Alumni Spotlights

Sino Mankayi ‘24 

Sino was highlighted in local news for his work with the organization he founded, Khululani Youth Foundation, which provides entrepreneurial training, funding and mentor connections to youth. The goal for the NPO this year is to build relationships with at least 16 schools including community organisations.

“At first, we only did donations at orphanage homes in the area. We then felt a need to do something more sustainable rather than once-off donations, and that is where we got to where we are today. Providing business training to youth aged 16 to 26 years of age, connecting them with mentors and providing seed funding through partnership. One day we hope to make a very significant contribution toward lowering the youth unemployment rate in the country, which will have a ripple effect in lowering other social ills we face as a country,” he says.

Deborah Vieira ‘24

Deborah began a new role as Director of Brockton’s Promise Alliance for Youth, a revitalized initiative under the leadership of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South and through a $1M, 5-year grant from Boston Children’s Hospital as part of their Metro South West Healthy Communities Initiative.

Deborah also works part time with Ripples of Hope on the Fellowship Program Workshops/ 

From Deborah: “Brockton is a city built on resilience, resourcefulness, and heart. Like many Brocktonians, my parents came to this city in search of a better life for their future family. I grew up learning to navigating systems and resources, translating documents, and trying my best in school so that one day, I could offer those around me a better life too. This journey has profoundly shaped my passion for youth advocacy, and it’s an honor to return to my hometown to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

This reboot of Brockton’s Promise will unite a diverse and dynamic network of youth-serving nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and civic groups to tackle health inequities and strengthen access to resources for families in the City of Champions. By working collaboratively across sectors, we aim to address the root causes of health disparities and ensure every child in our community has the support they need to thrive.

I’m incredibly grateful to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro South (thank you Monica Lombardo and Derek Heim for believing in me!), Boston Children’s Hospital, and our amazing community partners for their commitment to this vision. I know we are building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable future for Brockton’s youth.” 

Pontsho Lebepe ‘24, Mpho Maboee ‘23,  & Neo Sello ‘23

In partnership with Jenine Scott, Fellow ‘25

Working in tandem with Jenine Scott to build Dignity in Flow. Mpho, Pontsho, and Neo round out Jenine’s leadership team.  Pontsho is leading the charge in building the website and digital platforms for DiF. Neo & Mpho are working closely with Jenine to design programming and operationalize the program. 

In January , girls gathered for a day of workshops and each received sanitary products, uniforms, and back to school supplies. 

And, at the start of February was a special milestone for Dignity in Flow as they hosted a new workshop, led by the incredible director, Mpho! The session focussed on goal setting and study techniques, and each of us had the opportunity to create our own vision boards. It was not only educational but also deeply inspiring, and we truly enjoyed the experience with the girls.

Athi Ndwebi, ‘2024

In 2017, Athi founded Uyanda Serve in Faith Movement in Sir Lowry’s Pass, South Africa. Uyanda’s programming includes the Uyanda Academy Daycare Centre, feeding schemes, elderly care and support, charitable donations, mentorship, assistance with late birth and ID document registrations, disaster relief, educational opportunities, application support for further learning, gospel ministry, and outreaches. Through our Fellowship, Athi learned skills around communications, capacity building and fundraising, and is currently working to grow his organization.