about us

We aim to be a dynamic catalyst in development and culture, by executing projects that provide a robust and permanent boost to communities

vision and mission

We believe in the free and creative spirit of the mind. Our vision is to nurture and cultivate this spirit in order to improve and enrich people’s lives

We aim to be a dynamic catalyst in development and culture, by executing projects that provide a robust and permanent boost to communities

Development comes with initiatives that eliminate hindrances to people’s choices and opportunities to realise their humanity and individual talents

Culture is the richest manifestation of human liberty. The cultivation of human capacities brings meaning and hope where deprivation hampers development

the foundation

The Aurora Foundation was created by Ingibjörg Kristjánsdóttir, landscape architect and her husband Ólafur Ólafsson,entrepreneur and investor. It was formally established on 23 January 2007, Ólafur’s 50th birthday.

The Aurora Foundation initial capital was ISK one billion (approx. 14M USD), which was donated by the founders.

The Foundation’s annual disposable income is interest income and other returns on initial capital, and other funds that the Foundation may acquire.

The Aurora Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates according to a confirmed Charter.

A five-person board is elected at the annual meeting. The board works in accordance with operating procedures that were approved by the board on 23 January 2008.

the people

Building relationships and trust is an integral part of everything Aurora Foundation does. The people of the board believe that the power of cooperation generates the trust necessary for the projects to benefit future generations. They all share a common vision of the importance of creative thinking, patience in problem solving and cultural sensitivity.

Ólafur Ólafsson

Ólafur is the current chairman and co-founder of the Aurora Foundation. An infallible optimist, he is no stranger to challenging projects. Ever since first becoming interested in Africa’s developmental challenges as a member of the board of the Red Cross in Iceland, he has been committed to supporting educational and cultural projects. After decades of working closely with people across the world, it is his ability to connect people, create synergies and develop opportunities that best defines Ólafur’s unique contribution to Aurora.

Ingibjörg Kristjánsdóttir

As the first chairman and the co-founder of the Aurora Foundation it is only natural that the foundation progressed alongside Ingibjörg’s way of thinking. Having worked in the creative industries all her professional life, as a landscape architect and partner at Landmótun, she is committed to the idea that creative solutions to global challenges can instigate new ways of thinking. She gained her first insight into the field of philanthropy as a board member of UNICEF in Iceland. This experience shaped her firm belief that by constantly striving to be creative, honest and compassionate and by making positive, incremental changes to whatever is within our power, we can move mountains.

Regína Bjarnadóttir

Before joining Aurora Foundation Regina was the Head of Research at Arion Bank, Iceland. Her work experience includes being a macroeconomic specialist for the Central Bank of Iceland, a programme officer for UNDP in Guyana, and a consultant for CRU Strategies in London. Regina was the president of the National Committee of UN Women in Iceland 2008–2011. A compassionate perfectionist, she has fought for the causes she cares deeply about, such as gender issues, youth development and the sustainable use of natural resources throughout her career.

Ólafur Orri

Passionate about design, and environmental and social change, Ólafur brings a unique perspective to Aurora, pulled from his professional experience in sustainability and management consulting. In his previous work, he led Sustainability for a large European shipping company, forming the strategy for them to become Europe’s leading sustainable container transport provider. Today he applies his logistics expertise at the same company, where he leads the Network Optimization team. Combined with his engineering background, Ólafur brings an analytical and creative problem-solving mindset to the table at Aurora, with the goal of creating sustainable long-term change and improvement in the socio-economic environment of Sierra Leone.

Stefán Ingi Stefánsson

Stefán has been with the Aurora Foundation since 2014. He is a highly dedicated, creative and results- driven individual. These characteristics were evident when he first approached Aurora’s founders to set up the Icelandic National Committee for UNICEF, of which he was also its first Executive Director. Stefán is currently working for the UN in Latina America and the Caribbean where he leads the partnerships work for the region for one of the lead UN agencies.

Ómar Berg Torfason

Ómar’s contribution to the board is to provide valuable insights into the world of international trade and development. He has a M.Sc. degree in Data Mining and Knowledge Management, which perfectly aligns with his personal qualities of accuracy, thoroughness and attention to detail. Currently, Ómar runs his own business, UNIZIAA, where he specialises in decision modelling, technology and sustainability, all of which is integral to the work of the Aurora Foundation.

Ólafur Ólafsson
Chairman of the board

Ingibjörg Kristjánsdóttir
Board member

Regína Bjarnadóttir
Executive Director

Ólafur Orri
Board member

Stefán Ingi Stefánsson
Board member

Ómar Berg Torfason
Board member

Claire Kpaka

Claire leads the Freetown office with a focus on effective management and fostering a sense of community among the staff. She also heads the Sweet Salone project, prioritizing meaningful relationships with the artisans. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs at the beach.

Hawa Koroma

Hawa Koroma is the Custodian at Aurora Foundation, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of Aurora Foundation’s facilities. With great attention to detail, she ensures a safe and organized environment, supporting the smooth running of daily operations. In her free time, Hawa enjoys cooking, exploring new recipes, and expanding her culinary skills.

