Delta Team
We are a team of innovators and leaders dedicated to driving systemic change through science, sustainability, and social impact. By fostering education, economic development, and social justice, we empower communities to create lasting solutions for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Board Of Directors
David Pennise
Co-Founder, Berkeley Air Resources, Environmental Scientist
David is an environmental health scientist who co-founded Berkeley Air Monitoring Group in 2008, in line with his commitment to create a sustainable, healthy world. As Technical Director, he manages the technical activities of Berkeley Air and leads the service delivery team in providing monitoring and evaluation services and tools. He has conducted and managed air pollution research, carbon monitoring studies, and training workshops related to household energy, health, and climate throughout the developing world since 1996. His peer-reviewed publications have focused on household air pollution monitoring, modeling, and study design; fuel use; greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and methods; and atmospheric chemistry.
http://berkeleyair.com/
http://berkeleyair.com/
Bob Davies
CFO
Bob Davies
CFO
Bob Davies is a native of Pennsylvania who's been on the west coast since the late 80s. He has run his own business in the marine industry for twenty years, which he built after having served in executive positions across industries, including sales for international recycling companies. He loves the life he has created for himself and inspires others to create their best way. He has built great relationships with several different groups of people throughout his adventures and looks forward to continued growth!
Jimmi Hagen
CTO
I'm that kid who was always in the high school computer lab after school... years before being high school age. After 30 years working in technology, I am unafraid of challenges and able to identify difficult areas before they threaten projects. I have always been and will always be curious about systems and how they work. My first job out of college was at NeXT Computer, where I had the experience of Steve Jobs telling me and a few of my coworkers how smart we were and how much we could do in a short period of time. Those same coworkers told me to read up on Deming ( look it up! ), and started my Quality Assurance career trajectory. This lead me to work for Sun Microsystems, where I worked with the Java Products Group until after it was spun off as JavaSoft, at which point I was poached by America Online. Have you ever had a hiring manager take you and our girlfriend out to a fancy dinner? After helping launch the first AOL.com news aggregation website, I moved from the heart of "Silicon Valley" to Sonoma, where I could care for my aging horse and enjoy a more relaxed environment.
Chief Executive Office
Sarah Deamer
CEO
Sarah Deamer wants to know how we most effectively raise consciousness and understanding to change behavior. She is passionate about evolving human culture in more sustainable directions. She cultivates space for thoughtful discussions and interactions that may facilitate greater leaps in our ability to adapt. Her ability to quantify the social impact Delta has is informed by her understanding of science as endorsed by a prior editor of Science, her Human Biology B.A. studies at Stanford, and her years of translational research at Berkeley.
Sarah brings together people passionate about conservation. Her scientific acumen and research capabilities guide our programs that are designed to share our best adaptive strategies, including our ability to think critically. How do we optimally share knowledge motivating behavioral evolution with everyone? How do we inspire as many crew members of Spaceship Earth as we possibly can reach to take up their station and engage our more sustainable world?
Sarah coordinates sustainability workshops, heads up the native and drought-resistant nursery, and leads teams responsible for the live music, art, and science we present at events. Sarah motivates our cultural evolution in every way she knows and is excited to learn new ways to take ever better care of our Earth and its wondrously diverse inhabitants.
Sarah brings together people passionate about conservation. Her scientific acumen and research capabilities guide our programs that are designed to share our best adaptive strategies, including our ability to think critically. How do we optimally share knowledge motivating behavioral evolution with everyone? How do we inspire as many crew members of Spaceship Earth as we possibly can reach to take up their station and engage our more sustainable world?
Sarah coordinates sustainability workshops, heads up the native and drought-resistant nursery, and leads teams responsible for the live music, art, and science we present at events. Sarah motivates our cultural evolution in every way she knows and is excited to learn new ways to take ever better care of our Earth and its wondrously diverse inhabitants.
Courage Ugbobor
Director of Development and Administrator
Courage Ugbobor is a versatile professional with a strong foundation as a Virtual Assistant, currently enhancing her skill set in UI design. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creative problem-solving, Courage is committed to delivering high-quality support and innovative design solutions. Her work is informed by her Christian faith, which inspires her to approach every task with integrity and dedication. A lover of nature, Courage draws inspiration from the natural world, incorporating its beauty and harmony into her design work. Her ability to blend technical expertise with a thoughtful, human-centered approach makes her a valuable asset to any team. Whether she’s managing projects, streamlining processes, or crafting user-friendly interfaces, Courage is driven by a desire to make a positive impact in everything she does.
