Shaban Varajab, a distinguished graduate of the University of Notre Dame with an MA in Global Affairs and a BA in Math and Economics from Moi University, is the founder of 42 Change Makers. Recognized as the 2023 Michiana 40 Under 40 by the South Bend Regional Chamber, he also earned the 2023 GEAR UP National Professional of the Year Award from The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP). His journey includes impactful roles, such as program manager at Rural Women Peace Link in Kenya, monitoring and evaluation intern with Catholic Relief Services in the Philippines, and innovation fellow with enFocus in the USA. Shaban currently serves as the GEAR UP South Bend Data and Accounting Manager at the South Bend Community School Corporation. His dedication to empowering youth is evident through his founder and technical advisor role at 42 Change Makers.  With a deep commitment to advancing educational opportunities, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship for at-risk youth, Shaban drives the vision and strategy of the organization. His leadership ensures that young people are equipped with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Hesborn Wangwe, the Chairperson of 42 Change Makers, plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction. He works with the secretary to provide latest update on latest development, marketing, publicity, resource mobilization, project implementation and impact reporting. With a focus on community-driven solutions, Hesborn champions the empowerment of at-risk youth, ensuring they have access to academic, leadership, and entrepreneurial opportunities. His leadership fosters a collaborative environment that unites young people in the pursuit of their dreams.

As the secretary of 42 Change Makers, Joel Shilingi ensures smooth communication and organizational efficiency. He plays a key role in maintaining accurate records, coordinating meetings, and supporting the executive team. He performs administration tasks, computer duties, process emails, schedule meetings, prepare project reports, provides data as needed, organize documents and maintain filing system. He also ensures program and institution collaboration. Joel is passionate about creating systems that help empower youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, to excel in academics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Jackline Abuti Amere serves as the treasurer of 42 Change Makers, overseeing the financial health and sustainability of the organization. With a strong background in financial management, Jackline ensures that resources are effectively allocated to support the organization’s mission of empowering youth. She forecasts the cash flow, makes necessary and sufficient arrangements to prevent the organization from financial crisis. She tracks budgets, contracts and reconcile expenditure reports. Her work directly contributes to making academic, civic, and entrepreneurial opportunities accessible to at-risk youth that we serve.

As the Community Organizer at 42 Change Makers, Ngai George works closely with local communities to identify and address the needs of at-risk youth. He encourages and stimulates community (especially the marginalized groups-young women and disabled persons) to organize actions aimed at solving their problems. He assists in community problem mapping and coordinating activities to ensure balanced programming that responds to the changing community needs. Lastly, he maps and provides community leaders and network leaders with information to get them motivated about 42 Change Makers activities. Ngai is committed to building relationships with youth, ensuring they have access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. His work focuses on fostering community-driven solutions that empower young people to take charge of their futures.

Caroline Tindi Juma, the Project Coordinator at 42 Change Makers, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of key programs that empower at-risk youth. From academic initiatives to leadership and entrepreneurship training, Caroline ensures that all projects align with the organization’s mission to uplift youth from Kenya’s diverse communities. She helps the team to implement and stick to budgets. She assists community mobilizer in building community outreach efforts. Her focus is on creating impactful programs that give young people the tools they need to succeed.

Mildred Lucia serves as the welfare/community partnership Coordinator at 42 Change Makers. Her role involves building strong partnerships with communities, organizations, and stakeholders to ensure youth have access to necessary resources. She guides the team to achieve its fundraising goals. She works with the board to develop outreach strategy and oversee fundraising events. Mildred helps the treasurer and technical advisor to plan, develop budgets and allocate funds in different areas. She provides updates on all focus areas when needed. Mildred is dedicated to supporting the welfare of at-risk youth and mobilizing resources to provide academic, leadership, and entrepreneurial opportunities for these youth.

Gabriel Ingubu is a Documentation and Communication Officer at 42 Change Makers, overseeing reporting, photography, and video documentation of the organization’s work. With a Bachelor's in Criminology and Social Work from Masinde Muliro University and a certificate in Radio Production, Gabriel’s background as an award-winning Kenyan journalist, radio presenter, and content developer adds significant value. His passion for storytelling and content creation increases the visibility of 42 Change Makers’ impact on youth.

