Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paola is a cyber-feminist Latina activist and creative thinker. Before joining The Engine Room, she worked as Lead of Poderomedia Foundation’s training program for Latin American journalists and developers; as facilitator of a global community of activists mapping power networks; and as a consultant to nonprofits. She works closely with feminist and social […]

SENIOR ADVISOR FOR LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Gillian is passionate about locally-owned change. She helps organisations and people achieve results that matter to them. Her work with nonprofits, educational institutions, philanthropy, and government agencies weaves together organisational leadership and development during inflection points. She has started and led nonprofits that support the people who spark […]

DEPUTY DIRECTOR Denisse is a researcher interested in the societal impact of technology, particularly on marginalised communities. Using justice and community-centred methodologies, she has co-designed programs with diverse groups, including scientists, artists, and activists, to mitigate online harms and advance the safe and equitable use of technology. Before joining The Engine Room, she led and supported […]

DEPUTY DIRECTOR Lesedi has a background in computer science and a history of collaborating and working with non-profit organizations. He is passionate about understanding and exploring the links between data, technology, and social change and is always curious about how these intersect across different sectors in civil society. Prior to joining the team, Lesedi co-founded […]

ASSOCIATE, TEAM MEMBER EXPERIENCE Marwa is a Human Resources enthusiast coming from a multidisciplinary background that ranges from cultural studies, to peacebuilding and gender studies. Prior to joining The Engine Room, she worked with the United States Institute of Peace designing HR policies and leading their MENA personnel portfolio. Marwa cares deeply about social justice, […]

ASSOCIATE, RESILIENT IT INFRASTRUCTURES Brian is a technologist with a background in Mathematics and Computer Science. Prior to joining the Engine Room, he was part of the inaugural cohort of the Tech and Society Fellowship at Mozilla Foundation where he focused on disinformation, advancing cybersecurity capacity building and bringing his expertise in safeguarding digital assets […]

ASSOCIATE, PROJECT MANAGEMENT Jen is a keen organiser who prides herself in smooth processes and team collaboration. Prior to joining The Engine Room, Jen worked in project and production management across creative and media organisations. Outside of work, Jen likes to take cold water dips on the coast or read a great book. As Project […]

Patricia is passionate about empowering at-risk communities to enhance their digital resilience through capacity building and tailored support. Prior to joining The Engine Room, she was the Africa Education & Communities Regional Coordinator at Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline, where she coordinated digital security interventions for at-risk communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. In her spare time, […]

Nathaly enjoys building regional networks with an intersectional approach, connecting journalists, tech professionals, digital rights defenders, and artists. Her passion lies in listening to others, learning through active participation, and leading with a focus on building trusted relationships and fostering collective care. She also co-created one of the first communication and resource projects centered on […]

ASSOCIATE, RESEARCH Olivia is passionate about issues related to technology, surveillance, and the impact of AI on marginalised communities. Prior to joining The Engine Room, she was a research consultant with the Immigrant Defense Project, working on their Surveillance, Technology, and Immigration Policing Project. She holds a masters degree in Migration Studies and has supported […]

ASSOCIATE, COMMUNICATIONS Sisanda is a storyteller and media practitioner with experience across journalism and digital media. She’s worked in print, broadcast, and online spaces, using storytelling as a tool to inform, inspire and drive change. Before joining us, she was a Programme Manager at Code for Africa, supporting digital democracy and tech-for-good initiatives across Africa. […]