Registered CA (SA) | BCom Management Accounting | BCom Accounting (Honours)

Before joining the Waitrose Foundation Southern Africa in February 2020, she worked at leading audit and advisory firms in the Cayman Islands and Amsterdam.

With her expertise in financial governance and risk management, Laura plays a key role in ensuring the Foundation’s financial integrity, compliance, and sustainability, supporting its mission to create lasting impact in farming communities.

BA (Social Work)

Before joining the Waitrose Foundation in 2011, she served as a social worker at the Department of Social Development, where she was committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families.

At the Foundation, Hilda plays a key role in driving education and training initiatives that empower farmworkers and their communities. She is passionate about creating opportunities for personal growth and long-term impact through accessible and relevant learning programmes.

BA (Psychology and English)

Before joining the Waitrose Foundation in 2011, he was involved in a variety of school, family, and youth development programmes across the Western Cape, working closely with community-based organisations.

At the Foundation, his focus is on supporting Worker Committees and creating meaningful opportunities for young people in farmworker communities—fostering stronger futures through mentorship, skills development, and empowerment initiatives.

LLB | LLM | Diploma in Teaching | Certificate in Brain-Based Coaching | Certificate in High Impact Leadership | Corporate Finance | Investment Analysis | Current E-MBA Candidate | B-BBEE Fundamentals Course | Employment Equity Regulations (Intermediate) | Member, Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IoDSA)

Since joining the Foundation in February 2022—following her impactful role as Manager: Transformation and Sustainability at United Exports—Emily has been instrumental in advancing stakeholder engagement and promoting sustainable development, particularly within the agricultural sector.

In her current role, Emily leads strategic partnerships with exporters across the country and oversees regional operations in North Gauteng. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to creating meaningful, long-term impact for farmworker communities by fostering social and economic development across the industry.

Higher Education Diploma

Her background as an educator has deeply influenced her dedication to fostering learning and development within farmworker communities. At the Foundation, Eleanor plays a pivotal role in supporting farms to enhance the livelihoods of farmworkers and their families, helping to create more sustainable and empowered communities.

IT & Computer Science, Management Assistant Diploma

After completing his Management Assistant Diploma, he was appointed to a permanent role in February 2023.
He now plays a key role in both financial administration and broader administrative functions, helping to keep operations on track and supporting the effective delivery of the Foundation’s programmes.

MPhil (Monitoring and Evaluation Methods), PGD (Monitoring and Evaluation Methods), BSc Local Governance Studies

Before joining the Waitrose Foundation in September 2023, he played a key role in developing evidence-based strategies to enhance programme effectiveness and impact for various donor funded organisations.

At the Foundation, Ishmael leads the monitoring and evaluation function, ensuring that initiatives are data-driven, outcomes-focused, and aligned with the organisation’s mission to create lasting change in farmworker communities.