Shaban Varajab is the founder of 42 Change Makers and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. With a background in Global Affairs(International Peace Studies), Math, and Economics, he’s held impactful roles at Rural Women Peace Link(Kenya), Catholic Relief Services (Philippines), and enFocus (USA). Recognized in the 2023 Michiana 40 Under 40 and awarded the GEAR UP National Professional of the Year, he now serves as Data and Accounting Manager at South Bend Community School Corporation. He holds board positions with Lisle International and Neighbors to Neighbors. He also contributes as a member of the Rotary Club of South Bend.

Wilfred Kinyanjui, a registered nurse with Rosewood Staffing Agency in South Bend, USA, is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities. Drawing from his own challenging experiences growing up in Kenya, Wilfred is passionate about supporting disadvantaged youth through health, education, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his role at Rosewood, Wilfred is the director of Embrio Enterprises Inc. (USA and Uganda), focused on community development. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering for various projects aimed at creating positive change.

Musera Geoffrey Ababu, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Planning and Management at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, holds a doctorate in Economics of Education. With over 20 years of experience in education, Musera’s expertise in educational planning, equity, and policy analysis is invaluable to 42 Change Makers. His research focuses on increasing access to quality education for underserved youth. Musera has been a strong supporter of the organization since its founding, believing deeply in its mission to empower young people for academic and entrepreneurial success. He resides in Kakamega, Kenya with his wife, Metrine, and their four children.

Vincent R. Ogoti is a scholar-practitioner with a wealth of experience in peacebuilding across Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. As a Mellon Public Humanities Fellow and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vincent uses his expertise in the humanities and social sciences to build sustainable, peaceful communities. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and was a Fulbright Fellow at Yale University. Vincent’s passion for education and youth empowerment aligns with 42 Change Makers’ mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Dorothy Nasirumbi Okello is a French-English translation consultant, tutor, and data analyst. She holds a degree in French, certifications from CNED and CAVILLAM, and a Master's degree in Applied Economics. Dorothy is passionate about youth education, particularly in the areas of language acquisition, project planning, and data analysis. She uses her skills to support 42 Change Makers' mission to empower young people through knowledge, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Dorothy is also deeply committed to monitoring and evaluating projects that uplift youth in Kenya and beyond.

Lilliane Bwire is an experienced advocate for gender equality and inclusion, holding a Bachelors and M. Phil in Development Studies from Moi University. With over 25 years in both development and humanitarian sectors, Lilliane has led projects in peacebuilding, leadership, governance, and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights. Her work with youth, women, and vulnerable groups spans Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, in collaboration with 120 public schools. Lilliane excels in fostering efficient partnerships in multicultural environments, leveraging her strong network to drive impactful partnerships for positive change.

Meshack Kogo is a Data Assistant (ICT) at University Health Services, University of Nairobi, and has extensive experience working in healthcare data management with USAID AMPATH in Kenya. With a diploma in Information Systems Management from KCA College and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science at Kisii University, Meshack’s expertise in data-driven solutions is instrumental to 42 Change Makers. A dedicated supporter of the organization since its inception, Meshack is passionate about using technology to improve youth opportunities in education and leadership. He lives in Nairobi with his wife, Damaris, and their two children.

Aaron Nichols is an experienced education professional dedicated to empowering students through mentorship, experiential learning, and community-driven initiatives. As a Graduation Pathways Coach for South Bend Community Schools, he designs impactful programs that prepare students for postsecondary success. With expertise in curriculum development, language education, and student engagement, Aaron brings a passion for equity and access to education. As a board member of 42 Change Makers, he advocates for transformative opportunities that uplift and inspire future leaders.

Susan Oliver has been involved in education and fundraising for over 35 years, helping adults and students discover their hidden talents and potential in Christ Jesus.  Susan is a small business owner, loves tea and traveling. She and her husband, Patrick, live in the country with their family of animals and enjoy giving to and supporting the work of 42 Change Makers.