Leadership
Our leadership team has been carefully composed to ensure that their experience, expertise, energy and values are perfectly aligned with the core purpose of the Anita Mendiratta Foundation. Making promises to those in need is not enough – it’s about making meaningful, sustainable impact.
Board of Trustees
Anita Mendiratta
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, CHAIRMAN
A globally recognised and respected Tourism, Aviation and Development practitioner, author, diplomat, Anita Mendiratta is the Founder and President of ANITA MENDIRATTA & Associates, a London-based international consulting firm. Working closely with the United Nations and a portfolio of other global entities at the forefront of international development, Anita possesses over two decades working closely with leaders in governments, businesses, and international organisations.
A ‘Rotary daughter’, Anita is admired for having an innate ability to feel the ‘heartbeat’ behind the economic, social, political and environmental dynamics of nations.
Simon Walsh
TRUSTEE
Simon is a Partner at OC Solicitors. His primary focus is Corporate and Commercial Law, however he is also across the key aspects of Employment Law and the UK’s Immigration Law landscape.
Simon has extensive commercial and corporate experience coupled with first-hand knowledge of operating in a variety of regions (including Australia, Middle East, France and Northern Africa).
cheryl james-ward
TRUSTEE
Dr. Cheryl James-Ward is an internationally recognized educational leader based in the Southwestern United States, known for transforming school systems through innovation, access, and visionary leadership. A former superintendent, CEO, tenured professor, and NASA software engineer, she brings an unparalleled breadth of expertise to every initiative she leads. Her work has consistently centered on building future-ready schools, empowering leadership teams, and fostering strong, trust-based community partnerships.
With over two decades of experience in executive coaching, curriculum innovation, and systemic instructional training, Dr. James-Ward has helped school communities heal, rebuild, and reimagine their instructional and leadership practices. Her leadership has turned around underperforming schools, trained future generations of leaders, and strengthened board governance and community relations, always with an unwavering focus on student success.
Dr. James-Ward is passionate about partnering with districts to provide executive coaching, strategic planning, leadership searches, and instructional redesign. She specializes in guiding systems through periods of transformation, ensuring every student, staff member, and community voice is seen, heard, and valued.
Driven by a belief in the power of education to change lives, Dr. James-Ward brings deep expertise, relentless optimism, and a future-focused mindset to every consulting engagement she undertakes.
alan elliott merschen
TRUSTEE
Alan Elliott is the founder of SIGMUND – the first of its kind, not-for-profit free open-source platform for global innovators in tourism. SIGMUND promotes the sharing of creative ideas with potential collaborators.
While originally starting his career in academia, Merschen started consulting projects for a variety of industries. This is when he discovered it was the travel and tourism industry that captivated his real interest. Merschen created Myriad Travel Marketing, specializing exclusively in the international travel industry with private clients and governments on five continents. For over 30 years, Merschen developed strategic solutions to client challenges, creating industry partnerships, research projects and global solutions. In 2016 Myriad became part of MMGY Global portfolio of companies.
Merschen also serves on several non-profit and start-up advisory boards. Always the educator, he still conducts marketing presentations throughout the world.
Project Leads
grace towler
CO-LEAD OF GLOBAL PROJECTS
In her role as Co-Lead of Global Projects, Grace works closely with the team at AMF to ensure smooth, seamless, strategically grounded, operationally monitored day-to-day operations of AMF.
Her strengths in AMF managmenet of Foundation process and management of projects is greatly enhanced as a result of her parallel role heading Finance and Business Development at ANITA MENDIRATTA & Associates where Grace takes responsibility for industry intelligence, financial management and business activity coordination. An educator by training, Grace has an innate understanding of the importance of access to education to the safety, stability and wellbeing of children of all ages, and therefore the damaging impact of crisis on their development.
Advisory Members
jessica zijlstra
Advisor on Digital Strategy & Storytelling
As Advisor on Digital Strategy & Storytelling for the Anita Mendiratta Foundation (AMF), Jessica provides strategic guidance on digital storytelling, content development, and visual communications to ensure the Foundation’s mission is powerfully and consistently conveyed.
Previously serving as Co-Lead of Global Projects, Jessica now supports AMF in an advisory capacity, applying her expertise in digital strategy, creative production, and campaign design to amplify the reach and resonance of the Foundation’s work.
With a background in tourism and communications, and a personal passion for travel, Jessica understands the transformative power of tourism and education in rebuilding lives and strengthening communities—particularly in crisis-affected regions. Her work continues to reflect a commitment to dignity, impact, and inclusive progress.
Will you join us?
