Executive Board
Marcela Nacif
Founder & CEO Brave-Future
marcela Nacif, is an educator and social entrepreneur dedicated to transforming education for underserved communities. As the founder Of brave Future, she focuses on rethinking traditional education models to make learning more effective, accessible and scalable. With a bachelor in management and master in international development and public policy, Marcela research into innovation and learner-centrate approach drive her mission to bridge educational inequalities and create transformative opportunities for marginalized communities. In addition to leading Brave Future, Marcela is the head of academic at Brave Generation Academy, where she spearheaded the strategic design and implementation of its educational platform, playing a pivotal role in expanding access to high-quality education. Driving significant growth, and earning global recognition for the school
Katrin Fakiri
Founder & CEO Elucidate
Katrin Fakiri is the Founder and CEO of Elucidate Board Services, located in Dubai. With more than 25 years of experience in board governance and financial inclusion, she has worked on three continents. She began her career in Silicon Valley's tech sector and later moved into international development in Afghanistan, where she promoted positive change for women and managed the expansion of the microfinance sector. Ms. Fakiri has served as an Independent Director on the Board of the Central Bank of Afghanistan. She is an active Board Director at Harakat, an organization promoting private sector growth. She has also served as a board governance trainer and mentor for directors and CEOs of financial institutions on the African continent. Ms. Fakiri holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from San Jose State University in California, as well as an MBA from Barcelona Executive Business School.
Mark Glenfield
Finance Director, My clinic, Riyadh
Mark Glenfield is a seasoned Chartered Accountant (FCA) with a BSc in Economics and Applied Mathematics. With over 40 years of experience as a Finance Director (FD) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mark has worked across diverse industries, including healthcare, telecommunications, real estate, recruitment, and e-commerce. Mark specializes in corporate finance, successfully raising capital through traditional banking and private equity institutions. He has held board-level roles in both publicly listed companies (PLCs) and private corporations, focusing on corporate governance, risk management, and strategic financial planning. Currently, Mark serves as Group Finance Director at My Clinic in Saudi Arabia, overseeing financial strategy and governance for a leading healthcare organization.
Advisory Board
Lisa Adrien
Learning Mentor & Program Coordinator, Brave Future
Lisa Adrien Duarte is a passionate advocate for youth mental health, child safety, and education, with extensive experience working with vulnerable populations worldwide. Her diverse professional journey reflects her commitment to empowering others and promoting agency among those facing complex challenges. Lisa holds a double major in Human Development and Sociology, along with a Cambridge Diploma in International Teaching and Learning. She is an Autism Early Intervention Consultant, trained in trauma-informed care and safeguarding children, with certifications in Mental Health First Aid. Her experience includes three years in Australia’s social sector, focusing on youth mental health, domestic violence, and child safety, followed by a sabbatical sailing the East African coast before transitioning to education. Now based in Portugal, Lisa works with Brave Future, addressing the intersection of education, mental health, and social welfare for vulnerable cohorts.
Karla McDermott
Director of Development and Outreach, Brave Future
Karla McDermott is a dedicated advocate for community development and social outreach, focusing on empowering underserved populations through education. She is the Director of Development and Outreach at Brave Future, a Portugal-based nonprofit providing internationally recognized education to marginalized communities. Previously, Karla served as Head of Glentoran Social Partnership in Belfast, leading community engagement programs that promoted social inclusion through sport. She also worked as Northern Ireland Project Coordinator for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, where she inspired young people through leadership training and education. Notably, Karla helped orchestrate the Beyond the Ball initiative, a collaborative effort with the International Fund for Ireland, Choice Housing, and others, using sports, arts, and technology to bridge communities and empower youth across Ireland. Karla holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Rhode Island and remains committed to creating sustainable educational opportunities worldwide.
Suleiman Abdulahi
Founder & CEO, Horn of Africa People’s Aid Northern Ireland (HAPANI)
Suleiman Abdulahi is a dedicated advocate for human rights, social justice, and community empowerment. As Founder and CEO of Horn of Africa People’s Aid Northern Ireland (HAPANI), established in 2011, Suleiman has transformed the organization into a vital resource supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and marginalized communities. Under his leadership, HAPANI promotes social inclusion, education, and advocacy, while its subsidiary, Retreat Housing, addresses the urgent need for affordable housing for refugees and migrants, fostering settlement and community cohesion. Suleiman’s research, including From Catastrophe to Marginalisation and The Horn of Africa Community in Belfast, has informed policies benefiting vulnerable populations. Actively contributing to platforms like the Racial Equality Subgroup, he advances equity and diversity initiatives. Fluent in Arabic, Danish, English, and Somali, Suleiman bridges cultural divides, inspiring systemic change. Recognized with awards such as Ethnic Entrepreneur of the Year, his work continues to shape inclusive and resilient communities.
Gary Stannett, MBE
CEO, Rio Ferdinand Foundation
Gary Stannett, MBE, is a leader in youth and community development with over two decades of experience steering international charities and collaborating with corporate, statutory, and policy sectors. A qualified youth worker and sports coach, Gary has dedicated his career to empowering young people and fostering social inclusion through innovative programs. Since 2019, Gary has served as CEO of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, expanding its reach across the UK, Ireland, and South Africa with programs addressing social mobility, employability, and community cohesion. Under his leadership, partnerships with Warner Music UK and the International Fund for Ireland have enhanced opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Gary also consults with organizations like CONCACAF, contributing to programs such as the Generation Amazing initiative in Saint Lucia and Sint Maarten, which uses football for social development. Awarded an MBE in 2009, Gary’s expertise and passion make him a vital member of Brave Future’s Advisory Board.