Our Advisory Committee
For ten years, the play360 team traveled around the world, working with cities and villages to create playful learning spaces for the children in their communities. In partnership, we built over 100 playgrounds in 12 countries.
And then: the 2020 global pandemic.
So, in 2021, we gathered all of our best practices and lessons learned and, like the rest of the world, started to think differently. We built online courses, developed virtual mentorships, and launched our free, online PlayMaker course.
Now, with easy access to tested and proven coursework and strategies, community leaders across the globe have the power to envision, design, and build playful learning opportunities for their communities.
Esther Onyinyechi Mark
Esther Onyinyechi Mark is the Founder and Executive Director of the Star-Education and Leadership Initiative (SELI), an NGO dedicated to empowering young people in Nigeria with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and contribute to society. With over 10 years of experience in development, journalism, and education, Esther has positively impacted over 6,000 youth and built 19 educational playgrounds in underserved communities. Her initiatives, including SELI’s scholarship scheme, teacher training workshops, and community book clubs, aim to foster leadership, education, and play for young people. Esther, a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, has received numerous awards for her work in education and leadership. She holds a degree in Mass Communication and is committed to mentoring young leaders and creating lasting change in Nigeria and beyond.
Anuya Trivedi
Anuya Trivedi is the founder of Green Buddies Foundation, where she leads a mission to create sustainable playgrounds from recycled materials using the BALA (Back to Basics and Re-usage) approach. Her work has repurposed over 10,000 old tires, benefiting more than 15,000 children globally, while promoting environmental sustainability and hands-on STEM learning. Recognized with the Creative Innovator Award (2023) and Global Recycling Heroes Award (2020), Anuya is also a Mentor of Change at AIM NITI Aayog and a Playmaker Fellow at Play360. A graduate of Design Thinking & Strategic Leadership from IIM Lucknow, she was named one of the Top 25 Women Entrepreneurs by the WEE Foundation in 2020.
Ahmed Shams
Ahmed Shams is an IT engineer and researcher committed to creating sustainable change in rural Tanzania. He is the founder of Radiant Rural CBO, an organization focused on improving education, play, and environmental sustainability in local communities. Every summer, he works on building daycares, playgrounds, and planting trees to enhance the well-being of children and families in Kinyangiri village. Through his partnership with Play360, Ahmed aims to establish 15 well-equipped daycares with safe facilities, vibrant playgrounds, and fruit gardens that provide both nutrition and education to the community.
Janeth C. Malela
Janeth C. Malela is the Founder and Managing Director of the Anjita Child Development Foundation, dedicated to supporting early childhood development, gender equality, and environmental conservation in Tanzania. With extensive experience at organizations like Plan International and Save the Children, she has successfully managed ECD interventions and contributed to national ECD policy development. Through Anjita, Janeth has trained over 1,200 childcare providers and created 13 outdoor play areas across Tanzania. Holding a Master’s in Public Health, she remains committed to improving the lives of marginalized children and communities through sustainable development and play-based learning.