AmCham Force for Good

I am passionate about health for all and building a career dedicated to fulfilling this mission. My experience practicing medicine in rural Kenya enlightened me to the importance of prevention, early intervention and strong health systems in breaking the cycle of disease and poverty. This realization influenced my decision to develop a career in global health. My current work is focused on addressing health disparities through the introduction of access medicines in countries located in Africa, South-America and South-East Asia. I am experienced in successfully managing multi-sectoral stakeholders, and building collaborative private sector partnerships. I have strong communication skills and on occasion write creatively including pieces for internal use. I am skilled at providing technical expertise to national level technical working groups and key professional societies to facilitate development of national health policies and treatment guidelines. I have experience developing strategic plans for evidence generation to support the introduction of access medicines, adoption of policy at global and country level. I am working towards becoming a global health thought leader and making a difference to impoverished populations through my life’s work.

Chris joined Hudson Sandler in 2019 to lead Hudson Sandler Africa. He has advised multinational corporations and organisations at a senior level around the world and has a proven track record of developing communications strategies and creative campaigns for some of Africa’s most prestigious and high-profile brands, corporations, NGOs, and public sector bodies. He was named by PRWeek as one the UK’s most influential PR practitioners; and one of the most influential international PR professionals. Chris is a Fellow and former President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, as well as a member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya. He is the author of several books on public relations, including Winning Reputations: How to Be Your Own Spin Doctor and Creative Business.

A Wealth of international and cross-cultural working experience in commercial sales as well as Social Impact Business sector focusing on outcome-based business models. Self-driven genuine person with strengths in networking, partnership building and Multi-Stakeholder engagement. Eric is passionate about social impact-based business models focused on increasing access to care for under-served patient populations

Experience Summary

• Over 10 years’ experience in sales, strategy, partnership and business development in both Pharma and medical devices within Africa.
• Currently the Head of Strategic Partnerships, Government Affairs and Business Development for Medtronic Labs Africa.
• Part of the core team that innovated a digital health enabled model of care focusing on hypertension and diabetes management reaching under-served patients in emerging markets.
• Passionate about providing access to care for the underserved patients working with different stakeholders and governments in resource challenged populations.

Education, Affiliations and Board Leaderships

PHD Candidate Social Transformation with specialization in Social Entrepreneurship Models

MSc Business Analysis & Consulting University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

MBA Marketing, Catholic University, Kenya

BSc Biochemistry, Moi University, Kenya

Project Management in Global Health, University of Washington

Board of Director 42PLUS Foundation, focusing on Educated Minds, Healthy Bodies & Securing Finances in resource challenged populations of Kenya.

Board Member NCD Alliance of Kenya, an organization that drives advocacy for patients living with Non Communicable diseases in Kenya.

Board Member Children Sickle Cell Foundation, focusing on fundraising, resource mobilization, strategic partnerships and increasing access to care.

Technical Committee & Board Member Kenya Defeat Diabetes Association, focusing on Patient Engagement Strategies and strategic partnerships Personal Brand

Born in Kenya and educated around the world, Umra is a globally recognized public figure known for pushing the limits to navigate identity politics and make a difference by disrupting oppressive status quo paradigms. She currently lives in Lamu, Kenya, where she is the founder of a free medical program, a school for the disenfranchised and sports programs to uplift young boys and girls. Umra is running for Governor of Lamu County in Kenya’s 2022 General Elections making her the first and youngest woman from Kenya’s coast to ever make such an attempt despite the toxic patriarchy and security risks involved.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2021: Amujae Leader, EJS Presidential Center for Women and Development, Liberia
2020: National Hero Award, Government of Kenya
2020: United Nations Real Life Hero, Global
2019: Young Global Leader (YGL), World Economic Forum
2019: Coast Woman of the Year, Kenya
2019: Robert Burns Humanitarian, Scotland
2018: Aurora Goodwill Ambassador, Armenia
2017: UN Kenya Person of the Year, Kenya
2017: African Leaders for Change, South Africa
2017: Business Daily Top 40 under 40, Kenya
2016: CNN Hero, United States of America

Rebecca is an award-winning sustainability communications expert, creating programmes that improve global companies’ ESG ratings, develop their reputations for responsibility and drive industry leadership positioning. Built on more than 20 years’ experience of crisis and reputation management, her work today helps organisations overcome industry-wide ethical, environmental and social issues. Rebecca advises a broad range of industries – from extractives to food service – and provides senior counsel to governments and regulators. Rebecca is currently developing sustainability strategies and profiles for the world’s largest producer of low carbon aluminium, a leading sustainable palm oil producer and companies in the mining, food and FMCG sectors.