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Meet Our Team
The greatest strength of RIDE International is the quality of people we have working for the organization. Through our modest size, our team members are able to fully commit to RIDE's mission, and their experience and expertise are invaluable to our cause. Learn more about our team below!
Jump to: Our Founders | Team Members | Board of Directors
Our Founders
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Riley Jon Blackwell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As Executive Director, Riley Blackwell leads the development of our organization both domestically and abroad. With over 7 years of experience managing community development initiatives and field studies programs in East Africa, Riley understands the intricacies of cultural exchange in the region. His fluency in Swahili, the lingua franca, allows him to connect with local communities on a personal level to tackle pressing challenges they face. Riley’s dedication and expertise drive our mission forward, facilitating meaningful collaboration between visitors and local communities. He holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Business Management from the University of Denver and a Master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia University SIPA. Riley’s favorite thing to do in his spare time is to go camping and connect with nature.
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Kahindi Lekalhaile
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Serving as the Regional Director of East Africa, Kahindi brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a passion for field studies and community development. He is in charge of our community projects and is the lead instructor of RIDE's academic programs. He is a career wildlife conservationist with a rich job experience at middle and senior management levels at various corporate organizations. His career now spans 29 years working as a field naturalist, environmental education expert, trainer in wildlife social work, field wildlife research scientist, eco-tourism expert, university lecturer, community-based wildlife conservation expert. Kahindi is a long-time member of Nature Kenya, current member of the National Birds Management Taskforce, birds scientific sub-committee of Nature Kenya, Kenya Bureau of Standards ecotourism committee.
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Dr Robert Uttaro
BOARD CHAIRMAN
Dr. Robert "Bob" Uttaro is an associate teaching professor in the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and serves as the chairman of RIDE. He received his Masters Degree in 1994 in Development Studies at the University of Florida. He continued at UF receiving his PhD in International Policy and Administration in 2008. As a political scientist he has taught courses in Comparative Politics, International Relations, African Politics, and and Research Practicum Ever since the first Earth Day to the present, he has had a keen interest in the environment. This interest continues to grow and expand. He is especially focused on the politics of social movements, the power of the youth, and the necessary changes in human behavior required to reverse climate breakdown.
Team Members
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![Fronton Chanchalo]()
Fronton Chanchalo
PROJECT MANAGER
Fronton leads the implementation & execution of RIDE’s project with the Watha people of Maungu, Kenya. Fronton comes directly from the Maungu community and is one of the first graduates of his clan. Front holds a degree in education from the University of Taita-Taveta. Fronton is also a teacher a nearby secondary school. At RIDE, he is responsible for proposal development, monitoring and evaluation, and is a focal point between RIDE and the community.
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![Sylvia Mrunde]()
Sylvia Mrunde
HOSPITALITY EXPERT
Sylvia is born and raised in the Kiteghe community and works as a Hospitality Expert at Kiteghe Field Centre. She has received expert training in the art of hospitality and knows exactly how to cater to the needs of any guest coming from any country. Sylvia’s local knowledge and warm spirit make her an invaluable asset to the Kiteghe Field Centre. She works tirelessly to make sure the Centre is running to the high standard and that guests are well taken care of.
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![Emmanuel "Msafu" Mwashighadi]()
Emmanuel Mwashighadi
GUIDE & RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Emmanuel “Msafu” is a proud member of the Kiteghe community and supports RIDE programs with his expert guiding and contributions to research. Trained as a biologist, Emmanuel is an expert at identifying local flora & fauna species and describing their natural history. His real love is for birds! Emmanuel also prides himself on leading tours groups on educational treks up Mt Kasigau and around the surrounding region.
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![Program Assistant]()
Susan Sintoyia
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Susan was born and raised in the Oloitoktok-Amboseli region and works as a Program Assistant for all programs run by RIDE International. She has an extensive background in ecotourism, receiving her Bachelor's degree in the field from the University of Nairobi, and has provided support for numerous RIDE projects. Susan's impeccable knowledge on the environment, politics, history, and cultural perspectives of Kenya have made her a key figure in the RIDE family. Whether it's running study abroad programs, managing development initiatives, or being an affable person, Susan truly does it all!
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William Highfill
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERN
Currently a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Denver, Will is double majoring in International Studies and Mandarin Chinese. With a special focus on international development and diplomacy, Will plays a vital role in bridging the gap between community needs and sustainable development initiatives. His academic background, combined with his hands-on experience in Kenya, equips him with a unique perspective on global issues and international development.
