Meet the Team
Sayydah Garrett
Founder and President
Sayydah was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She has a lifelong passion for helping others.
Sayydah Garrett was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Since childhood she has seen her parents (Ukrainian mother and African-American father) set the good example of helping less fortunate people in their community. This instilled the lifelong passion Sayydah has for helping others, whether it’s watching over elderly neighbors in her town, contributing to her favorite charities or doing community service. Her personal mission statement is, “Tell me what you want and I’ll help you get it.”
While on safari in Kenya in August, 2012 Sayydah visited Namayiana Village in Samburu County and learned about harmful centuries-old practices from a Samburu warrior (PCF’s Co-founder) who is fighting for girls’ rights to education. Sayydah promised to help and Pastoralist Child Foundation was founded on the very day of her visit to the village.
Sayydah is fluent in English, French and Russian, and speaks conversational Spanish. She enjoys learning languages and meeting people from all over the world, especially when they share food with her! She has traveled to 25+ countries.
Sayydah is a certified ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor and Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor. She also teaches French at a local adult night school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Russian Language & Literature from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Sayydah’s pastimes include spending time with family and friends, doing aqua fitness, and baking. She also enjoys doing community service as the Immediate Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge and on the music committee at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, GRAMMY Award winning and NEA Jazz Masters 2023 Honoree saxophonist and composer, Kenny Garrett.
Samuel Siriria Leadismo
Co-founder & Director
I’m a pastoralist from the Samburu tribe, Black Cattle clan in Samburu, Kenya.
The Samburu tribe is nomadic – moving from one place to another with their livestock searching for greener pastures.
When I was 25 years old my mother developed throat cancer. I cared for her during the last year of her life. During this period we shared many things. She told me about growing up poor, herding goats as a child, and an early marriage. I knew her to be a deeply caring person and a strong, positive presence for not only her own children, but for all the children in the village. I learned from our conversations how much she wished she could have gone to school and to pursue a path of education so that she could have done more with her life and for others. During her last year, she shared her dream with me. She asked me to guide my younger sisters, to educate them, and to fight for the rights of all girls to enjoy the opportunities and life she didn’t have. I’m honored to fulfill my mother’s wishes through the work I do at Pastoralist Child Foundation.
It is not easy for a warrior to learn this lesson and fight for the rights of girls. I am proud of myself, our community, and of the work we are able to do through Pastoralist Child Foundation.
I’m a role model, advisor, and counselor in our villages, always encouraging my fellow youth to continue their education. I advocate against child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) by actively promoting childhood and adult education in my community. I attained a higher Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Zetech University. I’m the proud dad of 3 daughters and 1 son. My daughters will not undergo FGM. My favorite thing about being a father is that I can work hard every day to leave this world a better place for my daughters, my son, and my community. Being a dad softens my heart and makes me instantly more accountable and responsible to the world around me.
Elizabeth Lemoyog
Community Mobilizer & FGM Expert
I’m a passionate advocate dedicated to creating positive change in the lives of women and children.
With a deep commitment to the well-being of vulnerable communities, I work to raise awareness and drive action against harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
I focus on advocating for change, supporting survivors, and educating communities on the dangers and long-term effects of these harmful practices. I am deeply driven by the belief that every girl and woman deserves to live free from violence and have access to a future of opportunity.
I believe that grassroots efforts are vital for lasting change, and I am committed to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and tools to improve their health and well-being.
My goal is to continue amplifying the voices of those who are too often silenced and to contribute to a future where every woman and child can live free from harm.
Jackline Kamene Nzioki
Scholarship Program Director
Jackline is a dedicated professional serving as the Scholarship Program Director.
With a passion for empowering youth, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that scholarships reach those in need. Known for my honesty, responsibility, and unwavering perseverance, I’m committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of the next generation.
I manage the scholarship application process, work closely with applicants, and ensure that all candidates are provided with the resources they need to apply successfully and receive scholarships.
I enjoy traveling, mentoring, or reading about educational policy. I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for social change, and I’m deeply committed to making it accessible to as many people as possible.
Alfred Lepalo
Assistant Programme Officer
Alfred is a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for the well-being of young people, particularly in pastoralist communities.
As the Assistant Programme Officer at Pastoralist Child Foundation, he plays a key role in implementing initiatives that empower youth through education, advocacy, and community development.
With a strong commitment to social change, Alfred works closely with communities to address critical issues affecting young people, ensuring they have access to opportunities for a brighter future. His leadership and dedication to youth empowerment continue to inspire positive transformation within the pastoralist society.
I enjoy volunteering, learning about social innovation, or spending time in nature. I believe in the power of community and collective action, and I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and strength of those I work with.
Asha Leeresh
Gender, Youth and Inclusion Officer
I was born and raised in Samburu and am a passionate advocate for community development and gender equality.
I am a proud beneficiary of Pastoralist Child Foundation (PCF), which fully funded my education from high school to university and provided psycho-social support that helped me thrive. Now serving as the Gender, Youth and Inclusion Officer, I’m dedicated to giving back to my community, empowering girls and women, and creating positive change.
I am dedicated to advancing the understanding and recognition of diverse identities, working to eliminate systemic barriers, and creating a space where every individual feels empowered to thrive.
With a background in community health, I specialize in delivering health education programs and connecting individuals to essential health services.
Wilma Redenta
Journalist, Photographer & Communications Specialist
Wilma Redenta is a dedicated journalist and communications professional passionate about storytelling and advocacy.
As the Communications Officer at Pastoralist Child Foundation, she manages the organization’s social media presence, using digital platforms to amplify impactful stories and drive engagement.
Beyond her role in communications, Wilma is a skilled photographer who finds joy in capturing powerful moments—whether it’s the beauty of everyday life or images that speak volumes about resilience and change. She believes in the power of visual storytelling to inspire action and create awareness.
Wilma is also a committed advocate against harmful practices such as gender-based violence (GBV) and child marriage. Through her work, she strives to shed light on critical issues affecting communities, using journalism and photography as tools for change.
