Technology & Engineering

Sunday Nyebe, a 36-year-old professional based in Nigeria, holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Water Resources Engineering from Modibbo Adama University of Technology, and is currently pursuing his Master of Engineering in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Maiduguri. He has demonstrated a successful career as a versatile Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Environmental Health specialist with a strong track record in strategic program development, advocacy, team and financial management. Serving as the WASH/Environmental Health Coordinator for the International Rescue Committee Nigeria Country Program since June 2023, Sunday oversees seven concurrent WASH projects with funding from various institutional donors, including BHA, FCDO, GAC, SIDA, ECHO, UN-OCHA, New York Times, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His responsibilities involve strategic program development, advocacy, partnership building, and effective monitoring and evaluation. Sunday has excelled in emergency response management, coordinating with various stakeholders, and demonstrating effective team management skills. His expertise extends to previous roles, such as Project officer for Water Security at Catholic Relief Service and WASH Program Manager at Action Against Hunger, where he managed multimillion-dollar budgets and led diverse teams in addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene needs in conflict-affected regions. Sunday has continuously expanded his skills through various trainings, and he is an active member of professional engineering organizations in Nigeria. Passionate about humanitarian programming and water-related issues, Sunday is committed to leveraging his skills and experiences contributing to sustainable solutions in the WASH sector and address the complex challenges faced by communities affected by conflict.

Denis Afunwi is a civil engineer and project management professional with over seven years of progressive experience in managing projects in the development and humanitarian sectors. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in civil engineering from the Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC), Bamenda and a certificate in project management and evaluation from the Pan-African Institute for Development (PAID-WA). Upon completion of studies, he was integrated in a team of technicians of the Bambui Water Authority (BAWA); a user managed water supply scheme in Bambui Village where he served as a research engineer evaluating the water supply system and recommending both managerial and technical solutions to improve water supply to a growing community of over 20,000 inhabitants. Denis further served as an individual consultant with the national community driven development program where he conducted feasibility studies for the rehabilitation, construction and extension 4 gravity water supply schemes in the North West regions of Cameroon and later held multiple roles with INGOs in the North West and South West regions including WASH Officer with Plan International, Environmental Health Manager with the International Rescue Committee and WASH/Shelter Coordinator with the Norwegian Refugee Council. His most recent achievement is related to tackling the issue of sustainability in user managed water supply systems where he initiated and piloted the establishment of a water governance network in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon where through workshops, strategies are being developed to tackle the problem of unsustainable water systems.

Nehemiah Makau Abere graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega, Kenya. With over 9 years of industry experience, Nehemiah has dedicated the past year to serving as the IT & Facilities Coordinator at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), where he passionately spearheads digital transformation initiatives. His journey began in consultancy, playing a pivotal role as a systems implementer for clients in the retail sector. Nehemiah’s diverse experience includes a brief yet impactful technical support role at Standard Chartered Bank, followed by consultancy roles deploying technologies from global leaders such as Microsoft and Oracle. He gradually expanded his responsibilities to oversee projects and contribute significantly to business development. In his current capacity at MSF, Nehemiah is deeply committed to leveraging technology for economic development, enhancing operational efficiency, and championing accountability within the organization. His one-year tenure at MSF has further fueled his dedication to humanitarian efforts, making a meaningful impact at the intersection of technology and economic growth. Beyond his professional endeavors, Nehemiah is a valued partner at Sy-Intelli Consulting, a professional consultancy providing IT services to organizations, primarily focusing on NGOs. He holds a distinguished position as a board member for the MSF Shared IT Services Board, providing strategic direction and support to MSF on IT governance. Driven by a profound passion for economic development, Nehemiah seeks innovative ways to contribute to sustainable growth for vulnerable communities in our society.

Isaya Gwindevya is a civil engineer registered by the Tanzania Engineers Registration Board (ERB) as a professional engineer, holding a Master of Science in project planning and management from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha in 2023 and a Bachelor of Science in civil and structural engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2015. Isaya has worked with the Norwegian Refugee Council as shelter and infrastructure team leader for about three years, where he manages the shelter and infrastructure projects through project supervision, budget monitoring and expenditure, project design and needs assessments, structural design, bill of quantities preparations, proposal preparations, supervision of contractors’ contracts, and coordination with project stakeholders. Isaya has also worked with OXFAM to ensure the community has access to WASH services, particularly for the unprivileged, refugees, and the marginalized, requiring special attention. In addition, he worked with NCI Engineering Consultancy, where he managed consultancy services on structural designs, materials quality assurance in relation to materials tests, and site construction performance monitoring to conform to the designs. He is passionate about learning and acquiring knowledge, particularly about evolving technologies, which provides alternatives for solving WASH community problems and civil engineering at large.

