Penny Hlakula forms part of The Green Connection’s board. She has more than 16 year’s of experience in the NGO sector, with a strong background in organisational support services. She specializes in project administration, executive assistance, office management, events coordination, community development and facilitation. Penny’s work exposure covers the labour movement, environmental education, community development and workers’ education sectors. Penny is passionate about youth development and the empowerment of women and girls. She has been involved in local, regional and global movements for the realization of women’s sexual reproductive rights as well as the recognition and promotion of labour rights for women. Another interesting part of her work history includes working with youth as a community organizer for environmental awareness, HIV/AIDS and socio-economic issues, as well as hosting a youth radio show. She has proudly fought gangsterism, violence and crime in her community working alongside different stakeholders in the community (NGOs, SAPS, Dept. of Community Safety, Community Policing Forum, etc.). She continues being a student of the University of Life through her own human journey.