We’re delighted to welcome Maeve Magner to the Gazelle Foundation board. Our board members play an important role in shaping our work and supporting our mission to expand access to clean water in Burundi. Since our founding in 2006, the Gazelle Foundation’s board of directors has committed to providing access to clean water for the people of Burundi. Get to know the people, like Maeve, behind the mission who are helping us transform lives in Burundi one clean water system at a time.
Why Water Is So Critical in Burundi
Water in Burundi is plentiful where we work in Southwestern Burundi, but it is often not clean. So many people living in rural areas of Burundi, where Gilbert Tuhabonye grew up, walk an average of 4 miles to access any kind of water.
We partner with local communities, hire locals, and source supplies nearby to construct sustainable water systems that last. These water systems capture and filter spring water at the source, collect it in water storage tanks, and distribute clean water across misty, fertile hills at water tap stands situated near homes, schools, churches, and health clinics.
These hand-built water systems reduce the walk from 4 miles to 400 meters, about one loop around a track. Once complete, we turn ownership over to the community, which maintains the water systems with the knowledge they possess. Clean water is available to anyone in need, no matter their background or tribal affiliation. Clean water is a key ingredient to good health and more access to education for children. With more time available, communities become more self-sufficient and resilient.
The Gazelle Foundation Welcomes Maeve Magner to the Board
Maeve Magner is an independent advisor in global health, working across supply chains and market access. She partners with philanthropic organizations, governments, and private sector actors to navigate complex systems and strengthen access to medicines, diagnostics, and health technologies across low- and middle-income countries. Her work also includes supporting and advising emerging health companies and entrepreneurs across Africa as they scale and expand access to care.
In addition Maeve serves on the board of Maisha Meds and is an adjunct professor at University College Cork in Ireland.
Maeve Magner was one of the founding members of Gilbert’s Gazelles when Gilbert first began his coaching business.
““It’s incredible to see how many projects have already been completed, but what motivates me most is their long-term sustainability and particularly the role of local ownership.””
How did you get connected to the Gazelle Foundation?
“I have known Gilbert since the early 2000s and, in fact, was one of the Gilbert’s Gazelles founders 😊, even though I have lived elsewhere. Over the years, I have always stayed in touch with Gilbert and the phenomenal work he is doing both with the Gazelles and the Foundation.”
Gilbert’s Gazelles in the early days
Danskin Triathlon
What motivated you to join the Board?
“Firstly - Gilbert and Triphene who have inspired me since the day I met them, humble, generous and such lovely, lovely people. Secondly - the fact that we are living in such an unequal world and there are still millions of people without access to clean water, I appreciate the focus the foundation has to address this.”
How does your unique background and perspective help move the mission forward?
“My day job is working on strengthening supply chains in Africa to improve access to health care for all. So I consistently see the challenges access to clean water brings, not just the impact on health (many children are still dying from diarrhea), but on education (fetching water from well vs going to school), and livelihoods (water for farming). I have opportunities to highlight the Foundation’s work, to organizations and government programs I work with in my day job, while sharing what I see with other board members and funders.”
Local Burundians build a water storage tank to deliver clean water close to homes, clinics, schools, and churches.
Maeve Magner and nephew, Max, attend the 2026 Spring For The Water Gala, a signature fundraiser for the Gazelle Foundation.
What accomplishments or projects keep you motivated and engaged?
“It’s incredible to see how many projects have already been completed, but what motivates me most is their long-term sustainability and particularly the role of local ownership. Too often in global development, solutions are driven externally and don’t endure. The Foundation’s approach, grounded in local involvement and accountability, is what makes the impact lasting.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“Travel 😊, spending time with family in Ireland, Australia & USA, and walking or hiking.”
Book, podcast, movie, or music recommendation?
“I recently attended the Music on the Trail Series at Rainey Street Trailhead (Wed nights) and heard Pat Byrne, an Irish singer-songwriter based in Austin, who I really enjoyed.”
Continue Exploring Burundi & Get Involved
Although one of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi has a vibrant, joyful culture. See how clean water systems make such a life-changing difference for health, hope, and long-term peace.
Listen to an Akazehe greeting from two Burundian women
Explore a map of where all the water systems we have built are located in Burundi and how the Gihanama water system came to life from start to finish
Make a difference and register for the Gazelle Foundation’s Run For The Water to help us raise more awareness about how to solve the clean water problem in Burundi
Children and women are charged with the majority of water fetching chores which can take them away from school. Close access to clean water means everyone is healthy, and there is more time for school.