Meet The Directors
Mpho Monyane
Mpho Monyane, affectionately known as MphoM, is the Founder and co-Director of Maritime EmpowerHer, with two decades of experience at South Africa's Ministry of Transport. A SAIMI Imboko Award winner, she is a passionate advocate for maritime sector transformation, fostering economic growth through innovative policies. An accomplished speaker and mentor, MphoM holds a BCom from UNISA, a Diploma in Transportation Management, and is an alumna of the World Maritime University in Sweden. Her commitment to mentoring empowers others and keeps her attuned to industry trends, driving her belief in collective success for lasting transformation.
Dr. Henriette van Niekerk
Dr. Henriette van Niekerk is a maritime expert with over 30 years of global experience in shipping, ports, and commodities. A strategic advisor and co-founder of M.E.Her., she champions women’s empowerment and opportunity. She previously established post-graduate Maritime Studies at Stellenbosch University, securing funding for minority students and supporting successful careers in the field.
Sichumile Koyo
​Sichumile, co-founder of M.E.Her., has over 7 years of experience in higher education. She holds an MSc in Maritime Affairs from the World Maritime University, an MA in Development Studies, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies. Passionate about research, she contributes insights to promote equitable and sustainable development in the maritime industry. She has supervised six postgraduate students to graduation and currently oversees two students in Maritime Studies.
Dr. Meena Lysko
Dr. Meena D. Lysko, a Physicist and NTNU PhD alumna, has built a distinguished career in space science, maritime, and renewable energy. Renowned for her interdisciplinary expertise, strategic leadership, and results-driven approach, she has led impactful projects and fostered cross-sector collaborations. Beyond technology development, Meena mentors postgraduate students and advances specialist skills through curriculum design and subject guides in physics, engineering, and maritime, with a focus on conceptual clarity, local relevance, and global technology trends.