Alicia Keys

Co-Founder

Alicia Keys is a 16-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, founder of Keys Soulcare, New York Times best-selling author, film/television producer, accomplished actress, entrepreneur, and a powerful force in the world of activism.

Since the release of her monumental 2001 debut album, “Songs in A Minor”, Keys has sold over 65 million records, over 5 billion streams, and built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments. Keys has become the #1 RIAA certified Female R&B artist of the millennium with over 37 million certified track sales (US) and 20 million album sales (US). She released her eighth studio album, “Keys (Originals and Unlocked)”—a double album—in 2021 followed by a deluxe version in 2022 and a sold-out Alicia + Keys World Tour that celebrated the “Keys” and “Alicia” albums. She recently completed her first Latin American leg of that tour to rave reviews and ravenous audiences.

Keys released her book “More Myself: A Journey” via Flatiron Books, which debuted and spent multiple weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. In March 2022, she released her first graphic novel titled “Girl on Fire” with HarperCollins. Keys recently completed a spectacular, 360-degree show, the Keys to the Summer Tour, which hit 22 cities across North America.

Antonio Ruiz-Giménez, Jr.

Executive Chairman & CEO KCA / Independent Member

Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez serves as the Chairman and CEO of Keep A Child Alive and has been a board member since 2015. In addition to his work with KCA, he is a dynamic entrepreneur involved with a number of successful growth-oriented investments.

Antonio is a co-founder and Managing Partner at ATW Partners, a Venture Capital/Private Equity investment firm. Prior to ATW Partners, he co-founded P3 Global Management, a public-private partnership enhancing cities. He is also the co-founder and chairman of SolidOpinion, a commenting platform. Antonio holds a Law Degree from Universidad Complutense of Madrid.

Kathryn Llewellyn

Managing Director

Kathryn Llewellyn is a distinguished global activist who possesses a Master of Science in Economic Development Management (MScEcon) with a specialization in International Development. Throughout her dynamic career, which has spanned two decades, Kathryn has assumed pivotal leadership roles within the development sector. In her formative years, she passionately campaigned for human rights in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, demonstrating a deep commitment to social justice. Her dedication extended to working with child soldiers in Liberia, showcasing her hands-on approach to addressing pressing global challenges.

With an impressive 19-year track record in international development, Kathryn has consistently sought to elevate the sector’s standards. Her tireless advocacy efforts have been aimed at fostering better practices and creating sustainable solutions to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Notably, Kathryn’s overarching goal has been to contribute to a world where the need for aid is eradicated entirely. Her multifaceted experience and unwavering commitment make her a beacon in the realm of international development, inspiring positive change and progress in communities around the globe.

Suzane William Gierasimczuk

KCA Fundraising Manager

Suzane William Gierasimczuk, KCA Fundraising Manager, is a lawyer specializing in international trade law, holding an LLM with expertise in treaty negotiation. She obtained high merit from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK. Committed to making a positive impact on the world, Suzane has a background in various international organizations, including the East African Community (EAC) and the World Peace Initiative Foundation (Thailand). She is also an alumna of the Chevening UK Government Scholarship, Class of 2019-2020.

In her legal career, Suzane has focused on intellectual property, representing renowned commercial brands such as the Swatch Group, Manolo Blahnik, Devialet, Brother Japan, and Salomon in online digital brand protection. She collaborated with Corsearch, an international brand protection agency.

Driven by her humanitarian spirit, Suzane has dedicated her time to supporting non-profit organizations like the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA), where she served as a legal adviser, providing free legal counsel to women and children in Tanzania who cannot afford it. She also played a role in organizing the SDG Festival under Future Team Tanzania, a youth organization she founded in partnership with the Youth Development Organization (YDO), in collaboration with the UK embassy.

Suzane’s commitment to KCA stems from her belief in and support for the UNCRC’s mission to help children reach their fullest potential. In addition to her humanitarian work with KCA, Suzane contributes to Legal Compass UK by writing legal articles on intellectual property and international trade.

Tom Butterworth

Program Manager

Tom is passionate about empowering people through sustainable development and transformation in communities. He has over 25 years of workplace experience, that includes international project work, that has honed skills in inclusive leadership, strategic thinking and management, practical problem solving, teamwork, cross cultural community engagement and project management.

Tom has developed flexibility and adaptability through experience and exposure to a range of positions in varying socio economic and cultural settings. The most recent, and current experience, as the Keep A Child Alive Program Director and previous to this, as the General Manager of the holistic youth development project, Blue Roof Life Space, in Wentworth, South Durban in partnership with Keep A Child Alive and Zoe Life Innovative Solutions based in Durban, South Africa.

