Meet our Fellows and Scholars

Syed Ali Abdul Wahid has two decades of experience working in the voluntary sector. He began his career by working for the welfare of people living with HIV/AIDS and sensitizing communities on safe sex practices. He then transitioned to working towards building the capacities of Non-Governmental Organizations in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, aiming to improve operations, management, and sustainability in the NGO sector. Additionally, he managed a child education and rights program in the southern state, covering three districts facing issues of child labor and school dropout rates. He later moved on to the eye care sector, where he is part of a consulting division focusing on improving operations of eye hospitals in India and abroad. In addition, he has been involved in visual media development focusing on eye health awareness. He guided an initiative on implementing total quality management at a large eye hospital and introduced concepts of 5s, kaizen, and other continuous improvement practices.

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Human Resources/Operations, Monitoring & Evaluation.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Public Health.

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.

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Project Management, Technology/Engineering.

 Social Issues: Economic Development, Education, Public Health.

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.

 Professional Skills: Fundraising/Development, Project Management, Technology/Engineering.
 Social Issues: Humanitarian Relief, Leadership Development, Public Health.

Kamel Alsaadi is a highly skilled project manager with a diverse background in computer science and international cooperation, specializing in humanitarian aid and development projects. With extensive experience spanning multiple roles across various organizations, Kamel has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and deliver results in both agile and standard management approaches. From his tenure as a Business Analyst Advisor at the Norwegian Refugee Council in Oslo, Norway, where he spearheaded the development of tailored digital engagement tools for beneficiaries, to his role as a Project Support Officer at BHRRC in London, UK, where he implemented enhanced project management practices, Kamel has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring the successful execution of projects. His expertise in coordination, partnerships, communication, monitoring and evaluation, and information management has contributed to his track record of effectively managing portfolios of up to USD 13 million. With a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Diyala University, Iraq, and dual Master's Degrees in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, as well as Data Analytics and Project Management, from institutions in Spain and the UK respectively, Kamel is well-equipped to tackle complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to the field of project management. 

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management. 
 Social Issues: Economic Development, Humanitarian Relief, Leadership Development.

Mohammed Gowth Amanullah is a social work and hospital administration postgraduate who began his career as a management fellow at Aravind Eye Hospitals, Madurai, India. Later, he joined as manager of community outreach services and was responsible for managing eye camps that would touch 500,000 people and provide 100,000 sight-restoration cataract surgeries in the state of Tamil Nadu. He also set up small eye clinics in the suburban area of Madurai called Community Eye Clinics, which cater to a population of 250,000 and provide care to 20,000 patients annually. When Aravind's pilot project on Vision Centres was planned for scaling, he actively participated with the senior leadership team in building the model and was also responsible for scaling it up across all its base hospitals in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. To accomplish this, he developed an execution team across all its base hospitals and supported the building of systems for the smooth running of the Vision Centres. He was also instrumental in taking the Vision Centre model across the country, partnering with governments and extending it to Bangladesh and Africa. In addition to managing Vision Centres, he also worked on capacity building and consultancy services for several eye hospitals across India, Bangladesh, and Africa. He has also published/co-published articles relevant to eye care in peer-reviewed journals.

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Leadership Development, Public Health.

Afroza Mahzabeen Anannya has seven years of experience in the field of climate and environment in the humanitarian and development sector and earned her MSc degree in International Environmental Studies from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. As a technical professional at the Norwegian Refugee Council, she focused on capacity building of national and regional centers working with Climate and weather information and bringing scientific and indigenous community knowledge together to build climate resilience. Afroza is passionate about tackling climate change issues and is highly motivated to drive solution-oriented work to tackle the climate crisis the world is facing at present. As Thematic Manager for Climate Services, Afroza has collaborated with various organizations in different continents, undertaken several field missions, and led several climate change-related projects. Throughout her experience in past years, she has developed program and project management skills as well as operational skills to bring research and operational aspects together.

 Professional Skills: Fundraising/Development, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Environment, Humanitarian Relief.

Jacqueline Anena is a public health specialist and a technical advisor for vaccines and immunization at PATH, leading efforts to improve immunization coverage and vaccines supply chain and logistics. For the last six years Jacqueline has supported the Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI) with providing technical assistance in program work planning and coordination, development of implementation strategies such as the National Immunization Strategy, the immunization supply chain strategy, Human Papilloma Virus vaccine coverage improvement plan among others. She is passionate about use of human centered design in designing approaches and strategies that focus on improving user’s experience. Outside her job description, she is a mental health enthusiast and taking on initiatives to improve mental health in workplaces and among the cooperate community. Jacqueline holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and has over 12 years of experience in implementing Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Programs. She was previously a Global Health Corps (GHC) Fellow and a staff at World Vision in Uganda.  

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Gender & Women's Issues, Philanthropy, Public Health.

Awafong Densley Awa is a humanitarian aid worker with over twelve years of experience in both the development and humanitarian sectors. He has always had focus on both programs and field operations; optimizing productivity, efficiency, and service quality across various environments. He is a holder of a bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences and a master’s degree in international relations from the Protestant University of Central Africa. He is currently serving at the International Rescue Committee (Cameroon Program) as Senior Field Manager for the past four years. His position entails managing the IRC’s Northwest Region field office with an oversight of all operations and supply chain functions. This includes Safety and Security Protocols, Procurement, Finance, Warehousing and Asset Management, Fleet Management, and Office Administration. Through his leadership and dedication, backed by strong work ethic and excellent breadth of experience in aid programs, the visibility of the organization has met with much positivity. This, because of the highly impactful programs implemented which are geared towards meeting the needs of the most vulnerable. He is very passionate about integrating in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team of Humanitarian aid workers. His strives are to provide life-saving emergency assistance to people living in some of the most inhospitable environments. As a result, he has worked effectively with cross functional teams in local NGOs and International NGOs such as Plan International and INTERSOS in ensuring operational and service excellence.

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Human Resources/Operations, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Humanitarian Relief, Leadership Development.

Victor Ayara is a lawyer with diverse experiences spanning from private, public and the humanitarian sector. With more than six years experience in humanitarian and development world, he has worked in several contexts assisting conflict and displacement affected population access and enjoy their rights with the view to achieving durable solutions. Considering the centrality of land in conflicts and displacement in both emergency and development context, Victor has proficiently utilized his lawyering skills to assist conflict and displacement affected people claim and exercise their housing, land and property rights, as well as their legal and civil identity rights by providing appropriate information, counseling and facilitating legal assistance to them. He has been a field staff with firsthand experience providing humanitarian relief under diverse portfolio of donor funding from German, UK, Swiss, and Norwegian government projects. With vigor passion and competence, Victor has now advanced into the mid-management position as the Information Counseling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) Coordinator, positioning him as the head and the leader of his team and department. He is presently charged with the task of coordinating the affairs of his team towards achieving his overall organizational objective of rights respected and people protected. Victor enjoys adventure, reading and has fulfillment in exhibition of true leadership and seeing smiles on people's faces.

 Professional Skills: Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Humanitarian Relief, Leadership Development.

Onyekachi Ayevbuomwan is an Agricultural Economist with over ten years experience as a development expert, trainer, and lecturer. Onyekachi joined Heifer Nigeria in November 2022 as a Program Coordinator with skills such as employment creation, project management, stakeholders management, and capacity building working directly with young, vulnerable, and excluded groups including farmers. Onyekachi is skilled in using the M4P approach to deliver systemic, sustainable, climate smart and environmentally friendly interventions. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State in Agricultural Economics & Extension graduating with First Class (Hons) and emerged as the best graduating female in the faculty. She began her career as a graduate assistant in the Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, was secretary to the Department’s Graduate Program and Editor of the Maiden edition of the faculty Magazine. She served as Course advisor for entry level undergraduates and supported in lecturing (microeconomics & rural sociology) and has a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics (2015) from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Onyekachi began active work in the development sector in 2017 as an Intervention officer and was promoted in 2018 to an Intervention Manager in the Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE) FCDO funded program. Onyekachi has experience as an entrepreneur and employer of labor managing an MSME for over two years between 2020 to 2022. Onyekachi is passionate about women’s economic empowerment and believes strongly that women in leadership positions will lead to economic growth. She enjoys singing, reading, photography and public speaking.

 Professional Skills: Economic Development, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Economic Development, Gender & Women's Issues, Youth Development.

Hayley Bisceglia-Martin has over ten years of experience working in international development. Since 2017, she has been working with One Acre Fund to raise funds for their mission to improve the harvests and livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers in East Africa. Prior to joining One Acre Fund, Hayley was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine and Samoa, where she worked to strengthen child literacy and help build local schools’ capacity. She has also volunteered her time with Americorps, at libraries as an adult literacy educator, and with programs designed to promote gender empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness among youth. She is particularly interested in the intersection of gender and climate change, and ways we can leverage technology to support rural farm families.

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Fundraising/Development, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Economic Development, Environment, Philanthropy.

Alicia Caraballo is a development professional with ten years of experience in fundraising for social service non-profit organizations. Alicia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a specialization in Professional Writing from Barry University in Miami, FL, where she was born. From there, she moved to New York City to study at New York University, where she earned her master’s degree in Fundraising and Grant making, and began her career as a fundraiser. In 2020, Alicia joined the movement to end youth homelessness and human trafficking at Covenant House, where she serves as the Associate Vice President of Institutional Funding. Alicia is passionate about strengthening vulnerable communities in Latin America, specifically children and youth, and raises critical funding to support Covenant House’s sites in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. By building relationships with funders, Alicia has secured multiple six- and seven-figure grants for Covenant House in Latin America from institutions such as the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Maestro Cares Foundation, and the US Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking. Prior to joining Covenant House, Alicia raised institutional funding for social service organizations Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc., Selfhelp Community Services, and the UJA-Federation of New York. Alicia is 37 years old and currently lives in Washington, DC. 

 Professional Skills: Fundraising/Development, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management. 
 Social Issues: Human Rights & Civil Liberties, Philanthropy, Youth Development.

Fernanda Cassiano is a seasoned professional in humanitarian and development operations with a distinguished career that spans across continents and focuses on refugee protection, program development, and donor relations. Fernanda holds an MSc (Merit) in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she specialised in food security, social protection, and multi-dimensional poverty, supported by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. She serves as the Head of Programme at NRC, overseeing a comprehensive range of technical areas, including Food Security and Livelihoods, Cash and Voucher Assistance, Education and Youth, Legal Protection, Protection from Violence, WASH and Shelter. Fernanda has been instrumental in leading strategic initiatives, managing partnerships, and steering the development of technical strategies aligned with NRC regional and global priorities, including gender equality, disability inclusion, and durable solutions. Prior to her current role, Fernanda demonstrated her expertise in various capacities, including as Programme Development Manager with Save the Children International in Africa, where she supported strategy alignment and managed donor relationships. Her experience also extends to regional business development and awards management with Save the Children International in LAC, highlighting her ability to foster partnerships and secure funding for programmes aimed at the most marginalised and vulnerable groups. Fernanda's career is driven by a passion for addressing social issues such as refugee protection and social inclusion. Her work reflects a deep commitment to humanitarian principles and a strategic approach to programme management, and advocacy, ensuring impactful interventions in complex and challenging environments.

 Professional Skills: Fundraising/Development, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Economic Development, Education, Humanitarian Relief

Ya Sera Cham completed high school in 2002 and went on to study a one-year course in Information Technology (IT). In 2010, she pursued a diploma in financial services with ICM (Institute of Commercial Management) from Jollof Tutors. In 2010, she applied for an internship position at Tostan and was offered the position in December of the same year. Due to her performance, efficiency, hard work, and dedication, she was fully employed as an accountant in 2012. However, in 2014, Tostan faced some financial challenges in funding projects, which led to the closure of some branch offices in some countries, and termination of some employee contracts to reduce cost expenditure, and the Gambia was part of it. Her contract was also terminated in that event in December 2014. Nevertheless, she continued to volunteer and help in the finance unit. In 2020, when the position of logistics officer was announced, she applied for it and was offered the job after undergoing the interview procedures. Her experience working in the accounts department equipped her with knowledge in developing annual project budgets, financial reporting, budget management, proper bookkeeping, cash tracking, and the use of QuickBooks software, among others.

