Meet the dedicated individuals driving positive change at Talobeeg Foundation. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and passions to our mission of making a difference in the community. Get to know the resourceful minds behind our initiatives.
We are united in our commitment to creating meaningful impact and empowering those we serve. Together, we strive to inspire and uplift others, one initiative at a time.
Amina Mohamed Ali – Chairperson, Talobeeg Foundation is an accomplished development and project management professional with extensive experience in community-driven development, women empowerment, program coordination, and administrative and operational management. She holds a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) from Kenyatta University. Additionally, she has completed professional certifications, including Prince2 Foundation in Project Management. Amina’s leadership skills, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity have enabled her to navigate complex development environments and deliver impactful results.
Abdullahi Nur Eidd is a seasoned development professional with over a decade of progressive experience in grants and financial management, institutional development, and education sector reform in Somalia. Prior to joining the Talobeeg Foundation as Executive Director, Abdullahi held several high-impact positions with both international organizations and national institutions, most recently serving as Grants Manager for Creative Associates International under the USAID-funded Bar ama Baro education program, where he managed a $50 million grants portfolio.
Vesa Asikainen is the Director of Programs at the Talobeeg Foundation, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission through strategic project planning and execution. His extensive experience coupled with his ability to manage complex international projects, has significantly contributed to the foundation’s growth and impact. Vesa’s leadership ensures that the foundation’s
Vesa is an experienced project management specialist and educator with a strong background in environmental science and development cooperation. He holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Environmental Science and Technology from the University of Jyväskylä, where he completed his thesis on the environmental impact of household biogas plants in India, earning a grade of magna cum laude approbatur. Vesa’s academic achievements are complemented by a high school diploma from Tikkakoski High School. Over the years, Vesa has taken on various roles in project management and coordination, including positions at the Aar Social Development Association (ASDA) ry, where he has been instrumental in planning and managing development cooperation projects, and at the University of Jyväskylä as a project planner.
His professional experience extends to international assignments, particularly in sustainable development and energy projects in India. Vesa has served as a project coordinator and expert on multiple development cooperation initiatives, such as the “Supporting Sustainable Village Development in the Himalayan Region” and the “Sustainable Energy Based and Community Oriented Eco-village Development” projects. He has also managed EU-funded projects, such as the “Bridge of Synergy” at Cooperative Uudenmaan Monitaito. In addition to his project coordination roles, Vesa has worked as a journalist and director at Janus-Filmi Oy, where he edited articles and directed radio and TV programs, showcasing his versatility and broad skill set.
Mary Omoye Akhagba – Director of Research and Consultancy Services is a seasoned academic and communications expert who is also serving as a Lecturer at Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, Poland. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the Polish Academy of Sciences, where her interdisciplinary research focused on the social and cultural factors influencing health behavior among migrant women, with a particular emphasis on Nigerian women’s attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention in Poland.
Mary also earned an MA in Culture, Media, and Society from Lancaster University and a BSc in Public Relations and Advertising with first-class honors from Lagos State University, Nigeria. Her academic interests span across media, advertising, public relations, sociology, and consumer behavior, and she has published extensively in these areas. In her current role, Mary is involved in curriculum design, teaching various courses in media and communication, and advising students on their thesis projects.
She brings a wealth of experience in academia, communications, and social research. Her extensive background in sociology, particularly her Ph.D. research on health behavior among migrant women, aligns seamlessly with her current role at the foundation. Mary’s interdisciplinary expertise enables her to lead research initiatives that address complex social issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations in Somalia and the broader region. Her academic experience in curriculum design and media communications further supports the foundation’s mission by enhancing its research capabilities and outreach efforts.
In her role at Talobeeg Foundation, Mary contributes significantly by designing and overseeing research projects that inform the foundation’s programs and policies. Her professional background in advertising and public relations, combined with her academic insights, allows her to effectively communicate research findings to various stakeholders, ensuring that the foundation’s initiatives are both evidence-based and impactful. Additionally, her volunteer work with migrant communities demonstrates her commitment to using research and communication as tools for social change, making her a valuable asset to the foundation’s leadership team.
Abdulkadir Said Ali is the esteemed Director of Operations at Talobeeg Foundation, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing the foundation’s operational efficiency and effectiveness. Academically, he has MBA-in Operations with an impressive track record of Organizational Operation Management Expert with over 15 years of experience in streamlining processes,
enhancing productivity,and leading cross-functional teams in diverse organizations in Humanitarian Operations across (HRM and Administration, Grants Management, Logistics & Procurements) working with different Humanitarian Organizations Including (Care International, Save the Children, UNICEF, EDC) with Proficient in strategic planning, process optimization, project management, and change management. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven track record in cost reduction and efficiency improvement.” Throughout his career, Abdulkadir has amassed extensive experience working with renowned international organizations. At Care International, he served as a Human Resource Manager, where he was responsible for managing HR operations and implementing effective HR strategies. His passionate about driving operational excellence and continuous improvement, with a commitment to delivering value and achieving organizational success make him a vital asset to Talobeeg
Lee Hyun Hee is a highly experienced professional currently serving as the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Specialist at Talobeeg Foundation. With a rich background in humanitarian and development work, Lee Hyun Hee has been instrumental in leading and implementing a wide range of programs aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations in Somalia.
