Karen has a PhD degree in exercise physiology from the University of Cape Town and brings over 15 years of research and communication experience from both corporate and academic environments. She has managed global projects for market research agencies and has provided medical and health related research, insights, and copywriting to support the introduction of telemedicine in South Africa. With a keen interest in digital health, Karen also has experience in health risk management and coaching via AI and science-backed personalised health education.

Karen is a passionate health advocate; a scientist at heart; a cheerleader for the importance of sustainable health habits and a strong believer in the power of research and engagement to motivate and improve health and well-being.

Jana Retief, Foundation Manager at The Noakes Foundation, brings a diverse background with experience in the NGO and educational sectors. Alongside her M.A. in Drama and Theatre Studies and a postgraduate degree in Psychology, Jana’s diverse expertise encompasses community development, project management, research coordination, and operations management.

She has a passion for helping people live happy and healthy lives and is dedicated to driving positive change in the fields of nutrition and mental health.

Dr Hassina Kajee specialised as an Internist and then landed her dream job heading up the High Care Unit of a teaching hospital in South Africa. As her patient population became younger and more patients were being admitted with chronic disease, some under the age of 30, she realized she needed to evolve her practice. She embarked on a journey to empower patients and health care providers alike with nutrition and lifestyle education in order to transform their health. Thus it was that she co-founded Nutrition Network, an educational platform that was instrumental in bringing Keto education to thousands of health care practitioners and nutrition advisors across the globe. Through this initiative, Nutrition Network has also become largest the affiliate of the Eat Better South Africa campaign in South Africa that brings nutrition interventions to under-resourced communities in South Africa. Dr Kajee also sees patients in private practice and is a mum to two low carb kiddies and wife to one low carb emergency physician. Her message of compassion and understanding is a lesson for us all!

I’m a registered dietitian, science writer and editor and nutrition educator, with a special interest and expertise in Ketogenic Diets (KD) and Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction (TCR) – particularly pertaining to mental and gut health. My Masters Degree in Physiology (Dist.) (2018), focused on TCR in Type 2 Diabetes, under the supervision of Prof Tim Noakes. I currently hold the role of Senior Editorial Manager, Content Editor and Creator, as well as Contributing Lecturer, at Nutrition Network, the global leader in TCR training for healthcare professionals. As science writer, author and editor I have contributed to various publications – most recently – the textbook, Ketogenic: The Science of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction in Human Health. I have also co-authored, contributed to and edited other books (including Sugar Free and Eat Right Revolution), articles (including as a health magazine editor), and peer-reviewed publications, on the topic of nutrition and TCR. I am passionate about improving health and quality of life for all, particularly in my own country. To give back to the community, I have volunteered at NPO’s, including serving on the Board of Directors of Eat Better South Africa, a community-based outreach program that implements nutritional education in lower socioeconomic status communities, and giving nutrition advice to The Noakes Foundation.  I also have past experience in nutritional supplements (training and research and development), as well as clinical experience in private dietetics practice and community interventions focusing on TCR.

I join The Noakes Foundation with a unique interdisciplinary background in natural and social sciences. Holding an Honours degree in Anthropology from Rhodes University, I bring a holistic understanding of human health and wellbeing. I’m passionate about innovative public health solutions that drive social impact, and I’m committed to community engagement and outreach. My goal is to increase accessibility and bridge health disparities, empowering local communities and promoting equitable health outcomes, guided by evidence-based research and scientific best practices