 Professional Skills: Financial Management, Human Resources/Operations, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Humanitarian Relief, Philanthropy.

Diouma Cisse has over seven years' professional expertise in the field of monitoring and evaluation. With a degree in agro-economic engineering and a master's in agribusiness and value chain development from the École nationale supérieure d'agriculture (ENSA) in Thiès, she has a solid academic background. In addition, she has enhanced her qualifications by obtaining a certificate in monitoring and evaluation from the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation in 2021. Diouma's work is to help organizations adopt a data-driven approach, using evidence and technology to demonstrate the impact of their programs. She has conducted a wide range of studies, from site surveys to baseline, mid-term and final evaluations. Her skills extend to all stages of the research process, from methodological design to data collection, processing and analysis. With extensive experience of working with international organizations, Diouma has made significant contributions to a range of sectors, including food security and nutrition, gender-based violence, education and gender transformation.

 Professional Skills: Economic Development, Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management.
 Social Issues:  Economic Development, Environment, Gender & Women's Issues.

Karim Vandi Coker is a sociology graduate from Njala University in Sierra Leone. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Humanitarian Practice at the University of Manchester UK. Karim works as a Health Promoter Supervisor for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Belgium and has over 5 years of experience in Health Promotion, Behavior Change Communication, Child Protection, and Community-based Programming as well as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. He has worked with Doctors Without Borders (MSF OCA & OCB) and Act!on Aid International in various capacities, managing Community Health initiatives and educational programs with diverse teams. Karim is an experienced Community Health Advocate with a proven track record in promoting people-centred healthcare and managing integrated community case management, risk communication, and access to healthcare for sexual violence survivors. He is an asset to the MSF-OCB Kenema Hospital Project, where he facilitates community acceptance and participation in health service delivery in collaboration with Community health workers, Voluntary blood donors, traditional birth attendants, traditional healers and health development committees. Karim is passionate about empowering communities and women to increase control over their health and improve their well-being. He believes in harnessing community inputs and fostering collective actions to improve the resilience of marginalized groups, pregnant women, girls, and people living with disabilities, especially in health emergencies. Karim has a critical interest in mental health promotion targeting youths to abstain from drug abuse. He believes that the socioeconomic impacts of mental health can be devastating for youth empowerment and national development.

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Education, Humanitarian Relief, Public Health.

Tibebe Deribe is a Program Coordinator at HelpAge International, Ethiopia country office having more than 10 years of experience in humanitarian response programs. He earned a Diploma in Nursing from Rehoboth Medical College, and a Bachelor of Applied Human Nutrition from Bahir Dar University in 2019. He is a candidate for a master’s degree in project planning and management at Gambela University. In his career, he has been working in different regions of Ethiopia including Amhara, Oromia, South Nation, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP) and Gambela. His first employment was as an Assistant Lecturer in a private nursing college. Later he joined a humanitarian organization, Plan International in the year 2011, with the capacity of CMAM supervisor where he worked for 3 years. After that, he joined Action Contre La Faim (ACF), MERLIN, International Medical Corps (IMC), and Save the Children International. He received a variety of training on key program/project management areas, including project management, budget management, staff management, humanitarian accountability, partnerships and report writing, which contributes to his achievement at different level of his career. He is a well-experienced humanitarian aid working in both host communities and refugee setups, ranging from responding to immediate humanitarian emergencies like disease outbreaks, flood, conflict-affected areas, and other humanitarian programs including health, nutrition, WASH, livestock, agriculture, livelihood, and general protection programs.

 Professional Skills: Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Humanitarian Relief, Leadership Development, Public Health.

Juliana Franca Celestino is an experienced Marketing & Communications Strategist that is passionate about social impact and currently leading as Brand and Integrated Communications Manager at Women for Women International. Juliana's career trajectory is a testament to her innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to fostering societal change. With a foundation in qualitative research and social trend analysis, she has developed forward-thinking strategies for renowned clients such as GM and Nike. Her expertise further extends to her role as a brand strategist, where she has crafted impactful narratives for global entities, including UNICEF, MasterCard, Nestlé, and Kimberly Clark, throughout Latin America. Her exceptional work has placed her on the Cannes Lions Shortlist and earned her prestigious accolades, such as the Gold Effie LATAM and Silver Effie Brazil. In a significant career pivot in 2020, Juliana embraced the nonprofit world, channeling her vast experience and insights into strategic communication plans aimed at effecting tangible social change. Her journey reflects a profound dedication to leveraging marketing and communication as powerful tools for good, positioning her as an influential leader in the social impact sector. 

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing, Fundraising/Development, Project Management. 
 Social Issues: Gender & Women's Issues, Humanitarian Relief, Human Rights & Civil Liberties.

Isaac Gonzales has four years of experience in the field of providing re-entry services to a population that is at high risk and underserved. During this time, he obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology, an Associate of Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences, and an Associate of Arts degree in Humanities. Currently, he is actively pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at California State University of Los Angeles. In his capacity as a Case Manager and Community Health Worker at Homeboy Industries, he has been responsible for providing re-entry services to individuals who are marginalized and disadvantaged. Isaac is a highly experienced system management expert who has worked with Homeboy Industries, the Justice Care of Opportunities Department of Los Angeles County, and IBM to create a platform that connects persons to social services. Through this platform, a wide range of people whose lives are negatively impacted by social injustices will gain access to a variety of services. Isaac's primary goal is to achieve the empowerment and inspiration of individuals, ultimately challenging and overturning preconceived ideas and beliefs.

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Monitoring & Evaluation.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Leadership Development.

Lisa Graham is a medical doctor with over a decade of professional experience working in healthcare systems across several countries on the African continent. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She is currently working at Partners in Health Sierra Leone as the District Advisor for the Quality Essential Health Services and Systems Support Project, a $60 million project funded by the World Bank which aims to increase utilization and improve quality of maternal and child health services in rural and hard to reach areas in five districts in Sierra Leone. Her focus has been in health systems strengthening, reproductive health, including maternal and child health, breast and cervical cancer programs, aviation and emergency medicine, and clinical health education. She is passionate about the delivery of accessible, affordable, sustainable healthcare in Africa and the development of effective health systems and programmes. Lisa has served on national technical working groups drafting national cancer policies and on the roll-out of the HPV vaccine. She is also a supervisory board member and Trustee of the AdAmi project a UK-registered charity organization based in Sierra Leone that empowers expectant and young mothers to return to education or employment.

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Gender & Women's Issues, Humanitarian Relief, Public Health.

Marisa Grimes has been working in the international development space for more than a decade, focusing primarily on serving smallholder farmers in East Africa with the trainings, tools, and inputs they need to increase their yields and access a stronger financial future. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from George Washington University and a Master's Degree in Social and Cultural Analysis from New York University. Currently, Marisa serves as the Program Director of Tubura Strategy at One Acre Fund Rwanda where she leads a team of more than 35 individuals to design the strategic direction and implementation plans for marketing, enrollment, product sales and impact training for more than 750,000 farm families across rural Rwanda. Previously, Marisa worked on expanding One Acre Fund's geographical presence in both Rwanda and Tanzania to include hundreds of additional villages and new jobs, and led the Tanzania field-facing management team for several years. She also has volunteered as a secondary school English teacher, has started her own nonprofit, and serves on a young professional advisory board for a NGO focused on improving maternal health in Nepal. In addition to her core work functions, Marisa is passionate about the professional development of her direct reports, team members and colleagues and has dedicated time to create trainings, host pair walks, and prioritize opportunities for others to grow.

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Economic Development, Environment, Leadership Development.

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.

 Professional Skills: Project Management, Technology/Engineering.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Humanitarian Relief, Public Health.

Sally Holmes is a Development & Communications Specialist at Landesa, where she writes content to support strategic communications goals and seeks mission-aligned grant funding. Prior to her current role, she worked for a global health non-profit and a global education social enterprise. Sally also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Zambia focused on aquaculture capacity. She holds a Master of Public Administration in International Development from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Governance and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy from Colby College. Sally’s professional interests include sustainable agriculture, marine conservation, and ethical storytelling.

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing, Fundraising/Development, Project Management.
 Social Skills: Environment, Media & Journalism, Philanthropy.

Timsur Christopher Iliya is a seasoned social worker and conflict management specialist with over a decade of dedicated service in championing the welfare and empowerment of vulnerable populations, particularly orphans and children facing crises. With extensive experience in process and program development, child protection, and transformative peacebuilding, he serves as the Case Management Officer at SOS Children’s Village Programme Ogun, where he plays a pivotal role in implementing gate-keeping procedures, ensuring the fulfillment of basic needs, and providing comprehensive support to caregivers. His leadership and management skills have proven instrumental in optimizing resources and achieving organizational objectives effectively. His commitment to social justice is evident in his prior role as a Class Teacher, where he fostered a conducive learning environment while actively combating child abuse and exploitation. Passionate about child protection, case management, psychosocial support, and community development, Timsur actively engages in initiatives promoting family strengthening, holistic development, and gender equality. Grounded in academic excellence, he holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and International Studies from the esteemed University of Jos, Nigeria, complemented by a Master's Degree in Conflict Management and Peace Studies, enhancing his expertise in fostering positive change and spearheading sustainable peace building endeavors within communities. Timsur’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the marginalized through strategic interventions and tireless advocacy for social change reflects his vision of building resilient and inclusive societies, where every individual can thrive and flourish.

 Professional Skills: Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Youth Development.

Emma Ingaiza is a seasoned health systems specialist, bringing over a decade of experience in implementing primary healthcare programs. Her expertise spans across various critical areas including treatment, maternal and child health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Emma holds a degree in health systems management from Kenya Methodist University, underscoring her commitment to understanding and improving healthcare delivery systems. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and growth, Emma is currently pursuing her Masters in Business Administration at Strathmore University in Kenya, aiming to blend her healthcare expertise with strategic business acumen. Throughout her career, Emma has held numerous leadership positions, each contributing to her holistic understanding of healthcare management and implementation. Presently, she serves as the Head of Health at Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), the largest grassroots organization in Kenya. In this role, Emma leads initiatives that address healthcare challenges at the grassroots level, working tirelessly to improve access to quality healthcare services for marginalized communities. Emma's dedication to advancing health equity and her unique blend of healthcare and business acumen make her a driving force in the field of public health and social enterprise in Kenya. During her moments of vitality, Emma finds joy in engaging in activities that nurture the essence of humanity. She cherishes dedicating time to practices of meditation and mindfulness and finding solace and renewal in these mindful pursuits.

 Professional Skills: Fundraising/Development, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Humanitarian Relief, Leadership Development, Public Health.

Ange Ishimwe Benimana is a talented accountant known for her exceptional ability to manage numbers and navigate financial complexities. She is deeply committed to empowering women and dedicates her time to mentorship, advocacy, and actively participating in initiatives that support women's advancement. Outside of work, she enjoys workouts, movies, music, traveling, and dining out with loved ones.

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing, Fundraising/Development, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Gender & Women's Issues, Leadership Development, Youth Development.

Jean de Dieu Izabayo Sekabanza has a keen interest in economic sciences and pursued his studies at the University of Goma, graduating from the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management with a focus on Financial Management.Having a passion for ensuring financial integrity and risk management, he embarked on a career path that led him to the non-governmental sector. For approximately four years, he served first as the Risk and Compliance Coordinator and now as Risk and Compliance Manager at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen in overseeing the organization's risk management framework, ensuring adherence to regulatory policies, supporting coordination of external audit, and conducting internal controls to mitigate potential risks effectively. Prior to his tenure at NRC, He gained valuable experience in the field of finance while working with Mercy Corps DRC. This experience provided him with a solid foundation in financial analysis, budget management, and in internal control, further enhancing his expertise in the field of financial management. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is deeply passionate about youth empowering. Recognizing the transformative potential of empowering youth through leadership, skill development, and civic engagement, he actively engages in initiatives aimed at promoting youth empowerment with his community and beyond. Through his diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to excellence, Jean de Dieu continues to make meaningful contributions to his professional field and society at large.

