Meet Our Team
.jpg)
Rahel Mwitula Williams
Founder of ILAVA & Lead Designer
Rahel is the founder and lead designer of ILAVA. As a social entrepreneur, she was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa.
She migrated to the USA with her family when she was 12 years old and held her Tanzanian heritage near to her heart. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in psychology from Loyola University and went on to receive her Master’s of Science from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.
Rahel believes that women entrepreneurs are key in enhancing both women’s and overall community development. She aims to incorporate her culture into fashion and give back to her native country every chance she gets.
While popular culture may see African attire as a trend, Rahel sees it as a lifestyle.
Mwasi Mwitula
CEO of ILAVA
Mwasi is the CEO of ILAVA. She was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. She migrated to the USA with her family when she was 13 years old and holds her Tanzanian heritage near to her heart.
She obtained her bachelor of science degree in Education from Roosevelt University. Mwasi is a talented makeup artist and natural hair expert.
Neema Kisasa
Director of Operations
Neema is the Director of Operations for ILAVA. She is a businesswoman with training in water resources management, women's development, and tailoring.
Ms. Kisasa is a mother and wife. She oversees the day-to-day operations of ILAVA in Tanzania.
Frida Joseph
Buyer and Manager
Frida is the Buyer and Manager for ILAVA. She is a trained pre-primary teacher. She has an exceptional eye for selecting perfect fabrics. She is a resilient and hard worker.
Rehema Ayumwi Nyela
Seamstress
Rehema is a seamtress for ILAVA. She is a talented and skilled seamstress. She is a mother of two children. Her attention to detail and professionalism is an asset to our growing team.