Sunny Harrison
Sunny is the Founder and Strategic Lead of Create Lasting Change. She has professional experience in cybersecurity and at a global technology company, and brings extensive experience from global leadership roles, contributing strong strategic and cross-sector expertise to the nonprofit space.
She is the author of Recalibrate Your Mind, with all proceeds directly supporting programs for abused women.
Sunny founded the organization based on her conviction that violence is interconnected — the abuse of animals, women, and children rarely occurs in isolation. Guided by this belief, she established the Voices of Vulnerability (VoV) initiative together with a dedicated team to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.
Her long-standing commitment includes rescuing animals and supporting projects for street children and abused women. To further strengthen the organization’s prevention work, Sunny is currently pursuing studies in criminology to deepen her understanding of the systemic drivers of violence and help shape the future direction of the organization’s initiatives.
As a committed vegan, she believes that human well-being, animal protection, and environmental sustainability are deeply interconnected.
Germany - previously South Africa and Namibia
Anke Martin
Anke is an Associate Professor with a Ph.D. from Stellenbosch University. With a strong academic background and a focus on research and analytical studies, she provides evidence-based expertise and critical insight in her work.
Her lifelong passion for animal welfare and deep respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings have shaped both her personal and professional values. Growing up surrounded by animals, she developed a strong sense of empathy and responsibility toward vulnerable lives. Today, she shares her life with miniature horses, chickens, and dogs.
Within the Voices of Vulnerability (VoV) initiative, Anke plays a key role in shaping the project’s research foundation. She acts as a main point of contact for collecting research, identifying relevant data, and turning findings into evidence-based insights. Her work helps build the initiative’s framework and ensures that documentation, awareness campaigns, and prevention strategies are rooted in credible research.
Australia - previously South Africa and Namibia
Frank Giessen
Frank has spent many years working in cybersecurity with international U.S. technology companies, bringing deep expertise in digital security, risk awareness, and the evolving challenges of the online environment.
He has contributed to several influential initiatives focused on responsible digital development, including serving as a board member of WHITE IT, an initiative dedicated to combating child exploitation on the internet. Frank was also part of the executive board of D21, Germany’s largest network for the digital society, which promotes digital inclusion, ethical digitalization, and social responsibility in times of technological change.
Within the Voices of Vulnerability (VoV) initiative, Frank plays a key role in shaping and developing the program. His extensive experience in cybersecurity and digital risk helps guide the initiative's structure, implementation, and scaling, while strengthening partnerships and awareness efforts.
Protecting vulnerable and defenseless beings is not only a professional commitment for Frank but also a deeply personal one. His dedication to animal welfare reflects his belief that meaningful change begins with responsibility and action.
Germany
Richard Leaning
Richard has over four decades of experience in law enforcement, cybercrime prevention, and global digital security. Throughout his career, he has worked in both national and international settings, collaborating with governments, law enforcement agencies, global organizations, and the private sector to enhance responses to cybercrime and digital threats.
He has played a significant role in shaping international discussions on internet governance, cybersecurity policy, and online safety. His work has included advising and collaborating with organizations such as Europol, Interpol, ICANN, and other global initiatives focused on enhancing cooperation and capabilities to combat cybercrime.
Richard is widely recognized for his ability to connect complex systems, institutions, and stakeholders to drive meaningful progress in digital safety and prevention. His experience in risk assessment, international cooperation, and policy advocacy brings a unique perspective to addressing the challenges of abuse and exploitation in digital environments.
Within the Voices of Vulnerability (VoV) initiative, Richard plays a central role in shaping and advancing the program. His deep understanding of cybercrime, global security frameworks, and stakeholder collaboration is instrumental in building the initiative’s structure, strengthening partnerships, and driving awareness of the interconnected nature of abuse across digital and physical environments.
Belgium
Navid Karimzadeh
Navid is an Engineering Program Manager at a leading global technology company and holds a degree in Systems Engineering. He brings strategic thinking, technical leadership, and strong organizational insight to the initiatives he supports.
Within Create Lasting Change, Navid plays a key role in shaping and advancing the organization’s youth and education programs. His work focuses on developing initiatives that raise awareness, empower young people, and help children find their voice in situations where speaking up can make a critical difference.
A lifelong advocate for education, Navid believes that knowledge and awareness are the foundation for meaningful, long-term change. His dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and his passion for animal welfare reflect his belief that responsibility and compassion must guide how we create a better future.
Germany
Hardy Rusch
Hardy is a freelance software developer who has worked with global technology companies for many years, bringing deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of digital systems and infrastructure.
Alongside his professional work, Hardy has a longstanding passion for animal welfare and environmental protection. He has supported numerous complex animal rescue efforts, particularly involving feral and injured animals, and has extensive experience caring for animals with disabilities. As a committed vegan and advocate for animals and the environment, he believes strongly in giving vulnerable animals the care, safety, and chance they deserve.
Within Create Lasting Change, Hardy plays a key role in maintaining and developing the technological foundation that supports the organization’s work. His expertise helps ensure that the digital tools and systems behind the initiatives remain secure, reliable, and adaptable as the organization grows and expands its impact.
Germany - previously South Africa and Namibia
Marius Nel
Marius holds a business degree and served for many years in the South African Police Service (SAPS), where he reached the rank of Colonel while working at their Head Office. His decision to join law enforcement was driven by a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and serving communities.
Within Create Lasting Change, Marius plays a key role as Projects Lead, making sure initiatives are well coordinated, reviewed, and supported with the necessary data, updates, and operational oversight. His experience in leadership, structure, and accountability helps ensure that the organization’s projects progress effectively and responsibly.
A lifelong animal lover, Marius has had a deep connection with animals since he was young, rescuing his first pet at age four. He believes every animal has its own unique personality and values the unconditional bond they share with humans. Marius strongly supports adoption instead of buying animals from breeders and actively speaks out against keeping animals in captivity.
He also supports renewable energy and sustainable practices, believing that responsible environmental choices are key to protecting the planet for future generations.
South Africa
Ruben de Kemp
Ruben de Kemp is a documentary filmmaker committed to highlighting real-world issues and giving voice to stories that are often unseen or unheard. His work emphasizes capturing authentic human experiences and raising awareness about complex social challenges through powerful visual storytelling.
Ruben’s approach is immersive and compassionate, enabling audiences to deeply connect with the realities faced by vulnerable communities. He is the filmmaker behind the documentaries Where Hope Grows, which tells the stories of women affected by gender-based violence in Cape Town, and A Starfish Story, filmed in Namibia, which showcases the work of a mobile animal clinic supporting vulnerable animals and communities.
Within Create Lasting Change, Ruben plays a vital role in documenting the stories behind the organization’s initiatives and the communities it supports. By his unique ability to uncover unseen struggles and turn them into compelling stories, he helps raise awareness of the issues the organization tackles and enhances the impact of its work.
Netherlands