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Financial Management, Partnership & Coalition-building.
 Social Issues: Economic Development, Leadership Development, Youth Development.

Bupe Mulenga Kabamba holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Lusaka, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in demography with economics from the University of Zambia. She has ten years of experience in research and evaluation. She currently works as Research and Learning specialist on a malaria project helping to generate data for decision making to end malaria. Previously, while working as a Research Associate at the American Institutes for Research she contributed to understanding how making data easier for communities to understand can empower them to participate in decision making. Before this she had worked in the agriculture sector contributing to research aimed at improving post-harvest practices among small scale farmers and getting them the right seed varieties for food security. Her career started out at the Zambian chapter of a global standard called the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative advocating for disclosure of remittances of mining companies to the government and receipts of the government from mining companies. Given her experience in diverse sectors Bupe believes in and is passionate about the application of data-driven and evidence based, sector wide approaches in any intervention as a holistic remedy if people’s lives are to be improved. A feminist, she believes in including women’s and local voices and lived experiences in every space and at all levels.

 Professional Skills: Monitoring & Evaluation, Research.
 Social Issues: Gender & Women's Issues, Public Health, Youth Development.

Fanwi Seraphine Kakwi is a community social change worker and a Child Protection/Safeguarding Officer at SUSTAIN Cameroon and ECPAT Cameroon. She has over eleven years of experience in the development field. She is passionate about empowering women and girls providing them with the environment to achieve their full potentials. Fanwi is also an Evangelist and the founder & Executive Director of Mercy Seed Outreach. She holds a BA in Bible and Theology from All Nations For Christ Bible Institute International in Benin City, Nigeria, she has a diploma in inclusive special needs education and a Teacher's Grade I Certificate.

 Professional Skills: Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Gender & Women's Issues.

Wanga Katimba has over six years of experience in operations and program management working for non-profit organizations. In 2020, she was awarded a fully funded MBA scholarship by the Scottish government and Heriot-Watt University through their Gender Equality Initiative. She successfully graduated with a Master's degree in Business Administration in December 2023, complementing her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Northrise University. Currently, Wanga is involved in the Strengthening Oxygen Utilization and Respiratory Ecosystem project with PATH Zambia. This initiativeaims to provide all patients, regardless of place of birth, with access to the lifesaving medical oxygen they need and seeks to reduce maternal, child, and overall mortality from hypoxemia-related causes through improved access to high quality oxygen services. Wanga actively participates in technical working groups and civil society coalitions dedicated to implementing the Zambia National Medical Oxygen Strategic Plan (2022 to 2026). In her prior position, she dedicated four years to the Care and Treatment project with ICAP at Columbia University in Zambia. This initiative provided care for HIV-related illnesses and offered mentorship to healthcare workers and community volunteers. Wanga is particularly interested in gender and women’s issues, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, and working for NGO’s that aim to accelerate health equity so all people and communities can thrive. She is passionate about raising awareness and advocating for improved services and management of chronic diseases such as endometriosis in her country of birth, Zambia.

 Professional Skills: Human Resources/Operations, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Gender & Women's Issues, Humanitarian Relief, Public Health.

Khalida Khalo Lazgeen brings over eight years of experience in the non-governmental sector, focusing on humanitarian initiatives. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Duhok in Iraq. Khalida's career path led her to serve as a program officer within the social and economic empowerment program at Women for Women International in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. In this role, she dedicated herself to supporting marginalized women across various districts and villages, fostering their social and economic independence by helping them establish their businesses and amplify their voices. Back in 2018 she worked in a position as a protection project manager at a local organization, collaborating with NPA organization, Khalida furthered her mission by assisting survivors of war and conflict, particularly those affected by ISIS and gender-based violence in Nineveh. Throughout her journey, Khalida honed her project management and coordination skills, along with team collaboration and communication abilities. With a deep-rooted passion for gender equality, Khalida sees herself as an advocate for women's rights, aspiring to witness all women empowered to live peaceful and fulfilling lives, enjoying their rightful place in society.

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing, Economic Development, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Economic Development, Gender & Women's Issues.

Mónica Llaguno, an accomplished program evaluation and research practitioner from Ecuador, brings over eight years of experience in international children and youth-focused programming. Serving as the Associate Vice-President of Research, Evaluation, and Learning at Covenant House International (Casa Alianza) she has spearheaded the development of a regional monitoring and evaluation framework in Latin America, impacting over 7,000 children annually. Mónica oversees the outcomes of programs addressing diverse socioeconomic issues, including homelessness, food insecurity, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. Fluent in Spanish, she has played a pivotal role in facilitating efficient communication strategies and knowledge management efforts, fostering a shared understanding of effective program models. Beyond Covenant House (Casa Alianza), Mónica has contributed to global initiatives at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), influenced legislation as a Public Policy Consultant for a former New York City Council, and secured funding to expand a school feeding program in Ethiopia. Mónica holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from The New School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Augustana University, both with notable scholarships.

 Professional Skills: Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Human Rights & Civil Liberties, Public Health, Youth Development.

Tolulope Makinde is a career development expert and an experienced project manager passionate about entrepreneurship, education and youth development with over a decade of experience in planning, activity design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and supervising projects and programs that focus on improving the quality of life of vulnerable children and adults and helping organizations reduce costs and maximize results, including providing technical leadership, developing reports, prioritize, advocate and network with individuals and partner stakeholders. As a Project Officer for Youth Development at SOS Children's Villages, Nigeria, he has led efforts to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment by coordinating career awareness and vocational guidance programs. His work involves establishing and maintaining effective relationships with various agencies, employees, and young people. He also plays a pivotal role in identifying the needs of young people in remote communities and developing strategies to address their social and emotional needs. He is the founder of Motivated Mankind, a network of entrepreneurs and volunteers who have a passion for impacting their society with their skills, knowledge, and innovation, and an initiative for youth development, education, and entrepreneurship. While working as the Programme Coordinator of the Motivated Mankind Initiative, he has helped thousands of youths to access relevant information for capacity building, career development, and professional development. His career goal is to utilize his skills and expertise in an organization to exceed projected revenue growth, build relationships with new people, influence people, and make a global impact.

 Professional Skills:  Communications and Marketing, Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Civic Engagement/Politics, Education, Youth Development.

Afiya Micah is a humanitarian worker with over six years of working as a social empowerment trainer, training marginalized women in rural communities in post-conflict areas of Plateau State. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in plant science and technology from the University of Jos. She is currently responsible for executing the one-year training curriculum, which comprises five modules: women's solidarity, the value of women’s work, health and wellness, gender equality, rights and decision-making, and women influencing decisions in their communities and supervising program participants according to organizational guidelines. She is committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to change their lives, homes, and communities positively. She trained 150 women in advocacy and communication to prepare them to work as change agents in their community. She was part of the team that did a step-down training on gender and development for some of their colleagues. She has worked as an enumerator, collecting baseline data, and as a computer and data operator, conducting biometrics and data capture for the Plateau State ICT department. She is passionate about gender equality, poverty alleviation, social justice, education access, healthcare access, community development, human rights, mental health awareness, and community safety. She aims to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and create a more just and equitable society.

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing, Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Gender & Women's Issues.

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 labour 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.

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Project Management, Technology/Engineering.
 Social Skills: Education, Environment, Youth Development.

Jeanne Mukarukundo is a professional renowned for her expertise in climate smart agricultural development and sustainable farming practices. With a distinguished background in environment Jeanne has served in different positions at One Acre Fund where she now save as the Tree and Outgrowers Program Manager, a leading organization dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers Jeanne's career is marked by a commitment Armed with a Master’ Degree in soil and water management from Haryana Agriculture University in India a wealth of practical knowledge gained through years of fieldwork, she has emerged as a driving force in the realm of rural development. Previous to the work at One Acre Fund Jeanne worked as a local expert for KCC a company from Southern Korea for the design of multi-purpose Dam that will support smallholder’s community in the Eastern province of Rwanda, she also worked for the Ministry of Agriculture in 2010 to 2011 as Watershed officer supervising the implementation of land husbandly, Water Harvesting and hillside Irrigation (LWH) a World Bank funded project before resuming her study in 2012. At One Acre Fund, Jeanne assumes a pivotal role in spearheading the strategic planning and execution of tree planting initiatives and Out growers’ program. At One Acre Fund her achievements include initiation of one of the biggest network of local community trees nurseries which are led by the 2000+ local enterprises and being able to produce and distribute 20 Million trees on annual basis. As per 2023, 96 million trees were produced and distributed to farmers.

 Professional Skills: Economic Development, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Economic Development, Environment, Gender & Women's Issues.

Florence Musabyemariya is from Rwanda and holds her Master’s Degree in International Relations obtained from Xiamen University (China), Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and diploma in Nursing. She has been working with Partners In Health Rwanda for more than five years assuming different positions since 2019 with sound experience in leading clinical programs and research with acquired skills in data collection, transcription and coding. She is experienced in non-communicable diseases where she actively contributed to the decentralization and treatment of diabetic, hypertension and asthma from district hospitals to health centers. Moreover, she has extensive training skills as a trainer of trainees on non-communicable diseases. Currently, Florence works as associate director in charge of clinical programs with responsibilities of coordinating programs at the cross-site level offering programmatic Implementation, knowledge generation and use and health systems strengthening support to the clinical programs and facilitate communication with various levels of decisions making as well as with all staff, under the supervision of the deputy executive director of Partners In Health Rwanda. She coordinates and supports cross-site requests and opportunities, while in the implementation she tracks and strengthens clinical programs to ensure effectiveness and efficacy. In addition, she catalyzes new initiatives to ensure smooth onboarding and quick execution, leads in communication, project concept notes writing/reviews, partnership management, budget management, as well as overseeing programs progress. She is very passionate about global health issues especially in responding to social determinants of health around rural communities.

 Professional Skills:  Monitoring & Evaluation, Partnership & Coalition-building, Research.
 Social Issues: Leadership Development, Philanthropy, Public Health.

Grace Namukonde Kayamba is a graduate from the University of Zambia, the National University of Ireland-Galway and the University of Lusaka. She is 43 years old and lives in Lusaka-Zambia. Grace obtained her Bachelor of Arts with Education degree at the University of Zambia in 2005. She later did the Cambridge International Diploma in Project Management with the University of Cambridge-International Examinations in 2009. Grace went on to do further studies at the National University of Ireland-Galway where she studied Gender, Globalisation and Rights and graduated in 2013 with the Second-Class Honours Grade 1. In 2019, Grace graduated with a Master of Science degree in Project Management at the University of Lusaka. Grace joined the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in 2007 as a Program Officer-Education and has been climbing the ladder to Senior Program Officer, Training Manager, Education Manager and currently serving as a Program Manager. As a Program Manager, Grace plans, coordinates, and oversees the implementation of projects in Education and Young Women Empowerment programs. She provides technical support to the Monitoring and Evaluation team on project evaluations and research. Grace sat on the ZANEC Board as Vice Board Secretary and Gender and Equity Chairperson. Grace has over years managed different donor contracts ensuring that projects are managed as per donor requirements. Grace represents the organization in various stakeholder high level meetings and networks with other Civil Society organizations and government ministries. Before joining CAMFED, she worked with HODI on a UNHCR Refugee Project as a SGBV/HIV/AIDS Coordinator.

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Gender & Women's Issues.

