Our Team

We’re a family on a mission to share joy, grow hope and UPskill ourselves and all others. Since mid 2022, The UP has been building a strong team of advisors, directors and other key players to sUPport UP to scale UP. These include certified physicians, licensed psychotherapists and social workers, as well as leading television distributors, producers and show runners, and leaders in social enterprises, and startup innovation. All agree UP is ready to scale UP and test our model, to see if it can become a change leader – on a global scale.

Our Board of Directors

Nikki
Director

Nicola Jackman, our founding cheerlady, impact producer, and joyful catalyst. With 32+ years of captivating performances, and global facilitation, she spreads joy and transforms lives, inspiring all to step UP & co-create a flourishing peaceful world for all.

Kirsten
Director

Kirsten Adams, holds an Honours in Psychology, is a Certified Life Transformation Coach, NLP Practitioner, and Joy Facilitator. With her business The Butterfly Effect and as The UP’s Western Cape Coordinator, she creates joyful spaces for women and communities to thrive.

Buyisiwe
Director

Buyisiwe Njoko, Lead Vocalist for The Sun Xa Experiment. Gauteng Co-ordinator, Joy Facilitator, Mother, Leader, Song bird and Creative – in the heart of Soweto. Her mission is to mentor young artists and support all to thrive

Our Advisory Board

Sixolile Mabombo-Benson (CGMA, ACMA)
OPERATIONS ADVISOR

Experienced CMA specializing in financial & operational management for non-profit & for-profit orgs. LGBTQ+ advocate driving authentic leadership & inclusive impact.

Shahir Chundra (AFDA Degree in Motion Picture Medium)
STORY ADVISOR

Experienced showrunner, producer, director & content producer in media production. Skilled in camera operation, film & TV production, and writing. Strong professional with degrees in Motion Picture Medium & Acting for Film.

Manisha Ramdhin
Financial Joy

Financial Alchemist of Joy. Balancing books with purpose and precision,
Manisha turns numbers into impact. She ensures every cent fuels the mission, bringing structure to the business of joy. With heart and strategy, she anchors growth, making sure joy is always a sound investment.

Our Joy Facilitators Team

Cecile with loVe & LIGHT
Garden Route

Karen-Lee
Gauteng

Chris Fisher
Garden Route

Gauteng JOY Facilitators

Buyisiwe Njoko
Soweto& PR

Kim Pistorius
Pretoria & Events

Chantel
Pretoria & Service

Other JOY Facilitators

Candice
Cape Town & SWAG

Soretha
Cape Town

Simone
Garden Route

Siya
Swellendam

JOY Facilitators in Partnership

Lebo Wamopeli
Soul Dance Eastern Cape

Susy MAcFarlane
Herschel Red Nose Eagles

Minnelie Minnaar
Rising kids

Emily Jones
Secret sunrise Eastern cape

And here’s some more Joy Facilitators

Nicky Lewis, Julian Wenn, Alice Cowley Owen / Allicat, Cheye Breed, Sadia Chand, Fred – Cecil John Frederik Hayman, Talia Aviv Hughes, Lanel Van Der Kolff, Hayley Skerritt, Sanja Lutzeyer, Sadia Chand, Rina Butterfly, Sarah and Cherie

Apprentice Joy Facilitators

Hélène, Jeanne-Louise, Joshua, Elani, Chris, Dominiqe, Prianca, Carla, Momo, JustB, Shelani, Andre, Bianke, Edward, Liesl, Berverly, Mamello, Margie & Kate