Shortlist Futures designs work-based learning, and apprenticeships that work for young people across Africa.

Dwayne is a Project Manager at Shortlist Futures, leveraging more than 8 years of professional experience in sales, administration, and logistics to bring a nuanced perspective to talent acquisition. He manages end-to-end recruitment and talent support for companies in the green economy and digital work, for roles with varied seniority levels.

Lynne leads on all engagement activities for youth participating in the Mastercard Foundation Associate program, guiding the work-based learning journey for over 3,500 East African youth. Over Previously, she was worked in programs and communications across Africa and Europe, including with Oxfam, Mastercard Foundation, PSI, Jhpiego, Amref, Diageo, Kenya Airways, Jasiri Network, and ALX Africa.

As CEO & Co-Founder, Paul drives the vision and strategy for Shortlist Futures. He has driven social enterprise innovation in emerging market for nearly 20 years, starting in microfinance and financial inclusion, followed by founding a leading inclusive fintech global VC fund (Accion Venture Lab), and has played a role founding or advising numerous innovation facilities.

In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Ganesh oversees the financial health of the Shortlist Group. Creating long-term sustainable and scalable income opportunities for youth is something he is passionate about. In previous roles, Ganesh worked for and audited Outsourcing and ITES companies and groups operating in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

Grace is a Talent Consultant Shortlist, supporting placement on clean energy and digital work programs. Grace has over five years of experience engaging with youth talent in recruitment and customer support roles. She holds her Human Resources Professional certification in Kenya through the College of Human Resource Management.

Shivani is Partnerships Lead with the Futures team, where she supports the design and implementation of large-scale workforce innovation programs across Africa. She leads our partnership efforts to enhance human capital solutions in the green and digital economy. Shivani has over five years of experience supporting human capital needs for climate companies.

Justina is an Operations Coordinator at Shortlist, supporting workforce innovation efforts across our digital economy pillar. She also supports the implementation of a zero interest lending program in Kenya. Justina has over 20 years supporting startups, local SMEs and multinationals in administrative and operational capacities.

Wairimu Ndung’u is Program Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program at Shortlist Futures, where she oversees broader program implementation. With 8+ years of cross-sector experience, Wairimu has designed and delivered investment literacy masterclasses, built psychoeducation platforms and coached startup teams. Wairimu has led other initiatives across startups.

Serena is Portfolio Manager for the Gender & AI Livelihoods (GAIL) program, supporting organizations implementing gen AI solutions to improve livelihoods for female microentrepreneurs. Serena previously worked for over seven years in management consulting at Accenture and BCG, supporting clients on AI and other digital transformation projects.

Austen is Managing Director at Shortlist, leading the Product, People & Culture and Operations functions. He also acts as Program Director for our Digital Jobs practice, including leading on active programs in the AI and BPO sectors across Africa. Austen has spent 8+ years supporting workforce development programs in Africa.