Sorghum United Foundation Welcomes New Team Members and Advisory Board to Strengthen Global Vision and Impact
As the organization expands its reach, Sorghum United Foundation is investing in dynamic talent and visionary leadership to guide its strategic growth. We are thrilled to introduce the following new team members and Advisory Board members, whose combined experience and passion will play an essential role in shaping our next chapter.
New Core Team Members
Rachel Syokau – Grants and Leadership
Rachel Syokau is a seasoned humanitarian program manager with 7+ years' experience in strategic design, proposal development, and multi-sectoral program implementation. She ensures donor compliance and builds impactful partnerships for community-led change. As Grants and Partnership Lead at Sorghum United Foundation, she spearheads resource mobilization and climate-resilient initiatives. Rachel has managed multi-million-dollar portfolios at Kenya Red Cross and NGOs funded by DFID, USAID/BHA, ECHO, and others. With a background in project management and water engineering, she is passionate about advancing locally led, inclusive solutions in food security, equity, and climate resilience across Africa. Her technical and strategic strengths continue to drive sustainable impact through collaborative, community-based approaches.
Smith Hempstone – Social Media Manager & Content Strategist
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Smith is a multi-award-winning Creative Director and Filmmaker with nearly a decade of visual storytelling experience. Since launching his career in 2015, he has collaborated with top influencers in Kenya and China, covered 10+ matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and won Best Videographer at the 2024 People's Choice Awards. His portfolio features brands like Samsung, Infinix, Tecno, Fanta, CeraVe, Carrefour, and more. At Sorghum United Foundation, Smith is the Social Media Manager and Content Strategist, blending creativity with purpose-driven storytelling. He is passionate about crafting impactful narratives that connect communities, elevate voices, and inspire meaningful action across digital platforms.
Derick Odhiambo – Graphic Designer & Visual Branding Specialist
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Derick is a seasoned Photographer, Creative Director, and Filmmaker with a strong background in fashion and portrait photography. His expertise now spans corporate shoots, documentaries, and global conferences across Africa and Europe. He has worked with top organizations like PrideInn Hotels, Stanford Seed, KAPI, Hope Tech, Imani Orphan Care, and IPPHL. At Sorghum United Foundation, Derick is the Graphic Designer and Visual Branding Specialist, merging storytelling with strategic design to elevate brand identity. Passionate about impactful visuals, he creates work that drives awareness, inspires change, and helps brands grow through compelling, resonant imagery.
Kelvin Kiprop – Video Editor & Motion Graphics Specialist
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Kelvin is a creative professional with over five years of experience in videography, drone work, motion graphics, and social media content. He creates impactful, story-driven visuals for NGOs, brands, and digital platforms. Known for his disciplined approach and sharp eye for detail, Kelvin is passionate about high-quality storytelling that highlights meaningful impact. He has worked with top travel destinations and international YouTube creators, producing curated content that boosts engagement and enhances message delivery. At Sorghum United Foundation, he serves as the Video Editor & Motion Graphics Specialist, bringing stories to life through dynamic editing, engaging visuals, and a strong commitment to purpose-driven storytelling that connects and inspires audiences.
New Advisory Board Members
Sorghum United Foundation is honored to welcome a newly established Advisory Board composed of respected leaders and change-makers from diverse sectors. Their strategic guidance, global perspective, and collaborative spirit will provide critical support as we work toward a more food-secure, equitable future.
Prof. Gideon Maina – Chairperson of the Advisory Board
Prof. Maina is a distinguished scholar in International Law and Political Science with over 20 years of academic, institutional, and administrative experience across five universities and multiple global institutions. He holds degrees from the University of Cape Town (Ph.D.), Harvard Kennedy School, and the Peace Academy at The Hague. He helped establish Moot Courts in Kenya, co-founded the Kenya Foreign Service Institute, and served as Dean and Acting Vice-Chancellor at Catholic University of Eastern Africa. A consultant in foreign policy, security, and governance, he advises the Kenya Foreign Service Institute, IPSTC, ICRC, and the UN's International Trade Centre. Passionate about mentorship, ethics, and community service, he is a Globethics and Paul Harris Fellow, committed to advancing Africa's future.