Advisory Board
Meshack Nzioka
CEO, WakaAfrica.org
About WakaAfrica
We are an organization that champions sustainability by addressing climate change and mental health in Africa. We utilize research, innovation and community-based action to promote climate solutions that promote resilience, adaptation, and inclusion of the people of the Global South within the global sustainable development goals framework, with particular attention to climate and mental health spaces. We realize that the greatest perils to the current age affect the planet and its people; that is why we are at the heart of solving climate change and mental health distress.
Meet Meshack
Meshack Nzioka is a dedicated climate change and climate economics expert who believes in market liberalization and community empowerment through data inclusion of the under-represented markets in the Global South. Meshack holds a BSc in Economics and Statistics from Egerton University in Kenya. He advocates for equality in global custodianship and governance of Global Commons through partnerships and sustainability-engineered projects through the Waka Africa Organization (wakaafrica.org) based in Nairobi, Kenya. Together with his team, he has developed Waka Gram, gram.wakaafrica.org, an inclusive carbon credit marketplace that identifies, records, certifies, and connects community-led carbon credit and sustainability projects in the Global South with voluntary carbon credit markets in the Global North. Meshack believes that the future of the planet is tied to the wellbeing of the people too, and thus promotes Sustainable Mental Health solutions focusing on social network groups via #WakaSanity. He is a member of the Delta Rising Foundation Advisory Board, and an active member of its affiliate regenerative body, the Community Carbon, Water, Soil and Biodiversity Network.
We are an organization that champions sustainability by addressing climate change and mental health in Africa. We utilize research, innovation and community-based action to promote climate solutions that promote resilience, adaptation, and inclusion of the people of the Global South within the global sustainable development goals framework, with particular attention to climate and mental health spaces. We realize that the greatest perils to the current age affect the planet and its people; that is why we are at the heart of solving climate change and mental health distress.
Meet Meshack
Meshack Nzioka is a dedicated climate change and climate economics expert who believes in market liberalization and community empowerment through data inclusion of the under-represented markets in the Global South. Meshack holds a BSc in Economics and Statistics from Egerton University in Kenya. He advocates for equality in global custodianship and governance of Global Commons through partnerships and sustainability-engineered projects through the Waka Africa Organization (wakaafrica.org) based in Nairobi, Kenya. Together with his team, he has developed Waka Gram, gram.wakaafrica.org, an inclusive carbon credit marketplace that identifies, records, certifies, and connects community-led carbon credit and sustainability projects in the Global South with voluntary carbon credit markets in the Global North. Meshack believes that the future of the planet is tied to the wellbeing of the people too, and thus promotes Sustainable Mental Health solutions focusing on social network groups via #WakaSanity. He is a member of the Delta Rising Foundation Advisory Board, and an active member of its affiliate regenerative body, the Community Carbon, Water, Soil and Biodiversity Network.
John Perlin
Physics Department at UC Santa Barbara
John Perlin is the author of four books: A Golden Thread: 2500 Years of Solar Architecture and Technology ; A Forest Journey: A History of Trees and Civilization ; From Space to Earth: The Story of Solar Electricity ; and Let It Shine: The 6000-Year Story of Solar Energy. Perlin taught physics at University of California, Santa Barbara. He lives in Santa Barbara
Jatani Godana
NGO Daayaa
About Daayyaa
Daayyaa was founded by Jatani Bonaya Godana with the goal of empowering pastoralist communities in Africa. Seeing the challenges faced by these communities, particularly in terms of access to resources, education, and sustainable livelihoods, Godana established Daayyaa to provide tailored solutions for the unique socio-economic and environmental issues they encounter. Over time, Daayyaa has become a key advocate for the rights and well-being of pastoralists, promoting sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Meet Jatani
Jatani is a young Ethiopian instructor at Dilla University, Ethiopia. He holds multiple degrees (BSc & MSc in Water Supply and Sanitary Engineering, MSc in Project Management, Analysis, and Evaluation) and is actively involved in various initiatives. He’s from the Borana indigenous people, giant pastoralists of the Horn of Africa, and is a climate advocate in the region. Jatani is a YOUNGO and Global Youth Advisor for Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock member. He is the Founder and CEO of Daayyaa Generation Network. His work focuses on environmental defense, peace-building, and advocating for the inclusion of young people in decision-making. He has received recognition for his efforts, including an appreciation award from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He is an accomplished writer, having contributed three books that address various social issues and promote positive change. Jatani participates in different gatherings of leaders and changemakers from around the world, both in person and virtually, to discuss innovative solutions to critical global challenges, make bold commitments, and catalyze action for impactful change in nature conservation and sustainability. He has spoken at various forums and summits related to climate change and youth empowerment in Ethiopia, Turkey, Kenya, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Russia, and Germany in person.