Dr. Siddharth Narendran is a distinguished medical professional and researcher currently serving as a Medical Officer at Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, and a Faculty member at Aravind Medical Research Foundation. His educational journey began with earning an MBBS and MS in Ophthalmology from Dr. MGR University and Aravind Eye Hospital. Driven by a passion for advanced research, Dr. Siddharth pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in Ocular Immunology and Genetics under the guidance of Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati at the University of Virginia. Dr. Siddharth's exceptional work has been acknowledged through numerous awards, including the AIOS-HOYA Young Researcher Award, the JM Pahwa award from VRSI, the Col Rangachari Award from AIOS, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Best Paper Award in 2023. Notably, he was the first Indian recipient of the Resident and Fellow Research Award by the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Siddharth holds patents related to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and CRISPR-based diagnostics, showcasing his innovative approach to tackling complex medical challenges. Dr. Siddharth's primary aim is to develop and strengthen the research capacity and capabilities in India, enabling the country to effectively study and address its own unique problems in the field of ophthalmology. By fostering a robust research ecosystem, he hopes to empower Indian scientists and medical professionals to find solutions tailored to the needs of the Indian population, ultimately improving eye care and overall health outcomes in the country.

 Professional Skills: Human Resources/Operations, Monitoring & Evaluation, Research.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Leadership Development, Public Health.

Sunday Nyebe is a professional based in Nigeria, holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Water Resources Engineering from Modibbo Adama University of Technology, and 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, The 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.

 Professional Skills:  Fundraising/Development, Monitoring & Evaluation, Technology/Engineering.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Environment, Public Health.

Belinda Oluoch is a supply chain professional with nine years of professional experience in the industry. She is currently heading the Inventory department at SHOFCO, a grassroot movement across Kenya slums providing services, community advocacy platforms, education and leadership development for women and girls. A proud graduate of Maseno University with a Bachelor's degree. She was inspired to pursue a career in Business Administration with IT, Supply Chain Management Option, since it offers a wide variety of opportunities for career advancement and also had a chance to create positive impact indirectly, in the urban slums of Kenya through SHOFCO. Her responsibilities in her current role include overseeing a team of inventory staff, managing inventory tracking system, evaluating deliveries and stock levels, analyzing daily stock and supply, managing assets and ensuring the programs team members get their resources in a timely manner to support their daily activities. Her professional abilities also lie in Procurement and Logistics management. Besides her professional career, her passion is to fight stigma and discrimination against mental illnesses and people living with mental health conditions. She is also passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. She is currently supporting SHOFCO in Mental Health awareness creation through trainings as a TOT and mentor under the Youth Voice Project, across the country. Her dream is to have a world free from mental illnesses, especially among the youth.

 Professional Skills: Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building, Human Resources/Operations, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Leadership Development, Youth Development.

Sylvia Privette has more than 15 years of experience in HR management and processes. She has a BA in International Relations and an MA in Human Resources. After living abroad and travelling around the world, she is settled in Peru where she collaborates at a French based NGO, that works alongside people with disabilities in times of peace, conflict, and natural disaster. She is passionate about helping others and is interested in studying about human behavior and leadership.

 Professional Skills: Human Resources/Operations.
 Social Issues:  Human Resources/Operations.

Jasmine Rogers is an experienced member of CAMFED International’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Team. Based in Cambridge, UK, Jasmine joined CAMFED in 2018. In her role as MEL manager, Jasmine works to evaluate the impact of the organisation’s Programmes, translating data and insights into valuable learning and providing technical and coordination support to CAMFED’s MEL teams in Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Jasmine holds an MA in Environment, Development and Policy from the University of Sussex, where she explored gendered socio-political relationships between environmental and developmental challenges in low-income countries and a BA in Geography from Durham University. With seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jasmine is committed to the promotion of community-based grassroots social change concerning gender equality, agriculture and climate change, and the transformative power of inclusive education.

 Professional Skills: Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Education, Gender & Women's Issues, Youth Development.

Renée Roodhuizen is firmly convinced that the implementation and safeguarding of the Convention on the Rights of the Child can make the world a better place. As such, she informs and persuades politicians on various topics, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children's interests in the drafting of legislation and regulations. Renée has extensive expertise in children's rights, with a special focus on sexual exploitation and issues related to asylum and migration, both nationally and internationally. Her profound knowledge was developed during her time as a policy advisor for a Member of Parliament in the Justice and Safety Department and as a Public Affairs Advisor at Defence for Children - ECPAT, a leading international organization dedicated to protecting children's rights for over 40 years. A diligent team player, Renée excels at bringing together diverse groups of people. She studied political science at Leiden University and hails from a small village in the Dutch countryside. Renée is passionately committed to advocating for and safeguarding the rights and well-being of children worldwide.

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Partnership & Coalition-building, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Civic Engagement/Politics, Human Rights & Civil Liberties, Youth Development.

Isabel Ruiz is a passionate professional living in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. In 2011, she obtained a degree in Environmental Systems Engineering from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN, by its acronym in Spanish). Her commitment to making a positive impact on both environmental and social fronts led her to study a double-degree master’s in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, and Development. For the last year and a half, she has collaborated with Heifer Mexico as manager for the social capital and women empowerment department; in her role, she has the mission to guarantee that projects include actions to impulse social cohesion, women and youths opportunities, and caring for the earth. Additionally, Isabel provides guidance and support to staff members, aiding them in implementing projects focusing on gender equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 Professional Skills: Consulting, Fundraising/Development, Project Management.
 Social Issues: Environment, Gender & Women's Issues, Public Health.

Ahmed Abdullah Saba, a 30-year-old humanitarian professional from Anbar Governorate, Iraq, holds a Master's degree in Geophysics from Baghdad University, where he excelled as a top performer. With eight years of experience in conflict-affected settings, Ahmed specializes in strategic design and relationship management. Currently serving as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator at NRC, Ahmed oversees MEL plans for multiple projects, designs data collection tools, and conducts capacity-building workshops. Prior roles include Monitoring & Evaluation Officer and Protection Monitoring and Capacity Building Officer, where he demonstrated his expertise in ensuring data accuracy and supporting vulnerable populations.

Ahmed is fluent in Arabic, proficient in English, and possesses excellent coordination, communication, and leadership skills. Committed to professional development, he has undergone training in Safe Inclusive Programming and Hostile Environment Awareness. Known for his ability to work under stress and maintain confidentiality, Ahmed is dedicated to making impactful contributions to humanitarian efforts.  Ahmed, holds a Master's Degree in Geophysics from Baghdad University, where he excelled as a top performer. With eight years of experience in conflict-affected settings, Ahmed specializes in strategic design and relationship management. Currently serving as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator at the Norwegian Refugee Council, Ahmed oversees MEL plans for multiple projects, designs data collection tools, and conducts capacity-building Anbar Governorate workshops. Prior roles include Monitoring & Evaluation Officer and Protection Monitoring and Capacity Building Officer, where he demonstrated his expertise in ensuring data accuracy and supporting vulnerable populations. Ahmed is fluent in Arabic, proficient in English, and possesses excellent coordination, communication, and leadership skills. Committed to professional development, he has undergone training in Safe Inclusive Programming and Hostile Environment Awareness. Known for his ability to work under stress and maintain confidentiality, Ahmed is dedicated to making impactful contributions to humanitarian efforts.

 Professional Skills: Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Research.
 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Leadership Development.

Marta Skierkowska is a psychologist and a dedicated manager committed to developing outreach programs. With over 15 years of involvement in aiding children who have suffered from violence or sexual abuse, she co-manages one of Poland's largest NGOs, the Empowering Children Foundation, affiliated with ECPAT International in the country. Since 2022, Marta has extended her efforts to humanitarian work, supporting the Ukrainian community seeking refuge in Poland, collaborating with organizations such as Unicef and UNHCR. Having ascended through the ranks of the organization from assistant to board member, Marta is the architect of numerous child abuse prevention programs. Collaborating with her teams, she focuses on scaling these solutions and integrating them into Poland's systemic activities, encompassing direct interventions, research, education, and advocacy. Marta recognizes the importance of addressing both child abuse and the well-being of staff who confront child trauma daily. She fosters personal development among her team members, ensuring they find roles that resonate with them, and cultivates a supportive environment that mitigates professional burnout. For Marta, combating child abuse is a calling—an honor she pursues with unwavering dedication, believing that well-executed actions can save countless children's lives. It is this commitment that drives her to refine and standardize her management practices, drawing inspiration from others and striving for continuous improvement in her service to the cause.

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing, Consulting, Curriculum Writing/Training/Capacity-building.
 Social Issues: Human Rights & Civil Liberties, Public Health, Youth Development.

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.

 Professional Skills: Economic Development, Project Management, Technology/Engineering.

 Social Issues: Environment, Humanitarian Relief, Leadership Development.

Samuel Asare-Danquah is a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) specialist with a diverse background in Monitoring and Evaluation, Accounting and Finance, Marketing, and Energy Economics. He has a varied career history in monitoring and evaluation, research, market research account management, and consulting. With two master's degrees in Energy Economics and Accounting and Finance from prestigious institutions in Ghana, Samuel has continually sought to enhance his knowledge and expertise in the field. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM – UK) with a Chartered Marketer status and a member of CIM-UK. With over fifteen years of experience working with multinational institutions, Samuel is a passionate MERL professional and strategist.
His career journey has seen him grow from an M&E officer at CAMFED Ghana to his current role as Head of MERL, where he provides strategic guidance, ensures the functional integration of MERL activities into program design, and oversees the implementation of cross-team projects. Prior to his role at CAMFED, Samuel also worked as a market research executive at Kantar Ghana, where he managed key accounts such as BAT, Diageo, MTN, and Coca Cola. A natural leader, Samuel has successfully led diverse teams of professionals on various projects, showcasing his ability to drive performance and deliver results.

 Professional Skills: Communications and Marketing
Monitoring & Evaluation
Research.

 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Gender & Women's Issues
Leadership Development.

Linda Karen Hawa Compaoré has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. Passionate about gender and conflict management issues, her undergraduate thesis focused on "The Contribution of Women's Civil Society Organizations in Conflict Resolution in West Africa: the Case of the Women's Platform for Peace in Casamance". Today, this passion is reflected in her pursuit of a Master's degree in International Development and Humanitarian Action Management, in her desire to understand the social and political dynamics underlying conflicts, and to engage meaningfully in concrete actions to promote social justice and gender equality in order to leave no one behind. Linda is a passionate advocate of women's and girls' rights and community development. She has accumulated valuable experience both in the field and within organizations in the development field, with over three years' experience with NGOs and the private sector in Canada and in Senegal, where she currently lives and works for Tostan. Linda joined Tostan in 2022 and holds the position of Partnerships Officer since May 2023. This position gives her a platform to realize her vision of a world where women and girls are at the heart of change. For Linda, women's empowerment is not just an aspiration, but a deeply rooted conviction. She sincerely believes that women and girls are the key to development, particularly in Africa. That's why this quote from Kofi Annan: "There is no more effective development tool than the empowerment of women" illustrates her commitment and passion for women's empowerment.

 Professional Skills: Human Resources/Operations
Partnership & Coalition-building
Project Management.

 Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Gender & Women's Issues
Humanitarian Relief.

Vineet Prakash is a young professional from Bihar, India, currently serving as an American India Foundation Banyan Impact Fellow, placed with Doctors For You as their host organization. He previously worked as an assistant to the Chairman of the Committee on Question and Call attention and Prison reform at the Bihar Legislative Council. Vineet holds a Master's degree in Social Work from TISS, Guwahati, and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Amity University, Noida. A graduate of the 2018 batch of The Dexterity School of Leadership & Entrepreneurship program from The Dexterity Global Group. Initiating his social impact journey at the age of 15, Vineet founded a volunteer-based organization, focusing on rural development, women empowerment, sanitation, environment, and youth development at the grassroots level. Throughout his career, he has actively engaged in various areas of social work practice, policy, and governance with different organizations. Selected by the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata and Chennai for several programs, Vineet implemented numerous social action projects on different themes. Additionally, he is a founding member of Volunteer for India and has been associated with organizations such as the YP Foundation, serving as a SAFE Abortion Fellow and participating as an IUIF fellow with the Ideosync - UNESCO Information fellowship. He has been recognized as a young leader for engagements on social action by American Centre New Delhi and Lead India.

