Our Trustees

Our dedicated board is committed to a fairer world and believes that those most impacted by issues should lead in finding solutions to them. We want to use our platform to share the voices and stories of the school community in Mlali, get resources to their work and advocate for quality education for all. Our trustees have experience in human rights, environmental justice, human resources, and community development, bringing a mix of skills and passion to our mission.

If you are interested in applying to join the board, or would like to be in touch about anything else, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at mlalicommunitytrust@gmail.com

Hannah Clyne

Founder and chairperson of Mlali Community Trust, Hannah has worked in community led development for 17 years, both in East Africa and in the UK. She lived and worked in Mlali for two years and has a deep love for the area. Hannah holds an MA in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. Hannah is active in human rights and education work in Scotland and is passionate about shifting narratives about Africa and promoting community led development.

Gloria Sekwiha

Gloria is the first born daughter of Kilines, QEA’s founder. She was raised in Mlali up until the age of 9. Mlali remains very close to her heart, and she is very passionate about the work of QEA and its impact in the community. Gloria is a human resources specialist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. She holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management and a MSc in Human resources Management from Napier University, Scotland.

Eilidh Skinner

Eilidh Skinner is committed to environmental and food justice. She holds a Master’s in Environment and Development from Edinburgh University. After starting her career as a nurse and working in India, she developed a strong interest in human rights and the environment. Eilidh now manages a zero-waste café in Newcastle and collaborates with her local Greenpeace group to advocate for rights both locally and globally. Her visit to Mlali in 2017 ignited her desire to support the work of the school.

Romy Rehfeld

Romy specialises in human rights, focusing particularly on women’s rights and issues related to gender-based discrimination and violence. She is the Chief Executive of RASASH, the rape crisis service serving the Highlands of Scotland. Before this role, she spent over a decade working in human rights advocacy around the world with organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières and the Clean Clothes Campaign. Romy has a BA (Hons) in Law from Glasgow University and a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies from Uppsala University in Sweden.

Lauren Wright

Lauren is the Executive Director of Illinois Partners for Human Service in Chicago, USA. She has 20 years of experience working in coalition building, human rights advocacy and community development in Africa and the US. Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute and a Master’s Degree in International Policy and Practice from George Washington University. She has visited the QEA many times and loves the community there.

Lexi Spaulding

Lexi is a specialist in programmes for systems change and environmental resilience. Based in California, she has over a decade of experience working in community development East Africa, Central America and the US, with a particular focus on food systems. Lexi is vice chair of the board of Quail Springs Permaculture and works in civil society recruitment. She holds a BSc in Environmental Economics and Policy from University of California, Berkeley. Lexi has visited the QEA on many occasions and is committed to the school and community.