Our Team

Our team represents countries across the world, including Liberia, Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Brazil, The United Kingdom, and the United States. Our diversity is our strength.

Anita Farsad, EXECutive Director

Anita is an international education development and instructional design professional from the United States. As Director, Anita stewards LEAD’s strategic thinking, fundraising, and relationship building while leading day-to-day operational and program management. Prior to joining LEAD, Anita worked as an Adult Learning Specialist at Training Resources Group, where she developed learning solutions for USAID's Center for Education, USAID Mission staff, the World Bank, and the US Forest Service. Previously, she worked in Morocco as a primary school and English teacher and as the Resident Director for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) language exchange program. Anita holds a Master's degree in International Education from George Washington University and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Anita lives in Washington, DC and is an avid reader, writer, and language learner.

Sara Swett, Development and Partnerships Manager

As Development and Partnerships Manager at LEAD Edu, Sara builds and strengthens partnerships to make the dreams of our students come true. A teacher, facilitator, and leader herself, Sara is passionate about fostering collaborative partnerships and relationships that provide opportunities to youth. Sara joined LEAD Edu from Village Capital where she led partnership development, providing opportunities to impact entrepreneurs. Before that, she managed Ubongo’s development and fundraising work. She has supported many Africa-based nonprofits to cultivate the revenue they need to impact communities, while building their own capacity and development strategies to achieve their goals. Sara loves to hike, mountain bike, and explore new places. She’s a graduate of Middlebury College. Sara speaks Swahili fluently, and splits her time between the US and Tanzania, where she also sits on the Board of Directors for two education and leadership-focused nonprofits.

Daniela Bolanos, Program Assistant

As Program Assistant, Daniela facilitates the organization's operations while providing invaluable support to its programs and fundraising endeavors. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for education, Daniela has been an integral part of various non-profit organizations during her undergraduate years, including the Phillips Brooks House Association, where she developed and implemented enriching curriculum for summer programming. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Harvard University, Daniela brings a unique perspective to her work, drawing on her understanding of human behavior and learning. Beyond her professional work, Daniela finds joy in artistic expression, viewing art as a transformative medium capable of both teaching and healing. Based in Chicago, IL, she enjoys immersing herself in the city's diverse neighborhoods, discovering great eats and trying out new outdoor activities. 

JAMES KIAWOIN, Program Advisor

James is a public policy and social entrepreneurship expert from Liberia. Prior to joining LEAD Edu, James worked at our flagship Hub in Liberia, LEAD MFA, for two years. As our Program Advisor, he conducts on-site Hub quality checks, manages the Hub formation process for new Hubs, and builds partnerships for LEAD graduates' future opportunities from his base in Monrovia, Liberia. James is also the Country Manager, Liberia at Luminos Fund. James holds degrees from the African Leadership Academy, Colorado College (BA), and Princeton University (MPA).

Isabel Docampo, Strategy & Operations Advisor

Isabel is a research and strategy expert from the United States. She has spent her career conducting rigorous evaluation, policy analysis, and communications for global development nonprofits and government agencies including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Accra Metropolitan Authority, Root Capital, 100 Resilient Cities, the United Nations Population Fund, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. At LEAD, Isabel advises the leadership team on strategic planning, communications, and operational management. Isabel holds an MPA in Economics and Public Policy from Princeton University, as well as a BA in International Relations from the College of William & Mary.

James Tunningley, Strategic Advisor

James is the Founder of Frontier Horizons, a consultancy helping innovators strategize & community-build in emerging markets & technologies. He currently works with Protocol Labs growing their startup accelerator program to build the next-generation Internet. A former Diplomat with the British Government, James spent most of his career focused on Asia, MENA, and Africa, most recently as DIT Director at the British High Commission in Nairobi and Head of Engagement for Prime Minister’s UK-Africa Investment Summit. James is a graduate of Oxford University, where he read Chinese, played Blues Football, and mentored undergraduates on Oxford's Crankstart Programme. James provides advice to the Director and Board on growth markets and fundraising opportunities.

Meet the incredible staff at the LEAD Hubs we support: LEAD MFA in Monrovia, Liberia and LEAD Morocco in El Mansouria, Morocco.

Our Board

IMAD IZEMRANE

Imad was born in Rabat, Morocco, and grew up in the Netherlands. After completing his education and working as a Civil Engineer in The Hague, he relocated to the United States in 2004. In 2015, Imad established Spring Place and assumed the role of its acting President. Spring Place is a collaborative workspace and membership club that caters to a global community engaged in the business of contemporary culture. In 2021, Imad founded N4XT Experiences, an immersive live events company involved in fashion, beauty, health, and computer gaming. Beyond his professional endeavors, Imad is a dedicated philanthropist who deeply understands the transformative impact of combining quality education and sports. Currently, he resides in Los Angeles, California.

Steve Miller

Steve is a sports marketing and social impact expert based in the United States. After starting his career as a Head Coach of Track & Field and Athletic Director at several US universities, Steve joined Nike in 1991. He rose to become Nike’s Director of Global Sports Marketing, overseeing Nike’s $100 million investment in the 2000 Olympic Games and signing global superstars such as Michael Jordan. In addition to his work at Nike, Steve sits on several boards and is a member of five Halls of Fame. Today, Steve is the CEO of Agassi Graf Holdings.

GRAHAM ALBERT

Graham was a student-athlete at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, USA from 1999-2003. In addition to his background as a footballer, Graham has always been passionate about coaching, development, education, and administration. Graham lives and works in New York City as a financial analyst at MP Securitized Credit Partners, an investment fund specializing in mortgage bonds.

OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE

LEYMAH GBOWEE

2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, social worker and women's rights advocate. She is Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, based in Monrovia. Leymah is best known for leading a nonviolent movement that brought together Christian and Muslim women to play a pivotal role in ending Liberia's fourteen-year civil conflict in 2003. This historic achievement paved the way for the election of Africa's first female head of state, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.