Meet the team

Justin Hilton

Founder & Board Chair

Justin is a visionary writer and humanitarian, as well as a dynamic workshop and course leader and speaker, renowned for his commitment to fostering empathy, trauma healing, and global activism. Dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices, Justin has spearheaded transformative initiatives that empower leadership in underserved communities, advance social justice, and build resilient, connected communities. He is a recognized thought leader in global equity and social/emotional healing.

Justin’s work is a testament to the power of compassion in action. As the founder of SafePlace International, he has created a sanctuary of hope and support for vulnerable refugee populations, especially LGBTQ+ refugees and single mothers, offering them not just aid but dignity and empowerment.

In recent years, Justin has focused on training leaders, primarily throughout Africa, to harness their inner strength and self-awareness, equipping them to navigate the most challenging circumstances with grace and resilience. His message is clear: through understanding and compassion, we can drive profound and lasting positive change in the world.

Bekka Fink

Earl Semu

Director Global Family Initiative | Lead Facilitator, The Dream Academy

Pronouns: They/Them

Building strong relationships and understanding the needs of our community is the foundation of creating lasting change.

Earl Semu is a passionate advocate, activist, and community leader whose work centers on visibility, inclusion, and justice for marginalized communities. As Director of the Global Family Initiative and Lead Facilitator for Dream Academy, they bring both professional expertise and the power of their lived experience to the forefront of their leadership.

A refugee and asylum seeker, Earl Semu has turned their journey of displacement into a story of resilience and impact. Their lived experience fuels a deep compassion for others and shapes the way they support communities in crisis. They have been on the frontlines of responding to the urgent needs of LGBTQI+ individuals, migrants, and other vulnerable groups, working to foster safety, belonging, and empowerment.

In 2020, Earl Semu founded The Nourish and Thrive Project, a community-driven initiative that provides support for youth, single mothers, LGBTQI+ people, and other marginalized communities. Through this work, they have created spaces that celebrate diversity and provide tangible resources for those most in need.

Recognized as a Pride Hero for 2025, Earl Semu continues to champion equity and inclusion while inspiring others to transform challenges into opportunities for collective growth and justice.

Ashley Avan Caeter

Director of The Dream Academy (TDA)

Pronouns: She/They

I continue to use my life experience and my presence to create safe spaces for our queer refugee family around the world. Showing up as my most authentic self invites others to do so as well.

Ashley is a queer and gender-diverse woman, born in Zimbabwe and now based in Cape Town, South Africa. At SafePlace International, she spearheads the Dream Academy program, empowering students through mentorship, scheduling support, and guidance in setting post-program goals. Ashley fosters meaningful relationships with students, ensuring their needs are met before, during, and after programs. As a passionate advocate for refugee, trans, and queer rights, Ashley champions social justice and equity, inspiring positive change. Her influential voice has been featured on TV, in parliament, and at conferences, spreading a message of inclusivity and equality.

Sam Porteus

Director of Operations

Pronouns: He/They

Sam has spent the last decade working in the nonprofit sector with a wide range of grassroots and international organizations. He brings a unique combination of professional, educational, and lived experience to his work at SafePlace. Sam first joined the SafePlace family in 2020 by supporting operations with our team in Greece and has returned to lead the operations and administration of the organization. His passion for the mission of SafePlace is deeply rooted in a mindset of advocacy, social change, and altruism.

His diverse background has led to the cultivation of his skills as an effective leader and collaborative team member. Sam has also transformed his own life circumstances into a hard-wired ability to overcome adversity, cultivate resilience, and empower others. In May of 2024, Sam graduated with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a focus on NGO management and transformational leadership, which further ignited his passion for the work of SafePlace. When not at work, Sam loves to travel and immerse himself in new cultures and communities. Sam also has a passion for the healing power of horses and spends much of his free time riding and training horses.

Nyasha “Masi” Zhakata

Global Director, The Dream Academy / Facilitator – Advanced Socio-Emotional Learning

Pronouns: They/Them

I’ve turned my trauma into power, embraced my true authentic self, and now stand as not only a safe space but also an advocate for policies that make life easier for all LGBTQI+ refugees and siblings worldwide

Nyasha “Masi” Zhakata (they/them) is a Zimbabwean-born LGBTQIA+ human rights defender, storyteller, and community leader rooted in love, resilience, and radical care. As Global Director of The Dream Academy at Safe Place International, Masi guides queer individuals across Africa and beyond toward healing, leadership, and belonging.

Shaped by lived experience on the margins, Masi brings both heart and skill into their work. They are a graduate of the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights, with specialized training in LGBTIQ+ rights in Africa. Their advocacy spans local, regional, and global platforms—working alongside the UNHCR, OHCHR, and a wide range of civil society and diplomatic partners to advance the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ communities.

As a facilitator of the Advanced Socio-Emotional Learning class, Masi holds transformative spaces for reflection, connection, and growth. Their leadership has helped expand The Dream Academy into more than 32 countries, nurturing hundreds of queer changemakers and healing leaders.

