As the education & social cohesion workstream lead, Ria brings four decades of experience as a teacher, lecturer, researcher and entrepreneur. She has worked internationally in Conakry (Guinea), Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Surabaya (Indonesia).

Before joining Jozi My Jozi, Ria served for six years with the national Department of Basic Education’s 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.