Tevis Howard, Founder & Executive Director

Tevis Howard is KOMAZA's Founder and Executive Director. Tevis holds a B.Sc. degree in neuroscience from Brown University, where he also completed substantial coursework in non-profit management, social enterprise and economic development. He has been awarded the prestigious Draper Richards and Rainer Arnhold social enterprise fellowships for his vision to use KOMAZA as a vehicle to lift needy African farm families from extreme poverty.

Before launching KOMAZA, Tevis built a strong background for himself in the sciences. His work was first recognized while he was only in high school, when he placed third in the Intel International Science Competition. Tevis' work led Forbes ASAP Magazine to include him on its High Tech Teenage All-American Team, describing him as among “the next generation of high tech superstars… an army of prodigies poised to make their mark on the world.” He has also published articles in several major scientific journals.

Between 2002 and 2005, Tevis' work frequently brought him to the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Labs in Kilifi, Kenya. Tevis quickly found himself becoming a part of the local community, and over time he acquired a deep understanding of the social and economic problems facing this extremely impoverished part of the world. This motivated Tevis to study sustainable development, and he soon started preparing dozens of his own plans for development projects in Kilifi. Upon recognizing his potential to make a greater impact as a social entrepreneur, Tevis launched KOMAZA in 2006 and has since dedicated his efforts to growing and strengthening the organization.

Under Tevis' leadership, KOMAZA and its flagship tree farming project were transformed from a powerful idea into a thriving reality. Just a few years after its launch, KOMAZA now employs a full field staff, has established proof-of-concept of its tree farming project, and is providing families across Kilifi district with their own tree farms and a path out of poverty.