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Building Bridges of Hope

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"Leadership is about leading by example and creating a legacy of impact and compassion"

Founder, Maria Camila Medina

Our Story

The Giving Genie was born out of a deep commitment to empowering Mozambique's marginalized communities, with a special focus on women and youth. Guided by our Founder and Chief Technical Adviser, a passionate visionary and social entrepreneur, we are on a mission to create lasting, positive change through innovative programs that uplift individuals and strengthen communities.

Our Education Program is at the heart of what we do, offering vital tuition assistance that opens doors to vocational education, entrepreneurship, and business skills, especially for women. By equipping them with the knowledge and tools to build sustainable futures, we are helping to break the cycle of poverty.

In the face of adversity, our Genie Corps Emergency Response Program prepares youth, 70% of whom are women, with life-saving skills in disaster preparedness. We are building safer, more resilient communities by fostering a culture of preparedness.

Within the Nurturing Futures initiative, The Giving Genie extends its reach to partner schools and orphanages, prioritizing children's safety and resilience. The Giving Genie Magic Quillow project provides vital comfort and protection to vulnerable children displaced by disasters, offering a tangible symbol of care. The Genie Safe Initiative empowers "Jovens Mentores" (JOMENs)—young community leaders—with comprehensive training on disaster preparedness, clean water management, and infrastructure awareness. These JOMENs become crucial advocates and educators, disseminating life-saving knowledge. Recognizing the pivotal role of early childhood education, Genie Read, a crucial component of Nurturing Futures, introduces preschool students to the English language, while nurturing foundational literacy skills through engaging, age-appropriate resources. By providing both immediate support and long-term educational empowerment, Nurturing Futures aims to create a secure and thriving environment for children.

Empower Her is dedicated to nurturing the leadership potential of young women, equipping them to become catalysts for change. Through mentorship, targeted workshops, and access to vital resources, the program empowers them to combat gender-based violence, address mental health challenges, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Crucially, Empower Her also provides entrepreneurship training, enabling beneficiaries to develop sustainable business plans and secure funding for start-ups, fostering economic independence and long-term community impact.

At The Giving Genie, we believe that by unlocking the innate potential within individuals and uniting our efforts, we can forge a brighter, more equitable future for all.

500 +
Lives Touched

Every Hand Helps Us Grow

25 +
Volunteers

Uniting Hearts and Actions

3+ Provinces 
 

 Delivering Key Programs in Mozambique

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Core Values

Empower underserved communities by providing skills and access to resources that transform quality of life.

Our Vision

Build a world where every individual has the skills and opportunities to thrive, creating positive change that extends
across generations.

1. Empowerment Through Education

We believe in the transformative power of education. Our commitment to providing essential educational opportunities, especially for women, drives our efforts to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to build sustainable and successful futures.

2. Resilience and Preparedness 
We are dedicated to fostering resilient communities by instilling a culture of preparedness. Through our Genie Corps Emergency Response Program, we empower youth with life-saving skills, ensuring that they are ready to face and overcome challenges.

3. Protection and Safety 
We prioritize the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals. Our Nurturing Futures initiative and The Giving Genie Magic Quillow project reflect our commitment to creating secure environments where everyone can thrive, even in the face of adversity.

4. Leadership and Advocacy 
We are committed to nurturing the leadership potential of young women. Through our Empower Her program, we provide the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to inspire and support the next generation of female leaders, fostering advocacy against gender-based violence and promoting mental health awareness.

1. Empowerment Through Education

We believe in the transformative power of education. Our commitment to providing essential educational opportunities, especially for women, drives our efforts to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to build sustainable and successful futures.

2. Resilience and Preparedness 
We are dedicated to fostering resilient communities by instilling a culture of preparedness. Through our Genie Corps Emergency Response Program, we empower youth with life-saving skills, ensuring that they are ready to face and overcome challenges.

3. Protection and Safety 
We prioritize the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals. Our Nurturing Futures initiative and the Magic Quillow project reflect our commitment to creating secure environments where everyone can thrive, even in the face of adversity.

4. Leadership and Advocacy 
We are committed to nurturing the leadership potential of young women. Through our Empower Her program, we provide the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to inspire and support the next generation of female leaders, fostering advocacy against gender-based violence and promoting mental health awareness.

