+1 (203)-675-7215 chichasa@gmail.com

Founder's Statement

In Chichasa, community comes first, but we never forget who makes it a community. We celebrate many identities, backgrounds, nationalities, ages, and races. Despite being a youth-led organization, we recognize and respect the distinctions that define us and so influence our organization. These principles are ingrained in our name, which recognizes individual interests as critical components in the formation of collective ideologies.

Samantha
Samantha Chizalema

Co-Founder/Chairperson of Board of Directors

Software Engineering at The Uinversity of Zambia

Nchimunya
Nchimunya Mwiinga

Project Manager/ Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Psychology and Computer Science at Rollins college

Chisunta
Chisunta M Chikwamu

Co-founder/ secretary of the Board of Directors

Mathematics and Computer Information Sytems at Albertus Magnus College

I believe that all humans, regardless of social or political status, deserve the same level of respect. To me, expression is very important, whether through art, religion, or gender expression. People should be allowed to be themselves as long as they recognize that their freedom ends where another person begins. I wish to impart to the world the skills I have acquired through formal and informal education. This is because I gained independence by relying on the world, and I know that it is in giving that we receive. I have a strong passion for planning and having a well-organized action plan, so I am the secretary of the Black Students Union at school and a student advisor for Dominican Ministries. I am also part of Black in Data and the National Association of Black Accountants. As the secretary of the board, my job is to organize remuneration for the board's approval and to forward it to the treasurer. As co-founder of CHICHASA, my objective is to address inequalities and disparities at the grassroots level that the global community does not reach or care about as much.

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Chanda Leo

Co-Founder/Tresurer of the Board Of Directors

Bioengineering with a Minor in history(pre-med) at Maryland University

When human beings experience trauma or severe life emergencies, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. During these moments, victims, especially young and adolescent ones, are in great need of support and social empowerment. As a response to these needs, I have dedicated myself to supporting victims through many volunteer departments: Chichasa Organization (Co-founder and treasurer), Social Inequality Dialogue at the University of Maryland (Coordinator), American Red Cross volunteer (Distribution of emergency supplies). As the treasurer of Chicasa, I account for financial resources and ensure that they reach the right recipients. My vision for Chicasa is for it to reach as many people as possible through our outreach programs.

Our Mentors and Advisors

Where would we be if it was not for our mentors?

Clean up

Natasha grew up in Mufulira, a farming and mining community in the north central part of Zambia. While an undergraduate student at Edgewood College in 2018, she secured a grant of $1,000 and used it to start a project in Zambia that produces reusable menstrual pads and provides girls with menstrual hygiene education. In 2020, a team of individuals who were inspired by her work incorporated an organization in the U.S. to support her. She brings to CHICHASA her experience of running and starting a non-profit organization and serves as our primary advisor and mentor.

Find out more here