Project Director, The Dillon Trust

Iris Canham is a Community Development Specialist and Project Director at The Dillon Trust, working at the intersection of water access, food security, early childhood development, and women’s empowerment in KwaZulu-Natal. In her role, she designs and implements community-based initiatives that address inequality and improve access to essential services. Her commitment to social justice is shaped by firsthand experiences of how limited access to resources impacts women and girls.

Iris holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and certifications in Project Management and Advanced Leadership from the Department of Public Service Administration Leadership Academy. She has been recognized for her work supporting children and women in underserved communities.

Rise Up Together Cohort: South Africa, 2026