coordinator for mothers2mothers and is dedicating her life to providing the health education and services she wished she had access to when she first tested positive. Based at m2m’s Innovation Hub in Cape Town, Millicent and her team are delivering integrated primary health care services that go well beyond HIV. She is now actively screening clients and their families for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. With her kit bag, Millicent conducts blood pressure and blood glucose checks and links clients to health services at the nearby Ikhwezi Community Clinic. She monitors progress, encourages her clients to adhere to treatment, and offers lifestyle education and advice to help them better manage their health and well-being.
Patrons and Ambassadors
mothers2mothers (m2m) is grateful to these inspiring supporters who have joined us to make noise and raise funds to end HIV and help create healthy, thriving families and communities across Africa. m2m Patrons promote our work globally, putting the spotlight on health and social challenges facing African women and families. m2m Ambassadors amplify our messages by promoting campaigns and spreading the word.
Patrons
Annie Lennox, OBE – Singer-Songwriter, Human Rights Activist
“It is an absolute honour and privilege to be able to contribute to supporting mothers2mothers, whose outstanding work has transformed the lives of almost 1.5 million HIV-positive mothers across nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa to date. With their visionary and innovative Mentor Mother Model, the m2m methodology is a gold standard for the education and support of mothers living with HIV. While one in three pregnant women are HIV-positive in Southern Africa, m2m’s work continues to be absolutely essential.”
Salma Hayek Pinault – Academy Award Nominated Actress, Producer, Director
“One of the things I found very impressive about mothers2mothers when talking to women who have gone through the mothers2mothers process is that at some point they all find themselves feeling almost like dust – like nothing – like dust that the wind can come, blow away and they can disappear; because their situation is so bad and they are so helpless – they can see no future and many of them thought about taking their lives. Then this sisterhood comes along and supports them, and these particles of dust become mountains. These girls that thought they had absolutely no worth can look themselves in the mirror and realise that they have not only changed the lives of many women but have saved thousands of children. Thousands of lives. And this is literal; I spoke to one Mentor Mother and we calculated that over 7000 HIV-negative kids have been born into this world because of her work alone, her work preventing the mother passing HIV to her baby.”
Candice Swanepoel — South African Supermodel & Fashion Entrepreneur
“Motherhood and South Africa are two of my passions, so serving as an m2m Patron is a perfect fit for me. I am inspired by the incredible work done every day across eight nations by the HIV-positive women mothers2mothers employs as Mentor Mothers to end childhood AIDS and help women and their families to stay healthy and thrive. I fully understand just how daunting it can be to be pregnant for the first time. But I can’t even imagine what it must be like to have to deal with a life-changing diagnosis like HIV at the same time. Thankfully mothers2mothers and its sisterhood of Mentor Mothers are there to support women and families to get the lifesaving medical care they need.”
Samantha Bond – Actress
“I am honoured to be a Patron for mothers2mothers and to join the 1,600 Mentor Mothers that are committed to creating a generation free from HIV. I have had the opportunity to spend time with several Mentor Mothers since supporting m2m, and have continuously been astounded by their strength and resilience. It is clear that they are a force to be reckoned with and are advocates for change not just within their own communities, but beyond.”
Rochelle Humes – Television & Radio Host
“I am so honoured to join mothers2mothers as a Patron, having seen their invaluable work first-hand in Kenya in 2016. There, HIV-positive mothers told me about the anxious wait of finding out if their child was HIV-free but also about the hope and support they were given by m2m. Mentor Mothers, like the lovely Dorcus whom I met, have walked in their shoes and stand shoulder to shoulder with them by sharing knowledge and experience. As a mum of two little girls, my priority is that they grow into healthy teenagers. I’m excited to represent these inspiring women who help other mothers make this hope a reality.”
