Building a World
Where Every Child
Has Clean Water
Seriana Foundation delivers sustainable water access, youth empowerment, and community development across the Global South — championed by MIPAD Canada Country Director Mwende Mbevi in fulfilment of the UN Decade for People of African Descent.
A Voice for the African Diaspora on the World Stage
With over 25 years of experience in development and humanitarian service, Mwende Mbevi is a distinguished leader whose work spans water access, youth empowerment, climate action, and diaspora recognition. She holds an undergraduate degree in Communications & Community Development from Daystar University, Kenya, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, and is a certified life coach.
As Founder & CEO of Seriana Foundation and MIPAD Canada Country Director, Mwende bridges grassroots humanitarian work with global institutional advocacy — turning vision into measurable social impact.
Seriana Foundation — The Foundation of Society
We believe in a world where all children have access to clean, safe drinking water. With 2.2 billion people water-unsafe globally, Seriana Foundation partners with organizations to deliver lasting water solutions, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership across the Global South.
Clean Water Access
Boreholes, deep wells, and water pans providing safe drinking water for communities, domestic animals, and wildlife across drought-ravaged regions of Kenya and the Global South.
1 Million Trees by 2030
Every family benefiting from Seriana Foundation plants and grows fruit and indigenous trees. Our goal: one million trees planted by 2030, restoring ecosystems and ensuring food security.
STEM Education
Strengthening STEM education in hard-to-reach schools, equipping the next generation with the tools to solve tomorrow's challenges.
Women & Youth Empowerment
Leveraging global platforms to celebrate women of excellence, offering mentorship and education to emerging leaders with a focus on gender equity across the African continent.
"Every family benefiting from Seriana Foundation will plant and grow fruits and indigenous trees."— SERIANA FOUNDATION COMMITMENT
The UN Decade for People of African Descent
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is a global civil society initiative in direct support of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2035), proclaimed by UN Resolution 68/237.
MIPAD identifies high achievers of African descent globally, pairing diaspora leaders with their counterparts inside Africa — building a progressive network that promotes recognition, justice, and development for Africa and its diaspora.
Recognition
Acknowledging the contributions, heritage, and achievements of people of African descent worldwide — celebrating excellence across every sector of society.
Justice
Confronting discrimination, racism, and systemic inequalities faced by people of African descent, and advocating for equal rights and protection under international law.
Development
Promoting inclusive economic, social, and cultural development that ensures people of African descent can fully participate in and benefit from the progress of their societies.
Elevating African Excellence Across Canada
As MIPAD Canada Country Director, Mwende Mbevi spearheads efforts to identify, celebrate, and support exceptional leaders within the African diaspora in Canada. She builds and strengthens partnerships while amplifying Canadian voices within the global African excellence ecosystem.
In preparation for the 2026 release of MIPAD's Top 10 Most Influential People of African Descent to Watch in Canada, Mwende leads the charge in driving diaspora recognition, collaboration, and African excellence across the country.
Learn About MIPADUN General Assembly adopts Resolution 68/237, proclaiming the International Decade for People of African Descent
First International Decade for People of African Descent officially begins under the theme: Recognition, Justice and Development
MIPAD launches as a global civil society initiative in direct support of the UN Decade, identifying high achievers of African descent worldwide
MIPAD co-organizes events at the United Nations, deepening the partnership between civil society and the UN system
First Decade concludes; UN General Assembly extends the programme into the Second International Decade (2025–2034)
Mwende Mbevi appointed as MIPAD Canada Country Director, driving diaspora recognition and African excellence across Canada
The Principles That Guide Our Work
Courage
The boldness to act where others hesitate, to speak truth to power, and to serve communities that the world has overlooked.
Love
A deep, unconditional commitment to the dignity and flourishing of every human being — the foundation of all our work.
Vulnerability
The strength to lead with authenticity, to acknowledge what we do not yet know, and to grow through honest connection.
Abundance
A mindset of possibility — believing that there is enough for everyone and that collective action multiplies impact.
Today, we recognize individual excellence, but going forward, it is critical that we all embark on the pursuit of collective excellence once associated with people of African descent.— MIPAD HONOREE, GLOBAL TOP 100
Meet the Team
A dedicated group of leaders and volunteers united by a shared commitment to African excellence, water access, youth empowerment, and diaspora recognition.
Temitope Jemerigbe
Director of Operations
Seriana Foundation
Temitope brings strategic vision and operational excellence to Seriana Foundation, ensuring our programs deliver measurable impact across the Global South.
Mwikali Muthama
Student Youth Leader
York University, Canada
As a student at York University, Mwikali embodies the voice and vision of Africa's next generation. She champions youth empowerment across the African diaspora in Canada, bridging academic excellence with grassroots community leadership. Through her work with Seriana Foundation, Mwikali demonstrates how young African leaders are reshaping narratives, driving innovation, and building sustainable futures for their communities.
Powered by Volunteers & Partners
Seriana Foundation and MIPAD Canada operate on a volunteer and partnership-based model, bringing together passionate individuals and organizations committed to creating lasting change across the African diaspora.
Volunteer-Driven
Our mission is powered by passionate volunteers committed to African excellence and diaspora empowerment.
Partnership-Based
We collaborate with NGOs, institutions, and community organizations to amplify impact across the continent and diaspora.
Community-Centered
Every initiative is rooted in the voices and needs of the communities we serve.
Interested in joining our mission?
Get InvolvedJoin the Movement for African Excellence
Whether you give, partner, or advocate — every action contributes to a world where people of African descent are recognized, empowered, and celebrated.
Donate to Seriana Foundation
Your contribution directly funds clean water wells, tree planting, and youth education programs across the Global South.
Donate NowNominate an African Leader
Know an exceptional person of African descent in Canada? Nominate them for MIPAD's Top 10 Most Influential People to Watch in Canada.
Nominate on MIPADPartner With Us
Organizations and governments — join Seriana Foundation's network of partners to co-create sustainable water and community development solutions.
Get in Touch