Dear Friends of Heshima Kenya, I am writing to share the news that, seven years after co-founding Heshima Kenya, I have decided to step away from my role as Executive Director while continuing to serve as an advisor for policy and development, especially for our Kenyan operations. This is a very positive transition for me and I am excited and proud that, after having committed so many years to its development, Heshima Kenya has evolved into such a vibrant and influential organization.

Heshima Kenya's Board of Directors and I are delighted to announce Alisa Roadcup as our new Executive Director. Many of you already know Alisa as she has served as our Director of US Advocacy and Development from 2012 to 2013, and more recently held the position of Director of Strategic Partnerships. Alisa brings more than fifteen years of professional experience in advocacy and programming, focusing on vulnerable girls and young women through her work with Amnesty International among other organizations. We are thrilled to have Alisa on board as Heshima Kenya's new leader.

The journey of building Heshima Kenya has been a profound experience for me on many levels. Heshima Kenya was founded as the first organization in Kenya devoted to the protection and empowerment of girls and young women fleeing persecution and the loss of their families in their native countries. As an advocate for refugee rights, I dedicated myself to building new and dignified opportunities for those who will never experience the justice they deserve. What Heshima Kenya has accomplished since 2008 has been awe-inspiring. Nearly seven years later, over 500 girls and young women have felt the direct impact of our programs; today they are Heshima Kenya’s greatest achievements - ambassadors of change in their own communities.

Thank you for believing in Heshima Kenya’s mission and for your unwavering support through the years.

Warmly,

Anne Sweeney

Co-founder & Executive Director Heshima Kenya July 2007 – June 2014