Daayyaa was founded by Jatani Bonaya Godana with the goal of empowering pastoralist communities in Africa. Seeing the challenges faced by these communities, particularly in terms of access to resources, education, and sustainable livelihoods, Godana established Daayyaa to provide tailored solutions for the unique socio-economic and environmental issues they encounter. Over time, Daayyaa has become a key advocate for the rights and well-being of pastoralists, promoting sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Meet Jatani
Jatani is a young Ethiopian instructor at Dilla University, Ethiopia. He holds multiple degrees (BSc & MSc in Water Supply and Sanitary Engineering, MSc in Project Management, Analysis, and Evaluation) and is actively involved in various initiatives. He’s from the Borana indigenous people, giant pastoralists of the Horn of Africa, and is a climate advocate in the region. Jatani is a YOUNGO and Global Youth Advisor for Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock member. He is the Founder and CEO of Daayyaa Generation Network. His work focuses on environmental defense, peace-building, and advocating for the inclusion of young people in decision-making. He has received recognition for his efforts, including an appreciation award from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He is an accomplished writer, having contributed three books that address various social issues and promote positive change. Jatani participates in different gatherings of leaders and changemakers from around the world, both in person and virtually, to discuss innovative solutions to critical global challenges, make bold commitments, and catalyze action for impactful change in nature conservation and sustainability. He has spoken at various forums and summits related to climate change and youth empowerment in Ethiopia, Turkey, Kenya, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Russia, and Germany in person.
Chantal Beltran
Product Designer
Hello there, I am Chantal! I am a Product Designer, who is empathetic and passionate about using my skills to create products that not only produce greater user experiences but also promote great sustainable change in the world. I do the whole end-to-end process of bringing a product to life. Need user research done? I'm on it. Need to simplify user flows? Already done. Need your mobile app designed and prototyped? I'm your gal. Need your website developed? Easy. Bringing ideas from conception to something tangible is my specialty. Creating products that bring good to the world and creates impactful, sustainable change is my goal. 🌿
Shukri Ibrahim
Founder, Waata Development CBO
About Waata Development Community Based Organization (Waata CBO)
Waata Development Community Based Organization (Waata CBO) in Tana River, Kenya, is led by Shukri Ibrahim and works to uplift marginalized pastoralist communities, particularly the Waata people. Founded to address the socio-economic challenges facing these communities, the organization focuses on empowering women and youth, promoting education, and improving access to healthcare and clean water. Waata CBO's mission is to foster self-reliance and sustainable development through capacity-building initiatives. Its vision is a thriving, resilient community where all individuals can access basic services and opportunities. The organization also champions environmental conservation, aiming to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region's fragile ecosystem.
Meet Shukri
Shukri Ibrahim is a dedicated professional with a strong educational foundation in Information Science and extensive experience in community development. My academic background has equipped me with the technical skills to manage and analyze information effectively, while my hands-on experience in community development has allowed me to work closely with diverse groups to drive positive social change. Throughout my career, I have been committed to empowering communities by implementing projects that address their specific needs and fostering environments where everyone can thrive. My work in community development has involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including local governments, non-profits, and grassroots organizations, to create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life. My passion lies at the intersection of technology and community work, where I strive to use my knowledge of information systems to enhance the impact of community development initiatives. I believe in the power of data-driven decision-making and am dedicated to leveraging my skills to contribute meaningfully to any organization or project I am involved with.
Waata Development Community Based Organization (Waata CBO) in Tana River, Kenya, is led by Shukri Ibrahim and works to uplift marginalized pastoralist communities, particularly the Waata people. Founded to address the socio-economic challenges facing these communities, the organization focuses on empowering women and youth, promoting education, and improving access to healthcare and clean water. Waata CBO's mission is to foster self-reliance and sustainable development through capacity-building initiatives. Its vision is a thriving, resilient community where all individuals can access basic services and opportunities. The organization also champions environmental conservation, aiming to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region's fragile ecosystem.
Meet Shukri
Shukri Ibrahim is a dedicated professional with a strong educational foundation in Information Science and extensive experience in community development. My academic background has equipped me with the technical skills to manage and analyze information effectively, while my hands-on experience in community development has allowed me to work closely with diverse groups to drive positive social change. Throughout my career, I have been committed to empowering communities by implementing projects that address their specific needs and fostering environments where everyone can thrive. My work in community development has involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including local governments, non-profits, and grassroots organizations, to create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life. My passion lies at the intersection of technology and community work, where I strive to use my knowledge of information systems to enhance the impact of community development initiatives. I believe in the power of data-driven decision-making and am dedicated to leveraging my skills to contribute meaningfully to any organization or project I am involved with.
