Alicia Dipierri

Founder & Chairperson

Alicia Dipierri believes that the most powerful solutions emerge when people work together. An economist specialising in international development, sustainability and social impact, she founded Umbrella Initiatives after discovering the extraordinary work being carried out by community organisations across Namibia and recognising the opportunity to connect them with businesses, volunteers and other partners to create lasting social impact.

"All this work is possible thanks to collective work. I love to bring people together to help and care for others respectfully. Umbrella Initiatives gave me the opportunity to connect needs with solutions, while working with amazing people!" 

Josephine "Waffles" Amwaalwa

Project Team

Josephine, better known as Waffles, is born and raised in Windhoek. She is an ecologist and having extensively travelled the country and spent time amongst different communities, she has found a passion to elevate both people and planet.

“There are so many beautiful people out here doing great work to help others. Umbrella Initiatives has allowed me to be a part of this network of compassion. Together we are better.”

Caren Jakubaschk

Secretary Team

A German-Swedish national, Caren worked for more than 15 years in sustainable supply chain management for multinational companies. She has lived and worked in Europe, Africa and Asia and travelled extensively. Craving for a more intentional and hands-on life, she left the corporate world and relocated with her Namibian husband and family to Windhoek. Currently, she supports small NGOs and is an aspiring organic gardener & farmer.

"I believe that a lot can be done with a small amount of money when dedication & passion is coupled with working efficiently. Supporting local organizations that have the zest to succeed makes a lot of sense to me." 

Meike Rohkemper

Co-Secretary

Meike grew up in Germany and after her studies in Landscape Ecology spent several years in Namibia and Egypt where she worked in nature conservation and supporting rural communities. Currently she is working for a German NGO promoting the sustainable development of urban areas. Passionate about the African continent, nature and hands on work, she supports the Umbrella Initiatives team with her dedication and experience.

"Let´s start helping today - together!"

Cintia Martin

Projects Team

Cintia is originally from Argentina and she lives in Namibia since 2001. She has a degree in Psychology and another one in Anthropology. Together with her husband owns a safari company where she works full time. She recently joined Umbrella Initiatives with whom she does the voluntary work that is being part of most of her life.

“Although I feel that it is never enough, the little I can contribute to people in dire need of basic things can make a big difference for them. My motivation is to help wherever I can to lessen the burden of people struggling with those basic needs. Umbrella Initiatives helped me to channel my contributions.”

Vanessa Haihambo

Events Team

Vannesa is a self titled “Student of Life”. She values education, cultural exchange, and community engagement, often volunteering with children and exploring ways to integrate art, language, and environmental awareness.

She also finds deep fulfillment in supporting meaningful causes, such as Umbrella Initiatives, where she couldn’t resist contributing to their impactful work. 

"Our time on this earth is so brief. We might as well be brave"

Isabella Minasin

Press Team

Born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia, Izza brings a unique blend of creativity and dedication to the Umbrella Initiatives press team. An architect in training, currently completing her Master's in Architecture, she is a translator and has edited ab children's book. Izza's passion lies in empowering underdeveloped communities, like her own, and she is driven by the desire to contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. She has travelled and participated in numerous World Youth Forums, and has  shared and witnessed the inspiring success stories of those who have made a tangible difference in their communities.

"Finding a community of like minded individuals and realising that you have a team to back you up in a journey that seems arduous, is a comforting feeling. Umbrella Initiatives is just that for me."

Rhingo Mutambo

Press Team

Mr. Rhingo Mutambo is a qualified Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (CPRP), print media journalist, and  works as a Chief Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister in Namibia for over 9 years.

He also worked as a former Part-Time Marketing and Advertising lecturer at the University of Namibia for 4 years. 

Rhingo is debonair Public Relations Practitioner with a wealth of over 19 years of experience in Public Relations in the Public Sector. 

"I joined the Umbrella Initiatives (UI) after attending an inspiring NGO's meeting hosted by UI in 2024. I am driven by this quote: "If a foreigner can come from elsewhere to help my communities for free, why can I not do the same and lend a hand to help my own people for free?"

Nadia Felix

Press Team

Nadia is a recent graduate from the Namibia University of Science and Technology also currently pursuing a law degree from the University of Namibia. Like many Namibian children, she grew up on the mantra “ Be the change you want to see”. Finding and joining umbrella felt like finding a place in the bigger picture. Thus she believes that the little she can do when coupled up with the dedication of the Umbrella team has the potential to make an astronomical difference. 

"There is something so tear jerking about seeing a group of people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and even nationalities come together under Umbrella Initiatives to achieve one goal and for that goal to be the betterment of our communities. Seeing their dedication makes me want to do more. Afterall, change starts with us."