Almudena Ruiz-Gimenez Ubeda

Creative Director

Almudena Ruiz-Gimenez Ubeda is the Creative Director at Keep A Child Alive. With an eMBA from IE Business School and a Master’s in Architecture from Bergen Architecture School, Almudena brings a unique blend of creative and strategic thinking to her roles.

A proven leader and hard worker, Almudena has excelled as an Investment Associate at ATW Partners and co-founded Dsign Cloud, contributing to innovative solutions in design.

Her overarching goal is to support Keep A Child Alive and contribute meaningfully to positive change in the world.

Julia Reader

Program Manager (Digital Democracy)

Julia Reader is the Program Manager for the Digital Democracy programme for KCA. I am hugely passionate about South Africa, and especially about opening doors for youth. I have worked with a number of NPO’s in the youth space and feel that collaboration is key to succeed in anything, but especially in helping make our country the best it can be. I have a Bachelor of Science and a post-graduate diploma in Dietetics. Having a health foundation was a great springboard into community development. I currently work alongside the incredible team at KCA, where I manage a digital literacy and coding programme into SA primary schools.

Kristi-Jade Oosthuizen

Administration & Human Resources Officer

Kristi is our Administration & HR officer. She was born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. She is married and has two cats, Benji and Chloe. Kristi enjoys spending times with friends, drinking tea, and keeping active on the Durban beach promenade.

Mthokozisi Nhleko

Mentor (Digital Democracy)

Mthokozisi is a university graduate, and was part of the Wethinkcode program as a technical mentor and code reviewer. It was here that his true potential began to shine. He quickly established himself as a problem-solver, and his enthusiasm for technology was contagious. Mthokozisi is passionate about teaching and sharing his IT expertise. He transitioned into the role of a peer mentor, where he enjoys simplifying complex concepts and helping others grasp the intricacies of IT. As Mthokozisi continues to inspire the next generation of IT professionals, his legacy is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and the unwavering belief that technology can change lives.

Cherri-Ann Estrice

Mentor (Digital Democracy)

Cherri-Ann is from Wentworth, and she has a degree in psychology as well as a NQF level 5 systems development qualification in IT. She is therefore able to conduct her role as a Digital Democracy Mentor because she has all the required knowledge and she is passionate about working with youth and helping people.

Nicole Smith

Facility Supervisor & Program Coordinator

Nicole was born in Wentworth into a family of five, including brothers, sisters, and my parents. She attended local schools, and although growing up in Wentworth was tough, she overcame the challenges. Nicole is married with three children. In 2006, she volunteered at Blue Roof, a KCA HIV clinic in Durban, helping with administration. She was permanently employed in February 2007. In 2011, her life changed when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Her family, the KCA staff and the Blue Roof patients were her support system, and made her the person she is today, giving her the courage to beat the disease.

Shanice Chinnasami

Mentor (IT)

Shanice lives in Durban and has a qualifications in End User Computing, Programming: Python, Java, Sqlite, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Flutter, Dart. She joined the Digital Democracy team as a Mentor earlier this year, and she loves being able to combine her two favorite things, teaching and programming, in KCA’s Digital Dmeocracy programme. She loves to see youth participate in the Digital Democracy Coder Dojo programme and learn new things.

Thandeka Radebe

Cleaner

Thandeka, also know as Thandz, has two children and one grandchild. She was born in Mtubamtuba on the northern KZN coast and relocated to Durban. She decribes herself as a traditional Zulu wife. She started working as a cleaner for Zoe-Life in 2010, and in 2017 she joined the Blue Roof team. Thanz hopes to open her own cleaning company one day, using all the experience she has gained from the years of work at Blue Roof.

Sindi Meth

Peer Mentor & Program Assistant

Sindi Meth, known as Sindz, ia a ray of sunshine. She is from Wentworth, where she attended local schools, and now lives with her father and 20 other extended family members. Sindi started working as a volunteer at Blue Roof in 2019, and went on to learn about and teach farming methods, as well as facilitate career guidance. Sindi is now permamnently employed and supports the team with youth activities.

Ashley Muchenje

Peer Mentor & Program Assistant

Ash was born in Zimbabwe and raised and schooled in South Africa. He is the eldest of 3 siblings and works as a Peer Mentor and Program Assistant in the KCA youth hub in Durban. He has a deep passion for sports and coding, and loves to combine his interests in his daily life. Helping others is a part of who he is, and he strives to bring integrity and dedication to everything he does.

Antonio Ruiz-Giménez, Jr.

