About Us
Message from the Executive Director
"My mother was a fiber artist, and through her, I saw how bringing an idea to life, watching imagination take shape through skill and effort, offers not just a livelihood but a deep sense of purpose and independence. She taught my sisters and me that creating something with our own hands is not just about making a living, but about shaping a life with intention.
Vocational training offers a path to stability, especially for those who have long relied on skilled trades to support themselves and their families. Passed down through generations, sewing has been a source of both livelihood and cultural expression. While sewing is our foundation, our vision is to work with local partners to expand into other vocational training sectors, helping more people build meaningful and sustainable livelihoods.
We believe lasting impact shouldn’t be limited by geography, and Mahaba serves as a bridge, connecting people who want to contribute with those creating new opportunities for themselves and their communities. Whether through direct support, collaboration, or purchasing handmade goods, anyone can take part in this work. By creating ways for people to engage, we are not just providing resources; we are building a global community.
Thank you for being part of our community."
-Leslie Silletti, Mahaba Foundation Founder and Executive Director
Who We Are: Board of directors
Founder and Executive Director Leslie Silletti
Leslie Silletti founded the Mahaba Foundation in 2024 after years of experience in public policy and community advocacy. Throughout her career, she recognized that many individuals and communities lack equal access to decision-making and the ability to influence policies that affect their lives. Leslie has worked closely with people facing systemic barriers, including those displaced by conflict and crisis, helping to create new pathways toward opportunity and stability.
Her work with refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. revealed how dignity, opportunity, and community can profoundly reshape lives. This understanding drives her work in Africa, where she believes that those most affected must lead efforts to shape their own futures.
The Mahaba Foundation was born from a belief in the extraordinary bonds that connect people across continents and circumstances, from communities across the United States to those in Uganda who have escaped conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is about redefining what community means, transcending borders to share our common humanity and forge new possibilities together. Leslie is inspired every day by those working around the world to ensure that everyone has the chance to build a future grounded in dignity and security.
Director Earl Buford
Earl Buford is the President of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), where he leads efforts to enhance education-to-career pathways for adult learners. Prior to joining CAEL, Buford served as the Chief Executive Officer of Partner4Work, overseeing the public workforce system for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. He also led Employ Milwaukee, earning national recognition for implementing a sector-based approach to workforce development. Buford's career includes leadership of WRTP/BIG STEP, focusing on building a diverse workforce in construction and manufacturing sectors. He has been active on several national boards and task forces, including an appointment to Vice President Joe Biden’s Advisory Taskforce on Workforce Development. His work has always centered on breaking down barriers to economic mobility and ensuring that people can build meaningful, self-sustaining careers with dignity, making his role on the Mahaba Foundation’s Board of Directors a continuation of his commitment to creating pathways for individuals and communities to thrive.
Director Kenneth Griffin
Kenneth’s passion for community service and hospitality led him to establish No Matter What, an organization committed to uplifting youth in Chicago. Growing up on the South Side, where resources are scarce, he was determined to be part of the solution essential for the city’s youth to thrive. Kenneth began his career in the culinary and hospitality industries before transitioning to law enforcement as a Chicago Police Officer, where he serves as the department's Youth Officer.
At No Matter What, the mission is clear: to ensure that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to resources and support that enable them to thrive. Kenneth's vision is to create a nurturing environment where all youth feel valued and have the opportunity to achieve their potential: no matter what.
By fostering partnerships and mobilizing community resources, No Matter What seeks to build a brighter future for young people in Chicago, emphasizing that when we come together, we can make a significant difference in their lives. His role on the Mahaba Foundation’s Board of Directors builds on this work, allowing him to contribute his expertise to global efforts that prioritize self-sufficiency, dignity, and the power of community-driven change.
who we are: staff
Project Manager Micho Huzaifa
Micho Huzaifa, hailing from Jinja, "the Source of the Nile," in Eastern Uganda, serves as the Project Manager for the Mahaba Foundation. In this role, he plays a vital part in designing and implementing projects that directly benefit local communities. One of Micho's standout strengths is his ability to work with those we serve to establish goals, create programs, and evaluate outcomes.
Navigating environments where there is not always a common language, Micho effectively fosters communication and understanding among diverse groups. Micho's dedication to his community reflects the core mission of the Mahaba Foundation, making him an invaluable asset to the organization.
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Mutesi Tamari
Mutesi Tamari is a dedicated community worker with a deep passion for grassroots development and supporting women in rebuilding their lives. As a mother of four, she is motivated by the challenges many women face, particularly those who have experienced violence or displacement. Her motivation comes from seeing women regain hope and build a path forward for themselves and their families.
Mutesi brings extensive experience in community development. She previously worked with COBURWAS before pursuing further studies in gender studies. After completing her education, she served as a community paralegal with the Norwegian Refugee Council and later as a community trainer with AVSI, focusing on livelihoods and resilience-building initiatives. Her leadership and commitment led to her recognition as Woman of the Year in 2018 by the Kyangwali community in collaboration with UNHCR, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Finnish Refugee Council.
The Mahaba Foundation is grateful to have Mutesi Tamari as the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager in Kyangwali, where her dedication ensures that programs are impactful and continue to create meaningful opportunities for those in need.
