RefuSHE Names New CEO
RefuSHE's Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Altshul as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)! We know you will join us in extending a warm welcome to Helen when she takes office on November 1, 2022. On that date, Helen will succeed RefuSHE’s current interim CEO, Doris Nelima, who will resume her role as RefuSHE’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Helen Altshul comes to RefuSHE with more than 25 years of international development and humanitarian response experience. She is a seasoned manager and mentor who will take the helm in leading RefuSHE’s programmatic growth. Helen will build on RefuSHE’s accomplishments and provide long-term direction for the organization’s staff, beneficiaries, and partners. In addition to expanding RefuSHE’s holistic model as a safe space for adolescent girls and refugees, Helen will lead the organization’s efforts to increase the self-reliance and economic independence of the young women we serve.
“We are extremely proud of RefuSHE’s many achievements since the organization made a fundamental decision to shift its institutional decision-making to the site of its key operations in Kenya. Through the loss of our late CEO, Geoffrey Thige, and the COVID-19 pandemic, RefuSHE’s entire staff has stepped up and brought the organization to new heights. Today, after a competitive, international search, we are pleased to announce Helen Altshul as our new CEO. Through her storied career, Helen’s work has exemplified our values. We believe she will continue to build on RefuSHE’s vision and momentum as a vital advocate for separated and refugee children.”
Rosalind Raddatz, Chair of RefuSHE’s US Board of Directors
“I am delighted to welcome Helen as our new CEO. Her mix of skills and leadership qualities position her for success in leading our organization forward. Under Helen’s leadership, we hope to build on what we have already accomplished, hone our strategic direction, grow our organization, strengthen our partnerships, and build new relationships.”
Charity Mureithi, Chair of RefuSHE’s Kenya Board of Directors
In March 2022, RefuSHE launched a search for a new CEO who would shepherd the organization through its next phase of growth and evolution. Upholding our commitment to keep the organization’s strategic decision-making in Kenya, RefuSHE’s Kenya Board of Directors partnered with executive search firm, August Leadership, to identify Nairobi-based candidates who would build on RefuSHE’s success and lead the organization with integrity and vision. After a rigorous vetting process, Helen emerged as the right leader to take RefuSHE to the next level.
“I am honored and excited to take on the challenge of leading RefuSHE at this time. Life for refugees, particularly women and girls, is not easy, but through its practical, holistic support and extensive global advocacy work, RefuSHE aims to make things better for refugee girls and young women in Kenya. In addition to advancing its programmatic activities, I look forward to deepening RefuSHE’s monitoring, evaluation, and communications ventures to generate and disseminate evidence of the impact of our work. I anticipate developing new partnerships and funding relationships to sustainably grow our programs. I will take my inspiration, resolve, and energy from the girls and young women we serve, as well as from the talented and dedicated team at RefuSHE."
Helen Altshul, Incoming CEO of RefuSHE
RefuSHE looks forward to closing out this year’s activities and beginning 2023 with Helen at the helm. Your inspiring and steadfast commitment to our community ensures that RefuSHE can meet the needs of hundreds of refugee girls and young women each year. We welcome your questions, ideas, and continued support in the months ahead as we embark on this exciting journey!