My Story

My name is Simon Javan Okelo. I grew up in the slums of Manyatta in Kisumu, Kenya. From 2002 to 2010 I served as Field Director of Solace International and Co Director of the Young Generation Centre, directing humanitarian projects in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia and South Sudan.

I grew up in a large polygamist family. My mother was the second wife and subordinate to the first, which created conflict and led her to move away from our rural home to the Manyatta slum. We had to be innovative to survive. I watched my mother reinvent herself, and that is where I learned it.

I have gained over fifteen years of nonprofit development and management in Africa and Seattle, founding and leading more than three international nonprofits and social ventures. I care most about developing leaders through mentorship and on the job training.

I have organised everything from intimate community dinners to international festivals and formal fundraising galas. I have worked with The Gates Foundation, City of Seattle, Paul Allen Family Foundation and Standard Media Group.

Since moving to the US in 2010 I have worn many hats, from Executive Director of One Vibe Africa, to a full time corporate job at Expeditors, to pursuing my career as a musician, to launching an African storytelling series for children, to becoming a naturalised US citizen.

In May 2019 I left my job at Expeditors to pursue my creative work and fatherhood full time. I now support myself and my family entirely through creative projects.