Dedicated To Our Youth
Trevor Noah Foundation is headed by an innovative, forward-thinking team that’s passionate about the education, growth, and future employment opportunities of our youth.
About Our Founder
Trevor Noah came from humble beginnings in Johannesburg, South Africa. Born to a Black mother and White, Swiss father, Trevor’s birth was considered illegal under the “Mixed Marriages Act of 1949” which banned marriage between white people and people of colour. Despite hardships, he grew up in South Africa with a wonderful sense of humour.
Today, Trevor Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. Trevor is an exceptional producer and author, earning a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award, Grammy Award nomination, and a spot on the #1 New York Times bestseller list for “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood”. Lastly, Trevor is a philanthropist, using his platform to continuously advocate for social good. As one of the most influential voices of our generation, he continues to lead with compassion, humility, integrity and of course, humour.
Our Board Members come from various walks of life and careers, but are all united by one goal – providing our youth with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. It is that passion that drives the Trevor Noah Foundation towards its goals.
Thabiso Madiba is a Financial Management Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and brings his expert technical knowledge of tax, strategy, risk management and financial management. Additional leadership positions include Trustee of the University of Johannesburg’s Provident Fund and Nal’ibali, as well as serving as the Chairperson of the King Edward VII Preparatory School Governing Body.
Ryan Harduth is an experienced and strategic Stand-Up Comedy Producer, Tour Manager and Creative Director. He contributes his sharp creative eye and innovative marketing expertise to TNF. Notable projects include “Nation Wild”, headlined by Trevor Noah, the largest touring ensemble show in Africa and “Comedy Central International Festival”, the vastest comedy festival in Africa.
John Power, CPA, is a Managing Partner at PTD Business Management, an accounting services firm. To TNF, he brings immense business management expertise and passion for ensuring the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Norman Aladjem is a successful Hollywood talent manager, producer and author. His expertise supports TNF with strategic business development and partnerships. From an immigrant child from Uruguay to the CEO of Mainstay Entertainment, a talent management and television/film company, Norman has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry.
Shalane Yuen is the Trevor Noah Foundation’s founding Executive Director, bringing years of global consulting expertise to her role. She proudly leads TNF with her entrepreneurial drive, inclusive leadership style, and passion for tackling the many injustices facing today’s youth. Hailing from Hawaii, she proudly lives in Joburg with her partner and daughter.
Anna DerParseghian was born in Armenia and immigrating to the US at the age of 9 with her parents and siblings.
She began her career in Business Management at the age of 16 and has worked in virtually every role in the industry throughout the years, slowly learning every part of the business along her journey, until she was made Co-Owner/Partner of PTD Business Management in 2010.
She is one of only a handful of female Managing Partners in Business Management. She lives in Encino with her husband, two children and her dog Cookie.
