Barbara was co-opted to the Board in January 2025 and brings with her expertise in founding school provision equality, diversity and inclusion, and global perspectives on education.

Barbara Kalima-Phiri is a seasoned advocate for racial and gender justice, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), with extensive leadership experience across various sectors. She is the current Head of Racial Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Amnesty International, where she drives transformational change by embedding DEI principles across all levels of the organisation. Her expertise spans strategy development, diversity audits, employee engagement, and policy formulation, all aimed at creating more inclusive and equitable workplace environments.

In her previous roles, Barbara has served as a Global Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor for World Vision International, Executive Director of a Pan-African advocacy and research organisation, and Policy Analyst at the Southern Africa Trust, a quasi-donor organisation. She is also the founder and owner of an early childhood development centre in Johannesburg, where she has dedicated herself to providing high-quality, inclusive education for children, regardless of their background.

As a Black African woman with lived experiences of racism and discrimination, Barbara has used her voice to challenge systems of oppression, promote inclusivity, and ensure diverse perspectives are integrated into decision-making and her development work. Her work has had a significant impact across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the Pacific.

In addition to her current role, Barbara serves on two boards: one as Board of Trustees Chair for the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) and the other as a Non-Executive Director for ACT UBUMBANO. Her leadership style is rooted in feminist principles, emphasising authenticity, self-awareness, and shared power.

Barbara is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Waldorf Learning Foundation as a Trustee, inspired by the Foundation’s vision to expand the provision of creative-based education and build inclusive partnerships. She hopes to bring her DEI expertise and passion for inclusive education to help shape the next chapter of the Foundation’s work, ensuring it reflects diverse lived experiences and addresses social and ecological justice issues.