Nancy Onyango is a senior communications expert with extensive experience working in the African continent and beyond with governments, multilateral NGOs, media organisations and NGO consortiums focusing on children and youth, SRHR and sustainable development.

Experienced development practitioner with proven experience in the fields of lobby and advocacy. She has worked with Asian and African civil society actors in jointly implementing advocacy and capacity strengthening programmes that led to changes in attitudes/beliefs, policies and practices in both democratic and (post) conflict settings.

Janet Anderson is an independent journalist and trainer, working with multi-disciplinary teams of civil society activists, media professionals and academics to improve their storytelling skills, create persuasive human rights campaigns and navigate social media.

Issa Shaker is an independent filmmaker and widely recognised for his ability in generating viral content. He has worked with BBC, Al Jazeera and has made a large number of viral videos, with more than 250 million views worldwide.

Alu Azege is currently the Executive Director of Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria-MHR. She is an experienced development communication expert  having started her career with radio and later evolved to digital production of targeted behavioural change campaigns and content.  She has developed content for national and international brands and development goals.

Hennah is an International documentary filmmaker, journalist, trainer and coach. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the  “10 Minutes Kids News” and she owns “The Backlot” a production house and foundation in Suriname. Hennah has won multiple awards for her work and is a valued trainer internationally.

Jonathan Groubert is an award-winning international journalist, storyteller and radio/podcasting trainer. He makes podcasts for the likes of BNR Newsradio and KLM. His work has been broadcast by the BBC, NPR, the  Australia Broadcasting Corporation and Deutsche Welle as well as the podcasts Snap Judgment and PRI’s The World.

Michele Ernsting works at the intersection of digital media and behaviour change with a focus on the development sector. She designs and runs programs for non-profit leaders to drive digital transformation with the THNK school of Creative Leadership, where she is the director of partnerships, community and scale.

Jordy Nijenhuis is a storyteller, campaigner, consultant and trainer. He co-founded Dare to be Grey, an award winning organisation that aims to counter polarisation, is involved in a variety of campaigns, and trains media professionals from all over the world in (social media) campaigning, storytelling and countering radicalisation, hate speech and disinformation.

Hélène Michaud, an experienced trainer, mentor, and coach, has empowered journalists and activists across Africa, specializing in storytelling and investigative reporting. With a diplomatic background at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and extensive editorial roles at RNW Media and CBC, she brings a wealth of expertise in media and development. Currently, she serves as an independent consultant, passionately advocating for media training and development globally.

Shintya Kurniawan is a communications professional, working with multiple NGOs and intergovernmental agencies in Southeast Asia and Europe. She formulates campaign strategies for behaviour, social, and policy change within the areas of climate adaptation, disaster management, and social inclusion.

Marta Gómez-Rodulfo, a seasoned Spanish journalist, writer, and educator, boasts over two decades of professional experience. Throughout her career, she has served as a correspondent in Mexico, authored two notable books (“Alas de Maguey. La lucha de Eufrosina Cruz Mendoza” and “Periodismo para Dummies”), and is the visionary behind Freelance Press Saving Journalism, the pioneering agency dedicated to representing freelance journalists.

In 2021, Robin Bäcker co-founded Media Development Collective together with Brandon Oelofse. Robin and Brandon have had a long and fruitful collaboration with RNW Media/RNTC and Media Development Collective. Robin shifted careers after earning an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex. He is now involved in climate action, promoting public-private partnerships in the energy transition. Robin remains passionate about MDC’s vital work and cherishes his connection with the collective’s members.