Our Team

Dr. Kizanne James-McCarthy (BSc. B.Med.Sci. MBBS. MSc. MPH-pursuing) is a director at KWISA. She is a global multi-award-winning, development professional, Chevening Scholar, a reproductive health advocate, and physician, with a passion for improving quality healthcare access to marginalised communities. She has a wealth of experience leading SRHR campaigns and community development programmes geared towards the advancement of youth and vulnerable populations in Asia, Africa, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean that spans 20 years.She is one of 10 World Contraception Day Ambassadors, a 120 Under 40 Global Family Planning Champion (Bill and Melinda Gates Institute), and a Women Deliver Alumna.She has completed post graduate studies on full scholarships in Public Health, Healthcare Leadership, Strategy Development, and International Health at John Hopkins University, the University of Southampton, the University of Oslo, and Manchester University. A thought leader in SRHR, women’s health and leadership, she has been published within numerous platforms globally including the BMJ Leader, Marie Claire UK, Family Planning Voices, PSI Impact and as a TEDx UK Speaker

Esther Wanjiru Kamonji is a founding member and the current Chair of KWISA Women of African Descent in Scotland Association, an organization dedicated to advocating for and empowering African women and girls across Scotland. A trained nurse and midwife, Kamonji combines her healthcare expertise with her lifelong commitment to community advocacy and leadership.

Throughout her career, Esther has been a passionate advocate for social justice, focusing on issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM), gender equality, and child protection. She champions inclusive approaches that honor cultural sensitivities while firmly upholding human rights. Her work emphasizes the importance of using thoughtful and respectful language to foster meaningful engagement with communities. By addressing sensitive issues collaboratively, she has helped shape frameworks for stronger community partnerships and effective policy interventions.

As a former director at Scotland’s International Development Alliance, Esther contributed to international development efforts, working to influence policies and projects that promote global equity. Her leadership extended to fostering partnerships that support marginalized communities in Scotland and beyond.

A skilled communicator and strategist, Kamonji has been instrumental in promoting legislative measures aimed at child protection and addressing systemic inequalities. Her dedication to social causes has made her a respected voice in discussions on race, gender, and socio-economic challenges.

Under her leadership at KWISA, the organization has grown into a vital platform for African women, providing workshops, training, and advocacy initiatives that uplift communities and encourage race and gender inclusivity and socio-economic mobility. Esther’s vision and tireless work underscore her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Elisha Kang’ethe Kimani is the treasurer of KWISA. He is a trusted, caring and supportive leader interested in community development. He has used his accountancy knowledge and skills to ensure individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organisations have fulfilled their statutory obligation by complying with regulations of government agencies such as Companies House, HM Revenue and Customs and Office of Scottish Charity Regulator among others. He has worked with many African startup businesses, Central Scotland African Union ( CeSAU), Fantaka Investment Group ( Director), and the Church ( Church Elder) among others both as business engagements and in a voluntary capacity.

Elisha also runs a private accountancy practice and derives satisfaction from seeing his clients thrive through professional and ethical practices, good governance, and integrity

Evi is an experienced professional with a background in public, private, and higher education, specializing in performance and quality management. Their expertise includes project and lean management, business excellence frameworks, industrial management, and big data. They have successfully taught and trained diverse audiences on these topics.

Beginning their career as a Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer, Evi later expanded into quality and project management. Currently, Evi teaches Engineering Management, conduct interdisciplinary research in engineering, education, arts, and culture, and lead public engagement initiatives, focusing on primary education and gender balance.

Evi conducts research and works on capacity-building projects in subsaharan Africa with a strong focus on women’s empowerment

Previously, Evi contributed to the Equalities and Human Rights agenda, offering solutions to improve service delivery for vulnerable populations and ensure compliance with equality legislation. Committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, they view these values as essential for a thriving society.

Driven by Aristotle’s philosophy that “Excellence is never an accident,”Evi strives for high standards through intentional and informed efforts in all areas of their work.

Dr Isioma Okolo is a consultant obstetrician& gynaecologist, global health researcher, community organiser and writer dedicated to eradicating reproductive health disparities and advancing the well-being of women and girls worldwide.

She is a Harvard graduate with over 14 years of experience across clinical care, public health, education, and global health policy. With experience across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, she brings a unique global perspective to KWISA’s mission.

In KWISA Isioma leads the NAUWU (“Nothing About Us Without Us”) maternity initiative, championing respectful, equitable care for Black women in Scotland. She contributed to the Scottish Government National Strategy to tackle racialised inequalities for ethnic minority mothers; and served on the UK Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists ( RCOG) Race Equality Taskforce. She is Faculty on the RCOG Programme Tackling Medicalisation of FGM/C.

She also serves voluntarily as a Trustee of AMMA Birthing Companions and Global Health Partnerships( formerly THET) and was the previous vice- president of the board of Boston Congress of Public Health

Passionate about storytelling as a tool for change, she writes a monthly blog “Echi Di Ime “ – exploring women’s health, medical careers, social justice, and community resilience through personal and professional insights.

Professor Mukami McCrum MBE is a co-founder of KWISA. She is a Kenyan woman who has lived in Scotland most of her life. She is a grandmother of two wonderful children who inspire her dream of a better and just world. Her achievements have been recognised in various forums including being awarded MBE for her work and campaigns. Last year, 2023, she was awarded a ‘Life-Time Achievement Recognition Award’ by Scottish Black Professionals Scotland and a professorship by Glasgow Caledonia University. Her professional life started as a teacher in Kenya where she taught for three years before relocating to Scotland with her family. She is a qualified trainer, mentor, counsellor, and mediator. Her career includes working as a Race Equality Officer, CEO of Central Scotland Racial Equality Council, and as Policy Manager for the Scottish Government Gender Equality and Violence Against Women and Girls. She believes in education and community development as tools for social change and for combating discrimination. She has campaigns against racism, gender inequality, FGM and related harmful traditions. She has contributed significantly as a trustee and board member on committees and advisory forums of many local, national and international organisations on violence against women and girls, economic justice climate change and conflict resolution. She is currently a member of the Mental Health Foundation Scotland Diverse Experiences Advisory Panel; a trustee of Christian Aid; and a board member of KWISA; and the African & Caribbean Elders in Scotland