Meet the Team

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Briana Evigan

Briana is a storyteller, actress, and humanitarian whose creative journey has evolved from Hollywood to the heart of Africa. Best known for her role as Andie West in the Step Up franchise, she built an international career with Netflix, Lionsgate, Disney, and the Rodriguez Tarantino team before dedicating her life to social and environmental impact.

Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer

Stuart Newton

Stuart is a strategic relationship builder and growth leader with nearly 40 years of experience across industries, including technology, consulting, and executive leadership. At Abundant Village, his focus is on forging partnerships, scaling regenerative models, and expanding revenue systems that ensure long-term sustainability for projects and communities.

Executive Director USA

Damien Mander

Damien, an Australian former special operations sniper and combat veteran, is the Executive Director of Abundant Village. He brings more than twenty-five years of experience in global philanthropy, operations and community-driven initiatives. Over the past sixteen years he has lived and worked across Africa, helping to raise US$60M+ to support wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and social-impact programs.

Regional Director (Africa) and Global Impact Strategist

Albertus Louw

Albertus is a strategist, storyteller, and community development specialist whose work bridges creativity and impact across cultures and continents. His focus at Abundant Village is on listening, dialogue, and designing scalable solutions that grow directly from community priorities, ensuring that every initiative is both relevant and transformative.

Regenerative Agriculture and Enterprise Advisor

Phivo Artemides

Phivo is a regenerative agriculture strategist and social innovator focused on building sustainable value chains that link people, nature, and economies. At Abundant Village, his work centers on strengthening community-led agricultural systems and developing partnerships that drive meaningful, lasting impact across rural landscapes.

Sustainable Building and Design Specialist

Sharné Bloem

Sharné Bloem is an award-winning architect and design builder dedicated to creating sustainable, innovative spaces that positively impact both people and the planet. At Abundant Village, her focus is on designing regenerative infrastructure that strengthens community resilience while reducing environmental impact through renewable materials and energy-efficient construction.

Indigenous Knowledge and Youth Programming Lead

Bongani Baloyi

Bongani is a cultural educator, youth mentor, and systems thinker dedicated to preserving indigenous knowledge and empowering the next generation through environmental education. At Abundant Village, he leads youth and community programs that weave together traditional wisdom, ecology, and leadership development, ensuring that conservation remains rooted in local identity and intergenerational learning.

Director of Communication

Igor Potgieter

Igor is a storyteller whose work bridges filmmaking and regenerative development. With deep experience in conservation and field-based filmmaking, he captures human connection and the quiet resilience of nature through his lens. His immersive and emotional style transforms complex environmental stories into art that inspires empathy and reflection.

Culture and Creative Program Coordinator

Anelia Louw

Anelia is a creative facilitator and community builder passionate about bridging art, wellness, music and environmental awareness. At Abundant Village, her work brings together youth engagement, creative design, and experiential learning to inspire connection, expression, and sustainable growth within communities. Guided by her love for performance, nature, and human connection, she helps weave creativity and mindfulness into every initiative, nurturing spaces where people and purpose thrive together.