Hope Phillips – Founder of Hope+ Africa, Executive Director

Hope is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Hope+ Africa. She is our fearless leader and inspiration for the organization. Hope Positive Africa is based on her life story. Read her story here. Since we believe African women know best how to minister to the needs of African women, children, and families the mission and daily work of HOPE+ Africa is directed by Hope.

Ahmed Costa – Director, U.S. Operations

Ahmed is the Director, U.S. Operations of Hope Positive Africa and he also serves as the Board Treasurer. He was born south of Los Angeles and by the beach, which is one of his favorite places. He’s an Aquarius, and definitely a water baby! He loves acting and performing improv so maybe at some point you’ll see him live or on a screen of some sort! He also knows how to make beer, loves craft breweries, and playing bartender at home crafting exotic cocktails. Ahmed loves to make himself available to answer any of your questions regarding donations, managing your recurring donations, end of year contribution statements, and other donation related questions. His email is ahmed@hopepositiveafrica.org. You can follow him on Instagram (@mrcostamedia), Threads (@mrcostamedia), TikTok (@mrcostamedia), and Facebook (@mrcostamedia).

Joslin Salant – Secretary

Diana Wilcoxen – Chairwoman

Learn about the newest addition to our team soon.

Shannon Andrea Thomas

Shannon is the Founding Partner of Just Media LLC., a Mediation + Creative Strategy agency that is healing conflict, building coalitions, and taking direct action for global solidarity at the local level in L.A. Shannon graduated Summa Cum Laude from UC Berkeley with a double-major in Middle Eastern Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies before finishing her Masters in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, concentrating in International and Global Affairs and multiparty negotiations. Today, she acts as a certified Mediator. She is also Survivor for Abolition and an Advisor for Malikah’s global women’s network, all while developing local Mutual Aid networks to feed the streets of Los Angeles. Shannon specializes trauma-informed identity conflict resolution, having travelled and worked in 25 countries with folks of all backgrounds.