Who We Are
HOPE Academy provides girls in Kenya with technology education and career-ready skills in computer hardware, operating systems, and programming, opening doors to opportunity and economic independence.
Simon H. Okoth, Ph.D., U.S. - Kenya Liaison and H.O.P.E Director
Dr. Okoth, also an LGGS founding member, serves as a director and liaison for the computer literacy project at H.O.P.E. An academic and administrator by background, Dr. Okoth is a political science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who previously served as Small Enterprise Development and IT program director with U.S. Peace Corps Kenya office, exchange program specialist with the American Embassy Nairobi, coordinator of executive master’s in public administration at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, and director of graduate studies in the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Okoth is also a founding member of Kenya-based Disaster-Free Communities Network that focuses on community climate change mitigation activities and management of a regional disaster occurrence and loss database.
Elizabeth Olweya Okoth, Ph.D., U.S - Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Dr. Elizabeth Olweya Okoth is a seasoned Examination Specialist with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in Washington, D.C. and previously held roles at Bank of America and the Central Bank of Kenya. She earned her Doctor of Business Administration from California Southern University, where she was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society for academic excellence. She is also the cofounder of Liza’s Girls Geek Squad, a nonprofit based in Leesburg, Virginia, which supports Kenya Hope Academy in Kenya. The academy empowers girls from low-income backgrounds by offering free computer training in programming and practical trade skills, expanding educational and mentorship opportunities for marginalized girls. In recognition of her humanitarian work, Dr. Okoth received the FDIC Nancy K. Rector Public Service Award in 2022 for her outstanding service and community impact.
Sandra Macias, Director
Diana Kimondo, Director of Technology & Digital Strategy
Diana Kimondo, is an IT professional who approaches technology with a unique dual lens, blending a deep commitment to community advocacy with an advanced technical toolkit. She began her career in behavioral science, earning a Bachelor of Science from George Mason University and co-authoring published research in American Psychological Science, while simultaneously dedicating herself to service work from Jamaica to leading and founding local youth leadership initiatives in Virginia. Diana later expanded her skill set into digital infrastructure by completing an intensive cybersecurity certificate program at George Washington University. Driven by a passion for cross-functional leadership, she bridges these worlds outside of her primary professional endeavors to support web design for the Hope organization.
Margarita (Rita) Hanning, Financial Advisor
Margarita (Rita) Hanning has dedicated the past 17 years to public service with the FDIC, where she specialized in bank examination and supervision policy. Rita worked closely with financial institutions to promote safety and soundness within the banking system, assessed risk management practices, and contributed to the development and implementation of the supervisory policy.
Throughout her tenure, Rita has developed deep expertise in financial analysis, governance oversight, and institutional risk assessment. Their work requires strong analytical judgement, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environment.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Rita is actively involved in local community, serving in school’s PTA and supporting initiatives that strengthen educational initiatives and family involvement. She is passionate about community development, accountability, and organizational leadership.
Additional Contributors
Web Design
-Simon “Jesse” Okoth
-Diana W. Kimondo
Photography
-Simon “Jesse” Okoth
Kenya H.O.P.E Academy
HOPE Academy and College is funded by Liza’s Girls Geek Squad, a nonprofit 501(c)3 registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States.