Dr. Irene Nyamu is an experienced Southern Childhood Studies scholar, social policy analyst, and child protection expert. With a deep commitment to advancing children’s rights, welfare, and protection, she has held key leadership roles, including as inaugural CEO of Childline Kenya. Under her leadership, Childline Kenya transitioned into an independent national organization, successfully managing the challenges of growth, governance, and resource mobilization. Irene has a solid understanding of education issues having worked as an academic and taught in public universities (Kenyatta University and University of the Western Cape) as well as private ones (Strathmore University). She is also the current chairperson of Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK) a research and advocacy organisation focusing on gender and education concerns in Kenya and beyond Irene’s research interests in young people’s rights, passion for improving public education, and advocating for children’s rights, combined with her vast experience in leadership and governance, uniquely position her to lead RELI Africa in its next phase of growth.