By Maya Kuppermann, CEO & Co-Founder of Temelio
When I co-founded Temelio, I wanted to build more than just a grantmaking software platform — I wanted to create a space where technology could strengthen the work of foundations and nonprofits, and where our team could reflect the diversity and values of the sector we serve. One of the joys of this work is seeing partnerships form in unexpected, transformative ways. The story I’m sharing today — about our collaboration with Livelihood Impact Fund and AkiraChix — is one of those moments that has stayed with me.
In early 2025, we welcomed Livelihood Impact Fund (LIF) as a Temelio client. LIF is a forward-thinking foundation dedicated to supporting sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment initiatives in underserved communities. They fund programs that drive measurable income gains and lasting livelihood improvements — from microenterprise development to workforce training initiatives.
When LIF began onboarding to our grantmaking platform, they shared that they wanted to work closely with Joyce, an engineer who had graduated from AkiraChix in 2020, one of their grantees. AkiraChix is a pioneering organization in East Africa that trains and mentors young women in technology, preparing them for high-impact careers in the tech sector. We were delighted to welcome Joyce as part of the data migration and onboarding team.
From the start, Joyce impressed us with her skill, creativity, and professionalism. After the initial onboarding wrapped up, LIF casually suggested that we consider hiring Joyce ourselves. It was a lightbulb moment. We had already seen her in action and knew she would be an asset to Temelio.
Fast forward to today: Joyce has now been with Temelio for around six months, and she’s become an integral member of our engineering team. Her contributions go far beyond the onboarding project — she brings a unique perspective rooted in both her technical training and her understanding of the social impact space.
Joyce recently shared with me: “I was excited to join Temelio because I know firsthand the impact nonprofits can create. I experienced it at AkiraChix. The opportunity to build systems that make the foundation-to-nonprofit journey seamless and support such meaningful work really inspired me.”
Our experience with Joyce opened our eyes even further to the power of AkiraChix’s model. Founded in Nairobi, Kenya, AkiraChix works to address the underrepresentation of women in technology by providing intensive training, mentorship, and job placement support to young women from underserved backgrounds. Their flagship program, codeHive, a year-long fully residential tech training that equips young women with hands-on technical skills to compete economically and bridge the gender gap in tech. By the time graduates complete the program, they are not only employable but poised to lead in the tech industry.
Beyond training, AkiraChix also focuses on building a supportive alumni network and connecting graduates to opportunities across Africa and beyond. This holistic approach means their graduates come to employers with more than just technical ability — they’re collaborative, resilient, and deeply committed to using tech as a force for good.
So, when another engineering role opened up at Temelio, we didn’t have to think twice. We went back to AkiraChix and found Mary, another remarkable graduate. Mary has since joined our team and is already making her mark on product development and user experience.
I recently asked Mary to share a bit more about their experience in the AkiraChix program:
“Being part of AkiraChix was truly transformative — it gave me a strong technical foundation in software engineering as well as the confidence to take on challenges and see technology as a force for impact. The intensive training, paired with unwavering support and mentorship, built both my skills and my resilience, while creating a community that pushed me to grow and inspired me to lift others up along the way. AkiraChix not only equipped me with coding and problem-solving skills but also instilled leadership and a mindset of continuous learning that continues to shape how I approach engineering roles today.”
For me, this story is about more than filling open positions. It’s about recognizing the power of interconnected ecosystems:
This kind of collaboration doesn’t just strengthen our product — it deepens our understanding of the communities our clients serve. By hiring graduates of programs like AkiraChix, we’re not only enriching our team but also reinforcing the work of foundations and nonprofits committed to building more equitable futures.
At Temelio, we’re excited to keep growing these partnerships and to keep seeking out ways our clients’ missions and our own goals can intersect. After all, the best outcomes happen when we invest in each other’s success.
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