About
Get to know me,
Hi, I’m Akinyi Odera.
I work at the intersection of gender justice, human rights, and democratic governance — designing programs, leading strategies, and pushing for inclusive change across Africa.
Right now, I serve as the Program Coordinator for Gender Democracy at the Heinrich Böll Foundation, where I steer regional strategies across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. My work involves strategic planning, grant giving, gender mainstreaming, and deep engagement with both grassroots networks and policy spaces.
Over the past decade, I’ve contributed to organizations like the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Hanns Seidel Foundation, and Creatives Garage — helping to shape initiatives that center gender, inclusion, and creative expression.
My background in sociology and communication helps me approach my work with curiosity and care — whether that’s managing multi-country programs, working with donors, or developing frameworks that embed gender and inclusion into the core of how we operate.
Outside of work, I’m also the voice behind Sit Down, a podcast for slow, thoughtful conversations about life and change, and LeloSpeaks, a space where I write personal reflections on growth, culture, and womanhood.
“African feminism is rooted in the realities of our continent. It is about resisting patriarchy in all its forms—colonial, cultural, religious, and political.”
— From her academic work on African feminism
we have fun over here
What I Do
design and lead programs that are inclusive, participatory, and rooted in real-world impact — with a focus on gender, governance, and social change.
Strategy
I design and lead programs that are inclusive, participatory, and rooted in real-world impact — with a focus on gender, governance, and social change.
Inclusion
I work with teams to weave gender, equity, and inclusion into their everyday systems, strategies, and stories.
Engage
Whether I’m on a panel, moderating a dialogue, or MC-ing an event, I create space for meaningful conversations — with clarity, care, and intention.
Storytelling
I use storytelling as a tool for connection and change — through podcasts, writing, and public speaking that centers lived experience and thoughtful reflection.
Consulting Profile
Program & Strategy Development Expert | Gender Justice Advocate | Resource Mobilization Specialist
As a seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience in program coordination, strategy development, and resource mobilization, I specialize in advancing gender justice and democracy initiatives in the East and Horn of Africa. Offering a unique combination of skills in stakeholder management, grant-making, and organizational development, supported by a deep commitment to creating transformative change through strategic partnerships.
Stakeholder Relations & Management
Expertise in building and nurturing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, partners, and regional actors.
Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
Proven track record in developing and executing fundraising strategies, securing significant financial support, and mobilizing both monetary and non-monetary resources.
Program Development & Outcome Delivery
Skilled in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that achieve measurable results, particularly in the areas of gender justice, environmental advocacy, and social change.
Grant Making & Evaluation
Extensive experience managing grant portfolios and ensuring effective use of resources to support advocacy for marginalized communities.
Strategy Development & Organizational Management
Ability to align organizational strategies with long-term goals and changing political dynamics, ensuring impactful programming and sustainability.
Board Relations & Inter-organizational Engagement
Adept at engaging with boards, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams to drive organizational growth and alignment.
Let’s collaborate
Akinyi Odera
Program Coordinator