About Us

Board of Trustees

Erick Ogello

Erick has a wealth of experience in social and community development work where he has worked with inner city housing and built environment developments. For Erick, being a trustee enables him to make a contribution to a cause that he is very passionate about – supporting the most vulnerable and enabling disadvantaged communities realise their full potential i.e. children and young people prepare to meet challenges in modern life and to fulfill their full potential. For a large part of Erick’s career, he has worked in Social Housing within London Local Authorities. Erick has experience as a chair of, organisations similar to Riana Development Network (RDN), non-state actors, international charities and housing providers in Europe. However, after volunteering at Riana Development Network for 6 years, Erick is delighted to be given this opportunity to chair the organisation. This is a great honour for Erick to provide leadership to Riana Development Network, ensuring that the organisation has maximum impact for its beneficiaries. This involves: making sure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance; regularly reviewing major risks and associated opportunities; and ensuring systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities.

Erick is keen to work with board members to achieve and maintain sound financial health of the charity. Erick says that his best part so far has been meeting our staff, volunteers and some supporters and hearing about the work the organisation has developed in the recent past. We have embarked on strengthening governance arrangements in line with RDN policies and Charity Commission’s regulatory requirements. Erick has undertaken developing the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees, implementing positive change where appropriate and maintaining close relationships with key members of stakeholders and with key influences within the sector.

Erick has had an opportunity to visit one of the programmes in Kenya where RDN runs food security and livelihood programmes that helps women and youth headed households access training in animal husbandry and small scale goat keeping; this has been key achievement and provided support for local users and families. Erick believes that empowering women and young people is central to achieving long-term change for disadvantaged communities.

Janet Atieno Omondi

Janet provides foresight, oversight, and insight to activities and functions of Riana Development Network, a charity and company limited by guarantee, based in the United Kingdom (UK) and Kenya since its formation in 2005. She plays a key significant role in providing guidance to Riana by contributing to its culture, strategic focus, effectiveness, and financial sustainability.

Janet holds a Post Graduate Degree in Education from Birkbeck, University of London. She is an Alumni at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Research Institute, University of London where her MSc thesis studied 'The role of stigma experiences in accessing HIV healthcare and support services among Black Africans attending a HIV support group in London. She is a mentor on the LSHTM mentoring programme.

In addition, Janet holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Promotion Practice from UEL where her BSc dissertation studied 'The challenges faced by older Black Africans living with HIV.' She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Computing from the University of Surrey, Roehampton.

She previously held a role as a Probation Service Officer at the National Probation Service, London, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice - a UK government department.

She is an educator of health sciences studies. Her main interest is in health education and the charity is currently working on various projects including health, education, and life skills for young people. “She is an important resource for Riana in many ways. A powerful element of her work with young people is engaging them in the design and implementation of these projects. This is because, there is nothing for the youth, without the youth.” This allows for research to contribute to the collective voice of young peoples’ needs and concerns.

Hellen Odiembo

Hellen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Statistics from the MS University of Baroda in India, and also a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychiatric Nursing from University of West London, UK. Hellen has over 10 years work experience in Africa in the financial sector (Bank and Insurance Companies) and 10 years work in Europe. Hellen’s work experience has involved interacting with people from diverse backgrounds in both the Finance and Health sectors. She is currently working with the Ministry of Health (NHS) in the UK where her work involves a specialism of dealing with vulnerable people with high physical and health needs. This has inspired her in enrolling for a Master of Science Degree in Public Health and Health Promotion. Her aim is to reach out to vulnerable groups of children and adults in the community both in the UK and Africa. Her involvement in Riana is a step in making a positive change in people’s lives. Hellen’s motivation is from her family experience in helping and supporting people who have limited resources to meet their needs in the community.

Rodgers Orero

Rodgers is Executive Director of Riana focusing on the organisation’s business development. He has over 15 years experience in community mobilisation and development both in Africa and Europe. He holds a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from London South Bank University, UK. He has provided technical support in the design implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the development project using right based programming. Rodgers has enhanced and built the capacity of the community based organisations (CBOs) to formulate and manage their financial resources. Rodgers is convinced that the key to addressing poverty and equality is by educating youth and giving them hope.