Obatobi Ayeni
Public Health Advocate
Obatobi Ayeni is a designer with over 2 years of professional experience working with startups and small businesses. I approach design from a multidisciplinary perspective and this enables me to apply multiple technical skills to problem-solving. I function effectively as a solo player. However, work is always more delightful in a competent team. I always aim to achieve world-class standards, and this mindset has an effect on my output. I'm currently a freelance Brand and Product designer and I have seen several clients experience revenue growth by as much as 50% in only a few months. When I'm not working or upskilling, you'll probably find me exploring the pages of a book! I'd love to work with you.
Joyce Irungu
Agriculture Specialist
About Marsabit Botanical Garden
Marsabit Botanical Garden is the first and one of its kind in Northern Kenya among IndigenousPastoralist Communities.The Garden was founded by Galgallo Roba Guyo who is a young Environmental Conservationist and now the Garden is owned and managed by Community. Marsabit Botanical Garden works with 14 Ethnic Communities living in Marsabit County,they include Borana, Gabra, Rendile, Samburu, Turkana, Dasnanch, Elmollo, Sakuye, Watta, Konso, Burji, Garre, Somali, Sidam and Corner Tribes.
Meet Joyce
Galgallo Roba Guyo is a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and community empowerment. As the founder and Director of Marsabit Botanical Garden, the first of its kind in Northern Kenya among Pastoralist Communities, he leads initiatives in various domains, including environmental conservation, climate change education and adaptation, ethno-botanical research, agroecology, and the documentation of traditional knowledge of herbal medicine and genetic resources.
Marsabit Botanical Garden is the first and one of its kind in Northern Kenya among IndigenousPastoralist Communities.The Garden was founded by Galgallo Roba Guyo who is a young Environmental Conservationist and now the Garden is owned and managed by Community. Marsabit Botanical Garden works with 14 Ethnic Communities living in Marsabit County,they include Borana, Gabra, Rendile, Samburu, Turkana, Dasnanch, Elmollo, Sakuye, Watta, Konso, Burji, Garre, Somali, Sidam and Corner Tribes.
Meet Joyce
Galgallo Roba Guyo is a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and community empowerment. As the founder and Director of Marsabit Botanical Garden, the first of its kind in Northern Kenya among Pastoralist Communities, he leads initiatives in various domains, including environmental conservation, climate change education and adaptation, ethno-botanical research, agroecology, and the documentation of traditional knowledge of herbal medicine and genetic resources.
Jorge Diaz
Founder, Escuela Koyam
About Escuela Koyam
Eco-Escuela, located in Chile and led by Jorge Alejandro Huichalaf Díaz, is an innovative educational initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living within local communities. Founded by Huichalaf Díaz, an indigenous Mapuche leader and environmental advocate, Eco-Escuela seeks to reconnect students with nature and teach them the importance of preserving their cultural heritage while protecting the environment. The school was created in response to the increasing environmental degradation in Chile, particularly in indigenous territories, and the need for an educational model that integrates both traditional knowledge and modern ecological practices. Through hands-on learning and community engagement, Eco-Escuela emphasizes sustainability, cultural preservation, and social responsibility.
Meet Jorge
Jorge Alejandro Huichalaf Díaz is a primary teacher and a Mapuche activist for the rights of Mother Earth. He holds a Master’s degree in Management, Planning, and Innovation of Educational Practice, and a Diploma in Human Rights. He is a community expert in the Rights of Nature, and a cooperative manager. He served as the President of the Cooperative of Savings and Credit Küme Mogen (First Endogenous Mapuche Bank from 2017 to 2021, Good Living). He has been a member of the Core group of Learn To Change (l2ch) in Hannover since 2015 and has served as the President of the Koyam Educational Corporation since 2018. Born in the city of Pitrufquén, Chile, on June 1, 1970, Jorge Huichalaf Díaz currently lives in his community in the Makewe commune sector of Padre las Casas, along with his three children and parents.
Eco-Escuela, located in Chile and led by Jorge Alejandro Huichalaf Díaz, is an innovative educational initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living within local communities. Founded by Huichalaf Díaz, an indigenous Mapuche leader and environmental advocate, Eco-Escuela seeks to reconnect students with nature and teach them the importance of preserving their cultural heritage while protecting the environment. The school was created in response to the increasing environmental degradation in Chile, particularly in indigenous territories, and the need for an educational model that integrates both traditional knowledge and modern ecological practices. Through hands-on learning and community engagement, Eco-Escuela emphasizes sustainability, cultural preservation, and social responsibility.
