Meet the Incredible Women on Our Board of Directors
In celebration of International Women’s Day this month, we are proud to spotlight the incredible women on our Board of Directors. These leaders bring a wealth of global expertise, from investment banking and corporate strategy to transformational coaching and human resources. They each bring unique talents, perspectives, and skills to help Action in Africa thrive.
Meet the visionary women driving our mission forward.
Linda (Magara) Horner
BOARD VICE CHAIR
Ify Afe
BOARD MEMBER
Keri Angeles Pari
BOARD MEMBER
Maame Afon Yelbert-Sai
BOARD MEMBER
Linda Horner (Vice Chair) is Partner, Impact Investments & Corporate Strategy at Uplifting Capital, and an Ugandan-American strategy and finance professional with 10+ years of experience in healthcare, investment banking, and public accounting. She excels at building partnerships with aligned financial and impact organizations, identifying investment opportunities, and monitoring portfolio performance. Prior to joining Uplifting, Linda was the Director of Corporate Strategy at SCAN – one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans that is tackling some of the biggest issues in healthcare for older adults. Prior to healthcare, she worked in investment banking for financial sponsors at Credit Suisse and as a senior auditor at Deloitte.
In 2020, Linda earned her MBA from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where she received the Julia Stell award for outstanding leadership. She is passionate about women's empowerment, mentoring minority entrepreneurs, and providing educational opportunities as a means of lifting entire families out of poverty. Linda lives in Los Angeles, with her husband, Josiah and their two sons Peter and Michael. In addition to serving on the Board of Action in Africa, she is also on the Advisory Board of the National Black MBA Association, Los Angeles Chapter.
MBA, The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
BS in Business Administration (emphasis in Accounting), Summa Cum Laude (No. 1 in class), The Master’s University
Impact Measurement & Management for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Duke University
Ify Afe serves as Strategy & Planning Director for a global division of HP. She has worked at HP for her 16 year career and has deep experience leading teams and serving as a mentor. Ify holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics & Development Studies from Igbinedion University, Nigeria and an Executive Education Program in Management from University of California, Berkeley.
She is currently participating on a variety of corporate advisory boards and is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization and co-chairs the HP Futures Council. She is “intrigued by technology trends and its dynamics in bridging gaps” and has spearheaded many of HP’s education and technology programs in low-resource settings. She is currently living outside of Houston with her husband and seven year old twins.
Keri Angeles Pari brings over 20 years of expertise in Human Resources, Event Management, and philanthropy, seamlessly blending strategic leadership with a passion for meaningful impact. As a seasoned professional in donor engagement and operational execution, she has helped coordinate fundraising events that have raised over $7.4 million, fostering connections that drive sustainable change.
Beyond her corporate work, Keri is deeply committed to philanthropy. She serves on multiple boards, including Chapman University’s Alumni Board and Women in Leadership PAC, advocating for empowerment and equity. Her dedication to fostering connection and opportunity aligns with Action in Africa’s mission to advance personal, social, and economic development in Uganda.
Keri holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chapman University and a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. She resides in Murrieta, CA, with her husband Jim, where they enjoy attending live events, golfing and evening golf cart cruises with their dog Benji.
Maame Afon is an internationally recognized thought leader and passionate advocate for women, girls, and inclusive leadership. With over 20 years of experience across philanthropy, leadership, facilitation, coaching, and social justice, she helps leaders and organizations unlock potential, navigate complexity, and drive transformational change.
As Founder of MILT LLC (Mindsets for Impactful Leadership & Transformation) and Chief Guide with CHIEF, Maame equips purpose-driven leaders to lead with clarity, courage, confidence, and compassion. She is also the visionary behind the AfriWomen Network, a powerful intergenerational space for Black and African women to connect, collaborate, and thrive.
Renowned for her authentic presence and powerful storytelling, Maame integrates her African heritage, deep faith, and musical artistry to inspire action and advance equity. Her leadership has shaped work with the World Bank, We Care Solar, UN Federal Credit Union (UNFCU), Mastercard Foundation, Opportunity Collaboration (OC), World Connect, Women Strong International, African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Nurturing Minds, How Women Lead, Women Forward International, Global Fund for Women, and other global institutions.
A mother, mentor, and movement-builder, Maame Afon embodies transformational leadership rooted in wholeness, justice, inclusion, equity and joy.
