THE TEAM
Dr. Jenny Coetzee
Founding Trustee and Chair
She has been described by those who know her as an incredibly passionate and unstoppable force of nature. She is a seasoned researcher and program implementer, having spent more than 10 years on the frontlines of the HIV and violence epidemics in South Africa. She has specialised in working with hard-to-reach populations, highly vulnerable women and men, and understanding the intersection of HIV, mental health and violence.
She is a Principal Researcher at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit, where she overseas the Prevention in Key Populations Syndicate.
Prof Glenda Gray
Trustee and Science Specialist
Glenda is an award winning South African Researcher. She is the Mother of HIV Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, which she spearheaded at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa in the mid 90’s. Having dedicated her life to the global quest for an HIV Vaccine, she is internationally renowned for her work in this field. In 2018, Glenda was named one of the New York Times 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2020 she was named one of Africa’s 50 most powerful women.
She is an incredible women, immensely compassionate, an activist at heart, and a mentor to many. She is the President of the South African Medical Research Council.
Nerine Kahn
Trustee and Governance Specialist
Nerine has a long history in supporting the fight for freedom for all in South Africa. As the longest-acting Head of The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) , she has had an indelible impact upon our country. Under Nerine’s guidance the CCMA was awarded gold for sector excellence in the legal sector category, in the 2009 and 2011 Public Service Excellence Awards, coming second in 2010 in the same category. In 2014, she was named the Most influential woman in Business and Government: Agencies category for South Africa and Southern Africa.
She sits on multiple boards and governing bodies, including the Democracy Works Foundation. Nerine brings strong corporate governance skills to our Foundation. She is the CEO of the Employee Relations Exchange.
Minja Milovanovic
African Potential Management Consultancy Head of Innovations Specialist
Minja is an out of box thinker, with a zest for innovation and a strong advocate for critical evaluation of concepts, processes and systems.
Through her work in clinical and social research, she has applied a pluripotent approach to understanding and solving public health issues.
She has the ability to move seamlessly between a dynamic range of topics, techniques, teams and locations and has also mentored many local and international aspiring researchers. It is her belief, that in order to change the world, we need to be dynamic, innovative and flexible and create opportunities that cross structured boundaries.
Georgie Roberts
Media Liaison
Georgie is a social media queen and creative content generator. We input caffeine and deadlines with the best and worst of humanity, and she makes sense of it, delivering eloquence on a shining engaging platter with some blood and tears on the side.
In her sparse spare time she is a mother, warrior, worrier, writer of wrongs, strong supporter of the Oxford comma, champion of equity as well as equality, lover of bad coffee and good dogs.
She refreshes her optimism in peace on earth by riding horses, and getting to see true African potential in action. It makes her cry a lot, but in a really really good way, she assures us.
Lieve Fransen
African Potential Foundation (PBO)
Lieve has devoted herself to promoting social justice and the values of solidarity. She has worked across Europe and Africa during a distinguished career in Public Health. She has supported the establishment of The Global Fund, worked as Public Health Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda and Cape Verde Islands.
Megan Nutt Bester
Creative Consultant
Megan is a colourful creative, marketing and design consultant, illustrator and fine artist.
She runs a bespoke design and advertising agency with experience in both the South African and International market spaces. She has a passion for sharing a visual journey in thought provoking, innovative and memorable ways. Creative expression and a passion for humans and animals are reflected in her work and have so, from a very young age.
‘I find tremendous enjoyment and delight creating original ideas in collaboration with my clients. From brand ideation, children’s stories, to real life emotive and experiences. It keeps my heart happy and my life-purpose meaningful.’