Mbahepere "Olivia" Nderura

Treasurer Team

An accounting student with a recent passion for market research, research breaches the gap between consumer expectations and companies becoming, and I just love that. How I joined Umbrella :Growing up in Gobabis I saw kids in situations that were unbearable and once I witnessed an event that will always stay with it was heavily pouring two young boys were getting into a yard for shelter, they were very close in age but the older one took off his jacket and his younger brother and this honestly taught me giving is not about having enough it is all in willingness. And even though I knew this for a long time I waited to have enough to give until I saw a WhatsApp status on Umbrella and I send an email and every other day I learn what giving can look like from Umbrella.

"Giving without expectation is liberty and fearless"

Levinia Kamuvaka

UI Team

Levinia Olga Kamuvaka brings warmth, dedication, and over a decade of administrative experience to the Umbrella Initiatives team. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an Honours degree in Marketing from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), she currently works as an Executive Assistant to a CEO in the regulatory sector. Passionate about creating meaningful connections, Levinia enjoys bringing people together through clear communication and thoughtful engagement. Fluent in English, Afrikaans, and several indigenous Namibian languages, while learning German, she is committed to helping build stronger, more connected communities.

"Volunteering with Umbrella Initiatives allows me to turn compassion into action. Every act of kindness helps someone feel seen, valued, and supported, creating hope and meaningful change within our communities"

Jun

UI Team

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Sylvie

UI Team

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Violaine

UI Team

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Justine

UI Team

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Helvi

UI Team

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Nelly Black

Former Vice-Chair

Born and raised in Namibia, Nelly joined the Umbrella team to contribute to the huge need Namibia has to better our society in every small way that she can. Nelly is an Environmental Scientist by profession and spends her time as a part time professional and a full time mom of two bouncing toddlers.

"I have a passion to see people become the best versions of themselves and to operate from a place of confidence and pride. I believe in the great work Umbrella is doing." 

Frans Kalumbu

Action Volunteer

“I am passionate about making a difference in society . Umbrella Initiatives gives me that platform to make a difference and help other people.”

Simbili Frankinde

Action Volunteer

Simbili is an aspiring accounting professional currently pursuing a diploma in the field. She is passionate about social responsibility and committed

"I chose to volunteer for Umbrella Initiative to help create positive change in the community, using my skills and time to make a difference aligned with my values." 

Kendy Evy Kalenga
 

Action Volunteer

Kendy is an aspiring information technology professional currently pursuing a diploma in the field. Passionate about social responsibility. Committed to helping others, Kendy is enthusiastic about teaching and sharing knowledge, believing in the power of education to transform lives. With a strong interest in community involvement, Kendy strives to uplift those less fortunate and leverage technology to foster positive change in the community.

“Working with Umbrella Initiatives  has been incredibly rewarding. I've had the opportunity to partake in many activities such as the “outreach and fundraiser”. The organization's commitment “to give to the people” is inspiring, and I'm proud to be a part of their mission. Together, we're making a difference.”

Dorotea Mannschreck

Action Volunteer

Doro, born and raised in Germany, is a psychologist working as a Business and Life Coach for many years. Her love to the Namibian land and people is what brought her here, what keeps her connected to their needs, and what matters to grow.

“I am grateful to be part of this wonderful team to teach and learn, share and grow together.”

Catharina Kreysel

Action Volunteer

Born in Hamburg, raised in Windhoek, Catharina returned to her beloved Namibia after 40 years in Europe where she lived in Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. She pursued a colourful corporate career working across industries in a variety of leadership roles in sales, business development, marketing, project management, talent development and human resources. As a certified executive and career coach as well as corporate trainer she today helps individuals and organisations to grow and glow. She also runs a travel agency with a Namibian business partner.

"Having had the privilege of seeing a lot of the world and raising two daughters, I’ve engaged in giving-back activities for the past 25 years through Rotary and other organisations. Now I’m happy to dedicate time and skills to uplift communities in Namibia through Umbrella Initiatives."

Lian Cohen

Action Volunteer

Born and raised in Liverpool, England, Lian worked in the corporate world before finding her calling in Education. She now works as a Mathematics teacher and has been in Namibia since 2007. Growing up, volunteering was always a part of the lifestyle in the close-knit community Lian grew up in. She was chair of youth volunteering organisations as well as a member of several others. Now, in adult life, she has joined the Umbrella team to see how she can put her skills to good use elsewhere, to benefit the wider community.

"I believe in the power of kindness, the strength of community, and the impact of small actions in creating a better world. Giving my time to Umbrella Initiatives is not just about helping others—it’s about making a difference, learning, and growing as a person."