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Mudasir Naveed

GCERP and Genie Safe Program Manager

Mudasir Naveed is our GCERP and Genie Safe Program Manager at The Giving Genie. Mudasir brings a wealth of experience and passion for serving vulnerable communities, holding a Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and a Diploma of Associate Engineering in Civil Engineering from Pak Polytechnic Institute, PITB Lahore, Pakistan. With diverse experience as an Ambassador for the Pakistan Red Crescent Movement and roles in student welfare organizations, coupled with his professional background in marketing and social media management, Mudasir is well-equipped to lead strategic initiatives aimed at addressing emergency preparedness and recovery for vulnerable families and individuals. His expertise in disaster management, GIS, and community-based disaster risk management, along with a host of relevant certifications, underscores his commitment to excellence.

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Carlos Gito Wassugue Wapeso

Genie Safe Local Program Manager

Meet Carlos Gito Wassugue Wapeso, the Genie Safe Local Program Manager dedicated to enhancing safety and living conditions for vulnerable communities in Mozambique. Based in Maputo, Carlos leads the Genie Safe Initiative, a comprehensive program designed to build community resilience through education and practical safety measures. Carlos holds a degree in Geography from Universidade Licungo, where he specialized in Population Geography. This academic background provides him with a deep understanding of the social and environmental dynamics affecting local communities. With extensive experience in project management and community development, focusing on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Nutrition, and Social Research, Carlos is well-prepared to drive this important initiative. In his role, Carlos oversees the implementation of the Genie Safe Initiative, drawing on his project management skills from previous roles at Sustentare Saneamento S/A and N’weti. He ensures that the program effectively addresses risk identification and proactive safety measures related to flooding, disease, and unsafe infrastructure. Carlos collaborates with local stakeholders to tailor the program to community needs, organizing training sessions that teach essential skills such as flood prevention, water source protection, and improved construction practices. His background in nutrition and community health enriches his approach to training, focusing on risk management, waste handling, water purification, and resource utilization. Carlos’s experience with logistics and nutrition at N’weti supports his role in managing the acquisition and distribution of essential materials, including hygiene products and construction supplies. Carlos also applies his research and analytical skills, developed through his work with CISM and Capital Foundation & CM Consultores, to monitor and evaluate the program’s impact. By leveraging data, he continuously refines and enhances the program’s interventions. His previous experience with UNICEF and other partners enables him to build strong collaborations with local and international stakeholders, ensuring the program’s success, particularly in rural and crisis-affected areas. With his extensive background in geography, conservation, and nutrition, Carlos is poised to drive the Genie Safe Initiative’s success and significantly improve community safety and resilience across Mozambique.

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Abai Joaquim Jacinto Rosse

Director of Local Corporate Partnerships

Abai Joaquim Jacinto Rosse as the Director of Local Corporate Partnerships at Giving Genie. Abai holds a degree in Nutrition from the Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde - ISCISA and has enriched his expertise through academic exchanges with the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro - UFTM, Brazil. His work has focused on enhancing public health and addressing malnutrition and food security issues in Mozambique. Abai is a highly motivated and dynamic professional, known for his strong communication skills, leadership, and ability to work under pressure. His extensive experience in both community and hospital nutrition settings, combined with his responsibility and organizational skills, makes him a tremendous asset to our team.

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The Genie Read Program Manager 

Culpa Francisco Xavier Lissamo is an experienced professional in Child Development, Consultancy, Coaching, and Project Management, with over 10 years of experience working with children and youth. His journey began as a member of the Children’s Parliament, and since then, he has been deeply committed to initiatives that improve the well-being of young people. Culpa holds a degree in Childhood Development and Education from Eduardo Mondlane University, and has undergone specialized training in various areas such as leadership, ethics, parental coaching, and childhood literacy. He has worked with local and international organizations to advocate for better education, health, and development programs for children. In 2020, he founded the Organization for Childhood Development and Education (ODEI), a non-profit focused on promoting child and youth well-being. As the Genie Read Program Manager at The Giving Genie, Culpa will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the Genie Read program, an initiative that focuses on introducing English literacy for children from preschool to second grade. The program emphasizes engaging storytelling, teacher support, and parental involvement to ensure young learners have the resources they need to succeed academic and introduce them to the English language. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of reading materials, coordinating with teachers, and fostering stronger engagement with parents and caregivers. Culpa will also monitor the program’s progress, ensuring its effectiveness and working closely with local communities to achieve success. Culpa is passionate about empowering marginalized communities through education, and his leadership in the Genie Read program will contribute to The Giving Genie’s mission of transforming lives through accessible learning resources.

