Our People | CIATA Foundation

Leadership With Heart

A foundation built on faith, compassion and community service.

CIATA Foundation is led by people who bring professional expertise, lived experience, and a deep commitment to empowering individuals and families.

Chair of the Board

Yvonne Mutambanengwe

Chair of the Board, CIATA Foundation

Yvonne Mutambanengwe is an accomplished customer experience and operations leader with almost two decades of experience spanning the charity, market research, and biotechnology sectors. She has held senior leadership roles within the life sciences industry, leading customer care teams across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, process optimisation, and service excellence.

Her career began in the charity sector, where she spent nearly a decade with a grant-making breast cancer charity before moving into conservation and then senior leadership roles in global market research. This early grounding in purpose-driven organisations shaped her belief that professional excellence and compassion belong together. Throughout her career, she has specialised in redesigning workflows, removing barriers, and building scalable, people-centred operating models that deliver lasting improvement for both teams and the communities they serve.

Yvonne holds a Master’s degree from Kingston University, where her research explored African feminism, diaspora identity, and the experiences of women navigating multiple cultures. With strong personal and professional ties to Zimbabwe, she is passionate about creating opportunity and dignity for communities both in the UK and across the diaspora.

As a Trustee of the CIATA Foundation, Yvonne brings strategic vision, operational expertise, and lived experience of the communities the Foundation serves. She is committed to helping the Foundation grow sustainably, reach those affected by hardship and domestic violence, and empower individuals to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.

Motto

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

Excellence • Compassion • Service • Empowerment

Founder and Advisor

Gwendoline Mutambanengwe

Founder and Advisor, CIATA Foundation

Gwendoline Mutambanengwe is the Founder and Trustee of the CIATA Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering communities through education, wellbeing, and social development initiatives.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Gwendoline brings extensive experience from the banking sector and a strong commitment to serving others. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Applied Social Studies, a Foundation Degree in Mental Health Work, and has successfully completed Level 5 Supervision and Management in Health and Social Care.

Currently working within the healthcare industry, Gwendoline combines professional expertise with compassionate leadership, advocating for improved wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunities for vulnerable individuals and families. Her diverse background in finance, healthcare, and community development enables her to lead with both strategic vision and genuine care.

Through her work with the CIATA Foundation, she is passionate about creating positive change, building stronger communities, and helping individuals reach their full potential.

Motto

“With God, all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26

“Faith, compassion, and service are at the heart of everything I do.”

Trustee Profiles

Trusted voices helping shape our impact.

Our trustees bring insight, empathy, and practical experience that support the Foundation’s mission and long-term growth.

Trustee

Anne Mahmood

Anne Mahmood is a compassionate, resilient, and purpose-driven professional with a strong background in customer service, community support, administration, coordination, and people-centred work.

She is analytical, organised, reliable, and engaging, with a natural ability to listen, support others, solve problems, and bring people together. She is passionate about helping people feel heard, respected, valued, and empowered, and takes pride in building positive relationships built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.

As a dedicated mother, carer, and lifelong learner, Anne values education, kindness, fairness, integrity, and personal growth. Her life experiences have strengthened her empathy, resilience, and commitment to serving others with professionalism and compassion.

She is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities by combining practical solutions with genuine care, understanding, and a desire to create positive change.

Personal Motto “There is nothing new under the sun.” — Ecclesiastes 1:9 Compassion • Service • Integrity • Growth

Trustee

Mildred Mponda

Malawian | Mother of Three | Recruitment Manager | Trustee, Ciata Foundation

Mildred Mponda is a dedicated recruitment professional with extensive experience in talent acquisition, workforce development, and candidate support. She serves as Recruitment Manager for Summercare Recruitment Services Limited, where she is committed to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities within the health and social care sector.

As a proud mother of three, Mildred brings compassion, resilience, and strong leadership to both her professional and community roles. She is passionate about empowering individuals, supporting career development, and fostering inclusive opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds.

As a Trustee of the Ciata Foundation, Mildred will bring valuable expertise in recruitment, people management, and organisational development. Her experience in building strong teams and supporting workforce growth will contribute significantly to the Foundation’s mission of empowering communities, promoting wellbeing, and creating sustainable opportunities for those in need.

Known for her integrity, professionalism, and people-centred approach, Mildred is committed to making a positive and lasting impact through service, leadership, and community engagement.

Motto “Creating opportunities, transforming lives, and building brighter futures.”