The board behind AWAM Kenya.
A team of aviation professionals, engineers, and educators steering our mission forward.
Meet Our Board
Ellah Wafula
Founder & Executive Director
Expertise
STEM & Aviation Education, Program Design & Youth Empowerment, Grant Writing & Strategic Partnerships, Gender Inclusion in STEM, Community-Based Innovation & Sustainability, Aircraft Maintenance & Technical Operations
Role on the Advisory Board
Ellah provides strategic leadership and vision for the organization. She guides program development and long-term sustainability efforts while ensuring AWAM's mission remains at the forefront of all initiatives.
Capt. Gilbert Kibe
Managing Director of Air Transport Consulting Ltd
He previously served as the Director General of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and brings over 35 years of experience in aviation management, training, and policy development.
Expertise
Aviation policy, regulation, training, and leadership.
Role on the Advisory Board
With decades of leadership in aviation policy and regulation, including his tenure as Director General of KCAA, Capt. Kibe offers invaluable insight into regulatory frameworks, training standards, and professional development. He strengthens AWAM's strategic planning, industry alignment, and advocacy in policy spaces.
Jon Howell
Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa
Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, a platform dedicated to enhancing air connectivity across Africa. He is also a podcaster, visiting professor, and event professional, actively promoting aviation development on the continent.
Expertise
Aviation development, connectivity strategy, international partnerships
Role on the Advisory Board
Jon brings a pan-African aviation perspective through his work at AviaDev Africa. His strong global network and understanding of route development, policy, and stakeholder engagement are crucial as AWAM builds sustainable partnerships across Africa and positions itself in global conversations around aviation access and education.
Winfred Hope
ICAO Type II Licensed Aircraft Engineer
As the former Senior Manager of Innovation & Sustainability at Kenya Airways, Susan Nambusi led initiatives focused on reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions, including Kenya's landmark CORSIA verification. With over 13 years in the aviation industry, she has been at the forefront of sustainability and innovation efforts, helping Kenya Airways meet international environmental standards.
Expertise
Sustainability & Environmental Management, Aviation Operations, Innovation Strategy, CORSIA Verification & Compliance, Carbon Offset Programs, Green Aviation Initiatives
Role on the Advisory Board
As the former Senior Manager of Innovation & Sustainability at Kenya Airways, Susan plays a vital role in aligning AWAM's programs with real-world sustainability efforts in aviation. Her knowledge supports curriculum development and helps integrate climate action and green aviation practices into youth STEM education. She ensures our programs remain aligned with industry environmental standards and best practices.
Susan Nambusi
Former Senior Manager of Innovation & Sustainability at Kenya Airways
I am an ICAO type II licensed Aircraft Engineer with over a decade of experience in aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, compliance, and aviation safety. I have led successful certification projects, built safety programs, and developed policies that strengthen organizational performance. Type-trained on the De Havilland Dash 8 series, Bombardier CRJ 100/200, and Fokker 27 MK 050, I combine technical precision with safety foresight to ensure reliable and efficient aircraft operations.
Expertise
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Airworthiness Certification, Safety Compliance, Technical Inspection, Regulatory Standards
Role on the Advisory Board
Provides technical expertise on training curriculum development and serves as a mentor and role model for young women pursuing engineering careers in aviation.
Winnie Nafula
Accountable Manager,Dragonfly
Distinguished aviation professional with extensive experience across multiple leadership roles in the industry. As an Accountable Manager, she ensures regulatory compliance, operational safety, and strategic airline management, aligning airline operations with aviation authority standards.
Expertise
Aviation safety, training, compliance, mentorship
Role on the Advisory Board
A respected figure in aviation safety and compliance, Winnie contributes deeply to mentorship structures, technical program design, and gender equity strategies. Her leadership and experience in AVSEC and airline operations help reinforce AWAM's training quality, safety focus, and female mentorship programs.