She holds a master’s degree in international relations from Yonsei University, South Korea, and has undergone various specialized training programs in project management, disaster response, and community development. Her academic background, combined with over a decade of hands-on experience, equips her with the expertise needed to navigate the complex challenges of development work in fragile and conflict-affected regions. In her role at Talobeeg Foundation’s Lee Hyun Hee has made significant contributions by designing and overseeing projects that focus on resilience building, livelihood support, and social protection. Her leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that the TCS’s initiatives are both contextually relevant and sustainable, effectively addressing the unique needs of the communities we serve. Additionally, Lee Hyun Hee’s strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills have strengthened the TCS’s partnerships with local and international organizations, further enhancing its impact. Her dedication to fostering positive change through inclusive and participatory approaches underscores her commitment to the TCS’s mission of empowering communities in Somalia.
Abdulahi Abdiwali Mahamed is the Health and Nutrition Manager at Talobeeg Foundation and an accomplished public health specialist, researcher, and academic with extensive experience in health systems strengthening, nutrition, and evidence-based programming. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Unicaf University, Zambia, and holds a Master of Public Health in Nutrition from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (Clinical Officer) from Rift Valley University, Ethiopia.
His professional expertise spans health and nutrition program management, operational research, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and community health interventions. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong leadership in designing, implementing, and evaluating health and nutrition programs aligned with donor requirements and national health priorities.
Prior to his current role, Abdulahi served as Research Director at Galkacyo International University, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Admas University, and Health and Nutrition Program Officer with Action Against Hunger, where he led emergency health and nutrition interventions, strengthened institutional research capacity, and provided technical support to health professionals and government counterparts. At Talobeeg Foundation, he leads the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health and nutrition programs, oversees multidisciplinary technical teams, strengthens community engagement and behaviour change communication initiatives, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based interventions. He is also an active researcher and peer reviewer for the International Breastfeeding Journal (Springer) and has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications covering maternal and child health, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and global burden of disease studies, making him a valuable asset in advancing Talobeeg Foundation’s health, nutrition, and research agenda.
Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, the Business Development Manager at Talobeeg Foundation, is a results-oriented professional with a master’s degree in Cooperation and Development and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. With a rich background in leadership roles, economic research, business development, and project management, Mohamed brings a wealth of experience to his current position.
Abdulkadir Ali Yusuf is a seasoned finance and administration professional, currently serving as the Admin/Finance Manager at Talobeeg Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, an ACCA qualification, and a Bachelor of Computer Science, providing him with a strong multidisciplinary foundation in financial management, administration, and systems management.
Abdullahi Omar Hassan serves as Talobeeg Foundation’s Resilience Manager based in Mogadishu, bringing over ten years of progressive experience in multi-sector humanitarian development program management. His expertise is particularly focused on fragile, post-conflict, displacement, and refugee settings. Abdullahi has a robust background in community development,economic recovery,
Abdinur Mohamed Adam is a seasoned development practitioner with a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. He has further strengthened his expertise with post-graduate studies, including a Diploma in Civic Education, Youth Engagement, and Advocacy and Lobbying. With nearly a decade of experience, he has played a pivotal role in leading transformative initiatives in youth work, education, higher education institutions, research, civil society organizations, and capacity building.
Maryan Abdirahman Gulled is the Health and Nutrition Manager at the Talobeeg Foundation. She brings over seven years of progressive experience in research, education, health programming, and project coordination across Somalia and Kenya. Maryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Biology and Chemistry) from East Africa University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUISTI) in Kenya.
Abdullahi M. Jama is our Country Representative in Austrakua and is based M based in Camberra, bringing over ten years of progressive experience in multi-sector humanitarian development program management. His expertise is particularly focused on fragile, post-conflict, displacement, and refugee settings. Abdullahi has a robust background in community development, economic recovery,
Shafici Awil Mohamed is our Filed Manager in Galkaio and the TVET Coordinator at the Talobeeg Foundation based in Galkaio, Somalia. With a robust academic background, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Cyprus Science University, a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Galkacyo Vocational Training Center, and a Diploma in Solar Systems (PV) from Colorado State University.
Bukhari Abdiwahab is a results-focused Research Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (REALM) professional with extensive experience in the humanitarian sector. He excels in designing and implementing project MEAL systems, training, and supervising enumerators during data collection, and overseeing field site missions. Proficient in data analysis software such as STATA, SPSS, Excel, and R programming,Bukhari also has
Kevin Menya is our ICT Coordinator who brings extensive expertise and a solid academic background to the role. He holds a BSc in Business Information Systems from Middlesex University, UK, as well as a diploma and a higher diploma in Computer Studies from NCC Education, UK. With over a decade of experience in ICT training, Kevin has taught numerous modules in the School of Business and ICT,
Shafici Awil Mohamed is our Filed Manager in Galkaio and the TVET Coordinator at the Talobeeg Foundation based in Galkaio, Somalia. With a robust academic background, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Cyprus Science University, a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Galkacyo Vocational Training Center, and a Diploma in Solar Systems (PV) from Colorado State University.
Faiza Abdi Ahmed serves as the Talobeeg Foundation’s Oroject Coordinator for Kaabe Youth Empowerment Project, based in Garowe. Formerly the Youth and Students Engagement Officer, she currently leads the implementation of the Project, particularly in capacity building programs in the field of youth. In this role, she works closely with international partners including Puntland Community ry (Finland), and ASDA ry (Finland).
Bukhari Abdiwahab is a results-focused Research Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (REALM) professional with extensive experience in the humanitarian sector. He excels in designing and implementing project MEAL systems, training, and supervising enumerators during data collection, and overseeing field site missions. Proficient in data analysis software such as STATA, SPSS, Excel, and R programming,Bukhari also has