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Maria C. Medina

Founder/Chief Technical Advisor

Maria Camila Medina is a certified nonprofit professional, social entrepreneur, and humanitarian with extensive expertise in disaster management, community development, and women’s empowerment. As the Founder and Chief Technical Advisor of The Giving Genie, Maria Camila is dedicated to driving transformative change across Mozambique and Africa, focusing on women’s empowerment, education, and socio-economic development. Through strategic initiatives like tuition assistance, emergency response training, orphanage support, and women’s empowerment workshops, she has unlocked the potential of individuals and communities facing adversity, creating lasting impact in regions of need. Maria Camila’s career is a testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to global social good. Her journey began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, where her passion for community service and humanitarian work was ignited. This experience laid the foundation for her work with The Giving Genie, where she leads impactful projects that promote gender equality and provide opportunities for women and children to thrive. Her expertise extends beyond The Giving Genie, as Maria Camila also serves as the Executive Director of the Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund, where she leads operations supporting Ak’ Tenamit, an organization focused on vocational education, job placement, and sustainable resource management for indigenous youth in Guatemala. In this role, Maria Camila spearheads innovative fundraising strategies, oversees financial operations, and manages the Student Sponsorship program and donor relations. She also advocates for climate change initiatives through her work with the Guatemalan Indigenous Committee on Climate Change, furthering her commitment to sustainable community development. Maria Camila’s career includes a distinguished history of international disaster management and humanitarian response. As the former International Disaster Response Coordinator at Food For The Poor, she orchestrated emergency relief efforts across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, strengthening global resilience and response strategies. In her previous role as Region 8 Recovery Coordinator at the Florida Division of Emergency Management, she enhanced disaster preparedness and recovery efforts across the region, using her technical expertise to foster collaboration among stakeholders. At the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Maria Camila played a key role in the Crisis Counseling Program (CCP), launching initiatives like Conquer COVID-19-LA to support communities during the pandemic. Earlier in her career, she served as a Child Protective Investigator at the Florida Department of Children and Families, where her advanced analytical skills were critical in protecting vulnerable children and supporting families in crisis. In addition to her leadership roles, Maria Camila is a Professor of Crisis and Disaster Management at Everglades University, where she empowers students with the knowledge and skills to navigate crisis response and disaster management. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations, two master’s degrees (Nonprofit Administration and Disaster Management), and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Executive Leadership. She is also certified in FEMA’s Professional Development Series, Human Trafficking Investigations, Mental First Aid, and is a Florida Certified Child Protection Investigator. Currently based in West Palm Beach, Florida, with her husband and three children, Maria Camila continues to lead with a deep commitment to equity, social justice, and the empowerment of individuals and communities worldwide. Through her work at The Giving Genie and her extensive experience in disaster management and community development, Maria Camila remains a driving force in creating sustainable solutions and brighter futures for those in need.

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Seema Mozaffar

Executive Director

Seema Mozaffar is a results-focused, mission-driven senior executive with a proven track record in driving impactful international development projects. As the Executive Director and Director of International Development Projects at The Giving Genie, Seema brings a wealth of expertise in optimizing processes, leading successful programs, and guiding strategic initiatives that promote global change. With extensive experience across the consumer goods, healthcare, technology, nonprofit, and Fortune 500 sectors, Seema excels in navigating corporate transitions, crises, and complexities to deliver meaningful results. Seema’s background includes leadership roles in a range of high-profile companies. At Aspen Dental Management, she served as Senior Program Manager, where she generated $35 million in incremental revenue through the implementation of a patient financing portal. She also led the migration of a dental practice management system across 1,000+ offices, achieving $1 million in annual cost savings through cloud migration. As IT Director at The Aman Foundation, Seema built a robust technology infrastructure that enabled 24/7 operations, increasing emergency response service availability by 50% and saving $1.2 million annually by implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX. Her consulting work at Wisdom Global accelerated L'Oréal’s E2E subsidiary operations by 3 months and delivered a telehealth solution for Online Care, saving up to $1 million annually for healthcare providers. Seema’s leadership experience also includes her role as Regional IT Director for Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey at Unilever, where she implemented SAP R/3 Financials and established a financial shared service center, achieving $2 million in annual savings through optimized treasury operations. At The Giving Genie, Seema continues to apply her expertise to lead transformative international development projects, improving lives and creating sustainable change in communities across the globe. Known for her determination, decisiveness, and problem-solving mentality, Seema is dedicated to ensuring the success of The Giving Genie’s mission to empower women, advance education, and foster socio-economic development worldwide.

