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

Corporate Secretary, Ph.D. Environmental Sciences

David Pennise

Corporate Secretary, Ph.D. Environmental Sciences

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/

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 and Full-Stack Programmer

Jimmi Hagen

CTO and Full-Stack Programmer

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

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.

Jackie Opata

Special Projects

Jackie Opata

Special Projects

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.

Courage Ugbobor

Director of Development and Administrator

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

Chip Patullo

Building Energy Efficiency Expert, LEED, etc.

Meshack Nzioka

CEO, WakaAfrica.org

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.

John Perlin

Physics Department at UC Santa Barbara

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

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.

Obatobi Ayeni

Graphic Designer

Samuel Omojola

Physics Department at UC Santa Barbara

Liaquat Hussein

Regenerative Agriculture Soil Specialist

Chantal Beltran

Product Designer

Shukri Ibrahim

Founder, Waata Development CBO

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.

Obe Feranmi

UIUX Designer

Joyce Irungu

Agriculture Specialist

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.

Jorge Diaz

Founder, Escuela Koyam

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.

Paul Lekapana

Current Chairperson, HUGAFO-K

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.

Juliana Kageni

Indigenous Young Moms Organization

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.

Tatu Leppanen

Phd, Researcher

Development Team

Courage Ugbobor

Director of Development and Administrator

Courage Ugbobor

Director of Development and Administrator

Dari Tserendagva

Director of Development

Dari Tserendagva

Director of Development

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.

Uyen Bui

Associate Director of Development

Uyen Bui

Associate Director of Development

As an aspiring accountant with a strong foundation in finance and accounting, I bring experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. I have worked in various roles, from assisting in financial statement preparation to conducting ESG analysis and mentoring students. My technical skills include Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, SQL, and Oracle NetSuite, and I am fluent in both Vietnamese and English. Currently pursuing my M.S. in Accounting at Loyola Marymount University, I am CPA-eligible by 2026 and eager to contribute my analytical and problem-solving abilities to a dynamic financial environment.

S. Guille Rayala

Associate Director of Development

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

Director of Development

Dr. Koppula Prawan

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.

Mawusi Arnong

Grant Writer, MSE Environmental Engineering

Mawusi Arnong

Grant Writer, MSE Environmental Engineering

Experienced Project Manager, Researcher, and Environmental Scientist with a global track record in EU-funded projects, agribusiness, and sustainability. I have led a €10M ecological restoration at SPAQuE and engaged stakeholders across Ghana, France, the US, and Belgium. Skilled in project planning, strategic partnerships, and grant applications, I thrive in dynamic environments. Fluent in English and proficient in French, I am passionate about clean energy and circular economy solutions.

Elif Kantas

Grant Writer

Elif Kantas

Grant Writer

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.

Kimika Rhone

Grant Writer

Blessing Igbarese

Administrative Assistant

Blessing Igbarese

Administrative Assistant

I’m a Virtual Assistant skilled in administrative support, email management, and organization. I help businesses stay efficient by managing tasks and streamlining workflows. With a strong interest in technology and business, I’m always looking for new opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact.

Ifeoluwa Odunuga

Administrative Assistant

Ifeoluwa Odunuga

Administrative Assistant

I am a results-driven professional with a strong track record in lead generation, sales enablement, and marketing strategy. I have consistently exceeded lead generation targets by 30%, contributing to significant revenue growth. With experience in email marketing, LinkedIn outreach, and cold calling, I have successfully generated and seamlessly handed off 4,000+ qualified leads. Skilled in data analysis, segmentation, and campaign development, I collaborate with teams to drive high-quality conversions. Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Asana, Trello, and Slack, I thrive in remote, fast-paced environments and excel at managing workflows across different time zones.

Programming Team

Raj Damania

Full Stack Developer & Digital Strategies

Janhvi Guha

Lead, Full-Stack AI Programmer

Janhvi Guha

Lead, Full-Stack AI Programmer

My background combines data-driven decision-making, business analytics, and strategic problem-solving to drive impact. I am eager to apply my skills in analytics, strategy, and product management to support Delta’s initiatives. Whether through research, operations, or strategy, I would love the opportunity to contribute to your work and explore how I can best add value to your team.

Aman Gulati

Lead, Full-Stack Programmer

Aman Gulati

Lead, 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.

Uma Gaekwad

Project Manager, Scrum Master

Uma Gaekwad

Project Manager, Scrum Master

I am very grateful to work with delta rising foundation as a project manager /scrum master as I’m passionate about driving projects through their lifecycle to ensure successful completion. As a dedicated Project Manager, I focus on optimizing operations and enhancing cross-functional collaboration. With a strong background in stakeholder,project management and process improvement across various industries, I’m also a Certified Scrum Master committed to driving efficiency and innovation. I love delivering high-quality results, enhancing customer satisfaction, and improving organizational effectiveness. Feel free to reach out at uma.gaekwad@deltarisingfoundation.org with any thoughts, comments, or questions. Thank you.

Aureliano Maximus

Full-Stack Programmer, AI

Aureliano Maximus

Full-Stack Programmer, AI

I am an AI Full-Stack Developer with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Kansas. I have experience developing machine learning applications, integrating LLM AI, and optimizing bioinformatics microservices. With a strong background in React, Node.js, and cloud technologies, I focus on building scalable, data-driven solutions. Passionate about AI, I enjoy working on innovative projects that enhance predictive analytics and automation.

Ritunjay Murali

Full-Stack Programmer, AI

Ritunjay Murali

Full-Stack Programmer, AI

A 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.

Liaquat Hussein

Regenerative Agriculture Soil Specialist

Chantal Beltran

Product Designer

Shukri Ibrahim

Founder, Waata Development CBO

Shukri Ibrahim

Founder, Waata Development CBO

Obe Feranmi

UIUX Designer

Joyce Irungu

Agriculture Specialist

Joyce Irungu

Agriculture Specialist

Jorge Diaz

Founder, Escuela Koyam

Jorge Diaz

Founder, Escuela Koyam

Paul Lekapana

Current Chairperson, HUGAFO-K

Paul Lekapana

Current Chairperson, HUGAFO-K

Juliana Kageni

Indigenous Young Moms Organization

Juliana Kageni

Indigenous Young Moms Organization

Tatu Leppanen

Phd, Researcher

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

Chief Executive Office

Advisory Board

Chip Patullo

Obatobi Ayeni

Samuel Omojola

Liaquat Hussein

Chantal Beltran

Obe Feranmi

Tatu Leppanen

Development Team

Kimika Rhone

Programming Team

Raj Damania

Liaquat Hussein

Chantal Beltran

Obe Feranmi

Tatu Leppanen

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