Founder/CEO

Chara Itoka is the CEO of The Itoka Group, a Kigali-based consulting firm designing impactful strategies across multiple sectors. A dynamic leader with consulting experience at the Gates Foundation and the African Development Bank, Chara’s portfolio of work encompasses policy development, research, and the establishment of strategic partnerships. From directing Africa's first fair trade garment manufacturer to developing an equitable partner engagement strategy, Chara draws from her diverse experiences to bring unique insight to strategy. Her multifaceted career includes designing a $2M USD sustainable fashion fund, strategizing with Rwanda’s leading fashion brands, and advising on the mobilization for a global gender equality convening.

Chara is formerly the youngest political appointee in the Liberian government and an expert recruited by UNDP’s Transfer of Knowledge through the Expatriate Nationals Program to provide institutional capacity-building support. She is an Amnesty International Patrick Stewart Human Rights Scholar, a recipient of the Scott Family Liberia Fellowship, and the CRS International Development Fellowship. Chara holds a Master of Science degree in Forced Migration from Oxford University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from the American University of Paris.

A sought after speaker on a broad range of topics, Chara specializes in drawing from her breadth of experiences to add value. Her authenticity & expertise are evident in her approach to designing innovative programs, cultivating relationships, facilitating training, and conducting cutting edge impact assessments. Chara is also the Co-Founder of two sustainable fashion brands, PISO Collection and Indigenous Collectives.