Our People
Join us in making a difference! Volunteering with us means empowering women and girls, bringing education, resources, and skills directly to communities in need. Whether you are ready to Donate, mentor, or support our initiatives, your Funding, skills and passion can have a lasting impact
True development doesn’t come from the top down, it grows from the grassroots. When we empower communities to lead their own transformation, sustainable change becomes inevitable.
Our Trustees, Advisors and Leadership
Our team is made up of dedicated trustees, advisors, and leaders who provide strategic guidance, governance, and oversight to advance our mission. Together, they bring diverse expertise, lived experience, and a shared commitment to strengthening education, empowering women, and driving sustainable community development.
Alero Ogholi
Founder and Trustee
Alero is a social development professional and social entrepreneur with over seven years of experience designing grassroots solutions in Nigeria. She is the Founder of RUDERF and OLEJU, where she leads initiatives focused on women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and access to quality education in rural and underserved communities. She holds academic and executive training in education, community services, leadership, and social entrepreneurship from institutions in Nigeria, Canada, China, Ghana, and the United States. Alero is a UN Women Beijing Champion and has received multiple national and global recognitions for her impact in social innovation.
Esohe Eigbike nee Iyamu
Chairperson
Esohe is a development and education systems leader with close to 20 years of experience across the UK, Nigeria, and Africa. She has led and supported inclusive education programs, research and innovation systems, and organizational strategy in complex and fragile contexts. Her work spans education, public policy, consulting, energy, and journalism. She currently works with governments, donors, academics, and the private sector to strengthen education, research, and innovation ecosystems across Africa. Esohe holds degrees from St John’s College, Cambridge, and leadership certification from Imperial College Business School.
Mbulu Joe
Trustee
Joe Mbulu is a senior finance and business transformation executive with over 25 years of global experience across banking, consulting, and professional services. He has led large scale transformation initiatives in strategy, operations, and financial management across Africa and internationally. He currently serves on corporate boards and previously held senior leadership roles at Union Bank, Ecobank Group, Bank PHB, and Nielsen in New York. Joe holds an MBA from Wharton, an MSc in Finance, and a BSc in Agricultural Economics.
Dr Adebola Ismail Akindele
Trustee and Advisory Board Member
Adebola is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and finance professional with decades of leadership experience across banking, consulting, and technology services. He is the Group Managing Director of Coulterville Business Solutions and holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the International School of Management, Paris. He has held senior roles at the Central Bank of Nigeria and Oceanic Bank Plc and serves on multiple corporate and advisory boards locally and internationally. Adebola is a Fellow of ICAN and the Chartered Institute of Taxation and is actively engaged in global business and policy forums.
Mudiaga D. Achinike
Trustee and Advisory Board Member
Mudiaga is a communications, strategy, and nonprofit management expert with over 20 years of experience. He is the Founder and Principal Partner of Phoenix and Heights Limited, where he supports organizations through strategic planning, training, and capacity building. He has led community development, governance, and leadership initiatives and is a strong advocate for good governance and effective nonprofit management. Mudiaga is an alumnus of the University of Benin.
Sandra Ogholi Alero
Alero Sandra Ogholi. is an accomplished and passionate community development leader with a strong focus on social impact and grassroots empowerment. She brings over eight years of experience in creating inclusive, sustainable solutions to address Africa’s most pressing challenges, particularly those related to women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment.
Alero founded the Rural Development and Reformation Foundation (RUDERF) in 2016 with a clear vision: to uplift women and girls from underserved communities as leaders of sustainable change. As the Founder and Executive Director of Rural Development and Reformation Foundation (RUDERF) and OLEJU, Alero has been at the forefront of advocating for equitable access to education, empowering women and youth, and driving economic development within underserved communities in Nigeria.
Alero holds an MBA from China Europe Business School and an MA in English Language, along with a BA Ed. She also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Management in Community Service from a leading Canadian institution. Her academic credentials are complemented by various professional certifications, including Social Entrepreneurship from Northwestern University and Civil Engagement and Leadership from GIMPA. These qualifications underpin her expertise in grassroots mobilization, nonprofit leadership, community development, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and fundraising.
