Our Team

Each of NovaQuest’s founding partners brings over 15 years of professional experience in research, governance, and development practice. Together, they form a dynamic team with interdisciplinary expertise and a shared commitment to evidence-based transformation



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Caroline Lisanza
Managing Partner
A sociologist and psychologist with expertise in behavioral health, workplace well-being, and resilience building. Caroline has extensive experience working in HIV, human rights, and women’s rights programming. She holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

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Dr. Newton Chanzu
Partner & Director, Research and Institutional
Development
Holds a PhD in Finance and brings a wealth of experience in project management, institutional coordination, and administrative oversight. Dr. Chanzu has successfully managed multi-country research projects and institutional partnerships, ensuring operational excellence and fiscal accountability..

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Clyde Kimoro
Manager, Finance and Operations
A finance and systems expert with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and certification as a CPA. Clyde brings analytical precision and structured management approaches to organizational planning, budgeting, and systems strengthening.

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Dr. Zedekia Sidha
Partner & Lead, MEAL and Capacity Development
Holds dual PhDs in Public Administration and Political Science, and is an experienced M&E practitioner. Dr. Sidha has supported NGOs and government agencies to build strong MEAL frameworks, emphasizing adaptive learning and accountability.

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Stella Linda Juma
Partner & Lead, Gender, Inclusion, and Social Justice
Holds dual Master’s degrees in Gender Studies and Development Studies. Stella is an expert in gender-transformative, rights-based, and disability-inclusive programming, with extensive experience in Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia.

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Dr. Taji Shivachi
Partner & Lead, Social Research and Policy Analysis

A sociologist and researcher with extensive experience in governance, human rights, and community development. Dr. Shivachi has led numerous qualitative and mixed-methods studies across East Africa and has contributed to major policy analysis and program evaluations.

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Dr. Peter Wawire
Partner & Lead, Data Analytics and Visualization
A statistician and data scientist specializing in data analytics, predictive modeling, and visualization. Dr. Wawire supports organizations to make data-informed decisions through innovative analytical and visualization tools.

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Dr. Violet Tamu Nthiga
Partner & Lead, Organizational Wellness and Psychosocial Support
A psychologist and sociologist specializing in workplace well-being, mindfulness, and resilience. Dr. Nthiga designs and facilitates psychosocial interventions that promote emotional health and team cohesion in organizational settings.