WHO
WE ARE
TEAM MEMBERS.
Deograsias E Shirima
PPP Architekten
Founder & Community Director
Deograsias Shirima was born and raised in Mto wa Mbu, at the gateway to Tanzania’s famous national parks. Supporting young people in his community has been a lifelong ambition and an important motivation behind building his own successful tour company.
He later founded The Red Gym, a community sports centre where young people can train in boxing, karate, aerobics and other activities. Through Mlimani Park Community, Deograsias wants to take this vision further — combining his experience in tourism, wildlife and community work to create new opportunities for the next generation.
Arthur Thielke
Nutrition & Health
Arthur Thielke was born in Nairobi and has spent most of his life in Africa. He is currently studying Business at IE University in Madrid. Wherever he lived, sport — especially football — became a way to connect with people and communities.
Inspired by his late father, journalist and author Thilo Thielke, Arthur helps develop the sports, fitness and nutrition programme at Mlimani Park Community, using sport to build practical skills, confidence, teamwork and future opportunities for young people.
Lead Architect & Concept Development
Andreas Christian Hühn is an architect and managing partner of ppp architekten + stadtplaner in Germany. With a strong personal passion for Africa, he brings his architectural experience and creative vision to Mlimani Park Community.
Andreas and his team are developing the overall architectural concept for the project — shaping the campus from the first ideas into a sustainable, functional and inspiring place for education, sports, health and community life.
Federico Mauro
Financial Advisor
Federico Mauro is a Financial Controller with a strong focus on strategic planning, budgeting, and operational efficiency. He is currently completing his studies at IE University in Madrid, after spending half a year in Canada that broadened his international perspective and cross-cultural experience. Federico combines analytical precision with a global outlook, supporting sustainable growth and sound financial decision-making.
Doris Grondke
Bianca Thielke
Strategic Development & Partnerships
Doris Grondke is an architect and Councilor for Urban Development, Building and Environment in Kiel, Germany. Through her professional and international work, she has built a strong network in Germany as well as long-standing contacts and partnerships across Africa.
Her experience in architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation brings valuable expertise to Mlimani Park Community. With a strong connection to Africa and a belief in creating practical, sustainable opportunities, Doris helps shape the project into a place designed for long-term social and community impact.
Project Development & Tourism
Bianca Thielke is a photographer, entrepreneur and mother of Arthur and Sophie. For more than 20 years, she has lived and worked throughout Africa, including several years in Tanzania. She is the owner and co-owner of two lodges in Tanzania and is deeply connected to the country's tourism industry and local communities. Through Mlimani Park Community, she wants to use this experience and network to connect education with real opportunities, helping young people build independent and sustainable futures.
The Big 5
Youth Engagement & Fundraising
Sophie Thielke, Lucia Gross, Fien Jansen, Guilanio Cantaridis and Bella Stodel are a team of young volunteers supporting Mlimani Park Community through fundraising, awareness and community engagement. They are also helping develop a sustainable tourism programme that connects visitors with the project and creates opportunities for cultural exchange.
