Engera UK is a small charity founded by a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in Ethiopia. With the goal of improving the lives of people in Ethiopia, Engera UK supports local communities in the areas of health and education.
Alongside our sister organisations we work closely with the local population to provide basic health services such as medical treatment, immunisations, and health education. We also focus on providing education and training opportunities for young people to enable them to reach their potential.
Our community-driven initiatives are making a lasting difference in the lives of people in Ethiopia. Through the efforts of our skilled local staff and dedicated medical volunteers, we are building a better future for the communities of Gurage and Oromia.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Filippo Bianco
CHAIR
Filippo is a Managing Director for UBS Investment bank with broad responsibilities across Europe. He holds four degrees in Business Administration and speaks five languages fluently. Filippo has lived across Europe and the US but has also extensively travelled in more than 90 countries. Filippo traveled for the first time in Ethiopia in 2011, and since then, he has collaborated with Engera. He brings passion, a love for Africa, and international experience. He is married with three children.
Chiara Camandona Bianco
Board member
Chiara has over 16 years of experience in branding and digital marketing. Over the years she has worked with many large brands delivering through-the-line marketing and implementing successful campaigns. She has lived across Europe and she is passionate about travelling. She is married and a mother of 3.
Lutz Marten
Board Member
Lutz Marten is a Professor of General and African Linguistics at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, where he served as Head of the Linguistics Department, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Cultures, and Head of the Doctoral School, as well as Director of the London Confucius Institute. His research focuses on the study of language in its structural, historical, and social aspects. Most of his work is related to African languages and he has worked with communities and colleagues across the continent for many years. He is currently involved in collaborative research projects on the description and promotion of the Kenyan Bantu language Kitaveta and on the cultural translation of Covid-19 in London’s community languages.
Alessandro Mazza
Board Member
Alessandro Mazza is a Managing Director at Jefferies. He has 18+ years of experience in financial services, focusing on investment banking, debt capital markets, mergers & acquisitions serving corporations and investors throughout Europe and across a wide array of industries. He is committed to several charitable endeavours, including serving as a Trustee for Engera UK and the Beyond Food Foundation, as well as on the Advisory Boards of Mind with Heart and Campaign for National Parks.
Caroline Millington
Board Member
Caroline Millington is a multi-award winning writer and social media strategist with 20+ years of experience connecting with audiences, producing marketing, commercial and editorial campaigns across digital, social media and print. She is a freelance Social Media Consultant, formerly Head of Social at Future plc and Industria Studios, as well as Digital Executive Producer at ITV. She has been a fundraiser for several UK charities and has had two books published. Caroline lives in Northamptonshire, UK and loves to travel.
STAFF
Lydia Pistis
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lydia has been at Engera since May 2022. She joined us from SOAS University of London, where she was a Philanthropy Manager and worked for nine years. She has extensive experience working within the charity and education sector, including raising money for capital campaigns. At SOAS, she was also the lead for fundraising relating to Africa, such as providing scholarships for African students. Lydia is passionate about philanthropy's role in transforming lives and women's empowerment.