Zanke Norman Tem is a dedicated WASH practitioner with more than five years of experience in humanitarian and emergency contexts. Hailing from Cameroon, Zanke has committed himself to aiding vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, during crises. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, from the National Advanced School of Public Works in Yaounde and the University of Padova. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Buea. Zanke’s expertise lies in project management, communication, leadership, and budgeting, enabling him to excel within the International Rescue Committee. Serving as a Senior Project Manager in Bamenda, North West Region, he effectively managed multi-sectoral projects, ensuring adherence to donor requirements and efficient budget management. Zanke’s skills in leading cross-functional teams, fostering effective stakeholder communication, and propelling continuous improvement initiatives have been pivotal in delivering projects successfully within stipulated timelines and budgets. Transitioning to the role of WASH Programme Manager in Buea, South West, Zanke showcased outstanding leadership by forging proactive partnerships with NGOs and government ministries to bolster project sustainability. He guided his team in executing water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives in demanding settings, monitored program advancements through data analysis, and adeptly handled emergency projects. Zanke’s unwavering commitment to instilling accountability, fostering high performance, and prioritizing the well-being of displaced individuals is palpable in his endeavors. His dedication to aiding communities in need, paired with his proficiency in WASH programs, positions him as a valuable asset in humanitarian and emergency response endeavors.

Malumbo Mkandawire has four years of experience in the non-profit sector and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences from EARTH University in Costa Rica. Currently, she is working with CAMFED Malawi as the District Operations Officer, where her main role is to support the delivery of educational opportunities for girls and vulnerable children through the implementation of bursaries, Safety Net Funds, economic empowerment for young women, and other programs at the district level. Among her various responsibilities, Malumbo ensures the implementation and adherence to child safeguarding in line with CAMFED’s Child Protection Policy. She administers outlined support to targeted recipients such as clients, alumnae members, schools, and communities in line with CAMFED Procurement and stock management policies. She coordinates various projects while maintaining records for CAMFED operations in the district and supervises the CAMFED Association to transform their lives and become leaders of change. Before joining CAMFED Malawi, she was a fellow under the Ohio Fellowship one year program, where she was based at Meadow Creek Dairy Farm in Virginia, USA. She gained experience in dairy farm management, developed recommendations for a balanced diet feed for the cows to reduce milk fever and increase milk production, implemented new dry cow monitoring methods to optimize labor time and maintain strong, healthy calves, and directed soil sampling analysis, recommending soil nutrient quantities that produced good pasture quality and increased palatability of the same. Malumbo is passionate about climate-smart agriculture, the environment, rural girls’ education, and young women’s economic empowerment.

Farida is a Data Professional with a diverse background spanning multiple sectors. Throughout her journey, Farida has honed her skills in research, data mining and analysis, and project evaluation. She possesses advanced proficiency in popular Python frameworks for Data Science, including Pandas, Numpy, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. Additionally, she is skilled in tools such as Alteryx, SQL, Excel, and Tableau, enabling her to effectively leverage business intelligence tools. Farida has a BS in Statistics and an MSc in Data Science.

Host Organization: Generation

Role at Host Organization: As a Data and Impacts Fellow, Farida will gain an understanding of Generation’s data operations and impact metrics, and onboard onto multiple projects in a key supporter role. The Fellow will be proficient in accessing and analyzing D&I data and become comfortable executing independent projects such as research support, data analysis,and synthesizing findings. The Fellow may work on advanced projects as well as work to close-out and transition
ongoing work and initiatives.

Vandana is a full-stack marketing and communications professional from India. With over a decade of experience, she holds a Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University, a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, and a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Gujarat Technological University. A former engineer and a journalist, she is now in the management realm, leading organizational strategy and implementation for scaling outreach and communication efforts. Vandana has diverse experience working with startups, entrepreneurs, government bodies, academic institutes, and media. She has experience in managing brands, creating new and diverse content, writing, and program management, and is adept at using digital tools and platforms such as InDesign, QuarkXpress, Canva, WordPress, Adobe Experience Management, and social media. She enjoys writing and curating stories from the higher education and health sectors and has previously covered areas such as entrepreneurship, leadership, grassroots innovation, research, technology, and community. Vandana has a passion for curating impact stories and is comfortable with various formats of print and digital content. Over her decade-long career, she has worked with Business Standard – the financial daily, IIT Gandhinagar, IIM Ahmedabad, National Innovation Foundation – India, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, health tech startup Shivom and most recently with the Indian School of Business. Her expertise is in strategic management, outreach and communications, program and stakeholder management, brand development, negotiation and conflict resolution, and team management.

Host Organization: Center for Open Data Enterprise (CODE)

Role at Host Organization: As a Communications, Outreach, and Business Development Fellow, Vandana will work with the Research and Communications Manager to support CODE’s communications, outreach, and business development strategies. The Fellow will be responsible for: updating and implementing CODE’s communications strategy, supporting the entire CODE team to engage with current and potential partners, implement the business development strategy, and drive revenue growth.

