Our Team
Meet the passionate individuals driving change in our communities.
Our Leadership Team
Executive members and core team who run our programs with dedication and passion.
Towellah Margaret Kabaghe
Founder & Director of Operations
Towellah Margaret Kabaghe is an Environmental Health professional and mental health advocate, and the founder of Mthunzi Minds Malawi, a youth-led initiative working at the intersection of mental wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Her work is driven by a growing interest in how community environments shape mental health outcomes, particularly among young people. Drawing from her background in research and public health, she focuses on developing contextually relevant, community-based approaches that integrate nature, social connection, and preventive mental health strategies.
Through Mthunzi Minds, Towellah is contributing to emerging conversations around nature-based mental health in Malawi, with a vision to support more accessible, sustainable, and locally grounded pathways to wellbeing.
Esther Jiya
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Esther Jiya is an Environmental Health professional and a researcher. Driven by a deep belief that every individual holds untapped potential, Esther’s journey into mental health advocacy is both personal and purposeful. She has emerged as a passionate voice for young people, particularly those in underserved communities, working to create safe, inclusive spaces where mental well-being can be nurtured and sustained.
Through Mthunzi Minds, Esther leads strategic planning, resource mobilization, and program coordination, shaping initiatives that integrate mental health support with environmental and community-based solutions. With experience spanning research, stakeholder engagement, and program leadership, Esther brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and grassroots insight. She is committed to influencing policy, strengthening community systems, and advancing innovative approaches that place young people at the center of mental health solutions.
Esther holds both Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health.
Justice Khosa
Mental Health Specialist
Justice is a trained Public Mental Health Practitioner with over 10 years’ experience, dedicated to advancing youth and adolescent wellbeing. As the lead of Mental Health and Psychosocial Programs, he trains peer educators, creates safe and inclusive spaces through support groups, and drives research that informs impactful decisions.
Combining empathy with professional expertise, he ensures that young people feel seen and heard, are equipped to navigate challenges, build lasting resilience, and access the quality support they deserve.
Henry Lingilirani
Legal Advisor
Henry Lingilirani is a legal practitioner with expertise in governance, human rights, and community development. He serves as Legal Advisor to Mthunzi Minds, providing strategic legal guidance to support the organisation's governance, compliance, and partnerships. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Malawi and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Human Rights at the University of London. He also holds certificates in Mental Health from the College of Medicine, Malawi, and Climate Security and Climate Diplomacy from Strathmore University, Nairobi.
Henry is a Private Legal Practitioner at M & M Global Law Consultants, where he manages the firm's Lilongwe office. His expertise includes legal advisory, mediation, litigation, legal research, and drafting. He is passionate about supporting youth, promoting mental wellbeing, and advancing climate-conscious communities, values that closely align with the mission of Mthunzi Minds.
Supporting Members
Dedicated individuals supporting our mission and programs
Vandiwira Ngwata
Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator
Limbani Msuku
Programs & Activities Assistant
Owen Jere
IT & Website Administrator
Our Extended Team
Mthunzi Minds is supported by a dedicated group of temporary members who bring their expertise and passion to our programs. These include:
Volunteer Facilitators
Passionate individuals who lead workshops and community dialogues
Environmental Facilitators
Experts guiding our tree planting and sustainability initiatives
Peer Leaders
Young leaders supporting mental health awareness among peers
Mental Health Educators
Specialists delivering mental health education in schools