Our Founder & Director
Chris Jimieson – Founder & Director, Strides for Africa
Chris Jimieson is the Founder and Director of Strides for Africa, a registered non-profit organization focused on addressing the clean water crisis in rural African communities. Since 2009, the organization has funded more than 50 water projects, reaching nearly 60,000 people with improved access to clean water.
Strides for Africa Run/Walk
Strides for Africa’s first Run/Walk fundraiser took place in 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Held each August, this event has continued for more than a decade and now serves as the kickoff to Madison’s Africa Fest. It remains a key part of Strides for Africa’s outreach efforts, helping to raise awareness and support for clean water and educational initiatives.
Professionally, Chris works as a Project Manager at SCS Engineers, contributing to infrastructure and environmental projects with a focus on sustainability. He holds degrees in Geological Engineering and Geology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Through Strides for Africa, Chris supports the development of water and educational projects that contribute to improved health outcomes, expanded learning opportunities, and stronger community foundations in rural Africa.
The idea for Strides for Africa began after Chris and his wife, Amy, traveled to Ethiopia in July 2009 during the adoption of their son, Myles.
While there, they observed water access challenges in several rural areas. This experience led to the launch of Strides for Africa in August 2009 with a mission to initiate action through educational outreach and events that fund sustainable clean water sources or projects that support education and health in African communities.
First Completed Project
Strides for Africa’s first clean water project was completed in July 2011 in Robit, Ethiopia. This project marked an early milestone in the organization’s commitment to supporting rural African communities through sustainable, locally informed solutions.
