About UsOur Staff

Mary Oakes

I bring over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector, specialising in fundraising for international development. I began my career at Tearfund, helping to establish what is now a global major donor programme, and I’ve since led fundraising teams at Church Mission Society, World Vision UK, Habitat for Humanity, and Innovista International. My work has taken me across Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, raising resources for Christian mission as well as both humanitarian and development work. I have also been a board member for Embrace the Middle East for the last seven years. I joined Opportunity International UK in 2023 as Deputy CEO and became CEO in February 2025. Based in north Oxfordshire, I enjoy the outdoor life with my husband Michael, Springer Spaniel Poppy, and ex-racehorse Moo.

Shabnam Zamurd

Shabnam is an FCA, she previously worked for the Tussauds Group and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Chantrey Vellacott DFK in 2001.

Lydia Baffour Awuah

As the Director of International Programmes, I lead and manages the International programme team. I am also responsible for the acquisition, management and evaluation of grants from institutional donors.

I am also OIUK's Gender specialist, supporting the design of programmes to include women and gender awareness training within communities.

David Knights

I am the Director of Fundraising & Communications, and am responsible for stewarding the gifts of our generous supporters to ensure that they can have the greatest impact. I’ve worked in charities for most of my career and have helped them to communicate clearly and simply. As a communications and marketing professional it’s important to me that we are really clear in what we do and how we do it. I am passionate about our work and want you to be too.

Previously I worked for a microfinance charity and have seen first-hand how small opportunities delivered at the right time can significantly change the future for people living in challenging circumstances. I’ve travelled extensively but have a soft spot for Uganda, where I have seen the ingenuity of refugees and their ability to build successful small businesses with very limited resources. I am proud that we create real change, built from the ground up.

Catherine Manser

As the Head of Philanthropy at Opportunity, I work closely with our generous donors and stakeholders, motivating and inspiring them to support our distinctive approach to financial inclusion.

Prior to joining OIUK, I moved from the public sector into the profit-for-purpose space where I was Client Director at a leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consultancy. I am motivated by doing impactful work that makes a difference to the lives of those who are most disadvantaged.

Noah Ssempijja

Noah Ssempijja is our Refugee Programme Coordinator in Uganda. He is in charge of end to end management of the programme from field implementation, compliance, partnerships management, and monitoring, evaluation and learning. He is our focal personal for all refugee activities in Uganda.

Tamsin Scurfield

I have been living and working in sub-Saharan Africa since 2006. First with a grassroots community development organisation, then in the humanitarian sector during the Horn of Africa Famine Response in 2011, supporting the relief efforts of Somali refugees in Northern Kenya.

Since 2015 I have worked for Opportunity International as both an in-country and regional resource, based out of Uganda. My key role includes identifying business and new partnerships to enhance the impact and reach of Opportunity. In this role I have provided strategic advice and operational support for women, youth, the disability and refugee segment. 

I have led on OIUK's refugee strategy since a visit to Kiryandongo settlement in Western Uganda in early 2018, where I realised the potential for refugee financial inclusion and self-reliance. As of February 2024, I became the Head of Refugee Finance at OIUK, providing leadership to ensure the program delivers scalable and inclusive financial services to Refugees and host communities.

Rachel English

Rachel English manages agricultural programmes in Rwanda and Uganda. 

Brigitta Falcini-Dyson

As the Communications Officer at OIUK, I work to raise brand awareness and promote our work through content creation, direct mailing, digital marketing, printed materials and PR. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is sharing our clients' inspiring stories, which motivate me every day. I also love the opportunity to regularly get creative. 

I have a Master's degree in Primate Conservation, which was driven by a passion for the envrionment and the connections between the animals and people within it. For me, it's exciting to use some of the knowledge and insights from my Master's at OIUK. 

When I'm not at work, you can find me spending time with my husband and our litte tuxedo cat, Yzma. 

Perihan Doganay

I joined Opportunity in May 2017. I completed my Finance and Accounting degree in Canada in 2013 and have worked in a variety of finance related roles since. I currently oversee our management accounts, alongside managing our database.