our team
We are "The Small Village Botswana" an official non-profit organization based in Switzerland. Founded by sisters Isabelle and Melanie Tschugmall, along with Sofie Moens, and supported by Marina Eleftheriadou, Natalia Wata, and Nadjia Drici, our board brings diverse perspectives to our mission.
Isabelle and Sofie predominantly reside in Botswana, where they have firsthand experience with the needs of the Motswana community. The idea behind our organization was brought from Botswana to Switzerland, and as a team, we are steadfast in our commitment. Together, we dedicate our time voluntarily and wholeheartedly to advocate for equality and improvement. With a strong connection to Botswana, "The Small Village Botswana" is shaping a future marked by dedication and determination.
Isabelle Tschugmall
President
My name is Isabelle Tschugmall, together with my sister Melanie I founded the NPO in2019. I currently live in Switzerland and southern Africa. I originally studied Business Communication, but ten years ago I swapped the financial jungle for life in the African bush. I am a qualified Nature Guide & Trails Guide and have founded a safari company with Sofie. Besides the bush life, my heart blossoms in music and writing (blog: Yisha in the Middle).
I am mostly on the ground myself in Maun, Botswana and have therefore noticed a shortage of female safari guides and have increasingly focused on the topic of female empowerment. It quickly became clear to me that we wanted to support women in Botswana in general. It is an exciting journey and we are proud to be part of this positive change.
Melanie Tschugmall
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
My name is Melanie Tschugmall and I am on the Presidium of the NPO with my sister Isabelle. I have a background in tourism management and strategic marketing with a focus on behavioral economics.
Other passions of mine are travel, technology and trends as well as ballet.
When Isabelle came up with the idea, I was hooked. I strongly believe that if women and the next generation can be empowered in Botswana at the same time, we can make a lasting positive difference. The focus is on helping people to help themselves and is based on individual responsibility.
Sofie Marais Moens
Regional Country Manager
My name is Susanne Eckstein, I am 39 years old and I work as a headhunter for the German market in the field of capital goods. I advise and place specialists and executives in sales, in production up to C-level.
Through my further training as a systemic coach, I am able to listen well, ask the right questions and break down big topics in an understandable way and down to the essentials. I live in Berlin and very often use the flexibility of my job to work from other parts of the world to immerse myself in other cultures.
My purpose in existence is to help people develop. As part of this NPO, I would like to add value to the community, share my knowledge, connect people with one another, in order to increase awareness of "The Small Village".
In my spare time I love yoga, healthy and good food, being surrounded by like minded people, interior design, nature, art and danceable music.
Marina Eleftheriadou
Project management
My name is Marina Eleftheriadou, and I was introduced to The Small Village Botswana through Melanie. The Elderly Home Project's significant impact and the mission of the initiative deeply inspired me so I immediately reached out.
The values and knowledge that each project has a direct and practical impact on someone's life, empowering people in meaningful ways, motivated me to join this organization. In particular, the female and youth empowerment of the local community in Maun, which is key for making a positive change in Botswana.
With a background in computer science and extensive experience in various leadership roles in the technology industry, my focus as a leader has always been on equity, inclusion, and finding collaborative, long-term solutions. This is precisely where I believe I can make a valuable contribution, supporting the planning and execution of our diverse range of projects.
Natalia Wata
Project management
Hey, my name is Natalia. Last year I made an internal move and relocated from Poland to Switzerland. I work as a financial controller in a production company. I am fuelled by a passion for creative tasks and I thrive in highly dynamic environment where change is the only constant as it keeps me motivated and engaged.
When I got to know about The Little Village Botswana, I knew that I would like to participate in such an impactful project, which fully resonates with my personal values. Recognizing how privileged life I live, I immediately thought I would be happy to contribute my diverse skillset to bring something valuable to the community of Botswana.
Happy to be on board and strengthen the Team with my perspective!
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Nadjia Drici
Project management
My name is Nadjia Drici, originally from Paris, France and since 2016, I live in Zurich, Switzerland after a few years in the United Kingdom, Algeria and Sweden. I work in healthcare where I am humbled by the opportunity to help advance patients' outcomes through science and technology.
I am a gender parity advocate in my company and outside of work. In my current organization, I lead the EU Chapter of the Women Impact Network, an internal employee resource network, focusing on advancing gender parity across the company. Outside of work I was one of the founding members of The Boardroom, in Zurich, a club created to help advance women at every level of corporations, up to the Boardroom. This is where I met Melanie, the co-founder of TSVB.
My strongest passion in life is to ensure equal access to education around the world. With TSVB, I am excited about the opportunities to help empower women and girls in Botswana and bring in my technical, leadership and strategy expertise in our projects.