Risha Chande

I work with change makers who are restless about the state of the world, passionate about their values and curious to learn and turn conventional thinking on its head. My niche is the in-between space — translation, synthesis, connection.

I support organizations on their systems change strategy and implementation journeys, drawing on multiple tools and methods always focused on purpose. I believe in meeting people where they are and walking together, fusing our collective insights, experiences, ideas. My magic is to bring joy, energy and positivity about possibility into the spaces I curate and engage in. Originating in multiple cultures, I have a particular power and passion for conversations across difference – finding the common ground when it seems there is none. I am deeply grounded in evidence and engagement, with a strong orientation to and capacity with data and evidence, alongside expertise in translating complex concepts into clear, creative and persuasive content.

My strong and long foundation in communications and advocacy mean we start work in the shoes of those we seek to influence and transform. My curiousity and focus on impact also means I have a strong grounding in learning and measurement concepts from a practitioner perspective. I also have experience in futures thinking and organisational development.

My own systems change journey continues; and I was privileged to begin by learning from giants. At JustSystems, where I am currently a director, we embarked on a year long research and consultation exercise to learn from those at the frontline of transforming public systems. In this process, I absorbed a repertoire of postures, qualities, and tactics to deploy in engaging government. I am working on pulling these together for publication, while also supporting our partners in six geographies on their own journeys with systems.

As a key strategist for Twaweza, East Africa for many years, I contributed to important changes in evidence-informed policy and decision-making, designed new approaches for civil society partnerships and collaboration, and expanded pathways for local voices to influence national actions. Within Twaweza’s diverse portfolio of work, I wore many hats – funder, trainer, researcher.

I also spent time in their early years at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation building their in-house communications function, developing new strategies and designing content for a continental audience.

I serve on the board of Tanzania Bora Initiative, Nafasi Art Space and Asante Africa Foundation and as an advisor to Equality for Growth.