Our people

Sandra Muchekeza is a dedicated and passionate leader committed to serving marginalized communities in Edmonton. Originally from Kenya, she pursued her Bachelors studies in Psychology in Australia before relocating to Toronto, Canada, where she began her career in International Development, first as an intern in Tanzania and holding various positions in organizations working to address global issues. Over the years, Sandra’s professional journey has evolved, focusing on managing programs, projects, and enhancing systems and processes within the social profit sector.

In her most recent role as Director of Program Development and Accountability at Africa Centre, the largest Black-serving organization in Western Canada, Sandra spearheaded various programs and initiatives aligning with the organization’s strategic objectives. Notably, she led the implementation of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) program, funded by the Government of Canada, aimed at empowering grassroots not-for-profit organizations serving Black communities across Canada.

Before her tenure at Africa Centre, Sandra served as the Executive Director of the Council of Canadians of African and Caribbean Heritage (CCACH). Here, she worked tirelessly to expand the organization’s programs, bolster its fundraising efforts, and establish a strong community presence within Edmonton.

Additionally, Sandra contributed her expertise to the Canada Black Justice Strategy as a Steering Group member. This Government of Canada initiative tasked her with providing recommendations and developing a framework for consultations with Black communities across Canada, crucial for shaping the strategy and addressing their experiences with the criminal justice system.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Sandra finds joy in spending quality time with her family, exploring her passion for photography, indulging in literature, and experimenting with new culinary creations.

Jetske Duintjer has worked as project coordinator/program manager in international development and humanitarian assistance with organizations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), Oxfam-Quebec, Canada World Youth and the European Union. She managed a variety of development projects and emergency health care interventions in Peru, El Salvador, Angola, Mozambique, Indonesia and Colombia. In Canada, as Program Manager of Netcorps Canada International, she steered a Coalition of 9 Canadian NGOs building capacity in Information and Technology (IT) of local partner organizations in South- and Central America, Africa and the Middle East. In her last position as National Association Manager with Doctors Without Borders Canada, working closely with the Board of Directors she established the Association Unit fostering an engaged, dynamic and well-informed membership community equipped to raise awareness on global issues and to guide the future direction of the organization.

Upon delivery of her final thesis on ‘Empowering Women & Poverty Alleviation’, Jetske obtained a masters degree in International Relations.

I am committed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). I’m passionate about literacy (language and other) equality, as well as the importance of providing education around the world that is equal, accessible, and sustainable. I am committed to the global movement for gender equity, and believe in the vitality of safe and equal spaces/rights for people of all gender identities, sexualities, orientations, etc.

As Communications Lead, my primary responsibility at ACGC is to manage the organization’s digital content, including spreading the word about our many programs, opportunities, and updates, as well as working with the rest of ACGC’s team to help design and execute our annual programming. I have a Bachelor of Professional Communication from Grant MacEwan University, and a rich history of experience in the communications field and the not-for-profit sector.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family/friends and my community, and volunteering with various organizations in my spare time.

I am committed to SDG 4 (Quality Education), because it serves as the basis for achievement of the remaining SDGs, such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality). I am also strongly committed to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) to work together to promote and preserve our shared human experiences across time and space.

Prior to joining ACGC, I held various research roles related to sustainable climate technology, cultural heritage preservation and development and intercultural communication within Canada. I am a certified ESL teacher, having taught and volunteered with the Lebanese Red Cross and various NGOs in the Middle East. I continue to explore how cultural heritage can be integrated into international development projects, and mobilized to promote peace in post-conflict societies.

I hold an HBA in Psychology from the University of Alberta and an MA in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations and Diaspora and Transnational Studies from the University of Toronto.

I am committed to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Ensuring just wages, fair labour practices, and opportunities inclusive of gender identity strengthens collective voice and unites communities for further sustainable change. In the same way, I also am committed to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goal) as I believe meaningful change and development can only occur through cooperation and collective engagement.

As the Communications and Monitoring & Evaluation Lead with Spur Change, my role entails spreading the word about our opportunities, and ensuring all our data is well organized so that we can assess and learn as we progress through Spur’s programming window.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature and English from the University of Alberta with a Certificate in Translation Studies. All that being said, I look forward to working with the Spur team and our partners in promoting global citizenship and sustainable development.

I am committed to SDG 1 (No Poverty). Poverty, to me, means the difference between short term thinking and long term goals. Only when an individual’s basic needs are secure, can one move on to long term considerations, meaning access to choice and opportunity in the pursuit of happiness. Then we may all truly aspire to be the best version of ourselves. Other SDG’s that resonate strongly with me are SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

I am committed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). I believe that the two are
inextricably linked as only through a greater awareness and education about food systems and global
agriculture can we ensure that everyone is fed. Importantly, this includes promoting sustainable and
regenerative agricultural methods, as well as learning from Indigenous leaders around the world on
their ancestral agricultural practices. As project officer for Spur Change, I ensure all the boxes are ticked
and the work flows without setbacks.

Prior to joining Spur Change, I had recently completed my MSc in Capacity Development and Agricultural
Extension. My research focused on the decolonisation of international agricultural development through
the active integration of local voices and practices. When I am not advocating for social change, I enjoy
escaping into nature for a hike or climb, or working with my hands on a carpentry project or motorcycle
maintenance.

I am committed to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) because people of all genders must be safe, heard, and active in order to build thriving communities. Inclusivity promotes health and wellbeing, which then further fosters good community, creating a sustainable cycle. Gender Equality is a win for everyone! I am also passionate about SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) because there is a critical need to address world hunger as millions of people go hungry every day. I am always interested in seeing what roles science and technology play in potential solutions.

I have a degree in Psychology and International Studies from the University of Alberta. International development has always been near to my heart, and I had the opportunity to intern with two NGOs in Fiji as part of the Certificate in International Learning. Outside of work, I am an equally big fan of volunteering with children and all things Marvel Studios.

I am committed to SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 5 – Gender Equality. I believe that providing a quality education to young people is key to developing a democratic society. A quality education helps youth, women, marginalized groups and people in general, become more aware of their rights, be more inclined to claim them and  become more confident in their leadership abilities.

Educating girls and women helps build stronger families and communities and contributes to their economic growth.

Providing girls with an education has important economic impacts that can help achieve both SDG 1 – No poverty and SDG 8 – Reduced inequalities. By investing in education for girls, it is possible to help families who live in poverty send their girls to school, increasing their future job prospects and growing their economic outcomes, which can end vicious circles of poverty.

When girls attend school, there is a better chance to achieve SDG 3 – Health and well-being. When girls go to school, they are better informed about health issues. In a (post) pandemic era, it will be important for girls and women to be informed of the risks related to health to make the best decisions for their family and community.

Prior to taking the role of Spur Change’s Learning Coordinator, I was an Education Specialist at Equitas for a project on gender equality in Haïti. I am also a trained ESL teacher and I have taught for a few years both in Quebec and abroad.

Needless to say, that for me education is not only essential, but it’s fun!