Mustapha Jalloh

Mustapha Jalloh is the Program Assistant at Aurora Foundation, where he supports the planning and execution of various Aurora Impact programs. He plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations and helping the team meet its objectives. In his free time, Mustapha enjoys photography, capturing moments and exploring new creative perspectives.

Mohammed Sesay

Mohamed Sesay is our primary driver from Lunsar, Sierra Leone in his free time he enjoys football, music, and following the news.

Binta Jalloh

Fatmata Binta Jalloh is always actively building connections with our different artisans.Collecting, organizing, and analyzing quality products. Maintaining and updating Zoho inventory databases. Binta enjoys music and watching movies.

Regina Bjarnadottir

Before joining Aurora Foundation Regina was the Head of Research at Arion Bank, Iceland. Her work experience includes being a macroeconomic specialist for the Central Bank of Iceland, a programme officer for UNDP in Guyana, and a consultant for CRU Strategies in London. Regina was the president of the National Committee of UN Women in Iceland 2008–2011. A compassionate perfectionist, she has fought for the causes she cares deeply about, such as gender issues, youth development and the sustainable use of natural resources throughout her career.

Biruk Markos

Biruk Markos crafts impactful stories that connect with the community, using a passion for clear communication to amplify Aurora Foundation’s mission and Sweet Salone’s Brand reach and engagement. Outside of work, Biruk enjoys music and spending time outdoors, drawing inspiration from both.

Fatmata Barrie

Fatmata L S Barrie is a dedicated administrative officer, she has a passion to make sure every employee is comfortable in the workplace. Outside work Fatmata loves spending time at the beach, watching movies and reading books.

Joseph Bangura

Joseph Caesar Bangura is a highly dedicated, determined, innovative and result-oriented person in the field of Project Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL). He has worked in the field of development and emergency interventions, and his experience extends to Access to Justice, Gender Equality, Economic Empowerment, Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, Peace Building and Conflict Resolutions. Outside of work he likes sport and hanging out with friends.

Abigeal Conteh

Abigail Conteh is a result driven and dedicated Junior Programme Assistant with a passion for supporting effective program execution and administrative operations for the Foundation. Outside of work Abigail enjoys reading books as it allows her to escape into different worlds and explore new ideas.

Mimi Mugo

Mimi leads the Impact Program with a strong passion for youth empowerment, driving initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people. In her spare time, Mimi Enjoys playing Tennis and spending time with her family.

Elsie Blessings Conteh

Elsie B. Conteh is is an accountant working mainly on Aurora Impact projects and also a receptionist that embraces all customers of sweet salone. Outside of work , Elsie enjoy watching movies and spending time with loved ones.

Hasatu Bah

Hasatu Bah works with entrepreneurs and young people with a focus on capacity building and sustainable growth. Hasatu enjoys alone time in nature (grennary) and watching crime/thriller series.

Gbrilla Daboh

Gbrilla is our second driver and enjoy early mornings and working out at the gym

Claire Kpaka
Country Manager

Hawa Koroma
Office Custodian

Mustapha Jalloh
Program Assistant

Mohammed Sesay
Driver

Binta Jalloh
Project Assistant

Regina Bjarnadottir
Executive Director

Biruk Markos
Comms Specialist

Fatmata Barrie
Admin Officer

Jospeh Bangura
M&E Officer

Abigeal Conteh
Jr Program Assistant

Mimi Mugo
Program Manager

Elsie B Conteh
Intern

Hasatu Bah
Project Officer

Gbrilla Daboh
Driver

Ólafur is the current chairman and co-founder of the Aurora Foundation. An infallible optimist, he is no stranger to challenging projects. Ever since first becoming interested in Africa’s developmental challenges as a member of the board of the Red Cross in Iceland, he has been committed to supporting educational and cultural projects. After decades of working closely with people across the world, it is his ability to connect people, create synergies and develop opportunities that best defines Ólafur’s unique contribution to Aurora.

Ólafur Ólafsson

Chairman of the board

Ass the first chairman and the co-founder of the Aurora Foundation it is only natural that the foundation progressed alongside Ingibjörg’s way of thinking. Having worked in the creative industries all her professional life, as a landscape architect and partner at Landmótun, she is committed to the idea that creative solutions to global challenges can instigate new ways of thinking. She gained her first insight into the field of philanthropy as a board member of UNICEF in Iceland. This experience shaped her firm belief that by constantly striving to be creative, honest and compassionate and by making positive, incremental changes to whatever is within our power, we can move mountains.

Ingibjörg Kristjánsdóttir

Board member

Before joining Aurora Foundation Regina was the Head of Research at Arion Bank, Iceland. Her work experience includes being a macroeconomic specialist for the Central Bank of Iceland, a programme officer for UNDP in Guyana, and a consultant for CRU Strategies in London. Regina was the president of the National Committee of UN Women in Iceland 2008–2011. A compassionate perfectionist, she has fought for the causes she cares deeply about, such as gender issues, youth development and the sustainable use of natural resources throughout her career.