As a dynamic social entrepreneur, Alero has initiated and led numerous impactful programs aimed at bridging gaps in education, financial inclusion, and community development. She is the co-founder of Cotrust Equity Limited, a fintech company that enhances financial inclusion for small businesses in Nigeria, and she actively contributes to the growth of the ECOSEED—an initiative focused on enabling women to launch climate change-friendly businesses. Alero’s work is a testament to her commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality while promoting sustainable economic growth.
In 2022, she was honored as one of the 100 Most Inspiring Women in Africa by Leading Ladies Africa. Her work extends beyond national borders, having contributed significantly to global social change as a Beijing Champion with UN Women in the Intergenerational Dialogue Program and as a Steering Committee Leader for the National Youth GEWE Network in Nigeria. Alero’s influence spans across various sectors, including policy advocacy, women’s empowerment, youth development, and community engagement, driving impactful change at both the grassroots and policy levels.
Alero is also an active mentor and advisor, using her platform, Impact From a Box (ImpactFAB), to support young girls and aspiring social entrepreneurs. She provides consultation, guidance, and mentorship to individuals looking to make a meaningful social impact, particularly those interested in starting or scaling their own projects. Through her dedicated advocacy, leadership, and commitment to sustainable development, Alero continues to inspire and empower communities to thrive.
Currently, Alero divides her time between working with nonprofits and community support organizations in Canada, helping them achieve their fundraising and program management objectives, and overseeing initiatives in Nigeria that are close to her heart. She remains an influential figure in the social impact space, driving positive change across continents.
Connect with Alero through her social media handles or LinkedIn to learn more about her work and initiatives.
Impact at a Glance
Recognition & Awards
LEAP Africa Social Innovators Award
2017 / 2018
Google Impact Africa Award
2019
United Nations Nigeria Beijing Champion
2020
Donors for Africa 100 Outstanding Social Entrepreneurs Award
2021
Global Good Fund LEAP Fellow
2022
Education & Expertise
Areas of Focus
Sandra envisions a Nigeria where every woman has the opportunity to lead in sustainable entrepreneurship, every child has access to quality education, and every community has the resources to architect their own prosperity. Through RUDERF, she continues to demonstrate that when we trust communities to lead their own development, sustainable change is not just possible, it’s inevitable.
Join the Movement
Partner with RUDERF to empower communities and create lasting change in rural Nigeria
Get Involved With Our Work
Be part of a movement that is transforming lives and empowering communities across Nigeria
At RUDERF, we have built a culture where passion meets purpose. We are more than an organization, we are a family committed to creating meaningful change.
People Centered Leadership
We believe in leading with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to nurturing the potential in every team member. Our leadership approach empowers individuals to contribute their best while growing professionally and personally.
People First Approach
At RUDERF, people are at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize the well-being, development, and voice of our team members, volunteers, and the communities we serve. Your growth is our mission.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI)
We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Equality drives our decisions, and inclusion shapes our culture.
Discover how your skills and passion can make a real difference in the lives of women, girls, and communities across Nigeria
Volunteer Coordinator
Help us build and support a strong volunteer community. The Volunteer Coordinator assists with recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and supporting volunteers to ensure everyone feels welcomed, informed, and engaged. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people and keeping things organized.
Administrative Support
Support the smooth day-to-day operations of the organization. Administrative Support volunteers assist with emails, data entry, document organization, and general office tasks. This role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented and enjoys behind-the-scenes work.
Graphic Design / Media Support
Support our Communications team by creating engaging visual content. This role includes designing graphics for digital and print materials, editing photos and videos, creating short videos and reels, and capturing images and footage at events using a camera or mobile device. Ideal for creative individuals with an interest in storytelling, media, and visual communications.
Fundraising / Grant Support
Support the financial sustainability of our programs. Volunteers in this role help research funding opportunities, assist with grant applications, and support fundraising activities or events. This role is well-suited for strong writers, researchers, or those interested in non-profit fundraising.
Program Support Volunteers
Assist with the delivery of our programs and services. Program Support Volunteers work directly with staff and participants to help ensure activities run smoothly and community members feel supported. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about making a direct impact.
Why Volunteer With RUDERF?
Meaningful Work
Contribute to programs that directly improve lives and empower communities
Skill Development
Gain valuable experience and develop new skills in the non-profit sector
Supportive Community
Join a diverse team of passionate individuals committed to social change
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join our team of dedicated volunteers and be part of the change you want to see in the world.
Apply to be a VolunteerHave Questions?
We would love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.
Contact Us