Zienab Anwar has over a decade of experience in designing and implementing research projects and evaluation frameworks for migration and economic empowerment programmes. In 2017, Zienab received her Master’s degree from the Atkinson School of Management in the United States of America with a focus on government and nonprofit management. Zienab worked with international organizations, such as Save the Children and Plan International, in research, monitoring, and evaluation. Throughout her career with different international organizations and think tanks in Europe, Zienab has designed and implemented more than 30 evaluation and research studies focusing on migration, peacebuilding, and economic empowerment.

Seyi Olashore is a healthcare informatics and project management professional with over six years of experience in the nonprofit health sector. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Demography and Social Statistics from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master's degree in Healthcare Analytics and Artificial Intelligence from Sheffield Hallam University. Currently serving the National Health Service, Seyi provides project data analysis support to deliver trusted, high-quality services to patients. Previously, he played a pivotal role in a cervical cancer secondary prevention program with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, aligning efforts with the World Health Organization's 2030 goal through the introduction of AI-based surveillance tools & expanding affordable screening and treatment opportunities for over 16,000 women. Seyi has a proven track record of coordination and analytics support in various multisectoral projects, such as a Bill and Melinda Gates-funded nutrition project where he served as a Health Systems Strengthening Project Officer, improving the nutritional status of over 77,000 Nigerian children. In a UNFPA project, he coordinated the provision of psychosocial support & community resilience services to over 51,000 internally displaced women in North-Eastern Nigeria. Proficient in resource mobilization, Seyi secured $667,000 in grants through the UNOCHA Nigerian Humanitarian Fund, enhancing Maternal, Newborn, Child, & Adolescent Health Care Services in north-east Nigeria. His commitment to gender equality is evident in coordinating a Girl Child Education Project, benefiting 915 out-of-school girls aged 16-19 years in Lagos.

Mohammed Hussain has dedicated the last eight years to the educational sector, holding a postgraduate degree in Education from Azim Premji University Bangalore. Completing a Bachelor of Education in Physics and Mathematics, he commenced his profession as a science and mathematics teacher. Hussain's experience spans various educational, social, and developmental organizations. He collaborated with the Kaivalya Education Foundation Delhi team, working in conjunction with the Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi. In this role, he designed and led professional training programs for government educational officers. Subsequently, Hussain served as the School Principal of CBSE and state board schools in Kerala, including the Bolster Girls campus, a career-oriented residential school exclusively for girls. Passionate about training, he has successfully trained over 2,000 teachers, approximately 5,000 students, and more than 3,000 parents. Additionally, Hussain is a trained career coach. Currently, he serves as a Banyan Impact Fellow with the American India Foundation, placed with Gram Vikas Trust Bharuch.

Farhana Shahnaz is currently working as a Content Manager at the UN WFP where she implements the Bangladesh country office's communications plan by supporting and delivering a range of communications activities, providing research and analysis. Previously, she worked as a Communications Officer at UNDP's flagship prevention of violent extremism project as its first communications focal. She raised 3.1M BDT in 6 months during her stint as a Fundraising Officer, extended multidisciplinary support to the child protection unit of a Rohingya emergency response program, supported the implementation and coordinated all communication efforts and donor reporting of a project focused on disaster risk reduction for the Rohingya population. She has demonstrated experience of more than 7 years in strategic development communications, digital communications, report and proposal writing, knowledge management, content development, and editing. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Marketing, a Master's degree in Development Studies, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations. She is also a WHO-certified Infodemic Manager and a trained Innovation Facilitator. She was a part of the Swedish Institute Leader Lab 2022 and studied civic engagement at the prestigious Central European University in the summer of 2022 with a full scholarship.

Esther Wangai is a human resource management specialist with a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management and seven years of experience in both profit and nonprofit sectors. As a licensed HR practitioner with certification in Human Resource Management Information Systems, Esther is currently pursuing international HR certification and participating in the McKinsey Future Program. In 2021, Esther engaged in the Emerging Leaders Foundation fellowship, where she received training on value-based youth leadership, and driving transformative change in communities. Esther has spearheaded initiatives promoting gender empowerment, women’s rights, equal pay for equal work, and diversity inclusion, while fostering personal and professional development for employees. As the Senior Human Resource Officer at Stratostaff East Africa, she collaborated with top management to establish a successful leadership development program for mid-level female employees. Esther focuses on talent acquisition, retention, performance management, employee relations, learning and development for over 1000 employees. Esther is a disability inclusion champion in the workplace. In her previous role at a nonprofit organization, she initiated an employee welfare program and established a women’s network with monthly sessions on health, career, finance, and family. Beyond her professional roles, Esther volunteers for the Rise Global Program, serving as a selector for exceptional young individuals, and holds a Board position at I Choose Life Africa, a youth-focused organization. Additionally, she chairs a young women's entrepreneurship group and enjoys watching animated movies.

Hager Ashour has five years of experience in the governmental and international sectors. She earned her Master’s degree in Big Data Technologies from Glasgow Caledonian University in the UK. She is a data scientist with a focus on data analysis skills and Natural Language Processing (NLP). She worked at the National Organization of Social Insurance as a statistical specialist, where she analyzed insurance data and create a map highlighting the cities with the most need for governmental aid. She also worked with the African Union as an ICT officer in Mali to promote the importance of local languages in the publication fields. This work aimed to enhance inclusion and diversity in cyberspace and help Africans use their mother tongues. One of her key accomplishments was the development and implementation of an online Dynamic Reporting system using Tableau. Within a short period, she designed an interactive map that revolutionized reporting processes by providing stakeholders with real-time data visualization and analysis. Through these experiences, she developed a strong foundation in data-driven decision making and a passion for leveraging technology to drive social impact.

Ben Gellman is serving as an American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellow with Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction (VIKSAT), Nehru Foundation for Development in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. For his Fellowship project, he is working on impact assessments of projects implemented by VIKSAT in rural Gujarat as well as VIKSAT’s annual report, and preparations for VIKSAT’s 50th Anniversary. Ben graduated from Colorado College cum laude in 2022 with a degree in History with Distinction. While at Colorado College, he received a Keller Family Venture Grant to interview people in Nairobi and Eldoret, Kenya about Kenya’s Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission and the International Criminal Court proceedings that followed post-election ethnic violence in Kenya in 2007-2008. After college, he worked at the civil legal aid organization Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) as a Montana Eviction Intervention Program Intake Specialist and as an Eviction Prevention Case Navigator.

Aashritha Murali holds a B.A. in liberal arts from NMIMS Mumbai in 2022. Her areas of interest lie in health, education and gender. She is currently working with American India foundation as a Banyan Impact Fellow. Her project works towards gender equity using sports as a tool. She works on creating training curriculums, M&E, blogs, grant-writing and delivering trainings to young girls. She previously interned with Indian Oil corporation, where she worked briefly on sustainability and greenwashing practices in corporations. She also interned at the State Planning commission of TN, India, where she worked on a project on health systems, and SDGs. She has research volunteering experience in understanding gender and female representation in economics academia; and barriers to maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa. She looks forward to a career in the field of gender equality, equitable access to healthcare and education.

Abid Baba is currently a Banyan Impact Fellow with the American India Foundation. He previously contributed to the Srinagar station of All India Radio from 2012 to 2018, amassing over 100 audio segments. Recognized for his storytelling prowess, his narratives were shortlisted among Asia's top three submissions for the AIPS Sports Media Awards in 2020, 2021, and 2022. In 2017, Abid served as a Research Assistant in the public relations division of the Government Grievance Cell. Transitioning to research, he worked as a research associate with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) in 2019. Notably, in 2020, Abid held the position of a climate change Media Fellow with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and became the inaugural recipient of the Narender Revelli National Media Fellowship. Adding to his accomplishments, he secured a grant from Columbia University in the US. Passionate about the convergence of inter-faith harmony, disability, quality education, climate change, and digital rights, Abid has represented India in three international conferences on Peace, Conflict, and Violence. Committed to community building, he has been a volunteer with the US-based NGO Kashmir Education Initiative since March 2020.

Isha has been working in the nonprofit sector as a human rights practitioner and program manager for over seven years. A lawyer by profession, currently, she serves as a Senior Manager in the institutional partnerships team at Magic Bus India, focusing on life skills education for adolescents. Before joining Magic Bus, Isha managed flagship programs, including the USAID initiative on improving health in Madhya Pradesh, India and mobilizing philanthropy for social causes in tier 2 and tier 3 cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at AVPN. At Utthan, a grassroots organization, she worked as a program lead on a fellowship program for peace, justice, and conflict resolution through the integration of Constitutional values. Leading community leaders in Gujarat, she mentored them for civic engagement by capacity-building local government bodies through dialogue and forming a critical mass. In these roles, she honed communication, research, networking, coordination, and program implementation skills. Isha has also worked with a leading legal grassroots organization, the Centre for Social Justice, Ahmedabad (CSJ). For two years, she focused on issues such as the rights and welfare of minorities in Odisha, women, the disabled, children, and other marginalized communities. Her work included grassroots research for baseline surveys, conducting legal awareness training for volunteers and paralegals, workshops, advocacy campaigns, capacity-building programs, and policy interventions. Her areas of interest in the nonprofit sector include peace and conflict resolution, gender, and access to justice.

Nasser Rashid is a professional with a strong background in economics, statistics, and global health. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Statistics from Kyambogo University, they have over six years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and data analysis. As a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with Global Health Corps, they collaborated with local health organizations to implement M&E strategies, develop results frameworks, and conduct data analysis to measure program effectiveness. In previous roles with Living Goods Uganda and IntraHealth Uganda, Iwiire designed and implemented M&E plans, oversaw data collection activities, and provided technical guidance to enhance program outcomes. With certifications in Monitoring & Evaluation and Data Analysis, Iwiire excels in quantitative and qualitative data analysis using tools like Stata, SPSS, and Excel. They are passionate about contributing to social impact initiatives and driving positive change through evidence-based decision-making.

Michael Adamson is a 2023 graduate of SOAS, University of London with a Dual Honours BA degree in Development Studies and Languages and Cultures (South Asia). Michael focused his studies on the intersections between Adivasi and Dalit communities and development. This focus culminated in an undergraduate dissertation on the concept of backwardness and its effect on Adivasi communities. During his undergraduate degree Michael participated in internships with the Indian Health Service and Outreach International. Michael is currently serving as an American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellow with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE); Ahmedabad, Gujarat. At CEE, he is planning and implementing climate resilient actions designed to support rural livelihoods and conserve local ecology in various villages in Gujarat, India. In the future, Michael hopes to work with vulnerable communities on climate resilient interventions that value indigenous knowledge and are sensitive to culture and livelihood needs. Michael enjoys playing rugby, hiking, and traveling.

Alexius Chipeta is an accomplished Procurement and Supply Chain professional with three years of expertise in managing projects in agriculture and education sectors, collaborating with donor and government-funded initiatives by The World Bank in Malawi. He holds a Master's in Business Administration in Operations Management from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, and a Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, UK. Additionally, he possesses a Bachelor's Degree in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations from the University of Malawi. His diverse skill set includes certifications in Supply Chain Principles from the Georgia Institute of Technology and training in Project Management, Procurement, and Logistics from Disaster-Ready. Alexius has completed courses in E-Procurement, Public Procurement, Contract Management from The World Bank, Introduction to Procurement and Supply Chain Management of Pharmaceutical Products from UNDP, and Logistics for Health Commodities from USAID. Alexius significantly contributed to successful project implementations, including the US$50.0 million Agriculture Sector Wide Approach Project SP II and the US$29.5 million Agriculture Productivity Program for Southern Africa. These projects enhanced access to improved agricultural resources and technologies, improving food security in communities. Committed to social impact, he volunteered with the World Health Organization Polio Vaccination Campaign, ensuring efficient logistics and supply of Polio Vaccine to underserved communities.

