Brighton Kaoma Email and Phone Number
International Strategy Fellow @Schmidt Futures and social entrepreneur with global director-level expertise at the United Nations SDSN in New York, where I led a global network of >20,000 emerging talents in 127 countries to advance UN agenda 2030 and the Paris accord through innovation. My background includes technical roles in international development policy, business strategy, and media in Africa, U.S, Asia, and Europe. I'm a graduate of Columbia University in New York and serve as a visiting scholar at Massey College, University of Toronto. I have had the honor of being commencement speaker at top universities and colleges such as Maastricht Business School in the Netherlands in 2012 and at Boston Arts Academy in the United States in 2022.In the last 10 years, I have contributed to international development policy, including as a frequent contributor to Vogue, BBC, National Geographic, and The Guardian UK. As a Co-founder, I'm actively building two start-ups: an AI powered Edtech Platform for high achieving international students to enter top US universities, and a mentorship impact business in the United States( www.amano.so). In Spring 2025, I will be publishing my first children's book to inspire children to develop an affinity for the planet. The last decade has challenged me to turn adversity and challenges into opportunity for growth, and I remain indebted to my many proverbial 'Guardian Angels'' who've guided me along the way. In 2015, I was honored with the Queen's Young Leaders Award by HM Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace. The following year, I became the first African to receive both the International President's Award and the Africa Conservation Award from WWF International, recognizing my leadership in transformative climate action. At the invitation of former U.S President, I had the privilege of a one-to-one private meeting with former U.S. President Obama at his private office in Washington D.C. I currently serve on two international boards: Radio Workshop in South Africa and the IUCN Reverse the Red Program in the U.S.As an avid reader and amateur athlete, my 2024 favorite reading-list continues to grow each day: "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass""Big Bets" by Rajiv Shah"The Light We Carry" by Michele Obama"From Generosity to Justice" by Darren Walker"Atomic Habits" by James Clear"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries "CEO Excellence" by McKinsey senior partners Carolyn Dewar et al"Make No Small Plans" by Elliott Bisnow, Brett Leve, Jeff Rosenthal and Jeremy Schwartz
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Founder And Managing PartnerAmano So Mar 2024 - PresentNew York, United States
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Founder And CeoAmano So Sep 2023 - Mar 2024New York, United StatesOur approach is grounded in real-world interactions and digital connectivity, creating a global community where knowledge, experiences, and skills are shared and multiplied. We are designed to connect talent to opportunity, unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment where everyone can teach and learn through the power of technology, highly curated live events, and community.
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International Strategy FellowSchmidt Futures Feb 2024 - PresentNew York, United States -
Board Of Directors I Reverse The RedIucn Species Survival Commission Dec 2022 - PresentUnited StatesHarnessing Data Driven Science Approaches Serving on the Advisory Board of Reverse the Red- a global movement that ignites strategic cooperation and action to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems and reverse the negative trend of biodiversity loss. Through a strategic initiative, Reverse the Red brings together a diverse coalition of leading scientists, C-level leaders, advocates, and partners committed to using a data-driven and science-based approach to assess, plan, and act for species conservation. Reverse the Red provides the tools and expertise to empower governments, partners, and local communities to set and reach biodiversity conservation targets and celebrates and amplifies successful achievements for species.Reverse the Red Focuses on:Prioritizing and measuring impact by using data to guide decision and monitoring of conservation efforts among government and conservation organizations. Mobilizing national network by connecting species conservation experts and organizations.Catalyzing conservation policy partnerships with National Specialist Groups, Government agencies and civil society partners.Empowering communities by igniting social movements and empowering conservation behavior. Mobilizing more than 1 billion visitors to zoos, aquariums & botanic gardens globally to inspire a social movement & conservation behaviors. -
Member Board Of DirectorsRadio Workshop Nov 2022 - PresentSouth Africa -
Reporter, Sustainability Leaders ListForbes Jun 2024 - Jul 2024Supporting Forbes to produce the inaugural Forbes Sustainability Leaders List 2024. The prestigious list celebrates visionary startup founders mobilizing and scaling technological advancements, C-Suite executives taking bold risks and accelerating gold-standard climate policies, and scientists, policymakers, social advocates, investors, storytellers, and artists pushing boundaries to address the defining issue of our timehttps: //www.forbes.com/sites/elisabethbrier/2024/05/09/forbes-sustainability-leaders-2024-nominations-are-open/?sh=35bb013e744e: -
Global DirectorUn Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth Jan 2021 - 2024New York, New York, United States -
Technical Research And Communications ConsultantWorld Wildlife Fund Feb 2020 - Feb 2021New York, United StatesWorking remotely from New York, I played a key operational & advisory role in bolstering the effectiveness of the Regional Director for Africa by offering robust technical support through a combination of thought leadership, strategic stakeholder engagement, and the development of technical presentations and reports. This multifaceted approach not only facilitated informed decision-making but also ensured alignment with the organization's overarching objectives.Global Impact Communication I demonstrated my proficiency by producing compelling products (Op-Eds, media features, policy briefs) that showcased WWF's impact in Africa. These work products were rooted in regional Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), providing a comprehensive overview of the conservation efforts undertaken across the continent. Technical Research and Reporting:I co-led the creation of quarterly impact reports tailored for both international and external stakeholders. These reports meticulously detailed the tangible outcomes of conservation initiatives, spanning across the 13-country offices in Africa. This collaborative effort underscored WWF's commitment to transparency and accountability, fostering a deeper understanding of the organization's impact on a global scale.Project ManagementI collaborated with cross-functional teams, orchestrating seamless collaboration to achieve shared objectives. My role extended to the production of a weekly newsletter for the regional director, offering comprehensive coverage of topical issues in the spheres of water sustainability, energy technology, food systems, and sustainability policies. This not only served as a valuable resource for internal stakeholders but also positioned the organization as a thought leader.Through my multifaceted global contributions and dedication to thought leadership, impact communication, and project management reflects my commitment to advancing an organization's mission in a strategic and effective manner. -
