We are delighted to announce that Emily Phillips will step into the role of Chair of Trustees at the AdAmi Project. Her appointment comes following the retirement of Kirsty Wood, who has now completed her term limit on the Board.

Kirsty will continue to oversee the day-to-day running of the charity as Founder and volunteer CEO, including working closely with the Board to ensure that we continue to have the greatest impact on the lives and opportunities of young mothers in Sierra Leone.

She notes: I am delighted to hand over the reins to Emily, who I know will bring a fresh energy and eye to the work we deliver in Sierra Leone. It has been an honour to serve as the Chair of trustees for the past six years, and I now look forward to working alongside Emily and the rest of the team to facilitate more exciting, life-changing opportunities for young mothers in Bo and Kenema districts. Congratulations, Emily!

Emily brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the role. Based in Toronto, she currently serves as Lead, Global Partners for the Scholars Program at the Mastercard Foundation, where she supports young people across Africa in accessing quality higher education and gaining dignified employment. Previously, Emily worked at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, leading mentoring and entrepreneurship programming with women in low and middle-income countries. She has been a hands-on volunteer with the Project since our formation in 2018, including sitting on our programme committee and helping to oversee all aspects of programme design and delivery. 

Emily shares her excitement about taking up the role: I am honoured and beyond thrilled to take on the role of Chair of Trustees. Having worked closely with Kirsty since the AdAmi Project began, including visiting our partners and the first cohort of young mothers in Sierra Leone, I have witnessed the incredible impact of the programme. These young mothers have overcome immense challenges to complete secondary school, graduate from vocational training programmes and even go on to university. Some are running their small businesses, whilst others are employed and supporting their families. These young mothers are pioneers in their communities, and I cannot wait to continue supporting such vital work alongside Kirsty and our dedicated Board of Trustees.