Our Team

Oliver Lugalia

Managing Director
As the founder and Managing Director since 2008, Oliver brings over 15 years of experience in grassroots education and social change.

Vanessa Shanisa

Director of Operations
Vanessa is the backbone of all field activities at Savanes CBO. She oversees the planning, coordination, and implementation of every project.

Sandy Lishindi

Finance Director
Sandy leads the Foundation’s financial stewardship with unmatched integrity and dedication. She oversees all budgeting, donor reporting...

Oliver Lugalia

Managing Director
As the founder and Managing Director since 2008, Oliver brings over 15 years of experience in grassroots education and social change. His strategic leadership and deep community roots have shaped the foundation’s holistic approach, which bridges education, healthcare, and social empowerment. Oliver is responsible for vision setting, organizational growth, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that the Foundation remains responsive to the evolving needs of vulnerable populations.

Vanessa Shanisa

Director of Operations
Vanessa is the backbone of all field activities at Savanes CBO. She oversees the planning, coordination, and implementation of every project, from education drives to mobile health clinics. With a strong background in community development and logistics, she ensures that resources reach even the most remote areas efficiently. Vanessa works closely with local leaders, school administrators, and healthcare providers to align programs with real-world needs. Her role is vital in maintaining the Foundation’s reliability, responsiveness, and grassroots impact.

Sandy Lishindi

Finance Director
Sandy leads the Foundation’s financial stewardship with unmatched integrity and dedication. She oversees all budgeting, donor reporting, procurement, and compliance responsibilities. With extensive experience in non-profit financial management, Sandy ensures that over 50% of all funds go directly to supporting children’s education and essential services. Her commitment to transparency builds trust among our donors and partners, and her insights help the Foundation grow sustainably while maximizing every shilling spent. Sandy also plays a key advisory role in strategic planning and resource allocation.