Catherine Ndungu-Case

Founder and CEO of Pleasanton-based Cheza Nami Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to promote cultural diversity through the African traditional arts. Catherine has a passion to uncover the symbiotic connections within all of humanity. With over a decade of fieldwork that promotes cultural education and diversity awareness to learning institutions, corporations and communities focused on fostering a more congenial relationship among its members, Catherine advocates that music, dance, and an open mind are the essential ingredients for common ground and joyful exchange among people from all walks of life. She holds a masters in cell and molecular biology and is currently employed as the Director of Precision Medicine Portfolio at a large pharmaceutical company. By unifying her passions for science, community, and the arts, she has successfully brought together hundreds of master musicians and dancers, community partners, volunteers, and participants to deliver cultural education programming to communities, schools and organizations. She is regarded as an expert when it comes to catalyzing cultural connection, and has been recognized for her ongoing contributions to the community. Accolades include being named to the 40 under 40 list - Diablo Magazine, and featured in Oakland Magazine, Contra Costa newspaper, as well as many other media publications. She has delivered keynote addresses (graduation/corporate), participated on numerous panels related to cultural diversity and global citizenship, and provided a cultural inclusion presentation for TEDxLivermore in 2015. In 2017, she was awarded the CBS/KPIX Jefferson Award, which is considered the Nobel Prize for community service, as well as the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award. She is most well-known for organizing the annual Taste of Africa festival in the Tri-Valley, and “The Essence” showcase, a celebration of oneness of humankind through traditional African music and dance. She also serves on several other local boards and along with her husband enjoy traveling and playing a myriad of sports with their 14 year old twins, when they allow it!