Photo: Cristina Wright
It was with complete shock and disbelief that on 4th August 2022, we received the news of the sudden demise of our Board Member, Ms. Sandra Smithey, which occurred at her home in Flint, Michigan, United States of America.
On behalf of the Board, Management and members of Staff, allow me to offer most profound condolences to the family and friends, including the activists and advocates committed to environmental and social justice, around the world for the passing on of Ms. Sandra Smithey.
Sandra joined ELICO Foundation Advisory Board in early 2022 following her departure from Shine Campaign, a Philanthropy of Rockefeller Foundation which seeks to accelerate energy access for all people by 2030. Prior to joining Shine Campaign, Sandra worked as a program officer at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, where she supported and fostered a vibrant community of global activists and advocates committed to environmental and social justice, including the founders of ELICO Foundation.
Sandra’s ideas, beliefs, advices and visions challenged the thinking of Tanzanian energy practitioners who ended up establishing the Energy and Livelihoods for Communities (ELICO) Foundation, a local renewable energy hub established for implementation of innovative and impactful projects that can bring positive social economic changes in the Tanzanian rural communities.
“Her contribution has deeply marked the history of ELICO and will remain rooted in the organization’s memory” said Sisty Basil, the Executive Director of ELICO Foundation.
“We are devastated by her loss but in this difficulty moment we take comfort in the incredible inspiration that Sandra has been for us and shoulder to stand on. We will honor her memory by continuing to work for the things that she stood for, holding her guidance closely and following the road map which she laid down for us during the last Board Meeting which was held in May 2022” He added.
Sandra’s consistent commitment to address global inequality gave birth to a large number of global activists and advocates, whom she supported while pushing them to be better. Her wisdom, kindness, openness, knowledge and the trust she had in those she worked with and supported, made her a mentor and friend to so many.
We mourn Sandra’s untimely and sudden demise as will many others who worked with her. We take comfort in knowing that the sparks that she ignited will continue to create lasting change around the world.
Sandra had an extensive background in public policy related to international development and the environment. Prior to joining ELICO Sandra worked with the Global Environment Center of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Mott Foundation, Shine Campaign and other international non-governmental organizations active in sustainable development issues. Sandra was also working with the Oil Change International and CS Fund/Warsh Mott Legacy
She will forever be missed
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Prof. Evelyne Isaack Mbede
ELICO Foundation Board Chairperson
