About Us
We are a team of public health professionals working to forge a brighter future for women and girls. We work in Kenya to eliminate forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) and early marriage.
We tackle FGM/C, early marriages and GBV through education. We provide full tuition for at risk girls at Cheposekek Girls High School. Our field team mentors the girls and leads gender equity trainings and economic empowerment workshops. This program not only keeps the girls we rescue and mentor in school, but also influences other families in the community to send their girls to school. For the first time this school year, we had the largest 9th grade class enrollment.
Another aspect of our work is community education. We partner with schools, parents and guardians, and other community members to educate against FGM/C, early marriages, and GBV. We also distribute pads and provide education around GBV and menstrual health and hygiene at schools in neighboring communities.
Why West Pokot County, Kenya
Our work began in Cheposekek, West Pokot County, Kenya, an area where girls are at risk of early marriages and female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). In Kenya, 21% of women and girls 15-49 years old have undergone FGM/C and 23% of girls enter marriages as minors under 18 years old. Harmful practices like FGM/C continue to impair the health, wellbeing, and future of girls and women.
One of the biggest barriers to Pokot girls' education is the lack of financing for programs that actively support their education journeys and opportunities for finishing basic education. Parents have to make tough decisions on which child they should send to school. In the Cheposekek community, it's often the boy child that's prioritized. As a result, girls in this community lack education opportunities due to gender inequality.
Meet the Team
Executive Committee
Founder, Executive Director
Josie Chenangat Murgor
Josie’s journey to fight for women’s and girls rights started back in 2015. She started raising awareness in Philadelphia and led a panel discussion on how FGM/C is a global issue and not an African issue. Josie has trained more than 1,000 Pokot youths on menstrual health, GBV and child rights. She founded the Keyang Tipin Foundation after realizing her love for community health. In her ideal world, girls would be able to make decisions about their bodies, have access to healthcare, sanitary pads, education, and a safe atmosphere where they can grow up and thrive. Josie was chosen as the Pad Project's 2023–2024 ambassador.
She holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health and a Bachelors degree from Drexel University.
Josie enjoys bringing people together with her love of cooking and runs the Pokot Hive, an organic honey business based in West Pokot.
Director of Operations
Cassandra Gardner
Cassandra began her Public Health career with Emory’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene initiative. She co-developed a course for UNICEF staff, educating on the importance of WASH initiatives in Health Care facilities to prevent infectious diseases and protect the health of mothers and children. As a certified health education specialist, she developed and implemented health education programs to empower community members to take control of their health outcomes. Cassandra's passion for empowering communities plays a key part of her role as Director of Operations, where she manages day to day operations and ensures programs and activities continue to align with our strategic goals.
Cassandra holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Emory University and a BS in Biology and Global Public Health from Bard College.
In her free time, she enjoys walks in nature, painting, and spending time with her two young boys.
Director of Grants and Compliance
Amina Dasin
Amina T. Dasin, MPH, is a public health professional with expertise in health communication, program evaluation, epidemiology, and emergency response. She has supported global health initiatives at the CDC, focusing on vaccine equity, pandemic response, and international health policy. Currently, as a Senior Health Communications Specialist contractor, she leads cross-CIO communication and workflow improvement efforts.
As the Director of Grants and Compliance at the Keyang Tipin Foundation, Amina leverages her expertise in philanthropy and nonprofit strategy to secure sustainable funding and strengthen organizational governance, empowering girls through education and advocacy.
Field Team
Program Coordinator
Purity Chebet Lukwo
Purity is passionate about empowering girls and advocating for their rights. With a background in teaching , she plays a vital role in the foundation's efforts to educate girls on their education rights and support girls in areas such as menstrual health and understanding issues like FGM and gender-based violence. She strives to make a positive impact and create a safer, more equitable world for girls in her community and everywhere. Purity joined Keyang Tipin Foundation as a mentor and facilitator. She holds a diploma in Primary teacher's education from west pokot college .
Purity loves traveling cooking, and baking.
Fundraising & Donor Relations Coordinator
Jackline Endoo
Jackline is Currently pursuing her studies in orthopedic and trauma medicine. Motivated by a desire to contribute to the betterment of society, Jackline serves as a mentor and facilitator, dedicating her time and expertise to empower and uplift young girls in her community. Educating them on menstrual health hygiene. With her compassionate heart and unwavering commitment, Jackline strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around her. Jackline is not only a skilled bead bag maker but also adept at crafting various other beaded items. Her expertise not only generates revenue but also empowers girls by teaching them bead making, providing them with essential skills. Jackline holds a diploma in orthopedic and trauma medicine
Jackline plays hockey and loves to sing.
Mental Health Advocate
Irene Chebet Kokwo
As an Occupational Therapist by profession, Irine plays a role in mental health by encouraging girls and women to speak their mind when faced with difficult situations to prevent mental illness. The nuances of menstrual health and hygiene can lead to depression, insomnia, anxiety, irritability and suicidal thoughts. This is a rising issue affecting women and girls. Irine inspires girls and women to embrace menstruation as a beautiful thing and to be proud of being FEMALE. She encourages women and girls to be there for one another by providing a shoulder to lean on when one is at her lowest and to speak up and protect the younger generation from mental illness, emotional damage. Irine joined Keyang Tipin Foundation as a mentor and facilitator. Her goal is to continue creating awareness to end FGM and early marriages while also educating others on mental health. She holds a Diploma in Occupational Therapy from Kenya Medical Training College.
Irine loves reading and hiking.
Board Members
Sukyi Naing, MPH
Sukyi holds a Master's in Public Health from Emory University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and an Associate's degree from Cerritos College.
Shila Bayor, JD
Shila is an attorney based in Philadelphia. She holds a JD from Penn State Dickinson Law and a Bachelor's degree from Bard College.
Marie Denise Milord, MD, MPH
Marie has been providing healthcare and preventative care for over 20 years. She holds an MD from Universidad Autonoma de Puebla in Puebla, Mexico and a Master's in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. She is a past recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship.
Code of Ethics
At Keyang Tipin Foundation, we are committed to fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability as we work to empower girls and women through education, protection, and skills development. Our Code of ethics outlines the values and principles that guide our work and ensure we uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions.
Empowerment
We equip girls and women with the tools they need to lead their own futures.
Equity
We promote equal access to education, opportunities, and resources for all.
Community
We foster collaboration, inclusivity, and collective action to drive meaningful change.
Integrity
We uphold honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making in all our activities.
Respect
We value and honor the dignity, rights, cultures, and experiences of the communities we serve.