Our team
We believe in a thriving African research ecosystem where researchers have the skills, visibility, and resources to drive meaningful change.
Our mission is to provide the strategic guidance, branding expertise, and communication tools that help researchers secure funding and amplify research impact.
Meet the Team
The Accelerator team includes fundraising, strategy, administration and science communication specialists, experienced in African research development
Zoë Boshoff
Founder & Director | Research Strategy Coach
Zoë supports African researchers to build clear, fundable strategies and strengthen leadership capacity. She is a research strategist and fundraising specialist with over a decade of experience spanning climate change, conservation, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and public health. Zoë leads the Strategy Phase, supporting participants to develop research roadmaps, theories of change, and five-year strategic plans that anchor fundraising decision-making.
Alacia Armstrong
Communications Director | Digital Strategy Coach
Alacia leads the Visibility Phase, supporting researchers to build professional digital presence through clear narrative development, positioning, and brand-aligned communication assets. She works closely with participants to translate complex research into credible, compelling messaging that resonates with funders, collaborators, and broader audiences.
Kerri Browne
Programme Coordinator | Fundraising Project Management
Kerri supports research teams by building practical fundraising systems that keep outreach organised and consistent. She brings experience in funder prospect research, donor pipeline development, fundraising coordination tools, and long-term tracking systems that strengthen follow-through after strategy work is complete.
Jo Mahoney
Research Strategy Coach
Jo is an experienced facilitator specialising in health research development. She supports researchers to shape career plans and fundraising strategies that are grounded in long-term growth, and coaches participants to clarify career goals, identify aligned funding opportunities, and strengthen donor engagement approaches.
Vanessa Roach
Brand Identity & Digital Design Lead
Vanessa supports researchers to develop clear, credible visual identities that reflect the substance and ambition of their work through considered logo design, colour systems, and digital styling, ensuring consistency across websites and communications. With a background in UX and product design, Vanessa helps teams build brands that are designed to support long-term research visibility and growth.
Ready to see our impact?
Discover how we've helped African researchers secure funding, build visibility, and drive transformative change across the continent.