Regína Bjarnadóttir

Executive Director

Passionate about design, and environmental and social change, Ólafur brings a unique perspective to Aurora, pulled from his professional experience in sustainability and management consulting. In his previous work, he led Sustainability for a large European shipping company, forming the strategy for them to become Europe’s leading sustainable container transport provider. Today he applies his logistics expertise at the same company, where he leads the Network Optimization team. Combined with his engineering background, Ólafur brings an analytical and creative problem-solving mindset to the table at Aurora, with the goal of creating sustainable long-term change and improvement in the socio-economic environment of Sierra Leone.

Ólafur Orri

Board member

Stefán has been with the Aurora Foundation since 2014. He is a highly dedicated, creative and results- driven individual. These characteristics were evident when he first approached Aurora’s founders to set up the Icelandic National Committee for UNICEF, of which he was also its first Executive Director. Stefán is currently working for the UN in Latina America and the Caribbean where he leads the partnerships work for the region for one of the lead UN agencies.

Stefán Ingi Stefánsson

Board member

Ómar’s contribution to the board is to provide valuable insights into the world of international trade and development. He has a M.Sc. degree in Data Mining and Knowledge Management, which perfectly aligns with his personal qualities of accuracy, thoroughness and attention to detail. Currently, Ómar runs his own business, UNIZIAA, where he specialises in decision modelling, technology and sustainability, all of which is integral to the work of the Aurora Foundation.

Ómar Berg Torfason

Board member

Claire leads the Freetown office with a focus on effective management and fostering a sense of community among the staff. She also heads the Sweet Salone project, prioritizing meaningful relationships with the artisans. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs at the beach.
Claire Kpaka

Country Manager, Aurora Foundation

Hawa Koroma is the Custodian at Aurora Foundation, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of Aurora Foundation’s facilities. With great attention to detail, she ensures a safe and organized environment, supporting the smooth running of daily operations. In her free time, Hawa enjoys cooking, exploring new recipes, and expanding her culinary skills.

Hawa Koroma

Office Custodian

Mustapha Jalloh is the Program Assistant at Aurora Foundation, where he supports the planning and execution of various Aurora Impact programs. He plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations and helping the team meet its objectives. In his free time, Mustapha enjoys photography, capturing moments and exploring new creative perspectives.

Mustapha Jalloh

Program Assistant

Mohamed Sesay is our primary driver from Lunsar, Sierra Leone in his free time he enjoys football, music, and following the news.

Mohammed Sesay

Driver

Fatmata Binta Jalloh is always actively building connections with our different artisans.Collecting, organizing, and analyzing quality products. Maintaining and updating Zoho inventory databases. Binta enjoys music and watching movies.

Binta Jalloh

Project Assistant

Before joining Aurora Foundation Regina was the Head of Research at Arion Bank, Iceland. Her work experience includes being a macroeconomic specialist for the Central Bank of Iceland, a programme officer for UNDP in Guyana, and a consultant for CRU Strategies in London. Regina was the president of the National Committee of UN Women in Iceland 2008–2011. A compassionate perfectionist, she has fought for the causes she cares deeply about, such as gender issues, youth development and the sustainable use of natural resources throughout her career.

Regina Bjarnadottir

Executive Director

Biruk Markos crafts impactful stories that connect with the community, using a passion for clear communication to amplify Aurora Foundation’s mission and Sweet Salone’s Brand reach and engagement. Outside of work, Biruk enjoys music and spending time outdoors, drawing inspiration from both.

Biruk Markos

Comms Specialist

Fatmata L S Barrie is a dedicated administrative officer, she has a passion to make sure every employee is comfortable in the workplace. Outside work Fatmata loves spending time at the beach, watching movies and reading books.

Fatmata Barrie

Admin Officer

Joseph Caesar Bangura is a highly dedicated, determined, innovative and result-oriented person in the field of Project Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL). He has worked in the field of development and emergency interventions, and his experience extends to Access to Justice, Gender Equality, Economic Empowerment, Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, Peace Building and Conflict Resolutions. Outside of work he likes sport and hanging out with friends.

Joseph Bangura

M&E Officer

Abigeal Conteh

Jr Program Assistant

Mimi leads the Impact Program with a strong passion for youth empowerment, driving initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people. In her spare time, Mimi Enjoys playing Tennis and spending time with her family.

Mimi Mugo

Program Manager

Elsie B. Conteh is is an accountant working mainly on Aurora Impact projects and also a receptionist that embraces all customers of sweet salone. Outside of work , Elsie enjoy watching movies and spending time with loved ones.

Elsie Blessings Conteh

Intern

Hasatu Bah works with entrepreneurs and young people with a focus on capacity building and sustainable growth. Hasatu enjoys alone time in nature (grennary) and watching crime/thriller series.

Hasatu Bah

Project Officer

Gbrilla is our second driver and enjoy early mornings and working out at the gym

Gbrilla Daboh

Driver