Leadership Dedicated to Transforming Maternal Health
Mama Care Africa is led by a passionate team of healthcare professionals, global health leaders, and change-makers committed to ensuring that every mother has access to safe, high-quality maternity care.
With leadership spanning the United States and Zimbabwe, our team combines expertise in obstetrics, nursing, midwifery, public health, healthcare leadership, and international collaboration. Together, we work alongside governments, hospitals, universities, and local communities to strengthen health systems, equip frontline providers, and introduce innovative solutions that save mothers’ and babies’ lives across Africa.
Leading with purpose.
Norah Mucheke
MSN, RNC-OB, CNML
Founder & Executive Director
Norah Mucheke is the Founder and Executive Director of Mama Care Africa. A maternal health leader and healthcare executive based in California, she founded the organization with a vision to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Africa by strengthening frontline healthcare systems through innovation, education, and strategic partnerships.
With extensive leadership experience in women’s and children’s healthcare, Norah has dedicated her career to improving maternal outcomes through evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare innovation. Under her leadership, Mama Care Africa has established partnerships with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), hospitals across Zimbabwe, and global organizations committed to advancing maternal health.
She leads the organization’s strategic vision, international partnerships, fundraising, and program development while championing innovative initiatives including OB Emergency Kits, augmented reality tele-mentorship, handheld ultrasound technology, and provider capacity-building programs.
Mary Gacii
CNM, MSN, APRN
Co-Founder & Director of Programs and Development
Mary Gacii is a Certified Nurse Midwife and serves as Co-Founder and Director of Programs and Development for Mama Care Africa.
With extensive clinical experience in maternal and newborn care, Mary provides leadership for the organization’s program development and clinical education initiatives. She works closely with healthcare providers and partner institutions to design and implement evidence-based training programs that improve the quality of obstetric care.
Mary is passionate about empowering frontline healthcare professionals and ensuring that mothers receive compassionate, safe, and equitable care regardless of where they live.
Leading on the ground.
Dr. Tawanda Matsa
Zimbabwe Country Director
Dr. Tawanda Matsa serves as Mama Care Africa’s Zimbabwe Country Director, providing clinical and strategic leadership for the organization’s programs throughout Zimbabwe.
An accomplished Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Matsa works closely with healthcare institutions, professional organizations, and local partners to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare through innovation, provider education, and systems improvement.
He oversees the implementation of Mama Care Africa’s in-country initiatives, including the rollout of OB Emergency Kits, clinical training programs, technology-enabled maternal health solutions, and strategic partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers. His leadership ensures that the organization’s programs are evidence-based, locally relevant, and sustainable.
As Country Director, Dr. Matsa serves as the primary liaison between Mama Care Africa’s U.S. leadership and its Zimbabwean partners, helping advance the organization’s mission to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Africa.
Strategic governance & oversight.
Our Board of Directors provides strategic governance, financial oversight, and organizational leadership to ensure Mama Care Africa remains accountable, sustainable, and focused on its mission. Together, the Board brings diverse expertise in medicine, nursing, public health, healthcare leadership, governance, and community engagement.
Dr. Portia Manangazira
Board Member
A respected physician and public health leader with extensive experience in health systems strengthening, disease prevention, and national public health programs in Zimbabwe. Dr. Manangazira brings invaluable expertise in policy, leadership, and healthcare systems.
Dr. Kathleen Chung
Board Member
A board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist dedicated to improving women’s health through clinical excellence, education, and global collaboration. Dr. Chung provides strategic guidance on maternal health initiatives and international partnerships.
Nomagugu Chieza
Board Member
A business and community leader committed to advancing sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and community engagement. Nomagugu contributes valuable expertise in organizational growth, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Brandy Frye
MSN, RNC-OB, CCRN-K
Board Member
An experienced nurse leader and maternal health advocate with expertise in obstetrics, critical care, nursing education, and quality improvement. Brandy provides strategic guidance on clinical education, leadership development, and evidence-based practice.
Mama Care Africa is governed by an independent Board of Directors committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources. Together with our leadership team and advisory council, they help guide the organization’s strategic direction and ensure that every initiative advances our mission of improving maternal and newborn health across Africa.
Clinical & academic expertise.
Mama Care Africa’s Advisory Council is composed of respected clinical and academic leaders who generously provide strategic guidance, technical expertise, mentorship, and support. Their knowledge helps ensure that our programs remain innovative, evidence-based, and responsive to the evolving needs of mothers and healthcare providers across Africa.
Dr. Aparna Sridhar
UCLA Health
Obstetrician-Gynecologist, global health leader, and educator whose expertise in maternal health and international collaboration helps shape Mama Care Africa’s clinical programs and partnership with UCLA.
Dr. Kiran Kavipurapu
UCLA Health
Obstetrician-Gynecologist with a passion for global maternal health, medical education, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Kavipurapu provides clinical and academic guidance to support the organization’s training and partnership initiatives.
Dr. Christopher Chirume
Healthcare leader and clinician dedicated to strengthening maternal healthcare through education, quality improvement, leadership development, and collaborative partnerships.
Improving maternal health requires collaboration.
Mama Care Africa is powered by healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, volunteers, donors, and partners who believe that where a woman lives should never determine whether she survives childbirth.
Together, we are building stronger health systems, equipping frontline providers, and creating a future where every mother has the opportunity for a safe pregnancy and birth. Interested in joining our team or partnering with us? We’d love to hear from you.