Sustainability Impact AssociateThe Earth Institute, Columbia University Oct 2019 - Jul 2020Greater New York City AreaBecame the first Sustainability Impact Communication Associate with award-winning science Journalist Andrew Revkin. Co-led efforts of building programs, tools and collaborations bridging communication gaps between science and society to cut climate risk and boost social and environmental resilience in the United States and beyond. -
External International Climate ExpertMalmo City Council Environmental Department Jan 2017 - May 2019LusakaAdvised senior government officials, business leaders, and politicians on sustainable development solutions and human-centered youth policies at the intersections health, education, and civic engagement in the office of the Lusaka City Council Mayor(Zambia) and Malmo City Council(Sweden).Supported the two cities to develop and launch a multifaceted holistic youth engagement plan that considers the unique needs and challenges faced by young people in today's rapidly changing world.
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Country ManagerThe Children'S Radio Foundation Jun 2015 - May 2019LusakaI successfully managed and oversaw regional research, communication, and training initiatives involving 500+ emerging journalists in Africa. Through advocacy workshops and issue-based campaigns, the program collectively impact >1 million people across Zambia. In recognition of my contributions, I was subsequently appointed as a global youth ambassador and became a member of the International Board for the Children's Radio Foundation. In this elevated role, I played a pivotal part in supporting global fundraising endeavors and shaping the strategic vision of the organization.As a Country Manager, I achieved significant milestones that underscored my commitment to the organization's mission in Africa:Fundraising & Board EngagementI actively communicated local impact at fundraising events held in New York and Oxford, UK, contributing to the financial sustainability of the foundation's projects across six African countries.Program design I designed Information, Education, and Communication materials focusing on HIV/AIDS, SRHR, Climate Action, aligning with the foundation's educational objectives in Africa.Talent RecruitmentI conceptualized and created recruitment materials tailored to attract 500+ individuals aged 15-25 interested in advocacy and journalism. I meticulously reviewed applications and conducted interviews to identify promising youth applicants for the community radio workshops.Training & DevelopmentTaking a hands-on approach, I led 30+ media workshops across project 5+ sites.Provided ongoing mentorship, funding, and networking support to nurture the development of young talent.Donor Reporting & Stakeholder EngagementUpholding transparency and accountability, I developed quarterly narrative and financial donor reports, ensuring timely and accurate communication with national and international funding partners. I not only enhanced the visibility and impact of the Children's Radio Foundation but also build a network of young talents.
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In-Country Coordinator (Icc)Unicef Apr 2013 - 2014ZambiaI played a central role in co-leading comprehensive youth training programs that seamlessly integrated key areas of focus, including digital communication, climate change, health, and civic participation. This initiative aimed to empower 1000+ young people(16-24) with a holistic skill set that would not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to their long-term personal and societal development.Technology Deployment in Rural SchoolA notable aspect of this endeavor was the strategic deployment of technology in rural schools. Through this deployment, we successfully connected these schools to a global online classroom, fostering a dynamic learning environment. This innovative approach served to enhance critical thinking, stimulate creativity, and cultivate systems thinking among participating youth. Importantly, the program was designed to align with and address the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), ensuring its relevance and impact in the broader context of global development objectives.Global Online Classroom By facilitating access to a global online classroom, the program not only broadened the educational horizons of participating youth but also encouraged collaborative learning, enabling them to engage with peers in 10+ countries in 3 continents. The focus on critical thinking, creativity, and systems thinking underscored our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of addressing complex challenges.In essence, my co-leadership as a consultant at UNICEF Zambia reflects a dedication to leveraging technology as an enabler of education, fostering a generation of young talent equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of sustainable development goals. This approach not only addressed immediate learning needs but also laid the groundwork for a more informed, innovative, and socially engaged youth demographic.
Brighton Kaoma Education Details
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Mpa. Environmental Science And Policy -
Organizational Leadership -
University Of ZambiaBa Environment And Education -
Visiting Scholar
Frequently Asked Questions about Brighton Kaoma
What company does Brighton Kaoma work for?
Brighton Kaoma works for Amano So
What is Brighton Kaoma's role at the current company?
Brighton Kaoma's current role is Co-Founder | International Strategy Fellow @Schmidt Futures • MPA • MBA.
What schools did Brighton Kaoma attend?
Brighton Kaoma attended Columbia University In The City Of New York, University Of Cambridge, University Of Zambia, Rutgers Business School, Massey College.
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