Leah Ogendi

I am a strategic operations leader with over a decade of experience building systems and teams that power scalable impact across nonprofits, social enterprises, and mission-driven startups in Africa. My work spans youth development, education, health innovation, and digital transformation. I have successfully led complex national operations, managed multimillion-shilling budgets, and driven cross-functional execution in organizations like Educate!, Learning Point Limited, and Innovations for Poverty Action.

I excel at aligning organizational strategy with agile operations, coordinating cross-functional teams, and embedding processes that improve efficiency, compliance, and service delivery. Passionate about youth empowerment and mental wellbeing, I thrive in environments where impact meets innovation. I hold a BSc. in International Business Administration and am currently pursuing an MSc. in Commerce (International Business Management) at Strathmore University.

I am a seasoned professional with over a decade of diverse experience in Operations and Administrative Management, spanning nonprofit organizations, startups, and consultancy. She has a strong track record in optimizing field operations, managing cross-functional teams, leading procurement and compliance processes, and executing budget strategies with consistent cost-saving outcomes. Leah excels at building stakeholder relationships, developing policies, and improving operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making and technology integration.

Key Roles & Achievements

1. Operations Manager, Educate! Kenya (2023–2024):

• Streamlined supply chain processes supporting 200,000+ youth.
• Led procurement strategy, achieving 3.5% quarterly budget savings.
• Enhanced compliance to reach 90% audit success.
• Managed budgeting processes within 5% variance and built strong cross-sector partnerships.

2. Senior Operations Associate, Learning Point Ltd. (2019–2022):

• Launched and managed a call center, achieving 18–25% conversion rates.
• Created SOPs and SLAs, improved filing systems, and ensured compliance.
• Supported product cost modeling and operations budget alignment.
• Oversaw stakeholder engagement, including government bodies and international partners.

3. Administration Coordinator, Educate! Kenya (2018–2019):

• Aligned administrative strategy with goals; optimized procurement.
• Led international compliance and facilitated NGO registration.

4. Operations Associate & Administrative Assistant, IPAK (2014–2018):

• Improved procurement systems and managed facilities and fleet operations.
• Supported HR, IT, and audit-compliant administration.

5. Freelance Contractor (2011–2014):

• Provided remote business writing, SEO, digital marketing, and admin services via Upwork and Elance.

6. Business Development Executive, CMS (2009–2010):

• Generated $7,000 in ad sales and maintained efficient project documentation.

Skills & Tools

• Operations & budget management, procurement, supply chain coordination.
• Tools: Metabase, Jira, Slack, GoIP, Microsoft Office Suite.
• Soft skills: Leadership, stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, and remote team collaboration.

🎓 Formal Education

1. MSc. of Commerce (Ongoing)

   Concentration: International Business Management

   Institution: Strathmore Business School

2. BSc. International Business Administration (Aug 2010)

   Concentration: Management

   Institution: United States International University – Africa (USIU-A)

📜 Certifications

1. WIBA & Employer Liability Training

   Institute of Occupational Health & Safety

   Received: May 2019

2. Adaptive Leadership Certificate

   Adaptive Change Advisors

   Received: April 2019

3. Human-Centered Design Course

   IDEO.org – Design Kit

   Received: March 2019

4. Storytelling for Change

   NovoEd

   Received: December 2018

🧠 Self-Directed & On-the-Job Learning

1. GoIP Call Center Solution – Oversight of remote operations, IVR setup, and reporting
2. Metabase BI – Data analysis, dashboard creation, and query formulation
3. Jira (Atlassian) – Agile project and service desk management, bug tracking, and documentation (Confluence)
4. SCRUM – Sprint planning, collaboration, and team performance monitoring
5. Slack – API integrations, information flow, and workflow design for team collaboration

📚 Workshops, Seminars & Webinars (Selected Topics)

1. Data Protection & IP Rights – Legal compliance and leveraging IP for business growth (Lawyers Hub, 2021)
2. Digital Lending Regulation – Policy and ethical practices in fintech (Lawyers Hub, 2020)
3. Global Leadership Summit – Leading with humility and navigating ambiguity (GLN, 2021)
4. Remote Work & Company Culture – Effective communication, conflict resolution, and Gen Z management (Quarts, 2020–2021)