Masi is also the founder of Pachedu, a grassroots collective supporting LGBTQIA+ people through mutual aid, community care, and advocacy. Their work includes youth empowerment initiatives, legal literacy, wellness programs, and movement-building rooted in lived truth.

In 2023, Masi’s journey and activism were featured in a powerful documentary highlighting queer African voices and resistance.

Through every workshop, protest, and global conversation, Masi carries this truth:

“I come from pain, but I choose to lead with love—because every queer person deserves more than survival; we deserve to thrive, to dream, and to belong.”

Chad Semu

Director of Communications, Safe Place International

Pronoun: He/Him

When the world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.

Chad brings a rare blend of lived experience and professional expertise to his role as Director of Communications at Safe Place International. His deep connection to the organization’s mission is rooted in his own journey, beginning in 2022 as one of the first four teenagers to graduate from the Dream Academy Leadership Program. This formative experience provided him with an intimate understanding of the organization’s vision and ignited his lifelong commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive world for all.

Since then, Chad has built an extensive career in communications and social media, working with queer and humanitarian organizations to amplify advocacy and tell stories that matter. He approaches content strategy with both creativity and precision—crafting compelling videos, posts, and campaigns that not only capture attention but also drive measurable engagement. His work consistently transforms online followers into active advocates, and his hands-on skills in video editing ensure every message is delivered with clarity, professionalism, and emotional impact.

Chad’s strengths go beyond digital strategy. A confident public speaker and skilled cross-cultural communicator, he is as effective in front of a camera as he is in a boardroom. Fluent in English and his native Southern African languages, he bridges linguistic and cultural gaps to connect with diverse audiences around the world. Whether online or in person, Chad fosters authentic community connections that advance Safe Place International’s mission of hope, safety, and empowerment on a global scale.

Oche Mercy

Administrative Assistant

Pronouns: She/Her

Equality is not just about being the same; it’s about celebrating the unique colors of humanity’s spectrum with love as our common thread.

Mercy is a people-centric person with attention to detail, efficient time management, multitasking proficiency, and effective communication skills. She possesses a strong commitment to justice and human rights. Her firm belief in equality across gender, religion, ethnicity, and sexuality drives her passion.

Her professional journey began as an administrative assistant at Cedarcrest Hospitals. Her transition to SafePlace International was a natural choice, aligning with her vision of a world free from discrimination based on sexual orientation and race. At SafePlace, she leverages her expertise to conduct research, coordinate meetings, and establish collaborations with other organizations.

Her commitment to promoting equality remains resolute. She believes that people are the most important part of any endeavor, and as such, it is important to commit to ensuring fairness across the world.

Ethan Chigwada

Facilitator – The Dream Academy

Pronouns: They/Them/She/Her/He/Him

Helping others motivates me because it leads to real and lasting change.

Ethan Chigwada is a Zimbabwean asylum seeker currently living in South Africa and serves as the Director of Training at Safe Place International. In this role, Ethan leads transformative socio-emotional learning courses through The Dream Academy, focusing on trauma healing, anger management, PTSD recovery, and social reintegration.

A skilled and empathetic trainer, Ethan designs and facilitates tailored programs that equip participants with healthy coping strategies and resilience-building tools. His work supports marginalized individuals in reclaiming their sense of dignity, agency, and emotional well-being.

Beyond the classroom, Ethan is a passionate advocate for sexual and gender diversity, actively promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusive representation in politics and civil society. Through his leadership and advocacy, Ethan continues to advance Safe Place International’s mission of healing, empowerment, and justice for displaced and vulnerable communities.

Beverly Dhliwayo

Leader, Parenting Class

Pronouns: She/Her

I am a voice for parents and single moms and extend my love and support to marginalized refugees in South Africa and beyond. Lets connect!

Beverly Dhliwayo is a lesbian mom and Zimbabwean asylum seeker living in South Africa and leads The Dream Academy’s Parenting class. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and in a world where face-to-face interaction is a challenge, Bev helps to expand that village to the virtual realm, where parents discuss the challenges they face and make it known that we are truly in this together!

Bev is passionate about queer rights and never misses an opportunity to reach out and extend her support and care to marginalized LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers in South Africa and beyond.

Nokuthula Gumede

Community Engagement Manager, Parenting​

Pronoun: She/Her

Success is not just about making the right moves, but also about making every move count.

Nokuthula Gumede is a caregiver, leader and counselor. She is a community server and mental health professional with years of experience. Her journey includes being a Rainbow Parent in the LGBTIQ community and offering love, care, and support through working and partnering with other organizations.

She possesses great communication skills, holding diverse dialogues and facilitating collaborations. She is dedicated to shaping and changing people’s lives by teaching them sufficient skills like cooking and baking so they can sustain themselves. She strongly believes that good is not good enough when better is expected. 

Deogracious Ssekono

Community Engagement Manager, Uganda

Pronouns: He/Him

I strive to empower marginalized communities in Uganda through fostering inclusivity and advocating for equal opportunities for all.

