DINNER CLUB

Dionne (aka Dee) has an international background and brings a global perspective shaped by living and working within diverse teams. Born in the UK, she has spent much of her professional career in London, where she worked as a Commercial Real Estate Manager within the mining industry. Over the years, she developed strong experience managing complex projects, working across international markets, and building relationships across diverse teams.

Dee now lives in Switzerland with her family of three and enjoys being part of a multicultural community. Dee runs an English language school with her business partner in Zurich.Having also spent time travelling, she values the richness that comes from different cultures, languages, and perspectives.Outside of work, Dee enjoys spending quality time with her family.

They enjoy bike riding together, exploring the different cantons of Switzerland, and discovering new places. Connecting with others is also an important part of family life, and Dee enjoys building friendships and nurturing community wherever they live. Dee also established and runs the Afro Swiss Families Parents & Caregivers Dinner Club, creating a space for parents to gather, connect, and share experiences.

MEMBERSHIP

Rikia Birindelli-Fayne has over 15 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), education, and community building. As a Senior Director at Catalyst Inc., a global nonprofit advancing workplace inclusion, she supports organizations in creating environments where everyone can thrive. Prior to joining Catalyst, she led initiatives in the UK education sector focused on additional educational needs, community identity, and inclusion—reinforcing her lifelong commitment to equity and belonging.

As a mother of two biracial daughters, Rikia is personally driven to build inclusive spaces. She holds a BSc in Psychology and has lived in Switzerland, the UK, and Barbados.

At Afro Swiss Families, Rikia leads the membership program, focusing on growing the member base and developing meaningful benefits that connect and support the community.

COMMUNICATIONS

Lauren brings over a decade of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and storytelling across global corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Currently based in Zurich, she works at the intersection of executive leadership support and integrated communications, helping organizations craft clear, inclusive narratives that engage diverse, international audiences.

With a background spanning internal communications, thought leadership, and digital engagement, Lauren has supported initiatives reaching thousands of stakeholders worldwide. Her work focuses on clarity, connection, and purpose—ensuring messages not only inform, but also resonate and build trust.

Lauren is also an active parent within the Afro Swiss Families community and is deeply committed to creating spaces where Afro-descendant children and families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Lauren supports Afro Swiss Families as Communications Lead, helping strengthen our digital presence and expand meaningful engagement within the community.

FUNDRAISING

Julia is a politologist specialised in international cooperation. She has worked for the Government of Switzerland, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations. Her career spans diplomacy, humanitarian work, and global development in Switzerland and abroad.

She currently lives near Zürich with her family and is committed to creating spaces where Afro-diasporic children and families feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her passion for Afro Swiss Families is rooted in her belief in equity, belonging, and the transformative power of community.

As Fundraising Lead, Julia is responsible for researching grants, developing funding proposals, and cultivating partnerships that support the long-term growth and sustainability of Afro Swiss Families.

CO-FOUNDER - ADMIN / PROGRAMMING

Ellen is an arts and cultural practitioner with experience in the contemporary African art and fashion sectors. She has held roles at institutions such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and the Invisible Borders Trans-African Photographers Organisation, where she led operations, communications, and exhibition planning. Her background spans exhibition production, content development, project management, and partnership building. She is particularly focused on initiatives that center African and Diaspora narratives—a commitment she continues to fulfill in her current role at the Africa Basel, Contemporary African Art Fair.

As a mother of two Afro-European daughters, Ellen is passionate about creating spaces of community, validation, and visibility where multicultural families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

As Co-Founder and Admin / Programming Lead of Afro Swiss Families, Ellen oversees general administration, communications, website management, and community program development—all geared toward building a thriving, empowered space for Afro-European families.