Fellows

Chibuzor Mgbeokwere is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning, demonstrating a strong commitment to driving impactful outcomes in both development and emergency context, especially in challenging operational environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education (BSc.) – University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria. Prior to her current role, Chibuzor was a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research, and Learning Specialist at Tonipash Energy from September 2022. She made substantial contributions to the improving clean energy initiatives, overseeing the research, development, and implementation of the Performance Monitoring Plan, and providing crucial leadership in M&E. Chibuzor’s career journey also includes her role as a Country Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer (Environmental Health) at the International Rescue Committee from Feb 2021 to September 2022. Here, she showcased her expertise in producing high-quality reports and played a pivotal role in ensuring M&E and reporting requirements were met for multi-donor funded projects in Northeast Nigeria. Furthermore, she has contributed her skills and knowledge to various organizations, including The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), Premiere Urgence Internationale, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative – SIDHAS Project, and World Health Organization (WHO), leaving a remarkable impact in the field of monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Chibuzor’s core competencies encompass strategic MEAL management, proficiency in database development, statistical analysis, data visualization, consultancy services, and project. She is fluent in English, Igbo, and Hausa languages, enhancing her ability to collaborate effectively in diverse multicultural settings. Her commitment to inclusive data and her proactive approach make her an invaluable asset in any professional environment.

Host Organization: Development Gateway

Role at Host Organization: As a Monitoring, Evaluation, Eesearch and Learning (MERL) Fellow, Chibuzor, in the capacity of an associate, would have a MERL focus and work on synthesizing and analyzing various pieces of key information collected on the programs. The Fellow is expected to contribute to writing of knowledge products and reports. Additional work may involve supporting other programs at DG should time allow.

Ekene has over six years of experience in the Information Technology sector, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the National Open University of Nigeria. As an Information Technology Specialist, she works with enterprises, nonprofits, and the government to transform and optimize their organizational processes using technology. Ekene is a Microsoft-certified Enterprise Content Management Systems professional and education technologist with strong project implementation and technical training skills. Previously, Ekene worked as a Senior Solutions Analyst with Infographics Nigeria participating in education projects such as the Cross River State Government Teachers Laptop Acquisition and Digital Literacy Training program, where she trained 40 facilitators responsible for training over 10,000 teachers on the use of education technology for the classroom. Under her supervision, teachers with no prior knowledge of applying technology in the classroom were adequately empowered with digital skills. She was project coordinator and technical lead for the MTN Foundation SchoolsConnect Initiative, which set up modern computer learning centers in 28 Nigerian schools and equipped teachers with the Teaching with Technology Methodology. Through these experiences, she developed strong project coordination, implementation, and capacity building skills. Ekene enjoys volunteering; she has served as a mentor and facilitator at Afro-Tech Girls, a nonprofit promoting STEM education in secondary school-aged African girls and with Project Revamp Africa, an educational and leadership development initiative building young leaders in public secondary schools. Ekene is passionate about education, career guidance, and solving the STEM skills gap for the girl-child.

Host: PYXERA Global

Fellow role at PYXERA Global: Ekene will serve as an Operations & Internal Communications Fellow with the goal of supporting the streamlining and operational improvements of the organization’s internal communications.

Jeremiah has over six years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and earned a Bachelor’s of Technology degree in Geology from the Federal University of Technology, Minna – Niger State, Nigeria. Jeremiah loves communication, and has displayed a strong, consistent passion for social development, championing causes with various youth groups, and consulting for local NGOs. He is an Associate Fellow of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, a Technical Working Group member of the Young Legislative Advocacy Project (YLAP) in Nigeria, a pioneering member of the African Youth Initiative on Population, Health & Development (AfrYPoD), a #Choice4Life Advocate, and a Co-Founder at Social Good Nigeria. Along with 54 other young advocates at #Choice4Life, Jeremiah championed an online campaign that culminated in the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill into an Act, ending its 13 year journey in the Nigeria National Assembly. Having worked on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and Gender issues, He enjoys working on Citizen Rights and Participation in Governance, as well as Technology and Innovations around Social Entrepreneurship.

Host Organization: RFK Human Rights

Role at Host Organization: Jerry will provide crucial support to all aspects of the Young Leaders program, including volunteer engagement, communications, and fundraising. The Young Leaders program is expanding, and Jerry will greatly assist with developing Young Leaders chapters in new cities. The Fellow will coordinate events, organize volunteers, and support advocacy efforts.

Vivien has seven years experience in the nonprofit sector and earned a Bachelor’s of Medicine and Surgery degree from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. She has also taken short courses in public health and project management. She is a medical volunteer with Health Army Initiative, Project PinkBlue, and the Lakeshore Cancer Center where she educates women on the need for early detection of breast and cervical cancer through routine screening. She participates in the cancer support group at Lakeshore Cancer Center. While working for Omni Medical Centre Advanced Fertility Clinic, she was part of the pioneer team that implemented the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS program. She helped improve the health of rural communities in the Mushin area while working with the primary health care department by organizing mobile clinics, donating free medication and giving health presentations. She also served as the Deputy Head of the Samaritans Welfare group for two years where she organized and provided free health consultations and medications to members of the community. These experiences have helped her develop strong coordination, project management and, leadership skills. Vivien’s interests lie in public health, health education and cancer prevention. She is looking to gain further experience in public health that she can employ in her home country to increase disease prevention efforts. For fun, Vivien likes reading, basketball, swimming, and dogs.

Host Organization: Susan G. Komen

Role at Host Organization: Vivien will be exposed to the different components of the organization, from breast cancer assessment reports and community profiles, to individual projects and grants. She will also assist with other program activities including the arrangement of site visits, planning of roundtable meetings, data collection to assess impact, and the creation of presentations and marketing tools.