Comfort Dondo
Born and raised in Zimbabwe and now residing in Minnesota, Comfort’s struggle with domestic violence was compounded by the inability of women’s shelters in America to provide the language, cultural and societal resources she and her children needed to feel safe and supported. Often, she found herself back in her abuser’s home with no alternative. Now free from the dangerous situation, Comfort wants to make sure women and children of African descent have the cultural resources they need to feel comfortable in sharing their stories and recovering from their experiences. She understands firsthand that individuals who’ve fled African countries to save their lives often have lasting trauma that needs to be acknowledged and treated holistically to ensure long-term progress. Comfort created Phumulani, named for a Zulu word meaning “lover of peace,” as a way of helping African immigrants and refugees in Minnesota. It is truly a place where survivors of gender-based abuse and violence can find peace and recovery. We invite you to join us in our mission and promote peace.
Laila Sahir
Laila Sahir (she/her) is a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, IA, where she studied theater and psychology. Formerly, she has worked with the National Theatre for Children and WomenVenture in the Twin Cities. She is excited to use her experience in marketing and communications to inform her development and communications consulting work with Phumulani and to support this team and the work that they do.
Florence Wahome Nyoike
Community-oriented and dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in health and human services with extensive background of unwavering support in promoting societal wellness in different communities by providing practical solutions to eradicate social problems including homelessness and domestic violence.
A strategic leader with unique abilities to bring diverse groups of people from different demographics and cultural backgrounds together for a mission and lead them to succeed and exceed set goals. Recognized for promoting overall wellbeing of people with mental illness through providing direct support, creating awareness, coaching, educating communities on different issues including parenting and chemical health.
Driven to provide improved blend of community-focused health and wellness solutions that will promote overall wellbeing bridging the gap to curb social challenges.
A strategic leader with unique abilities to bring diverse groups of people from different demographics and cultural backgrounds together for a mission and lead them to succeed and exceed set goals. Recognized for promoting overall wellbeing of people with mental illness through providing direct support, creating awareness, coaching, educating communities on different issues including parenting and chemical health.
Driven to provide improved blend of community-focused health and wellness solutions that will promote overall wellbeing bridging the gap to curb social challenges.
Priscilla Caballero
Priscilla Caballero, is the lead advocate for Phumulani. Priscilla is a survivor of domestic violence, who is well-versed in providing support to crime victims.
As lead advocate, she will offer emotional and physical support to victims, providing them with one-to-one counselling, support groups, resources, and information.
Priscilla also specializes in Interior Design, where she creates healing spaces for victims in their homes.
As lead advocate, she will offer emotional and physical support to victims, providing them with one-to-one counselling, support groups, resources, and information.
Priscilla also specializes in Interior Design, where she creates healing spaces for victims in their homes.
Kate Wanzala
Kate brings more than eight years of administrative experience to Phumulani and endeavors to put all clients at ease by creating a warm and welcoming environment. Her passion for the community has been seen over the years through her continued participation in initiatives designed to empower women from her time in Uganda to her now current role as Community Outreach Advocate with Phumulani. Kate values creating and building rapport with victim/survivors and works to connect them to the resources that they need. She is currently working on completing her Masters in Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling, bringing with her a wealth of experience in mental health and addiction and continues to raise awareness in the mental health field.
She is working towards improved access and opportunities for all women of color and is inspired daily by stories of people that get up and show up despite everything. She is passionate about advocacy for she believes that it is through advocacy that we are able to make our voices heard. When she is not working or at school, Kate enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, volunteering for different causes, and hanging out with friends and family.
Beatrice Adenodi
Beatrice Adenodi is the Business Consultant/Chief Integrator Officer at Phumulani. With over 18 years of experience in strategy, planning, and logistics, she helps her clients develop sustainable plans that produce results. Beatrice has consulted hundreds of business owners through the years with an over 90% success rate; her clients continue to evolve after working with her organization. Beatrice's vocation has led her to work with diverse groups of people from all walks of life, 500+ brands, and small to large businesses by leading projects to execute marketing and business initiatives.
Through the years, Beatrice had to learn how to navigate life by building her own set of tools that morphed into a program she shares with her clients. Her journey led her to write her first book, Mindless Behaviors: Breaking Through Unseen Barriers. Through her unique perspective, she has been able to help many people get out of unfortunate situations by guiding them from being reactive to reflective in their settings.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Titus Natala : Volunteer
Gary Mccurry
Ella Selyukov ADVISORS
Zafar Khamdamov
Elder Atum Azzahair PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Women's Foundation of Minnesota
HRK Foundation
City of Minneapolis Department of Health
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
The Cultural Wellness Center
Bush Foundation
DHS OEO
Minneapolis Foundation
HRL Foundation
Humanities Center
Everytown
Office of Justice Department
Violence Free Minnesota
MHC-ARP
MNCASA
Titus Natala : Volunteer
Gary Mccurry
Ella Selyukov ADVISORS
Zafar Khamdamov
Elder Atum Azzahair PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Women's Foundation of Minnesota
HRK Foundation
City of Minneapolis Department of Health
Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
The Cultural Wellness Center
Bush Foundation
DHS OEO
Minneapolis Foundation
HRL Foundation
Humanities Center
Everytown
Office of Justice Department
Violence Free Minnesota
MHC-ARP
MNCASA
