The appointment, which took effect on July 1, 2026, comes as the organisation begins its second decade of impact and rolls out its North Star Strategy, a framework designed to strengthen youth resilience across Africa while increasing its global reach.
Onye takes over from SustyVibes founder and outgoing Executive Director Jennifer Uchendu-Kalu, who will continue serving on the organisation’s Board of Directors while leading its expansion efforts in the United States.
With experience across climate justice, mental health, research and youth leadership, Onye is expected to lead the organisation’s next phase of development.
She currently heads The Eco-Anxiety Africa Project, a SustyVibes initiative focused on understanding the mental health effects of climate change across Africa and developing research, community-based solutions and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving resilience.
Uchendu-Kalu described Onye’s appointment as a significant moment in the organisation’s journey, expressing confidence in her ability to advance SustyVibes’ mission.
“Svetlana has brought so much value, depth, and heart to our work at SustyVibes, and I am incredibly excited to see her step into the role of Interim Executive Director at this important moment in our journey,” Uchendu-Kalu said.
“She is thoughtful, visionary, deeply committed to our mission, and has consistently proven to be the leader that inspires our community.”
Under Onye’s leadership, SustyVibes said it will continue prioritising youth resilience, climate justice, mental well-being and community-driven climate action while expanding its programmes across Africa and strengthening its global network of young environmental advocates.
Onye said she was honoured to take on the role at a crucial period in the organisation’s development, describing the transition as an opportunity to build on SustyVibes’ achievements over the past decade.
“I am excited to be stepping into this role at such a pivotal moment for SustyVibes,” she said.
“Building on more than a decade of impact, we are entering a new chapter shaped by our North Star Strategy, strengthening our commitment to placing youth resilience at the heart of everything we do.”
She added that the organisation would continue collaborating with its team, board members, partners and communities to create a stronger platform capable of supporting young Africans in developing climate solutions.
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| Founder, SustyVibes & The Eco-anxiety Africa Project, Jennifer Uchendu-Kalu; and Interim Executive Director, SustyVibes, Svetlana Onye. |
Onye is a writer, climate journalist and researcher whose work focuses on the connection between climate change, mental health, human rights and youth leadership.
She brings more than a decade of experience in research, advocacy and journalism, with much of her work examining the social, psychological and gender-related impacts of climate change across Africa.
She holds a master’s degree in Politics of Conflict, Rights and Justice and is a TuWezeshe Young Women’s Leadership Fellow.
As SustyVibes moves into its next decade, the organisation said it remains committed to creating opportunities for young Africans to participate in climate action and develop solutions for a more sustainable future.
Founded as a youth-driven sustainability movement, SustyVibes uses community projects, media, education and pop culture-inspired initiatives to promote environmental awareness and sustainable lifestyles.
Its programmes include Bioverse NG, the Eco-Anxiety Africa Project, Naija CookWise Campaign, Lotus, Street Dreams, Street Conference and Susty Masterclass, with support from partners such as UPS.
The organisation said the new leadership phase will focus on deepening its impact, expanding its reach and strengthening platforms that empower young people to respond to climate challenges across Africa and beyond.