Meet Jorge
Jorge Alejandro Huichalaf Díaz is a primary teacher and a Mapuche activist for the rights of Mother Earth. He holds a Master’s degree in Management, Planning, and Innovation of Educational Practice, and a Diploma in Human Rights. He is a community expert in the Rights of Nature, and a cooperative manager. He served as the President of the Cooperative of Savings and Credit Küme Mogen (First Endogenous Mapuche Bank from 2017 to 2021, Good Living). He has been a member of the Core group of Learn To Change (l2ch) in Hannover since 2015 and has served as the President of the Koyam Educational Corporation since 2018. Born in the city of Pitrufquén, Chile, on June 1, 1970, Jorge Huichalaf Díaz currently lives in his community in the Makewe commune sector of Padre las Casas, along with his three children and parents.
Paul Lekapana
Current Chairperson, HUGAFO-K
About The Hunter Gatherer Community Forum Kenya (HUGAFO-K)
The Hunter Gatherer Community Forum Kenya (HUGAFO-K), established in 2019, stands as a crucial platform for the advocacy and empowerment of Hunter Gatherer (HG) communities in Kenya. This forum serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse marginalized HG groups to amplify their collective voice within Kenya's complex socio-political landscape. HUGAFO-K is dedicated to a multifaceted approach, focusing on strengthening leadership capacities, advocating for human rights, and addressing the intricate social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by these communities. The organization's inception was driven by the recognition of prolonged social and economic discrimination faced by HG communities, which has historically hindered their ability to effectively advocate for their rights. HUGAFO-K aims to bridge this gap by providing a robust platform for advocacy, capacity building, research, and documentation, with the ultimate goal of reducing marginalization and improving the overall well being of its member communities.
Vision :
An empowered and united Hunter Gatherer Community.
Mission :
Empowering Hunter Gatherer communities through advocacy, training, learning, and linkages.
The Hunter Gatherer Community Forum Kenya (HUGAFO-K), established in 2019, stands as a crucial platform for the advocacy and empowerment of Hunter Gatherer (HG) communities in Kenya. This forum serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse marginalized HG groups to amplify their collective voice within Kenya's complex socio-political landscape. HUGAFO-K is dedicated to a multifaceted approach, focusing on strengthening leadership capacities, advocating for human rights, and addressing the intricate social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by these communities. The organization's inception was driven by the recognition of prolonged social and economic discrimination faced by HG communities, which has historically hindered their ability to effectively advocate for their rights. HUGAFO-K aims to bridge this gap by providing a robust platform for advocacy, capacity building, research, and documentation, with the ultimate goal of reducing marginalization and improving the overall well being of its member communities.
Vision :
An empowered and united Hunter Gatherer Community.
Mission :
Empowering Hunter Gatherer communities through advocacy, training, learning, and linkages.
Juliana Kageni
Indigenous Young Moms Organization
I am Juliana Kageni Loshiro, a P1 graduate at Igoji Teacher's College, a manager at Indigenous young moms community based organisation, a teacher at Center of Hope for Revitalization of the Yaaku language. I am a passionate advocate and the sole fluent speaker of the Yaaku language among the younger generation. My efforts are dedicated to the revival and preservation of this endangered language, a vital component of the cultural heritage of the yaaku people. I have taken this critical role of safeguarding the language as I recognize the profound connections between language and culture, so as to pass this knowledge of our ancestors to future generations. I am also a dedicated person in advancing the rights and wellbeing of indigenous and hunters and gatherer communities. My work also spans around climate resilience, agroecology, food security and women empowerment. My commitment to cultural preservation is evident through my efforts to revitalize our endangered language and culture, which is at the risk of disappearing. I believe that this language is a vital carrier of traditional knowledge and wisdom essential for sustaining community identity and heritage. In my work on climate resilience, I am focused on equipping indigenous communities in tools and knowledge needed to adapt to climate change. My approach to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices to create sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
Sustainability Design & Engineering Team
Development Team
Courage Ugbobor
Director of Development and Administrator
Courage Ugbobor is a versatile professional with a strong foundation as a Virtual Assistant, currently enhancing her skill set in UI design. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creative problem-solving, Courage is committed to delivering high-quality support and innovative design solutions. Her work is informed by her Christian faith, which inspires her to approach every task with integrity and dedication. A lover of nature, Courage draws inspiration from the natural world, incorporating its beauty and harmony into her design work. Her ability to blend technical expertise with a thoughtful, human-centered approach makes her a valuable asset to any team. Whether she’s managing projects, streamlining processes, or crafting user-friendly interfaces, Courage is driven by a desire to make a positive impact in everything she does.
