Jess Teutonico
Founder
Jess has been traveling across Kenya since 2006, learning about the culture and history and enthralled by its beauty and wisdom. Her work has taken her to countless vibrant communities, but it is in Loita that she knew there was something truly unique. Under the Acacia was founded to help further the local impact on the ground as well as the strengthen the global awareness. She is also the Executive Director of We Are Family Foundation, one of the leading youth organizations founded by legendary producer and multi-Grammy winner, Nile Rodgers. She has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Refinery 29 and was named “Do-Gooder of the Year” by Paper Magazine. She has spoken at prestigious conferences including the United Nations, The World Economic Forum, Harvard, and Yale among others. In her past life, she was a Director of Special Events at Vogue Magazine and consulted for TED Conferences. She divides her time between New York City and Kenya.
Joseph Koyie
Country Director
Joseph is building his home of Loita into a sustainable and thriving community. His story is a true testament of a real leader and unstoppable determination. He met Jess in 2007 and together they have been creatively rewriting new futures for remote comunities. Joseph is one of the top guides in the Maasai Mara with Sanctuary Olonana. Clients travel all over the world to experience Kenya through his guiding, knowledge and charisma.