Beatrice Waruinge is a humanist who advocates for human rights, pan-African values and the welfare of refugees. With a background in community development and international relations, she worked at Amnesty International Kenya on refugee and human rights issues. As Operations Coordinator of the 'Under Our Skin International Film Festival on Human Rights', she uses film to spark debates on social justice. Today, she works at Selam on the Connect for Culture Africa programme and is committed to sustainable cultural promotion in Africa.

Emma Beverley is a multi-artform producer and curator based in Finland, where she directs the Helsinki International Artist Programme. She previously held leadership roles at LEEDS 2023 and East Street Arts, and worked internationally as an independent producer supporting artists across six continents. Her work focuses on climate action and social justice. Emma also serves on the board of Selina Thompson Ltd. and has held governance roles with Hull Truck Theatre, Leeds University Horizons Institute, Sustainable Arts in Leeds, and as Climate Commissioner for Leeds.

Wabwire Joseph Ian is a cultural innovator and creative producer based in Kampala, Uganda. Through his leadership at KQ Hub Africa and as co-founder of CACIFA, he uses the arts to foster civic engagement, social change, and intercultural dialogue across Africa. His work includes workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and cross-border collaborations that amplify marginalized voices, support artist mobility, and promote peacebuilding. He advocates for ethical funding, new cultural frameworks, and transnational collaboration to strengthen Africa’s role in global cultural discourse.

Joshua Alabi is an award-winning Nigerian director, writer, and producer, and founder of Kininso Koncepts. Known for socially engaged theatre and film, he received the 2023 Kuss Festival Prize for Kolofu and a Golden Calf Award for Africa’s first mixed-reality theatre project. His directing credits include Queen Moremi and Awori. Alabi founded Nigeria’s largest International Children’s Theatre Festival (KIFT), has led projects across Africa, Europe, and the US, and is co-founder of the African Festivals Network.

Lilian Hipolyte is a Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and Service Designer with 15+ years of experience across East Africa and the UK. Originally trained as a painter-sculptor, her practice evolved into UX and product design, spanning roles as design director, project manager, and mentor. She has worked in Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, and the UK, and currently serves as Director of Nafasi Art Space. Lilian works at the intersection of art and design, building purpose-driven brands that foster sustainability in creative and cultural industries, with expertise in digital transformation and institutional development.

Thobile Maphanga is a South African dance practitioner, writer, scholar, and creative collaborator focused on well-being and social change through the arts. Working across sectors, she explores holistic approaches to community and culture. She is Project Manager, Assistant Curator, and Editorial Steering Committee member of JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience. Thobile also collaborates with hannahmadance and the People United in Germany and Luxembourg, co-convenes the African Festivals Network, and serves as Co-Facilitator and Mentor for The Festival Academy.