As the workstream lead, Ria brings four decades of experience as a teacher, lecturer, researcher, and entrepreneur. She has worked internationally in Guinea Conakry, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Surabaya, Indonesia. Before joining Jozi My Jozi, Dr de Villiers served for six years with the national Department of Basic Education's DBE-E³ Programme, first as Implementation Manager and then as Special Projects Manager. Her diverse background uniquely positions her to lead educational initiatives in Johannesburg's inner city.