Conference Leadership
The visionaries who shape the Mental Health Conference experience
Conference Directors
Ms. Mutale Kabumbu
Conference Director
Ms. Kabumbu is the Conference Director for the 8th edition of the Mental Health Conference, overseeing the overall strategic direction and delivery of the event.
- ★ Leading MHC 2026
- ★ Strategic conference oversight
Past Conference Directors
Dr. Maria Akani
Former Conference Director
Dr. Akani served as the founding Conference Director, providing strategic leadership and vision that shaped the Mental Health Conference into Zambia's premier mental health event.
- Founded the MHC
- Built conference identity
- Grew to 1,000+ alumni
Director of Programs
Ms. Nabwalya Vlahakis
Director of Programs
Ms. Vlahakis is the current Director of Programs, bringing vision and leadership to the Mental Health Conference. She previously helped establish the conference's identity and structure as a founding member, and now leads the programme into its next chapter.
- ★ Co-founded the MHC programme
- ★ Established conference format
- ★ Built founding partnerships
Mr. Kapalu Mutenda
Director of Programs
Mr. Mutenda played a pivotal role in growing the conference during a critical phase, strengthening partnerships and expanding the programme's reach across Zambia and the region. He returns in 2026 to continue driving the conference programme forward.
- ★ Expanded conference reach
- ★ Strengthened regional partnerships
- ★ Grew delegate participation