Melissa Mbugua

Melissa (she/her) is a multifaceted innovator and entrepreneur who carves a niche for herself.

In 2019 she co-founded Africa Podfest, a company based in Kenya that has sparked growth in African podcasting, placing it in the global spotlight. She has earned more than 15 years of experience working in multicultural teams and in diverse cultural environments with some of the most creative organizations in the world. Her experience includes roles with iHub and Ushahidi, strengthening the African and Asian tech industries and supporting early stage startups. As a consultant, she has provided research and innovation support to organizations in Kenya's creative industries across entertainment, music, film, public libraries and fashion. She serves as an advisor to Creatives for Climate and the impact council at D&AD. Her academic background is in information technology, business and development management. Melissa thrives when bringing creativity and boldness to her efforts, exercising her skills in design, brand communication and research. At her core, she is driven by a commitment to modeling inclusivity for a more sustainable society.