Executive Chairman & CEO KCA / Independent Member

Antonio Ruiz-Gimenez serves as the Chairman and CEO of Keep A Child Alive and has been a board member since 2015. In addition to his work with KCA, he is a dynamic entrepreneur involved with a number of successful growth-oriented investments.

Antonio is a co-founder and Managing Partner at ATW Partners, a Venture Capital/Private Equity investment firm. Prior to ATW Partners, he co-founded P3 Global Management, a public-private partnership enhancing cities. He is also the co-founder and chairman of SolidOpinion, a commenting platform. Antonio holds a Law Degree from Universidad Complutense of Madrid.

David Wirtschafter

Board Member William Morris Endeavor / Independent Membe

Dave Wirtschafter is a board member at WME. As the president of the former William Morris Agency, he was instrumental in shaping its June 2009 merger with the Endeavor agency. Wirtschafter currently represents clients in every area of the entertainment industry, including writers, directors, producers, musicians, fashion designers, and athletes.

Nicole David

Independent Member

Nicole began her agent life by forming Rifkin David in 1982. As time went on, it grew and eventually was acquired by WMA in 1992. Her client list, which included both actors and musicians, was extremely eclectic. She represented everyone from Julie Andrews and Emma Thompson to Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys. Since leaving WME in 2013, she has worked as a consultant for brands like Starbucks and partnered with Lisa Erspamer to produce the documentary, Whitney. She has been on the board of KCA for approximately ten years.

Kerry Propper

Co-Founder and Managing Partner ATW Partners LLC / Independent Member

Kerry Propper is Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Chardan, as well as, Founder and Managing Partner of ATW Partners, a Private Equity fund based in New York.

Mr. Propper is a founding member of Nadia’s Initiative; he also serves on the Executive Board for Voices of Rwanda, Yazda and Digital Citizens Fund. He serves on the Advisory Council of the International Crisis Group and is the Producer of Watchers of the Sky, an award-winning documentary on Genocide. Mr. Propper has focused his activism on helping marginalized populations that face mass atrocities.

Mr. Propper earned his BA in Economics and International Studies from Colby College.

Janelle Monae

Singer-songwriter, performer, and producer

A Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter, performer, producer and CoverGirl spokesperson, Janelle Monáe is known for her unique style and groundbreaking sound. In 2010, Monáe released the highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed album The ArchAndroid, which earned her two Grammy Award nominations. In 2013, her celebrated album The Electric Lady reached No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The video for the album’s first single, “Q.U.E.E.N.,” received a coveted MTV VMA Moonman. In 2013, Monáe received Billboard’s prestigious 2013 Rising Star Award.

Most recently, Monáe was presented with the Jane Ortner Education Award from Michelle Obama and the Grammy Museum. She was also acknowledged by the Harvard College Women’s Center and the Harvard College Black Men’s Forum. In February 2015, Monáe announced her independent label, WONDALAND RECORDS, through a joint venture partnership with Epic Records.

Laila Ali

Author, public speaker and daughter of global icon, Muhammad Ali

Laila Ali is an author, public speaker and daughter of global icon, Muhammad Ali. She is President of the Women’s Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes equality for women in the world of professional sports and pushes programs that encourage young women to be confident, healthy and strong through their lifestyle.

She is also a major supporter of charitable organizations such as Feeding America, Healthy Child Healthy World, Peace 4 Kids and Keep A Child Alive.

Lee Daniels

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker

Lee Daniels is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker whose work is trademarked by his authenticity and candour. In addition to his successful film career, he is a passionate advocate and philanthropist.

He sits on numerous boards including Ghetto Film School, a non-profit which helps to educate, develop, and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers. He is also a long-time LGBT activist and a strong supporter of many charitable organizations, including Keep A Child Alive.

Padma Lakshm

Internationally renowned actress and food expert

Internationally renowned actress and food expert Padma Lakshmi has supported Keep a Child Alive since 2008, actively engaging in fundraising events and campaigns to support our life-saving programs in Africa and India.

She is also the co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America, bringing hope to millions of women, like herself, who are battling with the little-known disease, and has made enormous strides in spreading awareness and garnering funding for research and teen health education.

Taraji Henson

Emmy-nominated actress

Taraji P. Henson is a 2011 Emmy nominee for Best Actress and made her singing debut. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., she resides in Los Angeles with her son. Henson has a strong dedication to helping disabled and less fortunate children and reveals, “I always stress to kids to have faith in themselves—the greatest recipe for success is self-confidence.”

She joined Keep a Child Alive in 2016 and visited Ikageng Itireleng AIDS Ministry, KCA’s partner located in Soweto, South Africa.