Nina Mbandi

Nina Mbandi brings over a decade of experience in international development, event coordination, and community engagement to her role as Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Mbandi Tennis Foundation. A passionate organizer and skilled project manager, Nina leads the Foundation’s day-to-day operations, overseeing coaching programs, equipment distribution, tournament logistics, and partnerships with schools and local communities across Kenya.

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Prior to launching the Foundation, Nina served as a Program Officer and Special Events Coordinator with the United Nations Population Fund, where she successfully managed high-level global events, including one attended by African Heads of State and Government. Her background also includes stakeholder engagement roles at the African Union and extensive experience in social media management, event planning, and cross-cultural communication. She excels in connecting with diverse communities and ensuring every program is both impactful and inclusive.

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Nina holds a Master’s degree in Health, Community, and Development from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lehman College (CUNY). Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to youth empowerment, equity in access to sports, and the belief that tennis can be a transformative tool for personal growth and opportunity.

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​Nina’s work as a Group Fitness Instructor and Social Media Manager with Fit4Mom Rocket City further deepened her expertise in community engagement, inclusive programming, and strategic communication; all critical to her leadership at the Foundation. There, she honed her ability to build trust with diverse audiences, coordinate events with multiple stakeholders, and foster a strong sense of belonging; skills she now applies to youth outreach and partnership development across Kenya. Her experience managing social media strategy and digital content also plays a key role in expanding the Foundation’s visibility, promoting its mission, and attracting new supporters.

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Looking to the future, Nina envisions expanding the Foundation into a dynamic, youth-centered movement that reaches thousands of children across Kenya and beyond. She aims to build a sustainable model that not only delivers tennis training and equipment but also provides mentorship, academic support, and life skills development. Her long-term goal is to establish regional tennis hubs that serve as safe spaces for learning, growth, and leadership development; especially for girls and marginalized youth. By fostering strong community partnerships and investing in local capacity, Nina hopes to create lasting change and ensure that the next generation has the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed; on and off the court.