Peter Agbor Ako is an experienced climate change activist and conservationist with a strong background in the nonprofit sector. He holds a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences from the University of Buea, Cameroon, and a double Erasmus Mundus master's degree in Mediterranean forestry and Natural Resources Management from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, and Forest Science from the University of Padova, Italy. He has successfully led an environmental conservation organization for seven years, overseeing the implementation of over 40 projects aimed at addressing climate change and promoting conservation. These initiatives have directly benefited 700 local farmers and 800 children and youth. As a result of his leadership, the organization has gained special consultation status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and an accreditation by the United Nations Environment program (UNEP). Peter's expertise extends to partnership-building, business development, and securing funding through successful grant proposals. He has established valuable relationships with NGOs and state personnel in his previous role as coordinator of the climate change unit for a local conservation organization. He also possesses strong skills in monitoring and evaluation, consistently assessing the impact of climate change workshops delivered to over 1,000 students. Moreover, he has coordinated livelihood projects for forest communities near Mount Cameroon National Park, adapting strategies based on outcomes.

Alokita Jha is a dedicated sustainability professional with a Master's in Sustainable Livelihoods and Natural Resources Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Her commitment to positive impact is evident in her extensive volunteer work, including with YOUNGO (Youth constituency of UNFCCC) and Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Fellow. Alokita's proficiency in sustainable agriculture policies, honed during her tenure as a Program Officer at the Organic and Fairtrade Cotton Secretariat, reflects her ability to advocate for impactful change. As an Associate Fellow in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, she conducted policy research contributing to evidence-based decision-making. Alokita's expertise extends to documentation and research, as demonstrated in her role at Sushila Nayar School of Public Health. Recognized for her achievements with a Best Student Medal, she also completed prestigious programs like the ProSPER.Net Leadership Programme by the United Nations Univeristy and UNLEASH Rwanda Global Talent 2023. As a Data Science for Social Impact Program scholar, she brings a unique blend of sustainability and data science to her advocacy.

Hesbon Ochieng Okoth has more than seven years of experience working in the ICT sector, where he is working for the Kenyan Government in the state Department of ICT. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Karatina University in Kenya. As an ICT Officer in charge of Lamu County under the ICT Authority, he has played a vital role in delivering mega projects such as the National Optic Fiber Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI), County Connectivity Program (CCP), Digital Literacy Program (DLP), Ajira, and many more projects within his jurisdiction. Hesbon has also worked with the private sector as a software developer, where he converted a stand-alone school-based management system into a cloud-based system. With his professional certificates and diverse skills, Hesbon can offer an array of unique skills to his profession, including full-stack development as a software engineer, cybersecurity, graphics design, 3D printing and design, robotics, networking, hardware repair, and diagnostics.

Kevin Lunzalu is an early career ocean professional from Kenya. He is the co-founder of the Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network (KYBN), a youth-led organization that mobilizes grassroots action and leverages policy advocacy to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He has four years of experience in the nonprofit sector and holds a Master's degree in Coastal Science & Policy from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Kevin is deeply interested in co-designing conservation models and projects that enhance the resilience of natural ecosystems, native species, and local communities against climatic and anthropogenic changes. He is particularly concerned about the impact of plastics on the health and sustainability of the marine environment, key species, and human health. As a New York Academy of Sciences Marine Fellow, Kevin designed a teaching manual for the assessment of plastics in critical marine environments. The material is meant to be used by educators who work with children at the elementary and high school levels. As a member of the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) Floating Litter and its Oceanic Transport Analysis and Modelling (FLOTSAM) Working Group, Kevin co-authored a peer-reviewed, published paper on the Future of Ocean Plastics: Designing Diverse Collaboration Frameworks, which is free-access and editor’s choice. Kevin was listed among the Top 100 Young Conservation Leaders in Africa and was awarded the Top 35 Under 35 Award, the WCN Sidney Byers Scholarship, and is a Senior Aspen New Voices Fellow.

Myo Min Thein has over six years of experience within the nonprofit sector and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechatronics from the Yangon Technological University in Myanmar. Currently, Myo is working as a MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) and CFRM (Community Feedback and Response Mechanism) Specialist for a Czechia-based INGO’s Myanmar country program. As a specialist in support of the implementation of life-saving humanitarian relief in the country, he spearheads overall technical support and oversight in terms of the country program’s monitoring and evaluation functions. As a team, Myo works with his colleagues to ensure that the organization remains focused on its intended results and the most urgent community needs. Moreover, in support of local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Myo also volunteered for various data processing and capacity-strengthening projects, addressing a variety of sustainable development goals area concerning the environment, education, and water quality. Through these professional and volunteering experiences, Myo developed a strong competence primarily in data analysis, monitoring and evaluation of nonprofit projects, and communication with multi-level stakeholders. He is excited to be focusing his efforts on the nonprofit areas of sustainable economic development, inclusive initiatives, emergency humanitarian response and empowerment for a wide range of vulnerable people groups.

Abdul Majid Attar is currently immersed in an M.A. Development Studies program at the prestigious Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, on a fully funded scholarship. His academic pursuits focus on political economy, impact evaluation sustainability, and policy processes in agriculture, environment, and health. As a participant in the Naropa Fellowship, Majid played a pivotal role in founding a zero-waste management facility, underscoring his dedication to entrepreneurial leadership in the Himalayan region. His academic journey is complemented by practical experience, notably as a Project Manager at Barefoot College International. In this role, he adeptly completed high-intensity projects and spearheaded content development initiatives benefiting rural communities. Majid's commitment to social impact extends to his role as a Rural Development Fellow with the SBI YFI Fellowship, where he contributed to WASH projects in Digital Night Schools across five states in India. Additionally, Majid is the co-founder of Kashmir Hikes, a registered adventure company, and the founder of the Pahalgam Volunteers Club, a notable social movement addressing environmental degradation and conservation, actively tackling climate change-related issues in his hometown. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Majid excels in development communication, photography, and mountaineering. Majid aspires to build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, cultivating a global network of change-makers who share a common vision. His goal is to foster collaborations that synergize efforts toward formulating and implementing sustainable development policies, particularly in the Himalayan region and beyond.

Mehak Sharma is a Social Media Director with over six years of experience in the private sector and three years of experience in the nonprofit sector and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University and Post Graduation Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development from Indira Gandhi National Open University. In the past ten months, Mehak has worked on the production and post-production of short-form video content for Instagram and YouTube (Reels and Shorts). This whole experience overall exposed her firsthand to video content production at a repeated frequency. Coupled with data insights, this led to increased video views and growth of Instagram profile with over 27% increase in followers and more collaboration opportunities. She has previously worked on launching two Facebook Originals series - Kashmir Creates and Homespun, on Facebook and Instagram. Using organic and paid marketing channels for the campaign resulted in multiple episodes having more than one million views, including increased orders for the artisans and coverage of scientific innovations by grassroots innovators. Mehak conducted a masterclass for the education innovation community at the HundrED Summit 2020. In the masterclass, she explored how education stakeholders can trace changing trends that affect students outside school due to the dynamic nature of social media.

Proscovia Nabatte is a communications, media, and public relations specialist. With a focus on developing and streamlining communication and media procedures to support organizational agendas, she was the Assistant Communication Officer at Makerere University Public Relations Office over the past six years. Currently immersed in advocacy, Proscovia draws inspiration from her communication and media relations skills to support programs aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, specifically SDG 3.4 - aiming to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030. In her current roles as Communications Associate at Africa Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Network and Project Focal Person at NCD Alliance East Africa, Proscovia manages external and internal communication procedures. Her responsibilities include implementing media-related projects such as Media Engagement for NCD Awareness and Advocacy. She has established systems for information dissemination and access on NCDs and health-related issues in East African Countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar. Proscovia has developed communication policies, guided countries on effective usage of communication tools to support advocacy agendas, and built an East Africa Network of 40 journalists to enhance information dissemination through impactful, inspirational success stories, fostering media conversations on government roles, budget allocations towards health, and policy frameworks on NCDs.

Harshitha Pudota is a recent graduate holding a Master's in International Studies from Christ University, Bangalore, India. She has enriched her academic journey through impactful internships and experiences with distinguished non-profits. Notably, she contributed to the communications teams at the Rural Development Trust and Public Affairs Foundation. Currently serving as a Banyan Impact Fellow at the American India Foundation, Harshitha plays a crucial role in facilitating capacity-building and training programs aimed at fostering the development of adolescent girls. She also oversees the host organization's communications and coordinates collaborations. During her internships, Harshitha actively engaged with marginalized communities, participating in capacity-building workshops and youth development initiatives. Her grassroots-level experience provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and aspirations of communities, fueling her dedication to making a meaningful impact. As a Skill Development coordinator, she conducted training sessions and workshops for students and served as a peer educator during her college years, showcasing her passion for education and youth development.

Arbeena Jan is currently serving as an American India Foundation Banyan Impact Fellow, collaborating with Aim for the Awareness of Society (AAS) in Indore. In her Fellowship project, she is designing capacity-building modules for training, which will also be shared with external stakeholders focusing on the development of adolescent girls. Arbeena plans to enhance AAS's visibility by incorporating field case studies through various social media channels. Driven by a deep passion for politics and international affairs, she pursued a B.A. in International Relations and Governance Studies. The concept of identity and its associated disparities has always intrigued Arbeena. Consequently, during her undergraduate years, she conducted a thesis project aiming to comprehend the nuanced identity of Kashmiri women and the unique challenges they face. Throughout her academic journey, Arbeena actively engaged in volunteer work with organizations such as the Help Foundation in Srinagar, Friends of Camphill in Bengaluru. Between 2017 and 2019, she completed an internship with Childline India, Srinagar and during her undergraduate years, Arbeena interned with Marketing and Admissions Department at Shiv Nadar University. In 2021, she undertook an internship with Grant Thornton Bharat, researching organizations seeking funding from the EdelGive Foundation.

Silvja Hodo is a financial inclusion researcher from Albania. She is an MBA graduate (majoring in Management Information Systems) and as of 2017 has been working as a project consultant and researcher for different development organizations such as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Rabobank Devleopment, GiZ etc. Her assignment is to position in the fight against poverty alleviation in rural areas, through the introduction of financial inclusion and provision of literacy programs, promoting sustainable and resilient rural communities. As the project manager of a digital platform, Silvja advocates access to financial and social inclusion for the unbanked population in Albania, and partnership-building among all agriculture value chain actors. Silvja is also experienced in digital and rural finances, data analysis and business development.

Rufaro Chakanetsa is a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist with six years of experience in program management and partnerships building in the nonprofit sector. Holding a Sociology degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a Masters in Human Rights from Africa University, she is also a Mandela Washington Fellowship alumna. Rufaro has been a vocal advocate for disability inclusion, gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, and improved access to sexual and reproductive health services. Currently providing consultancy services on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Rufaro recently authored an article on ending gender-based violence for a World Bank program. She actively participated in the UNFPA mental health and sexual and reproductive health and rights Hacklab, where she designed the Ukama (relationships) Ignited! model connecting parenting adolescents to skill development opportunities. She secured a grant from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute to research challenges faced by young persons with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive health services in rural areas. In her previous role as an Innovator against GBV for UN Women, Rufaro co-designed and managed five community programs, reaching at least one million people. She formed school clubs and collaborated on designing a UNFPA-funded Response Strategy for Gender-Based Violence in emergencies. Recognized with a certificate for outstanding civic engagement, Rufaro was featured on UN Women's list of sixteen women activists.

