The ITF is delighted to announce that Chivuli Ukwimi has joined as our new Deputy Director! Chivuli joins the ITF at a moment of unprecedented institutional growth and as we continue to leverage funding for global trans movements.
Chivuli’s commitment to social justice is rooted in her own life experiences, as a transgender woman from Zambia, she is driven by a personal vision of living in an inclusive world where all people can fully enjoy and realise their inherent rights. Chivuli has managed multiple grantmaking and philanthropy portfolios within various funding organizations including OSF’s Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) and Hivos Southern Africa. She also has a long track record working in civil society organizations and strong links to trans communities, including as a founding member of Friends of Rainka (now Dignitate Zambia), and at Population Services International (PSI) Zambia and Outright Action International.
We are very excited that Chivuli has joined our team and will support us in our next chapter!
Q & A: Getting to Know Chivuli
What excites you about joining ITF as the Deputy Director?
Firstly, I am very passionate about fighting systemic and systematic exclusion and marginalization of any human being, especially those that are on the margins of society; being part of the ITF gives me the right tools and platform to address the continued injustices against trans persons globally. Secondly, I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting, forward thinking and future facing organization like the ITF through my years of experience in grant making and philanthropy.
What is your greatest hope for trans movements?
I look forward to a vibrant and grounded trans movement that is well resourced and positioned to advance the human rights of trans people worldwide including socio-economic and political rights. Ensuring that trans persons across the world are able to live in dignity in a world where our choices are respected, our freedoms protected and liberties upheld.
Where do you see the ITF in 5 years?
I see the ITF as a thought leader and change maker in the world of philanthropy, setting the tone and the pace for meaningful philanthropy that is community driven and centered. I further see the ITF achieving growth that is well positioned and responsive to the needs of trans groups and movements worldwide.
What do you love to do in your ‘downtime’?
Well I rarely get down time LOL, but when I do I love to soak myself in a good read. I also love cooking, it calms me and gives a certain kind of warmth.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)