As Community Engagement Manager for Uganda, Deogracious, a Ugandan national, is responsible for in-country operations, including recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and supporting participants of The Dream Academy all the way through post-program engagement. He also coordinates with local partner organizations and identifies resources that may be useful for community members.

Deogracious identifies as gay and has a strong desire to serve others in his community. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Kyambogo University in 2017.

Sulah Mawejje

Tech Director

Pronoun: He/They

Put marginalized people at the center. It’s the only way to restore dignity and support them better

Sulah Mawejje (He/They) is a queer Ugandan asylum seeker living in Nairobi, Kenya, and currently serves as the Tech Director at Safe Place International. In this role, Sulah leads digital strategy and platform development for global programs like The Dream Academy, an online leadership school for displaced LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, and single mothers. His work centers on building safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed digital spaces that foster healing, connection, and empowerment.

Sulah is a passionate health champion and queer rights advocate, deeply involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, digital justice, and community care. A trained paralegal, filmmaker, and photographer, he uses storytelling as a tool for liberation and visibility. He also serves as an interpreter for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and is an active member of The Nature Network, a refugee-led LGBTQI+ organization in Nairobi.

With a unique blend of technical expertise, lived experience, and community-rooted leadership, Sulah is committed to uplifting marginalized voices and innovating new ways to restore dignity, build resilience, and inspire change.

Uchenna Precious Aniegbuna

Community Engagement Manager, Nigeria

Pronouns: He/Him

If you can’t get a chair at the table, create yours.

Uchenna Precious Aniegbuna is a dedicated feminist leader and human rights advocate, currently serving as the Community Engagement Manager at Safe Place International (SPI). In this role, they champion the rights and dignity of displaced and marginalized LGBTQI+ individuals with passion and purpose.

With a strong background in public health, advocacy, and movement building, Uchenna designs and leads transformative programs that foster inclusion, healing, and empowerment. Through SPI’s Dream Academy, they nurture resilient leaders and help cultivate safer, more compassionate communities across Africa.

Rooted in empathy and driven by a deep commitment to justice, Uchenna envisions a world where every person, regardless of identity or circumstance, can live freely, safely, and with dignity.

Jess Wangari

Social Media Content Coordinator

Pronouns: She/Her

When we invest in queer economic power, we are not just helping people survive; we are giving them the freedom to choose their future.

Jess Wangari is a Kenyan digital storyteller, queer activist, mental health advocate and community educator using the power of content to shift narratives, spark joy, and create safe, liberating spaces online and offline. With a background in sales and marketing leadership and over five years of experience managing teams and building strategy, Jess brings both vision and structure to everything she touches.

As a content creator on TikTok and co-founder of J & L Luxe, Jess challenges harmful stereotypes, uplifts queer voices, and promotes queer-owned businesses. Her work dives deep into mental health, self-worth, economic power, and the everyday truths of queer life, making education accessible and healing visible.

At Safe Place International, Jess leads digital strategy and creative engagement, using storytelling and campaigns to center queer voices, spark connection, and build community power. Her work brings heart into strategy—because for Jess, visibility is more than outreach; it’s a form of liberation.

Jess’s content doesn’t just inform; it liberates. It reminds queer people that they deserve to be safe, supported, and celebrated just as they are.

Blessed Nhodza

Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager

Pronouns: He/Him

The fight for equality is not a sprint, but a relay. We pass the baton of courage, and together, we outrun injustice.

Blessed Nhodza is an accomplished development specialist and award-winning human rights advocate focused on creating inclusive systems for marginalized communities. As SafePlace International’s Zimbabwe Community Engagement Manager, he builds ecosystems of safety and leadership development for forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ persons and single mothers. With 5+ years’ experience managing programs supported by PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and Gates Foundation, Blessed integrates expertise in SRHR, HIV response, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) to develop intersectional solutions. His award-winning advocacy has advanced health equity and protection for key populations through both community interventions and national policy reform. Blessed combines grassroots engagement with strategic vision to create sustainable change aligned with SPI’s mission of collective healing and growth and brings particular expertise in SRHR and HIV programming for key populations, community-led disaster risk reduction strategies, grassroots policy advocacy and intersectional approaches to protection and empowerment

Elorm Enne

Community Engagement Manager, Ghana

Pronouns: They/Them

Elorm Enne is a passionate intersex rights activist and advocate from Ghana, dedicated to advancing the visibility, dignity, and human rights of intersex individuals. With a powerful voice and unwavering commitment, Elorm works tirelessly to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and promote intersex inclusion across Ghana and beyond.

Elorm is the founder of Root and Rise Africa, an initiative that provides skills training and empowerment opportunities for LGBTQI individuals across the continent, fostering self-reliance and economic independence in marginalized communities.

A proud graduate of The Dreams Academy (TDA), Elorm continues to use their platform to uplift voices often left unheard and to build a more just, inclusive Africa.