Mairis Decidido – Advisory Board Member
Based in Brazil, Mairis Decidido is a leading rural producer, entrepreneur, and agri-leader advancing women's leadership in agriculture. As CEO of Fazenda Bela Vista, she drives sustainable rural production and innovation. She is Founder and President of Agro e Elas, a national network empowering women in agribusiness, and also leads CEIMAP, promoting inclusive agricultural development in Pará. Mairis heads Mulheres do Agro, one of Brazil's top women's agriculture movements, championing visibility, education, and economic empowerment for rural women. At Sorghum United Foundation, she serves as an Advisory Board Member, bringing regional expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and a deep commitment to gender-inclusive agricultural development and rural transformation across Brazil.
A.K. Singh – Advisory Board Member
Dr. Anand Kumar Singh is a globally recognized agricultural scientist with over 30 years of leadership in crop science, horticulture, and innovation. As Vice Chancellor of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, India, he advances climate-smart agriculture and food systems. Formerly Deputy Director General at ICAR, he oversaw 49 national institutions. His career includes leadership at the National Horticulture Board and Coconut Development Board. A prolific author with 160+ papers and 11 books, he's guided 29 postgraduates and released 750 crop varieties. As the first Indian on the World Vegetable Centre board, he brings global perspective. At Sorghum United Foundation, he serves as Advisory Board Member, championing resilient, nutrition-rich crops and inclusive agricultural transformation.
Harinee Yerra – Advisory Board Member
Harinee Yerra is a passionate Public Health Nutritionist and youth representative on the Advisory Board of Sorghum United Foundation. Based in India, she is pursuing her Master's in Nutrition and Dietetics with a focus on Public Health Nutrition at Symbiosis International University. Inspired by her personal health journey, Harinee promotes preventive health and indigenous food wisdom. Her work bridges traditional grains like sorghum with modern science to combat food insecurity and metabolic disorders. She has published with Elsevier, won a national innovation contest, and developed millet-based recipes for school feeding programs. At Sorghum United Foundation, she leads youth-centered campaigns that reintroduce nutrient-rich grains to families through games, cartoons, and storytelling—championing a healthier, more resilient future.
Daphne Muchai – Advisory Board Member
Daphne Muchai is the Founder and Executive Director of the Women Farmers Association of Kenya (WoFaAK), a national platform advancing the voice and impact of women in agriculture. With over 30 years of experience in Kenya's public and private agricultural sectors, she is a seasoned leader in rural development, agribusiness, and gender-responsive value chains. Daphne has worked across East Africa, providing technical and institutional support to drive inclusive agricultural transformation. A certified expert in gender policy and institutional design, she serves on several national advisory bodies championing women's economic empowerment. At Sorghum United Foundation, Daphne contributes as an Advisory Board Member, guiding inclusive policy, grassroots engagement, and gender equity in climate-resilient agriculture.
A New Chapter in Sorghum United's Global Mission
The appointment of these new professionals comes at a time of immense opportunity and responsibility. Sorghum United Foundation is not only expanding its presence in the global development space but also deepening its commitment to farmer-led solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods.
CEO, Nate Blum shared:
'We are thrilled to welcome such a powerful and diverse group of leaders into the Sorghum United Foundation family. Each new team member and Advisory Board member brings not only skills but also heart, vision, and a deep commitment to the cause. Their insights will help guide us through our most ambitious goals yet.'
As Sorghum United Foundation continues its work to transform food systems and empower communities through the cultivation, processing, and celebration of sorghum and other indigenous crops, these appointments will ensure the organization is well-positioned to meet both local and global challenges with creativity, resilience, and purpose.
About Sorghum United Foundation
Sorghum United Foundation is a global movement dedicated to improving food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture by revitalizing sorghum and other traditional grains. Through research, advocacy, storytelling, and partnerships, Sorghum United Foundation empowers communities to reclaim indigenous knowledge and transform food systems from the ground up. Our mission is to unite farmers, entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers in creating a world where everyone has access to nutritious, locally grown food.
Sorghum United Foundation
www.sorghumunited.org
www.sorghosquad.org
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