SEED Madagascar

Mark, a qualified research ecologist, first went to Madagascar in 1998, leading a team of biologists to study the flora and fauna of the southeast.

On return to the UK, Mark started to work with SEED developing Project Lokaro. He then became Managing Director and has worked since with the board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of all aspects of the organisation. Overseeing the fundraising and marketing efforts, volunteer programmes and ongoing development of the organisation, Mark ensures effective communication and between trustees and SEED.

Arabella recently completed an MSc in Paediatric and Child Global Health at the University College of London. Her dissertation focussed on the potential function of app technology improving maternal health, through her analysis of symptoms reported by a cohort of pregnant Jamaican women. Prior to that, Arabella worked as a Healthcare Support Worker at Great Ormond Street Hospital and graduated from Durham University with a BA in Anthropology and Archaeology where she focussed on the intersection between culture and health. Alongside her studies, she has spent time volunteering for a range of development organisations which led Arabella to SEED. She is excited to work with an experienced and vibrant team to provide community driven development across Fort Dauphin.

Betty holds a Master of Environmental Studies (Climate Change and Sustainability) and a Bachelor of Science Degree (Water Engineering), both from Kenyatta University in Kenya. Her background includes research on greenhouse gas emissions, implementing cash transfer and WASH projects for vulnerable urban communities.

SEED’s unique approach in addressing people’s immediate needs attracted her to the organization. She hopes to learn, grow and contribute during her time at the institution.

Rebecca graduated in 2013 from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Environmental Science and MSc in Environmental Management before working for a sustainability consultancy. In 2017 Rebecca moved away from corporate sustainability and now works part-time with an online ethical fashion marketplace where she partners with global independent fair-trade brands.

Rebecca discovered SEED Madagascar after looking for an organisation where tangible impacts are made on communities and the environment and now hopes to build out the Stitch Sainte Luce project reach within the UK and abroad.

Breanna graduated in 2020 from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. She discovered a passion for international development as a United Nations Volunteer, and has experience working with NGOs based in Spain, Argentina and Panama. Breanna was drawn to SEED's community driven and holistic approach, and is excited to be here supporting and contributing to the team as a Web Editor.

Zac has over three years' experience coordinating and managing projects in Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania. He holds First Class Honours in Business Management and Level 5 Diplomas in Management & Leadership and Professional Consulting. His main interest is how this field can be applied to projects and organisations in the third sector.

SEED Madagascar's approach to community-led development inspired Zac to join the team in 2018, along with the opportunity to learn how a combination of multidisciplinary projects can come together to develop a single geographical location.

Sally holds an MSc in International Development Management from the University of East Anglia and a BA in Global Development and Global Health from Mercer University. She has a diverse skill set from previous experiences in community and social development and is excited to learn more about sustainable development.

She has lived and worked in Thailand as a teacher and assistant for a medical NGO on the Thai- Burma border. In both positions, she worked on educational development projects and was thus particularly drawn to SEED’s Sekoly Maintso project. She also appreciates SEED’s multidisciplinary nature and emphasis on local capacity building.

Alex recently graduated from the University of London with a BSc in International Development. With previous experience as a Clinical Support Worker at Birmingham Children's Hospital, he is keen to learn more about SEED's work in community health and gain insight into the day-to-day running of the organisation.

After spending several years in India, Alex is excited about new opportunities to learn about life and culture in Anosy. He was drawn to SEED by its excellent organisational performance and impact.

Jelena is an experienced Web Content Editor with over five years of expertise in managing and optimising digital content for non-profits and international organisations. With a strong background in WordPress and web design, she ensures impactful and accessible online experiences that align with organisational goals.

As a Volunteer Website Editor at SEED Madagascar, Jelena contributes her skills to enhance the organisation’s digital presence, supporting its mission of sustainable development, community growth, and education. She is passionate about combining creativity and technology to drive social impact and facilitate important causes.

Cassie completed her MSc in Forest and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University and Research in 2024, following a BSc in Geography with study abroad from the University of Birmingham (2021). She has a well-established background in writing, research, and data analysis, with a focus on wildlife ecology and conservation. Her experience includes a research internship in Paraguay on primate behaviour and a desk-based master’s thesis on primate conservation and hunter behaviour and preferences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

She has a strong interest in community-based conservation initiatives, which drew her to SEED’s work, notably The Ala Programme and rural livelihood projects. She is eager to gain hands-on experience in the charity sector, particularly in grant applications and donor research, while developing her skills and contributing to meaningful, community-driven projects that create lasting positive impacts.

Ellen recently completed a Master’s in International Security at the Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals, where her research examined decision-making processes within multilateral institutions. Ellen also holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations from The George Washington University. She has a background in international collaboration, programme management, and public diplomacy, having worked at an NGO to deliver government-funded professional exchange programmes. Ellen thrives in fast-paced, multicultural settings and has been recognised for her adaptability, attention to detail, and aptitude to manage complex projects with professionalism and diplomacy.

Ellen is looking forward to learning more about sustainable development strategies implemented at a community level. Her commitment to global engagement and meaningful impact is what led her to join SEED.

Emily holds an MSc in Poverty, Inequality and International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Glasgow. With a professional background in digital marketing and practical experience in humanitarian coordination, she is undertaking the role of Digital Communications Officer.

Her academic and voluntary experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the intersection between inequality, environment, education and health. Through independent research on faith-based humanitarian organisations in Uganda, and earlier voluntary teaching with First Aid Africa, she has established a global and culturally sensitive perspective on community development alongside environmental advocacy. As an advocate for grassroots initiatives, she was particularly drawn to SEED’s emphasis on promoting community-forward initiatives which foster meaningful environmental resilience.

Chenchen Zha is currently pursuing an MSc in Business and Sustainability at University College London, following the completion of a Bachelor's degree in Economics with Finance from the University of Edinburgh. He brings experience in both qualitative and quantitative research, with a strong foundation in data analysis, report writing, project coordination, and sustainable finance.

Originally from China, Chenchen spent ten years living in Zimbabwe and has been based in the UK since 2020. His international background informs a global perspective on sustainability challenges. He is particularly interested in sustainable project delivery and monitoring, policy evaluation, and sustainability research, and is excited to contribute meaningfully to his team while continuing to grow his expertise in these areas.

Salohy holds a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Trade from the African Leadership University in Rwanda. She has developed a strong background in research, programme management, and operational support, particularly within the education and social innovation sectors.

Through her work with SEED, Salohy aims to further expand her skills, especially within the Environmental Conservation and Education Infrastructure projects, while contributing to the advancement of SEED’s mission in Madagascar. She is also eager to deepen her knowledge and experience in Fundraising and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).