RKF and it’s people.
Learn more about our mission, our work, and the people driving change through the Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation.
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The Foundation was established to address the barriers that many girls face in accessing sport and personal development opportunities. Inspired by Racheal Kundananji’s journey, our work is grounded in the belief that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not.
We focus on creating structured pathways that support both sporting excellence and personal growth. Through our programs, we provide mentorship, educational support, and access to safe environments where girls can thrive with dignity and confidence.
Our approach is holistic. In addition to sports development, we engage in community initiatives, advocate for gender equality, and promote awareness around critical issues such as social justice and sexual and reproductive health. By doing so, we ensure that the impact we create extends far beyond the field of play.
Racheal Kundananji
RKF Founder
Racheal Kundananji is a 25-year-old Zambian and global football icon whose journey from playing barefoot on the streets of Ndola to starring in top leagues across Kazakhstan, Spain, and the United States has made her one of Africa’s most admired athletes.
A prolific striker for the Zambia Women’s National Team and an officer in the Zambia Army, she has represented her country at the Olympics, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, earning international recognition for her power, speed, and goal-scoring brilliance.
Having overcome significant social and structural challenges throughout her career, she embodies
the resilience and determination that define her “soldier” mentality.
As a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, she uses her global platform and the work of the Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation – to advocate for gender equality, HIV prevention and the empowerment of girls and young women across Africa, making her a powerful force both in sport
and in social impact.
Bernadette Deka-Zulu
RKF Co-Founder & CEO
Bernadette Deka-Zulu is a champion for girls’ and women’s empowerment in Zambia and across Africa, with over 15 years of experience in public policy, governance, and organisational development. She has served as a presidential advisor on policy and led major national and regional initiatives advancing inclusive growth, education, digital innovation, and gender equality. A former CEO of a national policy think tank and the current CEO of Hero Control Systems, she drives strategic reforms and technology-led solutions that expand opportunities for youth and women.
She is also the Founder of Shaping Futures Zambia, and Co-Founder of the Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation and recently co-founded Teyeni Sports Research Center – a sports think tank.
Through her work in STEM advancement, sports empowerment, and community development, Bernadette continues to shape Africa’s agenda for women’s leadership and social transformation.
Nicky Lewis
RKF Chair
Nicky has worked in sport, fitness and wellness for over 30 years. She is UK Sport Performance Lifestyle accredited and has worked with England Rugby as a Performance Lifestyle adviser and The Premier League as a Professional Skills Mentor.
Nicky has also worked at the University of Bath for 12 years as a Lecturer, Wellness Manager and Deputy Director for Team Bath with responsibility for Training and Development, sports science support and athlete scholarships. Nicky was the Programme Manager for the ground breaking Foundation Degree in Sports Performance which offered a flexible academic and training programme for elite athletes.
Nicky created Deisie Wellness in 2018. A yoga and wellness business offering weekly yoga, breathwork and meditation classes, wellness coaching and wellness retreats in Bath, UK and Mallorca, Spain. As a wellness and yoga teacher, Nicky wholeheartedly embraces and actively encourages the concept of holistic wellness.
Nicky is a sponsor for Team Bath and a mentor for the University of Bath Gold Scholarship programme. She is a passionate advocate of women and girls sport, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, and is also a Trustee for the charity Africa On The Ball. As a seasoned sports administrator, Nicky celebrates diversity and embraces kindness and compassion in all aspects of her work.
Savior Mwambwa
RKF Trustee
Savior Mwambwa is a seasoned development and economic policy professional with over 20 years of experience. Currently serving as a Program Manager in the Economic and Climate Prosperity team at the Open Society Foundations (OSF) in New York, he specializes in international taxation, development finance, industrial policies, and domestic resource management strategies.
Prior to his current role, Savior held several key positions within OSF, including Program Officer for the Economic Justice Program and the Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) and as Senior Advisor for the Sustainable Debt Initiative; throughout these roles, he has leveraged grant-making, policy advocacy, stakeholder convening, and funder collaborations to promote greater openness, accountability, and equity in fiscal and economic systems worldwide.
With more than a decade of dedication to economic justice issues, particularly tax policy, illicit financial flows, and international financial architecture. Savior has built an impressive track record in civil society advocacy and grassroots organization development.
His leadership experience includes serving as Interim Director of the Washington-based Financial Transparency Coalition (FTC), Tax Campaign Manager at ActionAid’s International Secretariat in Johannesburg, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Tax Justice Network-Africa (TJN-A) in Nairobi, and Executive Director of the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) in Zambia.
Terry-Anne Pickard
RKF Trustee
Terry-Anne Pickard is the Chief Executive Officer of a regional enterprise operating across Lusaka and Harare, where she leads with a blend of strategic insight, people-centered leadership, and a deep commitment to sustainable growth. Known for her warm, collaborative approach, she excels at building strong relationships and fostering environments where diverse voices and perspectives are valued.
A passionate advocate for uplifting the girl child, Terry-Anne is dedicated to initiatives that expand access, confidence, and opportunity for young women. Her work reflects a strong belief in the power of kindness, connection, and purposeful leadership to drive meaningful impact within organizations and communities.
With a track record of steering teams through complex markets and cultivating high-trust cultures, Terry-Anne brings vision, empathy, and operational clarity to every boardroom she serves. Her leadership style is defined by integrity, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to positive change.
Joshua Banda
RKF Country Programs Manager
Joshua Banda is a development professional and economist with experience in programme management, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. He previously served as a Policy and Programme Analyst under the US AID Business Enabling Project, supporting policy reforms, research, and partnerships that promoted sustainable development and institutional strengthening in Zambia.
His work included collaborating with government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders to support evidence-based policy reforms and development programs.
He holds a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Zambia and continues to contribute to initiatives that promote inclusive development and sustainable growth.
Sarah Baker
UK Operations Manager
Sarah Baker is a communications and events professional with a passion for PR, social media, and bringing people together through memorable experiences. She specializes in promoting brands, managing events, and creating engaging digital content that connects communities and audiences.
A lifelong sports fan and champion of women in sport, Sarah combines this love of sport with her professional skills, using storytelling, media engagement, and creative communication to build energy around events and initiatives.
She is proud to serve as Administrator of the Racheal Kundananji Foundation, a role that reflects her strong belief in the power of community, opportunity, and giving back, supporting initiatives that inspire and empower young people.
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