SustyVibes appoints Onye to lead climate advocacy

Svetlana Onye has been appointed as the interim executive director of SustyVibes, a prominent youth-led organization dedicated to making sustainability and climate action accessible to young Africans. This appointment, effective July 1, 2026, signals the start of SustyVibes' second decade and the rollout of its ambitious North Star Strategy, which aims to bolster youth resilience across Africa and expand the organization's global footprint.

Onye succeeds SustyVibes founder, Jennifer Uchendu-Kalu, who will transition to the organization's Board of Directors. Uchendu-Kalu will focus on leading SustyVibes' expansion efforts in the United States. Onye brings a wealth of experience in climate justice, mental health, research, and youth leadership to her new role. She currently spearheads The Eco-Anxiety Africa Project, an initiative within SustyVibes that investigates the mental health impacts of climate change in Africa and develops community-led solutions.

“

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. She is thoughtful, visionary, deeply committed to our mission, and has consistently proven to be the leader that inspires our community.

Uchendu-Kalu expressed her excitement about Onye's appointment, calling it a significant milestone. "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," she stated. "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 will continue its focus on youth resilience, climate justice, mental well-being, and community-driven action. The organization plans to expand its programs across Africa and build a broader international network of young climate advocates. Onye, a writer, climate journalist, and researcher, highlighted the critical timing of her appointment. "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 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.