Ten years of Sodzo, and a new Executive Director

Ten years ago, Sodzo International was born out of a single, pressing question. “What do we do about children living on the streets?”

What began as a response to a crisis has, through the commitment of many partners and communities, grown into a comprehensive, evidence-informed model for restoration and reintegration.

Over this first decade, Sodzo has moved from innovation to demonstration. Together, we have built programs that changed lives on the ground and contributed to the global evidence base on children in street situations.

Our work has been documented through multiple peer-reviewed publications, including the first published analysis of reintegration trajectories for children leaving street life, helping to shift the field from anecdote toward accountability, learning, and long-term outcomes.

A planned transition in leadership

Over the past several years, our Board of Directors has worked intentionally to increase its autonomy and strengthen governance structures to ensure Sodzo’s long-term stability. As part of this planned progression, I am transitioning from my dual role as Executive Director and President to serve solely as President of the Board.

This transition marks a healthy organizational milestone, the move from a founder-led entrepreneurial phase to a mature, scalable institution whose success depends on a strong team, clear systems, and shared leadership.

Our new Executive Director

I am pleased to announce that Kelli Hays, MPH, has stepped into the role of Executive Director. Kelli has already proven herself to be an extraordinary asset to Sodzo. She brings a rare combination of operational excellence, strategic clarity, and deep commitment to the mission.

As Executive Director, Kelli will lead day-to-day operations and guide the organization’s continued growth, while I remain actively engaged from the Board level to provide strategic oversight and institutional memory, in close collaboration with our leadership teams in Kenya.

Looking forward

This transition also reflects the broader landscape in which Sodzo operates. As global health priorities and geopolitical dynamics evolve, my own professional focus is increasingly centered on U.S.-based research and innovation. This shift ensures that Sodzo is led by an Executive Director whose full attention is dedicated to operational excellence and organizational growth, while continuity of vision and values is preserved at the Board level.

The next ten years

We began as a response to a crisis. We continue as a proven model for restoration, one that is now informing practice, policy, and research well beyond our original context.

This leadership transition is a step forward that safeguards the integrity of the work and creates the conditions for sustainable scale.

I have deep confidence in our team, our Board, and our direction. With experienced leadership, a strong governance foundation, and a decade of demonstrated impact, Sodzo enters its next chapter well positioned to serve children and communities for years to come.

Thank you for your partnership, trust, and shared commitment throughout this journey.