Fellows

Elvira has three years of experience in the nonprofit sector; including one year of experience as an IT Technician and two years of Education Research. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 2016 and is pursuing a double Master’s degree in Development Studies and Computer Systems at JKUAT in Kenya. Previously, she has worked as a Research Assistant and IT Support Officer at Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA); which capacity builds In-service teachers in Kenya and Africa. In 2017-2018 she assisted in the design of data collection tools for impact assessment and baseline survey of STEM in Kenyan schools by CEMASTEA. Elvira also served as an ICT supervisor at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Her achievements include technical input in introducing Google classroom approach to over 1000 Kenyan teachers and Robotics in Kenyan schools targeting high school students to boost creativity, innovation, and competency-based learning. Elvira is the Deputy Director and Co-Founder of Humara Tennis Kenya, which features among the top-three successful tennis organizations under Tennis Kenya in developing ways to improve tennis accessibility, competition and to fix drug and alcohol abuse among youth via sports activities. At the Association of ICT Mentors, she mentors young people between 13-18 years-old to raise awareness for opportunities in STEM courses and careers. Elvira believes that acts of volunteerism will not only benefit her personally, but also the community around her and make the world a better place.

Host Organization: Per Scholas

Role at Per Scholas At Per Scholas, Elvira will serve as the Blended Learning Integration Fellow: helping to further facilitate blended learning into Per Scholas’ tuition-free IT training for unemployed and underemployed adults.

Precious has four years of experience in the nonprofit development sector. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Jos in Nigeria, a PGD in Information Technology from the National Open University of Nigeria, and is a current MBA candidate from the University of South Wales, London. Precious recently engaged in the DFID-Funded Mafita program in Northern Nigeria as a Monitoring and Results Measurement Officer. In this role, she supported overall project monitoring; M&E system design and implementation; development of indicator trackers; and processing and dissemination of MRM findings and best practices to facilitate evidence-based planning, learning and, decision-making. Precious previously worked as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Nigeria under the DFID-funded GEMS3 program, supporting improvements in the monitoring and statistical systems with the use of technology. Previously, she also worked with GIZ Nigeria, in the SEDIN program, providing sustainable entrepreneurial skill training and coaching to women in SMEs, funded by the EU. She also initiated the design and implementation of an advocacy platform and symposium, aimed at providing national-level recognition, and supporting the growth of MSMEs in the country, thereby creating a good business enabling environment. Prior to her work at GIZ, Precious has volunteered as an end-process monitor during Immunization Plus Days, under the Polio Eradication Initiative of UNICEF and WHO. During these experiences, she developed strong project coordination, strategizing, data collection, analysis, and management skills. Precious has a passion for children and community development, and she is interested in public health, leadership and business entrepreneurship. She also enjoys working in intercultural and multinational environments.

Host Organization: SEED Spot

Role at SEED Spot At Seed Spot, Precious will serve as a Data and Impact Fellow; helping to design, collect, and track Seed Spot measuring and evaluation work, enabling more accurate and up to date data.

Wiem Jbeli is a young Tunisian who has over 4 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has earned a BA in Business English and an MA in English for Communication. Wiem is currently the Secretary General of the Tunisian American Alumni Network, focusing on reintegrating Tunisian exchange programs alumni upon their return to Tunisia; thus, creating an opportunity for them to come together to bring positive change. Her role with TAAN includes establishing and promoting synergy between exchange program alumni. Wiem started volunteering in the community when she was a student. Her main interests revolve around women, youth empowerment and education. Wiem participated in various local initiatives and projects and succeeded in encouraging youth in her community to be more active. Her experience and her devotion to her community granted her the chance to represent Tunisia in the MEPI Leaders program of 2016, where she took part in a leadership and project management training at Georgetown University and volunteered for DC Central Kitchen. Upon return from the U.S., Wiem invested and transferred the knowledge she gained in her community and worked as a facilitator for the Association for the Promotion of Citizen Education – APEC. In this role, she was part of a program targeting high-school students in marginalized areas. The program included workshops and activities aiming at raising awareness on active citizenship and engaging young students in their communities. All these experiences made Wiem keen to move forward and continue working on making her community and country a better place.

Host Organization: Meridian International Center

Role at Meridian International CenterAt Meridian International Center, Wiem will serve as the Youth Programs Fellow: developing strategic communications plans, managing social media efforts, and preparing graphic materials and mobile apps for GlobalConnect’s international youth programs.

Zoya is a project management and monitoring and evaluation professional with more than five years of work experience in the fields of international security and education. Zoya earned her Bachelor’s in International and Comparative Politics from the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan and her Joint European Master’s degree in Comparative Local Development from a consortium of four European universities. Prior to joining the Atlas Corps Fellowship, Zoya worked for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) where she supported effective quality assurance of projects within the politico-military and human dimensions of security. Zoya also assisted with managing the OSCE Academy in Bishkek project which offers post-graduate training to young adults from Central Asia, Mongolia and Afghanistan. Zoya possesses more than ten years of international volunteer experience in community building and youth empowerment. She is a member of EvalYouth ECA where she co-chairs a task force in charge of implementing a mentoring program for young and emerging evaluators from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South Caucasus. Zoya is an Erasmus Mundus Fellow, Global Shaper, and a Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) alumna. In her free time, Zoya loves exploring new places and figuring out what her three cats are thinking about.

Host Organization: Transparency and Accountability Initiative

Role at Transparency and Accountability Initiative At Transparency & Accountability Initiative, Zoya will serve as the Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning Fellow: designing, testing, and updating components of TAI’s MEL system and practices to meet their learning needs.