MARK MACHARIA
Mark Macharia is the visionary leader and managing partner at Alumni Challenge, where he leverages his extensive 15-year background in media and advertising to drive educational advancement in Africa. Based in Nairobi, Mark’s innovative strategies focus on enhancing the quality of education through active alumni engagement, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With a robust career managing brand communications across Kenyan and regional markets, Mark has developed and executed media campaigns for a diverse array of sectors, including FMCGs, telecommunications, financial services, NGOs, and government agencies. His expertise extends to consulting on brand and marketing strategies for multinationals, which have markedly increased brand exposure and impact.
Committed to societal betterment through education, Mark values transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. His future goals include strengthening alumni networks, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and fostering strategic partnerships to benefit more students. Mark is also at the forefront of launching the first-ever Alumni Summit in Kenya, aiming to instigate lasting positive change in the education sector.
RALPH AMOS
Ralph Amos brings over 30 years of distinguished experience in organizational advancement, marked by a deep commitment to driving administrations toward extraordinary community growth and philanthropic resurgence.
Before his tenure at Synergist, Ralph was President and CEO of the Caltech Alumni Association, where his leadership left an indelible mark on alumni relations and fundraising. Throughout his career, spanning roles at Purdue, Maryland, UCLA, Ohio, and Ohio State, Ralph played a pivotal role in achieving substantial fundraising results, notably helping to secure billions of dollars in emotional and financial support for various institutions he has served.
Ralph has dedicated his time and expertise as a volunteer faculty member for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). His commitment to CASE extended to his involvement in key committees and leadership roles, including service on the Committee on Opportunity and Equity and the Commission on Alumni Relations. Ralph’s contributions culminated in two terms on the CASE International Board of Trustees, and he received the prestigious Crystal Apple Teaching Award, recognizing his impactful presentations across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Ralph holds a B.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy from Ohio State University and is fluent in French. He also has a master’s in public leadership and administration from Ohio University. Today, Ralph lives in Los Angeles, California.
