Our TeamThe people behind the mission.

Tom Ilube CBE is the Chair of the British education charity, the African Gifted Foundation, and launched the African Science Academy (ASA). He is also the Chair of the King's Trust UK (formerly The Prince's Trust), Chair of LINK, the UK's ATM and cash access network, and is the former Chair of the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Tom is a technology entrepreneur and educational philanthropist.

He is a Non-Executive Director at WPP, the global advertising group, and has previously served on the Board of the BBC and has founded several technology companies. He is an Honorary Fellow of both Jesus College, Oxford, and St Anne's College, Oxford.

Anne-Marie Kruk is Executive Director of the African Gifted Foundation, supporting the development of Africa's next generation of female STEM leaders through the African Science Academy.

Anne-Marie is a global business leader and social impact advocate, with experience driving customer-led transformation and digital innovation across industry. She has held senior roles at McKinsey & Company and other leading organisations.

She is also a Non-Executive Director at Constella Music and host of The Greaterverse Podcast. Earlier in her career, Anne-Marie founded and led an epilepsy advocacy charity.

Courtney Ferguson is a fundraising leader working across major donors, corporate partnerships and trusts and foundations. She has led fundraising strategy and high-performing teams, securing significant gifts and building long-term partnerships with donors and organisations internationally.

With a background in law and experience working with high-net-worth individuals, she brings a strong focus on relationship management and sustainable income growth. She holds diplomas in Philanthropy and Fundraising, alongside study in African Studies and Philanthropy.

Maryam is a finance graduate from Bayes Business School.

Originally from Afghanistan, she is committed to expanding access to education and opportunity for girls. She holds a first-class BSc in Finance and has a background in customer service and event operations, including working at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.