Our Passionate and Diverse Team
On-site team
Alex
Founder
Hi, I am Alex from Lilongwe in Malawi. Together with Jana, I co-founded the Taste of Malawi project and I currently coordinate the team on the ground here.
Although I studied computer science, my role at Taste of Malawi is very diverse. I manage the team, oversee project operations and handle areas like human resources, finances, production supervision and quality control—both for our products and the school!
I also stay in close contact with our team in Europe to make sure our efforts are aligned.
Putting my heart into this work means a lot to me, because I want to help women grow their skills and realize their potential.
Patricia
Manager
Hi, my name is Patricia Nyirenda and I work as the on-site manager at Taste of Malawi. Since joining the project in 2020, I have continuously grown my sewing skills, learning techniques I never thought I could master on my own.
I am 44 years old, married, and a proud mother of four children. In my role, I support the team, organize daily operations, and assist others in developing their sewing abilities. My passion is to help people who want to improve their tailoring skills and to support them in building a better future through sewing.
Patricia
Supervisor
Hello, I am Patricia Kachenje, a supervisor at Taste of Malawi since 2019. I am 31 years old, married, and a mother of two wonderful children.
At Taste of Malawi, I oversee the sewing school and ensure that everything runs smoothly. What I value most is the mutual respect and encouragement we share as a team. My dream is to expand the sewing school into a full tailoring institution, offering more machines, zippers, and a wide variety of fabrics to support even more students on their journey to independence.
Off-site team
Simon
First Chairman & Logistics
Hi, I'm Simon, and I work at the Institute of Geography at the University of Cologne. I'm also a board member at Taste of Malawi.
During my time in Malawi, I developed a deep appreciation for the country and its people. What I find especially valuable about the project is that we offer women comprehensive training—not only in tailoring, but also in business skills. This empowers them to gain both knowledge and confidence in running their own businesses.
What I really appreciate about Taste of Malawi is the intercultural working environment. We're a young and committed team that makes decisions collaboratively. It's a space where we learn and grow—both personally and together as a team.
Maximilian
Vice Chairman
My role as Vice Chairman for Taste of Malawi is powered by an unwavering logic driven mindset. As an engineer, I see our mission not just as a passion project, but as a complex logistical and operational challenge that requires strategic clarity.
My focus is on building the sustainable systems that transform donations into lasting impact. I apply engineering principles to our governance, secure vital funding, and ensure our administrative structures are robust and efficient. I am dedicated to using my expertise to create the clear, durable operational framework that directly enables vocational training and a better future for the communities we serve.
Revekka
Board & Treasurer
Hi, my name is Bekki, and I’m the treasurer of Taste of Malawi. I manage the finances, budgeting, and investment planning for both the on-site and off-site teams.
In addition, I lead negotiations with strategic partners and help shape our organisational growth strategy.
I joined Taste of Malawi because I’m deeply convinced that education is the most powerful tool for social participation and long-term empowerment. One moment that really stayed with me was holding one of our handcrafted bags for the first time—a tangible result of our shared effort.
I’m grateful for the trust I’ve received on the way to becoming a board member.
Jana
Co-Founder, Advisor to the Board
Hi, I'm Jana – Co-Founder of Taste of Malawi and a long-time companion of the project.
After building the initiative with an incredible team, I now support the board in an advisory role and stay connected whenever my perspective or experience is needed.
In my day-to-day work, I run Fairlinked where I help social enterprises and NGOs navigate their digital transformation.
Taste of Malawi will always hold a special place in my heart – because it has shown me what’s possible when collaboration, courage and community come together.
Aku
HR Management
Hi, my name is Akuzike, but most people call me Aku. I was born and partly raised in Malawi, then lived in Namibia and now I'm based in the Netherlands.
I'm an architectural designer by trade, but at Taste of Malawi, I'm part of the HR team. I support with onboarding and other HR related tasks.
My motivation to join the project was to make a positive contribution to the women who go through our program—while staying connected to my country of origin in a meaningful way.
Leopold
Head Of Accounting
Hi, my name is Leopold and I am the Head of Accounting at Taste of Malawi. In this role, I am responsible for financial planning, annual budgeting, expense tracking and executing financial transactions.
Alongside my studies in law, I joined the team to contribute to a meaningful project outside of my studies. Helping to improve the lives of local women in Malawi is not only about giving back—it’s also about taking responsibility and gaining practical experiences.
Guilhermina
Research & Content Development
Hi, I’m Guilhermina. I’m originally from Angola but I currently live in Germany, where I study Human Rights in Politics and Society. I have a background in Law, but I’ve always been drawn to creative and socially driven projects.
At Taste of Malawi, I’m part of the marketing team, mainly supporting content creation for our website. I try to bring out the heart of the project and give real meaning to the words we share.
What I love most about this initiative is how it connects people from different places around a shared goal: creating real impact. That’s what inspired me to join Taste of Malawi.
Sara
Marketing Management
Hi, my name is Sara, and I'm part of the marketing team at Taste of Malawi. I manage our social media presence and help shape the project’s branding.
With two Master’s degrees in International Marketing and Organisational Psychology, I now work as a brand manager in Hamburg.
Volunteering is something I truly value. I'm passionate about equality—especially women’s empowerment—which is why I think Taste of Malawi is such a powerful initiative.
We promote mutual learning across borders and support women in Malawi in gaining financial independence and access to professional education, helping to create long-lasting impact.
Ella
Research & Content Development
Hey, my name is Ella and I am a law student at the University of Münster in Germany. At Taste of Malawi, I’m part of the Marketing and Strategy Team, where I focus on research and content development to raise awareness for the project and its mission.
What inspires me most about Taste of Malawi is its clear focus on women empowerment—supporting women in becoming financially independent and building sustainable livelihoods. Being part of a purpose-driven team and seeing the real-world impact of our work has been incredibly motivating.
I am truly grateful and motivated to contribute to the project of Taste of Malawi, that empowers others while working alongside passionate and like-minded people.
Maggie
Fundraising Management
Hello, I’m Maggie. I studied Global Health Risk Management and Hygiene Policies in Bonn.
As part of the fundraising team at Taste of Malawi, I help plan and run campaigns to expand our donor network, secure resources for the on-site team and grow our overall impact.
Through my volunteer work, I want to help more women in Malawi develop their sewing skills—so they can build a sustainable future with a skill they can always rely on.