Dari Tserendagva
Director of Operations, Director of Volunteers
I am the Operations Director at Delta Rising Foundation and a member of its development team. With expertise in operations and management, she leads teams, enhances workflows, and drives impactful initiatives. She holds a master’s degree from GWU and is currently working on an AI-driven project from Mongolia. Passionate about problem-solving and collaboration, she is dedicated to creating meaningful change through innovation and strategic leadership.
S. Guille Rayala
Associate Director of Development
S.Guille (Ga-yel) is a seasoned multi-racial leader who is passionate about building strong community relationships, fostering team collaboration, and exceeding organizational goals. He has a proven track (Fecord of driving growth through strategic planning, operational excellence, and tech-driven solutions. He is a dedicated advocate for sustainability, actively participating in community initiatives and thrives on seeing the spark of environmental stewardship in the eyes of the youth. He excels at blending technical expertise with strong client engagement skills, delivering impactful programs across social media, project management, and client operations. His experience spans diverse industries, from ad sales and software implementation to fulfillment and event management, allowing honed skills to adapt and expand in dynamic environments. Most recently, he is the CSO of CogPit Design, Director of Customer Success Operations at Sellstack/Fractionl and the Senior Community Development Lead at various local non-profits: Renaissance Women's Business Center, Acrosports and Junior League of San Francisco. He is an avid mountain backpacker and a self-described Nemophilist_(forest lover).
Dr. Koppula Prawan
Associate Director of Development
Dr Prawan Koppula is the Associate Director of Development at Delta Rising Foundation, where he plays a crucial role in fostering strategic partnerships and securing funding to drive the foundation's mission. Holding a PhD in Botany, Dr Prawan Koppula brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and development acumen to the team, driving innovative solutions and growth initiatives.
Administrative Team
Ifeoluwa Odunuga
Administrative Associate
Ifeoluwa Odunuga is a dedicated and detail-oriented Virtual Administrative Assistant at Delta Rising Foundation. With over four years of experience supporting executives and managing organizational workflows, she brings a calm, efficient, and solutions-focused presence to the team. Passionate about service and social impact, Ifeoluwa seamlessly blends administrative expertise with a deep commitment to meaningful causes. Her role at Delta Rising involves coordinating schedules, managing internal communications, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations to help the Foundation stay mission-driven and people-focused. Outside her work at Delta Rising, Ifeoluwa is a penultimate-year law student at the University of Lagos, where she is actively involved in legal advocacy for women and children. She currently serves as the Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, University of Lagos Chapter, and the Assistant General Secretary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Yaba Local Branch. Ifeoluwa’s drive is rooted in purpose—supporting vulnerable communities, empowering youth, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives through every task she handles.
Christine Mbuthia
Media Team Administrator
I am a detail-oriented professional with a background in administration, accounting, and finance, now applying my skills in Delta’s Media and Analytics team. I bring a unique blend of organizational expertise, data analysis, and creative problem-solving to my work, ensuring projects are both accurate and impactful. I thrive on learning new systems, uncovering insights from data, and supporting team goals with efficiency and precision.
Operations & Business Analytics Team
Henry Obi
Salesforce Administrator
I am a Protagonist who values action, integrity, and excellence in every endeavor. Passionate about Salesforce, I am driven by continuous learning and innovation. Outside of work, I find joy and relaxation in running and aerobic exercises, which keep me energized and focused.
Yuhan Min
API Programmer
Hi, I’m Yuhan. I am currently part of the RFP scraping team. In this role, I help collect and organize public Requests for Proposals, which are opportunities for funding or collaboration, so the foundation can more easily find and act on them. I’m excited to contribute to Delta Rising Foundation’s mission and support its ongoing projects.
Jahnvi Sheth
Product Specialist
WordPress/Analytics Consultants
Raj Damania
Full Stack Programmer, Media Strategist
Raj Damania is a full-stack developer with expertise in WordPress, Laravel, React, PHP, and JavaScript. He specializes in building high-performance websites, e-commerce platforms, and SaaS applications with a focus on UI/UX, SEO, and scalability. As an entrepreneur, Raj manages multiple ventures, including a BPO agency, digital marketing firm, and e-commerce businesses. His ability to blend development with business strategy helps brands establish a strong online presence and drive growth.
