Laura Tsikirayi is the Associate Program Manager for the Collaborative Learning Initiative (CLI) in Southern Africa. She brings over a decade of experience in philanthropy, grant management, and partnership development, with a strong record of strengthening community-based organizations and advancing education and child welfare.

Before joining the Issroff Family Foundation, Laura was Head of Grants and Partnerships at Higherlife Foundation, where she oversaw multi-year grant strategies, capacity-building programs, and partnerships across education, health, gender and disability initiatives. She has led training in governance, financial management, and resource mobilization for grassroots organizations, helping them build sustainability and scale their impact.

Passionate about developing proximate, community-rooted organizations, Laura is committed to creating systems that enable children and families to thrive. Her management and strategic leadership skills were further enhanced through the Senior Management Development Program at Stellenbosch Business School, reinforcing her focus on unlocking resources, strengthening ecosystems, and nurturing leadership across Africa.