Ambassadors
Dr. Sara Kayat - NHS General Practicioner (GP) and ITV resident GP
“As a GP, witnessing mothers2mothers’ transformative work firsthand was deeply inspiring. Since becoming a mother myself, I reflect on the experience even more emotively. Their commitment to empowering mothers and children through healthcare, support, and education is truly life-changing. I’m excited to have a small part in the brighter futures they create.”
The Gill Family – Dancer, Musician and Family of Four
“Our family connects deeply with mothers2mothers’ (m2m) focus on supporting families across sub-Saharan Africa to help them to be healthy and thrive. And we’re inspired by the unique way they do this, by training and employing amazing, resilient women living with HIV—Mentor Mothers—who deliver life-changing health services to their communities. It’s women supporting women, mothers supporting mothers. Women who once faced stigma and fear, being role models and pillars of strength for their communities today. What a powerful example that is to show our children that anything is possible. We are honoured to join the m2m family and play a part in their journey.”
Meet the Gill Family
Giovanna Fletcher – Author, and Podcast Host
“The work of mothers2mothers (m2m) has always spoken to me deeply, as I know first-hand the importance of empathy and connection, especially for women and parents. The power that m2m Mentor Mothers have to connect with their peers, to meet them where they are, and to use their own experiences and understanding of their communities to help their clients overcome challenges and emerge with hope, has always inspired me beyond measure. By bravely sharing their personal stories and creating trust, m2m Mentor Mothers are able to support women and entire families to get the health education, support, and services they need. In a world where it can be so easy to feel disconnected and isolated, the work of m2m Mentor Mothers is more important than ever, and I am so pleased to be playing a small part in their journey as an m2m Ambassador.”
Sabrina Elba – Producer, Model, and Activist
“I am deeply passionate about gender equity and working with organisations that help foster opportunities for, and raise the voices of, women and girls across the African continent. mothers2mothers (m2m) embodies these goals, and so I am thrilled to be invited to join m2m as an Ambassador. m2m’s model of employing local women living with HIV as frontline health workers is so inspiring because it not only delivers health and well-being for communities—it also creates employment and empowerment opportunities for some of the most vulnerable and marginalised women in the world. By helping to share m2m’s work and impact, I hope that together we can show that when the power and leadership of local women to drive change is unlocked, their potential to change the world is endless.”
Christian Brassington - Actor
“It’s so exciting to join mothers2mothers as an official Ambassador. Over the past few years I have really enjoyed becoming a part of the m2m Family, from co-hosting The Big Quiz, reading at the Carols by Candlelight, attending their Winter Gala, to being on the Carols and Gala Host Committees. It’s been an inspiring journey getting to know m2m’s work in more detail and I’m looking forward to continuing this. What they have created through their Mentor Mother model is real, sustainable change. These women, the Mentor Mothers, employed as community health workers are quite literally changing and saving lives in the nine countries where m2m works.”
Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Singer and Songwriter
“As both a mother and a woman, I am delighted to officially join the mothers2mothers Family as an Ambassador. By employing women living with HIV as Mentor Mothers – frontline community health workers, m2m is helping to build a strong and resilient network of women, a network I want to be a part of. These women are changing the lives of children, adolescents, and entire families in the nine countries where m2m works. It’s extremely inspiring! I’m proud to support m2m Mentor Mothers as they continue their work, ensuring healthy families thrive, not just survive.”
Stephanie Phair – Chief Customer Officer at Farfetch
“It is an honour to join the mothers2mothers Family as an official Ambassador. I have supported m2m for a very long time and I am so happy to continue supporting them as they work to deliver health, hope, and a future free from HIV. I recently shared my Instagram, platform with mothers2mothers Mentor Mother, Nobuntu Ma Awu from South Africa, as part of the #ShareTheMicUK campaign and it was incredible to learn more about her personal life, and her lifesaving work as an m2m Mentor Mother. Here’s to raising the voices of women like Nobuntu, and the powerful sisterhood of Mentor Mothers that is enabling women, children and entire communities to access the health education and services they need to build a bright and healthy future.”