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Lora L. McKenzie

Director of Programs and Operations 

Lora Lee McKenzie is a highly skilled professional with a distinguished career spanning 26 years as a microbiologist. Throughout her career, Lora has played a critical role behind the scenes, contributing to life-saving advancements in the field of microbiology. Motivated by a desire to have a more direct impact, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Crisis and Disaster Management at Everglades University, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and receiving Leadership Distinction. Currently, Lora serves as the Director of Programs and Operations at The Giving Genie, where she oversees The Magic Quillow Project. In this role, she combines her extensive expertise in emergency management with her passion for community service, ensuring the successful implementation of programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of others. In addition to her role at The Giving Genie, Lora is a paid intern in the planning division of The Olson Group, Ltd., where she further applies her skills in a professional setting. She is also working towards her master’s degree in leadership, with an anticipated completion by the end of 2025. Lora Lee McKenzie’s blend of microbiology and crisis management expertise, along with her commitment to service, positions her as a key leader dedicated to fostering positive change and advancing the mission of The Giving Genie.

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Glória Batumeyo Moio

Social Innovation for Women’s Empowerment

Glória brings with her a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for driving gender equality, combating gender-based violence (GBV), and empowering women and girls. With a strong background in sexual and reproductive health, community education, and gender advocacy, Glória has played a pivotal role in coordinating transformative projects in Mozambique. Her work has focused on the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women, prevention of GBV, and promoting health rights, including HIV/AIDS education. Throughout her career, Glória has led impactful initiatives as the DREAMS Technical Support Officer at N’weti - Comunicação para Saúde, where she was at the forefront of implementing community-driven programs. She also served as Project Manager at ASSODELI, focusing on child protection, gender, and community development. Glória’s leadership has always been rooted in the creation of strong community networks, policy advocacy, and empowering individuals with the tools they need for sustainable change.

Meet our Team

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Christabel Shinde

Secretary

Christabel Shinde, a distinguished board member of The Giving Genie, hails from Zambia and now resides in Naples, Florida. She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing and Advertising from Florida International University, which enhances her expertise in leveraging digital platforms to amplify our mission. With her profound understanding of technology and marketing, Christabel is dedicated to using these tools to drive positive change. Her focus on women's empowerment, education, and socio-economic development aligns perfectly with The Giving Genie’s objectives. Christabel’s innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to creating tangible impact make her an invaluable member of our team.

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Bengala Ngobene

Vice President

Bengala Ngobene serves as Vice President on the board of directors at The Giving Genie, bringing a wealth of expertise in business intelligence, strategy, project management, and brand development. His background in sales operations and e-commerce management, including web design and content strategy, equips him with invaluable skills that greatly benefit the organization. Born in Mozambique and raised in Zimbabwe, Bengala offers a global perspective and a deep-seated commitment to community empowerment. As a business owner and marketing professional, Bengala is driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, consistently seeking innovative ways to enhance productivity and profitability. His strategic insights enable him to lead impactful initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. Through his role at The Giving Genie, Bengala channels his passion for philanthropy to support and uplift his homeland of Mozambique. Outside of his professional life, Bengala enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones, golfing, and exploring culinary pursuits. His multifaceted contributions embody the spirit of generosity and leadership, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through The Giving Genie.

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Maria P. Medina

Treasury

Paula Medina is a distinguished member of our board of directors. With a distinguished background in Nurse Anesthesiology, Maria Paula brings a blend of expertise and compassion to our team. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico and completed her undergraduate studies at Florida State University, reflecting her dedication to excellence in her field. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Maria Paula has demonstrated a profound commitment to humanitarian efforts. She has generously volunteered her time and skills on numerous missions, both domestically and internationally, to serve those in need. Maria Paula’s deep-rooted passion for making a positive impact aligns seamlessly with our mission to uplift communities and empower individuals. We are excited to benefit from her exceptional experience and unwavering dedication as she contributes to our organization’s goals.

Meet Our Partners

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