Amarachi Ogwuma has seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector and earned a Bachelor’s in English Studies from the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. She also holds a certificate in Digital Marketing with distinction from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. While working as the Communications Lead with Helen Keller Intl, she documented success stories that captured the challenges, strategies, and lessons learned during project activities captured under the organization's thematic focus areas: neglected tropical diseases and Vitamin A supplementation programs. She converted some of these achievements into infographics and videos, and disseminated them to the appropriate channels, thereby scaling up visibility on the footprints of the organization in Nigeria. Previously, Amarachi worked as a communications officer with Global Rights. Under the Open Society Initiatives for West Africa (OSIWA) funded program, she tracked, documented, analyzed, and visualized data on mass atrocities in Nigeria, she disseminated these reports periodically. Her reports identified the conflict-torn zones in Nigeria, which sparked an international conversation that shed light on insecurity-related issues in the country. While at Global Rights, she also successfully implemented communications across various human rights projects funded by donors such as Open Society Foundations (OSF), Ford Foundation, and Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS). Amarachi currently volunteers t for Sam Presto Films, where she supervised the production of 2 documentaries(Call to Earth Day and Art 4 Dev). Through these experiences, she developed strong graphic design, social media management, and communications for development skills. Amarachi is passionate about social justice and public health.

Michael Mutena has five years of experience in the financial sector and holds a Master's degree in Banking and Financial Economics from the National University of Science and Technology. Currently pursuing his second Master's in Big Data Analytics, Michael is dedicated to driving financial inclusion in vulnerable and economically excluded communities. His role at a Microfinance institution involves product design, distribution, and development tailored to meet the specific needs of financially excluded individuals. As a Credit Analyst, Michael contributed to designing products catering to the needs of peasant farmers and small-scale enterprises, serving as a catalyst for financial inclusion. His expertise encompasses strong project planning, coordination, budgeting, and implementation, along with evaluation and monitoring skills. Additionally, Michael is an active member of the University Graduate Fellowship, a platform for graduates in Zimbabwe to share ideas and solve societal challenges. He also participates in ZIMTRADE, a national trade development and promotion organization in Zimbabwe, specifically in The Eagles' Nest Incubation, focusing on developing young people-owned businesses for export orientation.

Juliana Kisakye, based in Kampala, Uganda, is a program and operations specialist with six years of experience working with an international non-governmental organization (INGO) in implementing public health-related programming. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Makerere University in Uganda and an online certificate in Project Management from the University of Adelaide. Currently, Juliana serves as a procurement consultant with the USAID-funded Uganda Health Activity. In this role, she identifies vendors and prepares contracts for goods and services, demonstrating integrity and mitigating risks. Her previous position was as a program assistant with the USAID-funded Defeated TB project in Uganda, where she contributed to knowledge building and sharing, program management, financial management, administration, and resource mobilization. This ensured the timely implementation and delivery of various project activities in compliance with donor regulations and adherence to URC policies. Passionate about mental health, Juliana volunteers as a community mental health inclusion specialist at Mind Nest Uganda. She has cultivated a deep understanding of mental health service delivery in underserved communities, leading initiatives that resulted in improved addiction services and reduced sexual risk behaviors among teenagers and youths.

Sudipta Das is an anti-caste queer feminist with seven years of experience working on key thematics of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), queer rights, communications and advocacy. They are a trainer, writer, and advocate for SRHR for youth. As the Policy Engagement Officer at The YP Foundation, they work towards building parallels between regional, national, and global policy engagement spaces to demand equitable, accessible, and quality SRHR services for young people. They have also been the convenor of SYAN (SouthEast Asian Youth Health Action Network), a transnational network anchored by WHO-SEARO. Sudipta started working in the development space as an India Fellow ’17 and extensively worked on-ground as a trainer to prevent sexual violence against children and their rehabilitation. They have been involved in creating advocacy campaigns, handbooks, curriculums, and other resource materials. Additionally, they have also been writing on key topics of caste, queerness, sexuality, and pop culture on multiple media platforms. They won the 2021 SCARF Media For Mental Health Award for excellence in reporting on mental health and also the awardee of MaveliNadu’s non-fiction grant 2022 for contributing to their publication on Debrahmanising Gender.

Rawan Musharbash is a monitoring and evaluation professional working in the development and humanitarian sector for more than six years. Throughout her career she has gained experience in different fields, such as economic development, the security sector, women’s empowerment, human rights and justice sector, health care and life sciences, entrepreneurship, workforce development, business enabling environment, and access to finance. She managed complex multi-donors programs for USAID, the EU, FCO, and the Swiss embassy with varying technical scopes and covering different geographies and regions including: Jordan, Algeria, Yemen, KSA and Sudan. Rawan’s key competencies focus on achieving continuous improvement on the projects she leads - designing the project, developing the theories of changes, monitoring and evaluation plans, data collection tools and evaluation frameworks to ensure the optimal benefit tailored to the different beneficiaries. Rawan manages project resources to achieve impact. Additionally, she ensures proper planning and execution of the projects by conducting needs assessments and contextual analysis prior to the inception of the project, then designs the work plan, and ensures day-to-day monitoring of the key milestones of the projects within the required time frame. She uses data quality analysis, processing, and data for key decision-making and adaptive management. Rawan has strong data visualization skills and deep experience in developing strategies, monitoring and evaluation and learning plans, delivering capacity building interventions, conducting evaluation assignments and developing case studies. She is a member of EvalSDGs guidance and communication group and is an active member in the Jordanian Association for Evaluation.

Abhishek Tiwary is a seasoned project manager, political consultant, and dedicated social entrepreneur. He brings a six-year career in the nonprofit sector. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Calcutta and two Master's degrees in Economics and Political Science from IGNOU, Abhishek's commitment to education equity, child rights, civic engagement, and empowering youth and women has fueled his success in driving positive change through innovative projects and influential policy reforms. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the M25M (Lakhpati Mahila) program under the Ministry of Rural Development through Transform Rural India Foundation, Abhishek focuses on enhancing the capabilities of public servants, institution-building, and the localization of SDG goals to ensure the program's success. In his previous role at Haqdarshak Empowerment, Abhishek efficiently organized and supervised multiple projects across India, fostering collaboration and effective problem-solving among stakeholders. As a senior associate political consultant, he managed teams to develop strategy documents for a national political party, aiming to reform electoral practices and policies at the grassroots level. Abhishek's diverse experiences include being a Teach for India fellow, AIESEC's global leader, and active participation in global forums and courses, honing strong project management and advocacy skills. Driven by a passion for social justice, democratic rights, and educational equity, Abhishek strives to make a social impact by reducing educational disparities, promoting democratic changes, and empowering young leaders.

Hameem Muhammad is a dynamic young professional with a background in education, environment and story-telling, and is on a mission to create transformative change through education. As a co-founder of the Gulmohar Foundation, his passion for community building and youth empowerment ignited, propelling him into the Teach For India fellowship. Here, he refined his skills in student engagement, cultivating a positive learning environment. Intrigued by the power of storytelling, Hameem ventured into journalism through the IUIF fellowship, enhancing his communication abilities. Currently serving as the outreach lead for The Green Silk Road, Hameem connects with partners, organizations, and communities, advocating for sustainable overland travel over conventional modes. Parallel to this, his visionary goal is to establish The Change School—a hub of innovative education. Hameem envisions a holistic curriculum, transcending traditional boundaries, and thus, he actively seeks diverse experiences across sectors to shape this groundbreaking educational approach.

Camila Almeida, with eleven years in education and eight as an executive producer, video editor, and technical director, holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Communication from Grupo Universitário IPEP, Campinas. As an executive producer, she oversees the quality of lessons for over 700,000 students, managing multiple projects simultaneously. Her role in video editing extended to project management, involving process organization, creating a database, and innovating software procedures. During this time, she earned three Master's degrees, including an MBA in Project Management, People Management and Coaching, and Analytics and Digital Marketing. Recently, she has contributed to a prominent education company, focusing on helping Brazilian students, especially those with disabilities, access higher education through Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS). Camila strongly believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities.

Luciana Ballaré Scopel has seven years of experience in the communication and marketing field, for both, non-profit organizations and private companies. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Communication from the National University of Córdoba (Argentina).
When she was only twenty-two years old, Luciana began to coordinate the Institutional Communication Department of ​​”Fundación Inclusión Social” (a non profit organization that promotes youth education). Through her experience at “Inclusión Social”, Luciana met professional challenges related to entrepreneurship and triple impact. Over those years, she held different leadership roles in marketing and communications departments. Thanks to these experiences, in 2020 she began volunteering as a member of Global Shapers Community in the Córdoba Hub, where for two years she coordinated the communication area. Luciana currently works as a Growth Marketing Specialist at DataScope, a startup that aims to foster digital transformation to reduce waste and paper usage. Luciana is passionate about entrepreneurial development, youth leadership empowerment and is highly motivated by causes that promote access to educational opportunities at all levels.

Bijoylakshmi Bhagawati is currently a fellow with the American Indian Foundation. She has been dedicatedly collaborating with the Dakshin Foundation for the past few months. Holding a Master’s in Public Health from the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, India, she brings a robust academic background to her role. Focusing in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) during her fellowship, Bijoylakshmi actively engages with communities, employing behavior change models for issues like open defecation, household water treatment, and menstrual hygiene. Her unique perspective incorporates a gender lens, delving into the social determinants influencing participants' daily realities. Beyond her current role, Bijoylakshmi has actively contributed to projects on family planning in Assam's tea gardens and served as a primary investigator on a qualitative study on traditional healers in Arunachal and Assam for the Piramal Foundation. Notably, she volunteered with Teach for India during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting students from underserved localities in Mumbai. She has a bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujrat, India. With a vision for the future, Bijoylakshmi aspires to launch her own social enterprise, driven by a commitment to continually strengthen her capabilities in the development sector.

Bhumika Shivhare is an American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellow at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance & Policy Analysis in Bhopal, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to enhancing the policy sector's impact, she focuses on community mobilization, capacity building, policy analysis, and research, primarily empowering Madhya Pradesh's youth through effective policy implementation. With a Master's degree in Development and Labor Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University and as a Teach For India Fellow in New Delhi, she co-founded a transformative school project addressing issues like depression, anxiety, bullying, and substance abuse among students. Leading a team of 25, she formed partnerships for mental wellness, career guidance, and curriculum design with national & international organizations. Bhumika's scholarly achievements include her paper, "Policy Perspectives in Teachers and School Education," recognized at a National Conference at SCERT Delhi. Her political influence stems from an internship at the Lok Sabha, where she served as a policy advisor.

Shashwat Srivastava is a project management professional with more than eleven years of experience in strategy and design, implementation, operation, and providing business solutions to firms. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur (NIT-H) in India. He discovered his passion for empowering the community during his college years, wherein he volunteered for high-impact civic initiatives on issues such as education, environment, and sanitation. Under one such initiative, the underprivileged school students mentored by him became first-generational college students. Currently the senior manager at MECON Ltd., a global consulting firm and public sector enterprise, he leads a cross-functional team of engineers in a defense project. His tobacco de-addiction and skill enhancement program benefitted 200 laborers employed in the project. Previously, Shashwat volunteered as an online consultant for the United Nations. He led a global team of 15 international volunteers to develop six healthcare project proposals worth $11.14 million for the Cameroon Association of Active Youths (CAMAAY), a nonprofit organization working in war-ravaged Cameroon, and recommended funding strategies. The project directly benefited more than fifty thousand displaced Cameroon nationals. Shashwat also teaches underprivileged students. He cares deeply for animal welfare and, along with his wife, a veterinary doctor, and local nonprofit organizations, arranges surgery, medicine, and food for stray dogs. With a strong passion for youth development and empowerment, humanitarian relief, and animal welfare, Shashwat aspires to utilize his technical, project management, and other transferable skills in identifying solutions to challenges faced by social organizations.

