Board of Directors

WAAW Foundation Board 3.0 Recruitment

Join Our Board of Directors

Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation is a leading international non-profit dedicated to bridging the gender gap in technology and innovation. We believe that empowering African women in STEM is the most effective catalyst for sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation across the continent.

Since our inception in 2007, we have built a pan-African movement that provides high-impact training, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities to thousands of young women. WAAW Foundation’s footprint extends across the continent, turning potential into tangible leadership through data-driven results:

• Breadth of Reach: We have empowered over 60,000 secondary school girls with essential tech skills and STEM knowledge.
• Geographic Footprint: We maintain active operations in 29 African countries across West, East, Southern, Central and North Africa.
• Community/College Hubs: We have established 114 STEM Chapters in higher institutions, serving as vital centers for mentorship and peer-to-peer learning in communities across Africa.
• Leadership Pipeline: Over 1,000 Fellows and 196 Scholars are pursuing STEM degrees/careers and leading community-based initiatives.
• Educational Support: Nearly 3,000 teachers have been trained in modern STEM pedagogy and blended learning strategies to redefine classroom engagement.

As we enter this next phase of growth—Board 3.0—we are expanding our global leadership team. We are seeking visionary, high-influence leaders with a passion for gender equity and social innovation to provide robust governance, strategic direction, and the fundraising support necessary to scale our impact.

Board Composition & Global Representation

Our Board is intentionally designed to ensure geographic diversity and strong coverage across key skill areas.

1. West Africa Representative
2. East Africa Representative
3. Southern Africa Representative
4. USA-based Member
5. Europe-based Member
6. WAAW Alumna (Fellow/Scholar)
7. WAAW Teacher or Parent of a Beneficiary

Board Members SkillSet, Roles and Responsibilities

If you have experience in any of these skills, you are encouraged to apply.

1. HR & Organizational Management: The People and Culture Leader - Guide organizational design, leadership development and talent strategy to support sustainable growth.
2. Program Management & Impact Evaluation: The Program Delivery Expert - Ensure programs are measurable, impactful, and scalable.
3. Finance and Accounting: The Financial Steward - Ensure financial transparency and sustainability. Oversee audits and regulatory compliance.
4. Fundraising & Strategy: Drive fundraising and high-level partnerships with institutional donors/foundations, and ensure long-term growth strategy.
5. Philanthropy and Global Partnerships: The Philanthropic Ambassador - Strengthen philanthropy, donor engagement, advocacy and global visibility.
6. Legal Expertise and Board Governance: Drive mentorship and community engagement. Represent beneficiaries and provide program insight.

Board Member Expectations

• Attend quarterly board meetings
• Participate in (monthly) subcommittee meetings and strategic discussions
• Support strategic planning and governance
• Make a personal contribution or leverage networks to support fundraising
• Serve as an ambassador for WAAW Foundation
• Commit approximately 2-4 hours per week

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of professional experience (varies by role)
• Previous Board Experience (if any)
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills
• Experience in nonprofit, corporate or social impact sectors
• Passion for advancing STEM education for African women and girls
• Ability to contribute networks, expertise and influence

Why Join the WAAW Foundation Board?

Serving on the WAAW Foundation Board is a transformative opportunity for leaders who want to move beyond advocacy into active ownership of Africa’s digital future. As a member of our global board, you will:

• Shape the Future of STEM Education in Africa:
• You aren't just an observer; you are an architect of the continent’s digital transformation. You will provide strategic oversight for programs across 29 African nations. Your leadership ensures that the next decade of African innovation is inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive.
• Collaborate with Global Leaders and Change-Makers:
• Joining this board places you at the center of an elite ecosystem. You will work alongside senior tech executives, high-level diplomats, and social innovation pioneers. This is a unique space to exchange insights with an international network of peers, fostering partnerships that drive gender equity on a global scale.
• Contribute to a High-Impact Mission:
• Your involvement has a direct, measurable ROI on human capital, and you’ll help scale a movement that has already reached 60,000+ girls. You will play a pivotal role in our goal to foster innovators who will create thousands of jobs, transforming local economies through the power of STEM.
• Gain Specialized Nonprofit Governance Experience:
• Serving on a pan-African board offers a masterclass in navigating complex, multi-jurisdictional governance. You will gain deep experience in international NGO compliance, strategic fundraising, and fiscal stewardship across diverse regulatory environments—refining your ability to lead through complexity and operational excellence.
• Increase Professional Visibility:
• Represent WAAW Foundation at international summits, global tech conferences, and high-level diplomatic dialogues. This role positions you as a leading champion for social innovation, amplifying your personal brand as a visionary leader in the global development space.
• Influence Continental Policy: Gain a seat at the table in shaping pan-African STEM strategies. WAAW Foundation is a key contributor to the African Union’s STISA 2034 task force, giving you a direct voice in high-level policy discussions.
• Drive Generational Change: Directly contribute to a mandate aimed at building a legacy of economic independence for African women.

Our Vision: To create a world where African women are formidable global leaders, transforming lives through technology, science, and innovation. We invite you to be the architect of that vision.

How to Apply

Interested board candidates should complete the WAAW Foundation Board of Directors: Expression of Interest Form