Mission & Vision
In Zulu, “zimele” means “to stand on your own two feet.” Since 2008, Zimele has walked alongside women in rural South Africa as they build lives filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Mission
Our mission is to confront the root causes of poverty in rural South Africa by empowering women with financial literacy, small business training and life skills to sustain not only themselves, but their families and communities.
Vision
Every individual has gifts and potential that, when nurtured, can transform their community. We envision empowered communities working together to build lives of dignity, opportunity, and lasting impact.
Empowered women change the world.
Special thanks to Jacob Douglass, professional videographer & volunteeer.
Our Team
Our dedicated staff and board guide Zimele USA’s work with passion and expertise, ensuring that every program and partnership reflects our commitment to women’s empowerment. Our collaboration allows Zimele USA to focus on fundraising, advocacy, and donor engagement, while Zimele Wethu implements programs directly in communities. Together, we create opportunities, skills, and leadership pathways that ripple across families and neighborhoods.
USA Staff
Janet Kwon, Executive Director
Christine Yu, Event & Development Coordinator
Yong Bae, Bookkeeper
Board of Directors
Peter Ahn, Board President & Founder
Margaret Chan, Board Treasurer
Alexandra Gee Lewis
Alison Gaughenbaugh
Angela Bae
Angela Robinson Whitehurst
Bruce Buchanan
Kim Grafenauer
Renee Karibi-Whyte
Sonia Cho
Zimele USA works hand in hand with Zimele Wethu Foundation, our sister organization and implementing partner based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Zimele Wethu leads training, mentoring, and community development programs that equip women to become agents of change.
Zimele Wethu Foundation
Our collaboration allows Zimele USA to focus on fundraising, advocacy, and donor engagement, while Zimele Wethu implements programs directly in communities. Together, we create opportunities, skills, and leadership pathways that ripple across families and neighborhoods.
