SustyVibes, a youth-led organisation committed to making sustainability and climate action more accessible to young Africans, has appointed Svetlana Onye as its Interim Executive Director as the organisation embarks on a new phase of growth and expansion.
The organisation announced in a statement that Onye’s appointment took effect on July 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of its second decade of impact and the implementation of its North Star Strategy—a framework designed to strengthen youth resilience across Africa while expanding SustyVibes’ global footprint.
Onye succeeds the organisation’s founder and outgoing Executive Director, Jennifer Uchendu-Kalu, who will continue serving on SustyVibes’ Board of Directors while spearheading the organisation’s expansion efforts in the United States.
A climate justice advocate, researcher and youth leader, Onye brings extensive experience in climate justice, mental health, research and youth engagement. She currently leads The Eco-Anxiety Africa Project, a SustyVibes initiative dedicated to examining the mental health impacts of climate change across Africa while developing research, capacity-building programmes and community-led solutions to enhance resilience.
Speaking on the leadership transition, Uchendu-Kalu described Onye’s appointment as a significant milestone for the organisation.
“Svetlana has brought so much value, depth, and heart to our work at SustyVibes, and I am incredibly excited to see her step into the role of Interim Executive Director at this important moment in our journey,” she said. “She is thoughtful, visionary, deeply committed to our mission, and has consistently proven to be the leader that inspires our community.”
Under Onye’s leadership, SustyVibes said it will deepen its focus on youth resilience, climate justice, mental well-being and community-driven action while expanding its programmes across Africa and strengthening its global network of young climate advocates.
Reacting to her appointment, Onye described the opportunity as coming at a defining moment for the organisation.
“I am excited to be stepping into this role at such a pivotal moment for SustyVibes,” she said. “Building on more than a decade of impact, we are entering a new chapter shaped by our North Star Strategy, strengthening our commitment to placing youth resilience at the heart of everything we do.”
She added that the organisation would continue working closely with its team, board, partners and communities to build a resilient, innovative platform that empowers young people across Africa.
Beyond her leadership role, Onye is a writer, climate journalist and researcher whose work explores the intersection of climate change, mental health, human rights and youth leadership. With more than a decade of experience in research, advocacy and journalism, her work has focused on the gendered and psychological impacts of climate change across Africa. She holds a master’s degree in the Politics of Conflict, Rights and Justice and is also a TuWezeshe Young Women’s Leadership Fellow.
As SustyVibes enters its next decade, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms that empower young Africans to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
