Who we are 

The Diversity Alliance of Namibia (DAN) is a coalition working to advance the rights and well-being of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Namibia. 

Our Team

Executive Commitee

Jo-Ann Van Wyk Co-chair

Livey Van Wyk is a passionate Namibian human rights activist, community leader, and advocate for dignity, equality, and inclusive healthcare. Living openly and positively with HIV for more than two decades, she has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of people living with HIV and advancing community-led responses that promote human rights, social justice, and access to healthcare for all.

She is the Founder of the Namibia Network of People Living with HIV, a platform committed to strengthening advocacy, peer support, and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV across Namibia.

Livey currently serves as Civil Society Chair of NACCATUM, where she continues to champion collaboration, accountability, and inclusive participation within Namibia’s HIV and health response. She also serves as Core Chair of the Diversity Alliance of Namibia, advocating for equality, diversity, and the protection of human rights for marginalized communities.

A former Mayor, Livey has used leadership and public service as tools to uplift communities and advocate for social protection, empowerment, and equitable development. She is also the founder of Omaheke Hope For All, a community-driven initiative focused on empowerment, livelihoods, and restoring hope among vulnerable populations.

Livey holds a Diploma in Project Management and is a fellow of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Her inspiring story of resilience and activism has received international recognition, including being named a BBC Outlook Inspiration winner.

Through courage, lived experience, and unwavering commitment to justice, Livey Van Wyk continues to inspire change and strengthen the movement for human rights, dignity, and community empowerment in Namibia and beyond. 

Omaheke Hope for All

Stewart Logenhoven Co-chair

Stewart Langenhoven, chose to work with MSM and LGBTI communities because he believe in respect, love, dignity, and equality for all people. As part of the community, he is am deeply passionate and compassionate about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued, visible, and heard. His work is driven by a strong commitment to human rights, personal freedoms, and ensuring that every individual can live authentically and with dignity

Mpower Community Trust

Ernistine Draghoender Treasurer

Ernestine Arnolda Draghoender, aged 43, is the Executive Director of Voice of Hope Foundation (VHF). She joined the organisation in September 2012, when it was known as Voice of Hope Trust (VHT), as the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer and also supported the finance department until December 2018. In January 2019, she was appointed Executive Director, providing strategic leadership and overseeing programme implementation, organisational management, and donor compliance. To align with donor requirements and the organisation’s strategic direction, the organisation changed its name from Voice of Hope Trust to Voice of Hope Foundation. Ernestine also serves on the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), representing Key and Vulnerable Populations, and is the Treasurer of the Diversity Alliance of Namibia, promoting good governance, inclusion, and human rights.

Voice of Hope Foundation

Beyonce Garoes Secretary

Beyonce Garoes is a passionate community advocate and leader dedicated to advancing human rights, inclusion, and empowerment for marginalized communities in Namibia. Through her work with Diverse and Inclusive Namibia (DAN), she continues to support initiatives focused on advocacy, community development, and access to essential services, while creating safer and more inclusive spaces for all. She has also worked on projects supported by the United Nations Development Programme and German-funded initiatives aimed at strengthening community engagement, promoting equality, and empowering vulnerable communities across Namibia.

Rainbow Reflection of Namibia

Secretariate

Nortin E Brendell Coordinator

This individual works is a member of the DAN team. There will be a bio here describing the work they have done over the years, when they joined the team and how long they have joined the team

Hillary Shiimi Media and Communications

This individual works is a member of the DAN team. There will be a bio here describing the work they have done over the years, when they joined the team and how long they have joined the team

Memoriah Garores Monitoring and Evaluations Officer

Memoriah is a dedicated member of the Diversity Alliance of Namibia (DAN) team with experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, data management, community mobilization, case management, and linages to essential services. She has supported vulnerable communities through program implementation, client support, and evidence-based reporting.
Since joining DAN in 2024, Memoriah has contributed to program monitoring, data quality assurance, information management, service tracking, and stakeholder coordination. Her commitment to quality data, effective program implementation, and community empowerment continues to strengthen DAN’s work.

Kevin Wessels Paralegal

Kevin Wessels is a human rights and public policy specialist with experience in legal advocacy, strategic communications, and community engagement across Southern Africa. His work focuses on constitutional rights, LGBTQI+ equality, governance, and social justice, with a particular interest in litigation-sensitive advocacy and public education. He currently serves as a Legal Consultant to the Diversity Alliance of Namibia (DAN), supporting policy development, advocacy campaigns, and regional human rights initiatives.

Members