SustyVibes appoints Onye to lead climate advocacy

July 29, 2026 3:57 am

SustyVibes, a youth‑led organisation focused on making sustainability and climate action more accessible to young Africans, has appointed Svetlana Onye as its interim executive director as the organisation begins a new phase of growth and expansion.

The organisation, in a statement said Onye’s appointment took effect on 1 July 2026, as it enters its second decade of impact and begins implementing its North Star Strategy, a framework aimed at strengthening youth resilience across Africa while expanding its global presence.

Onye succeeds SustyVibes founder and outgoing Executive Director Jennifer Uchendu‑Kalu, who will remain on the organisation’s Board of Directors while leading the group’s expansion efforts in the United States.

Onye brings experience spanning climate justice, mental health, research and youth leadership to the role. She currently leads The Eco‑Anxiety Africa Project, a SustyVibes initiative focused on examining the mental health effects of climate change across Africa and developing research, capacity‑building and community‑led solutions to improve resilience.

Speaking on the transition, Uchendu‑Kalu described Onye’s appointment as an important milestone for the organisation.

“Svetlana has brought so much value, depth, and heart to our work at SustyVibes, and I am incredibly excited to see her step into the role of Interim Executive Director at this important moment in our journey,” Uchendu‑Kalu said. “She is thoughtful, visionary, deeply committed to our mission, and has consistently proven to be the leader that inspires our community.”

Under Onye’s leadership, SustyVibes said it will continue to focus on youth resilience, climate justice, mental well‑being and community‑driven action while expanding programmes across Africa and building a wider global network of young climate advocates.

Onye said the appointment comes at a critical stage for the organisation as it builds on more than a decade of work.

“I am excited to be stepping into this role at such a pivotal moment for SustyVibes,” she said.

“Building on more than a decade of impact, we are entering a new chapter shaped by our North Star Strategy, strengthening our commitment to placing youth resilience at the heart of everything we do.”

She added that the organisation would continue working with its team, board, partners and communities to build a resilient and ambitious platform capable of supporting young people across Africa.

Onye is a writer, climate journalist and researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of climate change, mental health, human rights and youth leadership.

She has more than a decade of experience across research, advocacy and journalism, with her work exploring the gender and psychological impacts of climate change in Africa. She holds a master’s degree in the Politics of Conflict, Rights and Justice and is a TuWezeshe Young Women’s Leadership Fellow.

As SustyVibes enters its next decade, the organisation said it remains focused on creating platforms where young Africans can develop solutions for a more sustainable future.

Founded as a youth‑led sustainability movement, SustyVibes uses community projects, media and pop culture‑driven initiatives to promote climate action and sustainable living.

The organisation has led initiatives including Bioverse NG, the Eco‑Anxiety Africa Project, Naija CookWise Campaign, Lotus, Street Dreams, Street Conference and Susty Masterclass, in partnership with organisations such as UPS.

Justice Okamgba

Justice has over three years experience spanning digital and print media. At The PUNCH, he currently covers the automobile sector with special interest in features and industry analysis.

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