Media Team
Courage Ugbobor
Director of Development and Administrator
Courage Ugbobor is a versatile professional with a strong foundation as a Virtual Assistant, currently enhancing her skill set in UI design. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creative problem-solving, Courage is committed to delivering high-quality support and innovative design solutions. Her work is informed by her Christian faith, which inspires her to approach every task with integrity and dedication. A lover of nature, Courage draws inspiration from the natural world, incorporating its beauty and harmony into her design work. Her ability to blend technical expertise with a thoughtful, human-centered approach makes her a valuable asset to any team. Whether she’s managing projects, streamlining processes, or crafting user-friendly interfaces, Courage is driven by a desire to make a positive impact in everything she does.
Christine Mbuthia
Media Team Administrator
I am a detail-oriented professional with a background in administration, accounting, and finance, now applying my skills in Delta’s Media and Analytics team. I bring a unique blend of organizational expertise, data analysis, and creative problem-solving to my work, ensuring projects are both accurate and impactful. I thrive on learning new systems, uncovering insights from data, and supporting team goals with efficiency and precision.
Elif Kantaş
Copywriter, Interim Social Media Manage, HR
I am a passionate copywriter and social media manager with a deep love for working in my field. Beyond my professional work, I am committed to making a positive impact by volunteering and advocating for the protection of nature. I believe in using my skills to inspire change and contribute to a sustainable, greener future for generations to come. When I'm not crafting compelling content, you can find me exploring the outdoors, supporting environmental causes, or dreaming up ways to make the world a better place.
Casey Carver
Graphic Designer
Casey Carver
Graphic Designer
Max Mendoza
Copywriter, Interim Social Media Manage, HR
I am an aspiring film editor who wants to make videos that really make a difference in the world. I grew up in Los Angeles where I learned my passion in video production. I am hard-working and always up for anything that tests my skills. I am also very adaptable when it comes to working in a group.
AI Team
Ritunjay Murali
Full-Stack AI Programmer
Full-stack developer and AI engineer with an MS from UC Riverside, creating innovative solutions at the intersection of web technologies and artificial intelligence. Led the development of a pioneering Starlink satellite analysis system and advanced blockchain security tools, with published research in IEEE. Dedicated to building sophisticated, high-performance applications that push the boundaries of technology.
Aman Gulati
Full-Stack Programmer
As a Computer Science student at The University of Texas at Arlington, I am focused on mastering software engineering with a specialization in Android development and object-oriented programming. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on projects, I have honed my skills in Python and developed a strong foundation for creating innovative, user-centric software solutions. My passion lies in building scalable applications that solve real-world problems while continuously improving through collaboration and learning. I am now seeking an internship opportunity to apply my technical expertise, contribute to impactful projects, and further refine my skills in a dynamic, professional environment.
Yuhan Min
Data Engineer
Hi, I’m Yuhan. I am currently part of the RFP scraping team. In this role, I help collect and organize public Requests for Proposals, which are opportunities for funding or collaboration, so the foundation can more easily find and act on them. I’m excited to contribute to Delta Rising Foundation’s mission and support its ongoing projects.
Vedant Paithane
Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer
Vedant Paithane is a Machine Learning Engineer with a strong foundation in artificial intelligence, data science, and large-scale ML systems. He holds a Master’s degree in Data Science and has applied his expertise across domains including generative AI, multimodal learning, and cloud-based ML infrastructure. Vedant has hands-on experience building and deploying production-grade ML systems, with proficiency in PyTorch, TensorFlow, XGBoost, Spark, and orchestration tools like Kubeflow and Docker. He specializes in designing distributed training workflows, optimizing ML pipelines, and developing generative models, including diffusion and transformer-based architectures. His work spans across LLMs, multimodal reasoning (text, image, and audio), and applications in decision-making, climate-tech, and enterprise-scale systems.
Yulong Quan
Data Analyst
Yulong Quan is a data analyst who lives by the mantra “defining the problem is the problem.” He specializes in risk investigation and excels at transforming complex, ambiguous datasets into clear and actionable insights. Proficient in SQL, Python, and Excel, he applies advanced analytical techniques to uncover hidden risks and guide informed decision-making. Driven by curiosity and a passion for clarity, he seeks to turn data into narratives that help organizations anticipate challenges and build more resilient futures.
Mayank Sharma
Data Engineer
Mayank Sharma is a Data Analyst with expertise in data analysis, visualization, and data engineering. Skilled in SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI, and AWS, he has automated ETL workflows, built interactive dashboards, and delivered insights that drive decision-making. His projects include cancer mortality insights, music recommendation systems, and sales forecasting, reflecting both technical depth and clear data storytelling. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from New York University.