Farida is a Data Professional with a diverse background spanning multiple sectors. Throughout her journey, Farida has honed her skills in research, data mining and analysis, and project evaluation. She possesses advanced proficiency in popular Python frameworks for Data Science, including Pandas, Numpy, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. Additionally, she is skilled in tools such as Alteryx, SQL, Excel, and Tableau, enabling her to effectively leverage business intelligence tools. Farida has a BS in Statistics and an MSc in Data Science.

Host Organization: Generation

Role at Host Organization: As a Data and Impacts Fellow, Farida will gain an understanding of Generation’s data operations and impact metrics, and onboard onto multiple projects in a key supporter role. The Fellow will be proficient in accessing and analyzing D&I data and become comfortable executing independent projects such as research support, data analysis,and synthesizing findings. The Fellow may work on advanced projects as well as work to close-out and transition
ongoing work and initiatives.

Vandana is a full-stack marketing and communications professional from India. With over a decade of experience, she holds a Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University, a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, and a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Gujarat Technological University. A former engineer and a journalist, she is now in the management realm, leading organizational strategy and implementation for scaling outreach and communication efforts. Vandana has diverse experience working with startups, entrepreneurs, government bodies, academic institutes, and media. She has experience in managing brands, creating new and diverse content, writing, and programme management, and is adept at using digital tools and platforms such as InDesign, QuarkXpress, Canva, WordPress, Adobe Experience Management, and social media. She enjoys writing and curating stories from the higher education and health sectors and has previously covered areas such as entrepreneurship, leadership, grassroots innovation, research, technology, and community. Vandana has a passion for curating impact stories and is comfortable with various formats of print and digital content. Over her decade-long career, she has worked with Business Standard – the financial daily, IIT Gandhinagar, IIM Ahmedabad, National Innovation Foundation – India, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, healthtech startup Shivom and most recently with the Indian School of Business. Her expertise is in strategic management, outreach and communications, programme and stakeholder management, brand development, negotiation and conflict resolution, and team management.

Host Organization: Center for Open Data Enterprise (CODE)

Role at Host Organization: As a Communications, Outreach, and Business Development Fellow, Vandana will work with the Research and Communications Manager to support CODE’s communications, outreach, and business development strategies. The Fellow will be responsible for: updating and implementing CODE’s communications strategy, supporting the entire CODE team to engage with current and potential partners, implement the business development strategy, and drive revenue growth.

Alison B. Omiste is a Systems Engineer and lawyer, both with mention of excellence. She has studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Hradec Králové University, Czech Republic, and Advanced Studies in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at Washington College of Law. She is an activist for human rights, gender equality, and freedom. She is a former IACHR intern and lover of technology, particularly its use to build a fairer, more transparent, and equitable society. Alison has been a trainer and speaker in various academic and technological spaces and is the Co-Founder and current National Director of “Mujeres TICs Bolivia” (Women ICTs Bolivia), an organization that seeks to reduce the digital gender gap. Her organization has trained more than 500 women from peri-urban and rural areas of Bolivia on issues of technologies and digital inclusion and has impacted more than 2,000 people with different digital inclusion programs and workshops in STEM areas. She works in constant contributions and investigations presented as amicus curiae before the IACHR and has participated as a team coach and judge in international Human Rights competitions. She is the Vice-curator of the Global Shapers hub and a member of the Ladies of Liberty Alliance and Students of Liberty. Alison is also a Fellow of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and of the Ban Ki-Moon Center for Global Citizen. She is a CISCO instructor with experience as a mentor in digital education.

Roger Figuerola Vila is a farmer from Ordino, Andorra. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Lleida, in Spain, in 2016. He spent his last tuition year in Brno, Czech Republic, as part of the Erasmus program. During his university years, he became a linguistic volunteer to help exchange students integrate into the university and the local community. For the past two years, Roger has been part of an eco-farm project that hopes to educate people on alternative agriculture methods that are both sustainable and profitable. At the farm, he is in charge of research and the day-to-day work. Between 2019 and 2022, Roger worked at an ecological food shop, where he managed the bulk section and had the opportunity to learn about the cooperative movement and the sustainable food industry. In 2019, Roger worked in a forest engineering firm in Catalonia, gathering and processing field data to elaborate forest management plans for surrounding villages. In 2018, he went on a year-and-a-half trip around Europe and South America, where he and his partner hitchhiked and volunteered at several projects related to farming and self-sufficiency. This was an eye-opening experience that introduced him to the world of permaculture and community living. After graduating, he worked for a while at a research center where he collaborated on projects ranging from cartography of invasive species to climate data management. Roger’s main interest revolves around environmental issues and the distribution of society’s resources.