Hope for the future,
built together
“Tumaini La Maisha” translates to “Hope For the Future” in Swahili. We are a community-based organization dedicated to strengthening women and girls’ health, education, and economic dignity across Western Kenya.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Rooted in grassroots empathy and driven by measurable, sustainable community transformation.
Our Mission
To strengthen women and girls’ health, education, and economic security through direct financial assistance, mentorship, and community-designed programs in Western Kenya — especially prioritizing families living on less than a dollar a day.
Our Vision
A Western Kenya where every girl finishes her education, every mother achieves financial sovereignty, and no child is held back by the systemic barriers of poverty or gender disparity.
Our Approach
100% community-led and integrated. We don't deliver isolated charity; we provide comprehensive support: scholarships, vocational tools, menstrual health dignity, and savings groups simultaneously.
Two Decades of Community Dedication
Tumaini La Maisha CBO (TLM) is led by Executive Director & Co-Founder Phoebe D. Ekman, along with her international team, family, and community across Kenya, the U.S., and Canada.
Phoebe was inspired to launch TLM in 2021 alongside her husband, retired navy veteran and co-founder Todd Ekman, after almost 20 years of developing grassroots communities in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya in collaboration with international NGOs such as the Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI), WomenStrong International, LitWorld, and Global G.L.O.W.
Phoebe’s passion is rooted in lived experience. Growing up in Kenya in the 80’s and 90’s, she experienced firsthand the cultural barriers that disproportionately impact young girls and hold back entire communities.
Thanks to Phoebe’s relentless dedication and community partnership, over 234 girls have successfully transitioned to universities and colleges since 2014, and thousands more have gained the tools to lead resilient, independent lives.
In the business of
serving people
We believe that true development is not measured by infrastructure alone, but by the dignity and resilience of the people behind it. Every scholarship we coordinate, health camp we support, and trade we teach is designed to foster independence, self-worth, and a sustainable path forward.
We guarantee a 100% impact model
Every shilling you donate goes directly to funding our community programs. Our administrative and operational costs are raised separately through dedicated corporate partners and private patrons.
The People Behind the Hope
Our team is the heart of everything we do, bringing together local expertise and international support. Get acquainted with the people powering hope in Western Kenya.
Todd & Phoebe Ekman
Co-Founders
Having worked in various organizations in the past that were aligned to sustainable projects, Phoebe embarked on a more inclusive project that would enable the community to come together and make decisions on their own that would impact their livelihoods and provide sustainable ways of daily living. Her previous work was with organizations such as Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI), WomenStrong International, LitWorld Organization and Global G.L.O.W. Currently she is the Partner Coordinator of Tumaini La Maisha in Kisumu/KENYA and Global G.L.O.W Organization, a non-profit organization based in Ca USA that mentors’ girls to advocate for themselves and make their communities stronger.
Todd is a retired navy veteran (1986 – 1991), who is very passionate in empowerment for individuals to be self-reliant and progressive in the communities they live in. He brings with him a vast knowledge from his personal experiences on how be productive and independent in decision making. His resilience is evident in his willingness to help the communities build better socio – financial structures to better their living conditions.
Elizabeth Opondo
Field/ Office Coordinator
Elizabeth holds a Diploma in Community Development and Project Management from Premise Africa Development Institute. She serves as Field and Office Coordinator at TLM, leading Global G.L.O.W. clubs in local schools and coordinating day-to-day grassroots outreach programmes across Western Kenya.
Grace Akinyi Oyoko
GSL Coordinator
Grace holds a diploma in environmental health sciences from KMTC alongside training in business management and record keeping. As coordinator of the Girls' Savings and Loans (GSL) groups, she is deeply dedicated to mentoring women and girls in financial independence and economic empowerment.
Samantha Wisdom
Content & Communications / Field Officer
Samantha is a youth advocate, communications specialist, and field officer with a Diploma in IT and project management training. At TLM Kenya, she leads storytelling, digital media, and field activities across girls' empowerment, health dignity, leadership development, and education programmes.
Philippa Massey
Programs Coordinator – Kenya
Philippa is a programs coordinator and student at Portland State University. Having previously mentored girls with LitWorld in Kisumu, she champions youth empowerment through creative arts and music mentorship, bridging collaborative initiatives between communities in Kenya and the US.
Tasha Ekman LaFace
Chairperson – USA
Tasha holds a BBA in accounting with extensive manufacturing leadership experience. She focuses on water quality testing, financial literacy, and mentorship for vulnerable families, dedicated to empowering communities through sustainable skills and personal development.
Hadeer Maher
Strategic Planning and Advisory
Hadeer specializes in strategic planning and conflict mapping for NGOs across Egypt, Kenya, India, and the US. Holding a dual master's degree from Brandeis University, she supports TLM's organizational strategy, human rights advocacy, and high-impact community solutions.
They trust us
Join us in building a future of dignity
Every partnership, donation, and volunteer contribution helps us expand life-changing programs to more girls and families across Western Kenya.