Derek Huang
Data Scientist
Hi, I'm Derek, a Data Scientist the Delta Rising Foundation. I enjoy finding ways how data can be used to solve problems and support projects with direct benefit to communities. I also enjoy learning from the people I work with as well as the communities we're assisting. In my free time when I am not working, I like to spend time outdoors, being active, and exploring new places to eat.
Lucas Kugel
Machine Learning Engineer
I’m Lucas, a fourth year Electrical Engineering student at UC San Diego, specializing in Machine Learning with a minor in Cognitive Science. I’m part of the Redwood AI Team at Delta Rising Foundation, where I apply data science and machine learning to model carbon sequestration in redwood forests. I’m passionate about building intelligent systems that connect data, hardware, and human insight, and I strive to advance forest conservation and fight against climate change through AI solutions.
Manasa Jami
Data Scientist, AI/ML Developer
I’m a Data Scientist and AI/ML Developer with over 3.5 years of experience building intelligent data-driven systems that combine data science, machine learning, and scalable engineering. My work blends deep learning, computer vision, NLP, and big data pipelines to solve real-world problems with impact. I’m passionate about advancing human-centric, privacy-aware, and scalable AI solutions. My goal is to continue building systems where data science research meets practical engineering, delivering insights and automation that create real business and social value.
Sirong Li
Data Specialist
I have strong skills in writing clean, reliable, and user-centric code. I enjoy building tools from scratch — whether it’s designing R packages, writing automation scripts for data pipelines, or implementing complex statistical models with reproducible workflows. I have a clear, logical approach to coding: I focus on clean function design, modular structure, and long-term usability, especially for research and public data projects. I care deeply about creating solutions that are not only accurate, but also understandable and actionable. I work well in collaborative teams, and I’m always looking to learn, improve systems, and apply my skills to teams like the Delta Rising Foundation that create real social or scientific impact.
Rachel Li
Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer
I'm a UBC Master of Data Science graduate currently working as a Prompt Engineer in the AI industry. As a passionate believer in AI's transformative potential, I love leveraging data, machine learning, and AI to solve real-world problems and create innovative solutions. I made the leap from finance to tech because I saw greater opportunities to drive meaningful impact. What excites me most? Building things from zero to one!
Sai Srichandra Ravuri
Machine Learning Engineer
I am Sai Srichandra Ravuri, a Machine Learning Engineer and recent MSCS graduate from Rutgers University. With a strong foundation in deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and generative AI, I’ve worked on research spanning spatiotemporal diffusion models and uncertainty estimation in transformers. Previously at Deloitte, I built scalable ML pipelines and forecasting systems that improved business decision-making. Skilled in Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and PySpark, I’m passionate about applying AI research to solve real-world problems and create meaningful impact.
Anish Vempaty
Data Analyst, Engineer
I recently completed my Master’s in Cybersecurity at NYU Tandon. My background is in cybersecurity and data engineering, with experience in cloud systems, secure workflows, and data analysis. At Delta, I’m working on the Sequoia carbon sequestration project, focusing on literature review, data handling, and model validation. I’m interested in applying my technical skills to environmental research and interdisciplinary projects.
Jesus Morales Villar
Software Engineer
Hi! I’m Jesús Morales Villar, and I’m a recent Software Engineering graduate. Outside of school, I have one year of hands-on experience in full-stack development through internships and volunteer work. I specialize in designing and building scalable web and mobile applications with modern JavaScript frameworks and libraries such as Node.js, Express, and React. When I’m not coding, you can usually find me out in nature, hiking, playing music, or working on DIY personal projects, which fuel my creativity and problem-solving mindset.
Delta Artists
Accounting Team
Nikitha Reddy Challa
Lead Accountant
I am a dedicated and driven master's student currently pursuing a Master's in Accountancy while working towards becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With a strong academic foundation, holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and has successfully completed the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Intermediate level.Boasting a solid professional background, has accumulated 3 years of hands-on experience through articleship, gaining in-depth knowledge of auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. Additionally has 2 years of experience as an Audit Assistant, further honing skills in risk assessment, compliance, and financial analysis. Combining academic excellence with practical expertise, I’m passionate about advancing in the field of accountancy and contributing to the financial integrity and success of organizations.
Jackie Opata
Accountant
Jackie is a results driven finance and project management professional and has a deep commitment to the not for profit sector. With a Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing and Supplies Management and CPA , she has extensive experience in auditing, financial administration, and managing donor funded projects . Her expertise in grants management, internal controls, and compliance has contributed efficiency and accountability to not for profit organizations.With virtual administrative expertise in executive support, she combines her background with her interest in driving systemic solutions for environmental and cultural sustainability.
