OUR PEOPLE
People behind the purpose. Meet the founder, leadership team and advisor bringing their perspectives to the foundation.
PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Anouchka Tuluka Kusaki Founder
A global citizen of Congolese origin and an international development professional, Anouchka Tuluka Kusaki founded Hiroko Maple Foundation with a commitment to connecting people, cultures and communities. Her work brings mental health awareness, inclusion and meaningful collaboration together.
Read biography Josette Kabongo Polo Deputy Executive Director – Operations
Read biography Patricia “Trish” Yala Deputy Executive Director – Technical
Read biography Kouame Hienzo Florence-Audrey Research & Development Director
Read biography Jean-Pierre Agoda-Koussema Technical Lead & System Architect
Read biography Fuminori Matsuura Philanthropy Advisor
Read biography
Anouchka Tuluka Kusaki Close A global citizen of Congolese origin and an international development professional, Anouchka Tuluka Kusaki founded Hiroko Maple Foundation with a commitment to connecting people, cultures and communities. Her work brings mental health awareness, inclusion and meaningful collaboration together.
A GLOBAL CITIZEN. A BRIDGE BETWEEN CULTURES.
Connections with a purpose Anouchka’s journey spans the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan and Canada. An international development professional, traveller and music lover, she is driven by the people she meets and the stories they share.
An international perspective She holds two master’s degrees earned in Japan: one in Economic and International Business Law from Kyushu University, and another in International Development from Nagoya University. This international background informs her interest in bridging cultures and building meaningful collaboration.
Experience in public service As a former advisor within the Presidency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she worked to improve the business climate and strengthen the country’s image in the international business environment.
Bringing people together through play In Canada, an autistic friend with a passion for board games introduced her to the power of play to bring people together. That experience inspired Game Night – Executive Level: an evening designed around connecting, playing and taking action together.
A vision rooted in the Congo Anouchka dreams of a Congo where every person can reach their full economic potential. She sees mental health awareness as a way to nurture healthier communities, more humane relationships and stronger connections between those who govern and those they serve.
“I dream of a Congo where every person can reach their full economic potential.” Adapted from the foundation’s founder introduction. English translation of the original French publication.
View the original founder publication Open the founder story
Josette Kabongo Polo Close Deputy Executive Director – Operations
A jurist and public-service professional, Josette oversees organisational operations, performance, planning and systems. Her approach brings together integrity, human dignity, careful listening and collaboration across teams and partners.
Patricia “Trish” Yala Close Deputy Executive Director – Technical
A UK-based HCPC Registered Physiotherapist with an MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Patricia supports strategy, health programmes and partnerships. She focuses on health equity, culturally responsive care, mental health, neurodiversity and autism inclusion.
Kouame Hienzo Florence-Audrey Close Research & Development Director
A jurist and international development specialist with two master’s degrees in law and a PhD focused on peacebuilding, Florence-Audrey brings expertise in human rights and systemic advocacy. She translates research into community-centred programmes supporting mental health equity and neurodivergent inclusion.
Jean-Pierre Agoda-Koussema Close Technical Lead & System Architect
An engineer from Togo based in Japan, Jean-Pierre brings more than nine years of international experience in software development, system architecture and IT delivery. His role focuses on the foundation’s digital infrastructure, with an emphasis on security, reliability and scalable solutions.
Fuminori Matsuura Close Philanthropy Advisor
An international development professional whose experience spans philanthropy, partnerships and cross-sector collaboration. His role with Hiroko Maple Foundation supports fundraising strategy, sustainable partnerships and Japan–Africa collaboration.
“Philanthropy is more than giving. It is about connecting people, resources and ideas to create sustainable impact together.” 