Santanu Bhowmick is a Post Graduate in Local Governance from the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD). With a rich and diverse background, he has accumulated extensive experience in the development sector, collaborating with various NGOs especially with CSR and government aided projects. Mr. Bhowmick's journey in the realm of development includes notable roles at National Institutions such as the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), where he contributed significantly as a Research Associate and Assistant on multiple research projects. His dedication to fostering skill development and entrepreneurship is evident from his role as a State Resource Associate (SRA) at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), where he was associated with the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship Programme (MGNF) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and played a lead role in implementing the program in Tripura. Currently, he serves as a Banyan Impact Fellow at Chhattisgarh under the American India Foundation, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Patrice Lekeraho Mirindi is a dynamic expert in agricultural economics with over seven years of experience in business development, market analysis, strategic planning, and project management. Lekeraho Mirindi, currently a Business Development Consultant at Economic Sense in Durban, South Africa, specializes in agri-food projects across Africa, providing expertise in strategic data and market analysis. His achievements include consulting on development projects, supporting African agri-food companies in European market expansion, and contributing to the operational and financial enhancement of numerous companies. As a Portfolio Manager at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, Patrice managed a diverse portfolio of African young entrepreneurs and played a pivotal role in developing business programs for youth enterprises. As an agronomist with the "Cellule d'Appui Technique" in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Patrice led innovative agricultural and supply chain management initiatives. Patrice holds a Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nairobi in Kenya and a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy from the Evangelical University in Africa in DRC. His skills encompass strategic program management, leadership, partnership building, financial and operational oversight, and multilingual communication. Fluent in English and French, Patrice excels in multicultural environments, demonstrating proficiency in stakeholder management and results-based approaches.

Rehanat Amusu is a project management professional with over seven years of progressive experience in International Development Consulting, urban development planning, media/production, and research. She earned a B.Sc in urban and Regional Planning from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, Washington D.C. As a consultant with Dev-Afrique Development Advisors, she leads the stakeholder engagement strategy on the Vaccine Data Co-lab Project and contributed to an in-depth landscape assessment of the vaccine data ecosystem resulting in the enactment of the vaccine data Colab grant for four interventions to enhance the use of hyperlocal data for decision making on vaccination in Nigeria. Previously, Rehanat worked as a Project Research Officer on the Ikorodu Sub-region Masterplan (2016-2036). She actively contributed to the project coordination and implementation, managing the cross-functional team of experts, developing guidance and procedures for over 100 field enumerators collecting field data, facilitating resource allocation, and contributing to the overall project strategy and design. She co-developed the stakeholder engagement strategy, facilitating focus group discussions in over 70 communities across the eleven local government areas within the project scope. Rehanat has volunteered with the Nigerian chapter of the Project Management Institute working closely with the office of the Vice President, membership and outreach team. Through these experiences, she has honed her public speaking skills facilitating sessions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, WIMBIZ, AIIDEV Africa amongst others.

Anupriya Aggarwal is an urban practitioner. Currently a Banyan Impact Fellow with the American India Foundation, she is engaging with communities to document and disseminate grassroots issues in Mumbai's informal settlements. Prior to this, she worked with different stakeholder groups in underserved localities in Delhi to co-develop citizen-led inventories of the quality of public spaces. Anupriya holds an undergraduate degree in planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.

Alyona Ishchuk is a sustainability specialist with four years of experience in financial and project management in the art and culture field, coupled with three years of expertise in volunteer management, community development, and monitoring & evaluation within the nonprofit sector. In 2013, she earned a degree in Public Relations from the Russian State University. Since 2023, Alyona has been instrumental in assisting organizations in building sustainable and socially responsible business processes. Her prior role as a Volunteer Coordinator at the Estonian Food Bank showcased her proactive development of cooperation with small organizations and social initiatives, providing support and enhancing their capacity. Alyona's experience as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Russian nonprofit organizations, defending the rights of political and civil activists and monitoring law enforcement activities, has equipped her with practical knowledge of social protection, human rights defense, and humanitarian aid. Alyona is deeply passionate about building social responsibility in communities, aiming to make a significant contribution to a sustainable future. Her focus is on scaling up positive social and environmental transformation by engaging communities in sustainable activities through a non-formal education approach, providing inclusive and equitable opportunities.

Akshata Surej is a seasoned communications professional with over 5 years of experience. In her latest role, she spearheaded the Ecosystem Development function at Villgro, previously known as the Marketing Function. With a focus on brand strategy, she passionately advocated for market-based innovations in India. Her diverse background includes key roles in communication and program management at the India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians, the Ministry of External Affairs, and UN Women. Akshata holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Philosophy from the University of Delhi.

Althea Henvill is currently serving as an American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellow with Samerth Charitable Trust in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The focus area of her fellowship is education and children with disabilities in vulnerable communities. She has a long history of wanting to help people, beginning with her volunteering in high school as a Peer Health Educator (PHE) with the Health Information Project. As a PHE, she spent time educating her peers on the importance of different aspects of their health and sharing the resources that were available to them. Althea went on to study psychology at Northeastern University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree. During her undergraduate study, she participated in two cooperative learning internships in business services and market research. Through these experiences, she has developed strong research skills and the ability to communicate both effectively and efficiently. Althea is passionate about gender equality, mental health, and children’s rights, as well as improving sex education in public schools. Ultimately, she hopes to become a clinical psychologist that focuses on child and adolescent psychology. In her free time, Althea enjoys reading, practicing yoga, crafting, and photography.

Khen Enriquez is a dedicated financial data analyst, leveraging data science to excel in the CPA profession. A Cum Laude graduate from the University of Mindanao, he passed the CPA Licensure exam on his first attempt with self-study. Khen pursued a Master's in Business Administration at Ateneo de Davao University and is now working towards a Doctor of Philosophy in Management at his alma mater, where he also completed a Professional Education Certification. His professional journey spans academia, financial and capital market analysis, compliance, data management, process optimization, and corporate secretarial duties. Khen's current role is with the Securities and Exchange Commission as the SEC Supervising Statistical Specialist, where he oversees the statistical and data analytics for the Company Analytics and Statistics Division. Previously, he contributed as a Securities Financial Specialist III, developing the CiFSS dashboard with Tableau Analytics. Khen's experience also includes 12 years as an Associate Professor at the University of Mindanao, over a year handling corporate secretarial services at Amicorp Financial Services, and two and a half years as a Senior Financial Analyst with Fitch Ratings.

Vinay Menon is a growth-mindset driven climate professional from India, who currently leads the climate practice at Samhita and previously led water solutions at Piramal Foundation. With a background in Development Economics (SOAS, London) and a recent certification in sustainable finance (Frankfurt School of Management, Frankfurt), Vinay has worked with donors such as USAID, Walmart Foundation, Google, Standard Chartered Bank, Microsoft, S&P Global among others to deliver large-scale social impact projects. He has been instrumental in designing and executing climate change and social impact programs, raising over $5 Million over the years, and impacting over 200,000 underprivileged individuals.

Afnan Mohammad is an American India Foundation (AIF) Fellow dedicated to making a positive impact in the developmental sector. In her current role at the Lotus Petal Foundation in Gurugram, she assists in developing a go-to-market strategy for the Vidya Sahyog Program, focusing on educational initiatives for underprivileged or marginalized communities. Afnan's educational background, including a Bachelor's degree from Gargi College, Delhi University, and a Master's degree in Applied Psychology from Jamia Milia Islamia, equips her with the knowledge and skills essential for understanding the psychological aspects of community development and education. Passionate about community development, Afnan has demonstrated her commitment through past projects addressing Education, Gender Sensitivity, Mental Health, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her diverse experience reflects a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the developmental sector. Beyond her professional commitments, Afnan's approachability and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations over coffee, chai, or blueberry smoothies underscore her eagerness to build connections and collaborate with others in her field.

Faizan Afzal, a project design and monitoring and evaluation specialist, brings over seven years of experience in grant management and partnership management, showcasing proven expertise in fundraising for organizations dedicated to development and humanitarian sectors, focusing on climate change, food security, emergency response, and education and protection. On a mission to assist organizations in developing strong, sustainable, and socially responsible business practices, Faizan aims to guide them in making a positive impact on social and environmental issues. Employing a strategic approach, he works diligently to steer entities towards making meaningful contributions to a sustainable future.

Haris Bin Saqib stands as a passionate traveler, climate leader, and community mobilizer dedicated to fostering positive change in Pakistan. In his current role within the tourism sector, Haris collaborates with key stakeholders to elevate hospitality standards in Pakistan, contributing to the growth and enhancement of the industry. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Destinations Unlimited, a travel company that served as a conduit for like-minded individuals sharing a profound love for art, culture, and exploration. Beyond the realms of business, Haris is deeply engaged in community development through his non-profit organization, Zariya. Specializing in emergency disaster response and capacity building, Zariya has been at the forefront of aiding communities during natural tragedies such as earthquakes, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and situations involving internally displaced persons (IDPs). Haris has collaborated with military and local authorities, demonstrating a commitment to the rehabilitation and well-being of those affected.

Reynaldo Reyes-Arroyo has four years of experience in the nonprofit sector, a year of research experience, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Peace, War, and Defense from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the United States. While working as an intern with Reverse the Trend and the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, he assisted in the preparation of a policy report to be delivered at the first Meeting of States Parties to the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Additionally, he assisted in building stronger coalitions between organizations to accomplish various organizational goals, such as the empowerment of frontline communities and stakeholders and advocating for Congresspeople to support the ICAN Pledge and the Norton Bill. In his research occupation, Reynaldo worked as an assistant on a small team preparing an exhaustive timeline of police brutality events and protests throughout the United States. Previously, he worked and volunteered as a canvasser for various progressive organizations addressing a range of issues from the endangerment of pollinators to nuclear proliferation. These experiences granted Reynaldo the opportunity to develop strong research, coalition-building, and interpersonal skills. Reynaldo is interested in conducting research on the humanitarian implications of irresponsible proliferation efforts and emerging weapons systems and hopes to lend his assistance to the effort to live in a world free of nuclear weapons.

Derrick Bakuri Alledom is a Ghanaian development professional with expertise in Development Policy Planning, Project Management, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation. With over eight years of experience, Derrick has demonstrated proficiency in project planning, budgeting, qualitative and quantitative research/evaluation design and implementation, as well as management consulting. His strengths lie in stakeholder engagements, successfully collaborating with governments, NGOs, and donor partners. Derrick excels in capacity training, quality assurance, data management, analysis, and reporting. He has effectively managed the implementation of multiple development projects in Ghana, The Gambia, and Liberia, spanning the fields of Education, Agriculture, Health, Energy, Social Protection, Gender, and Economic Growth. Derrick has provided consulting services for renowned organizations such as UNICEF, Global School Leaders (GSL), ILO, USAID, IFC, TANGO International, MasterCard Foundation, World Bank, USDA, DFID, among others.

Haseeb Ullah has earned a Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Peshawar. Haseeb Ullah joined the global Red Cross Red Crescent movement as a volunteer in 2015. He joined the First Aid Responders team of Pakistan Red Crescent and worked for eight years voluntarily. He gained extensive knowledge and skills of first aid and emergency response. He is now working as Program Manager, First Aid and Pre-Hospital Emergency Care in provincial headquarters tribal areas of Pakistan. More importantly Haseeb is also contributing to the climate Change Adaptation Unit of Pakistan Red Crescent. Together with his team he has delivered sessions on practical climate actions at schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, published researches, held dialogues between the students and academia, and developed a Climate Change awareness module in local language Urdu. He has been volunteering with Climate Advocacy & Coordination for Resilient Action (CACRA) supported by German Red Cross for two years. Haseeb along with his other two teammates participated in International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies Innovative ideas competition Climate.Red in September, 2019. They won the idea competition in youth category worldwide and secured funding to implement the project in their city.

Akriti Asthana is a professional with a passion for building communities and six years of experience in alumni relations under her belt. Akriti holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University, following which she embarked on a transformative path that led her to the esteemed Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University. In her most recent role at the prestigious Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Akriti wore many hats as the Alumni Coordinator for the India system. Before her BCG adventure, Akriti was managing the Alumni Relations Office of Ashoka University, where she had the unique honor of being a founding member. In this role, she served as the bridge between the university administration and its valued alumni, forging meaningful connections.