Current Fellows

Melat Bawoke

2026-2027 Fellow with Savannah Global Health Institute, Kenya

Addis Ababa University Class of 2025

She/her/hers

Melat Mezgebu Bawoke is a medical doctor from Addis Ababa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, with clinical training at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and affiliated primary care settings. She holds a strong interest in health systems strengthening, health equity, and improving access to quality care in resource-limited settings. She has engaged in research and academic collaborations in health systems, health economics, and data-driven approaches to healthcare, working with interdisciplinary teams on projects spanning clinical and public health domains. In addition to her academic work, she has been actively involved in student and professional leadership throughout her medical training. Melat has served in multiple leadership roles, including Regional Lead for Africa with the Gender Equity in Global Surgery Initiative, Club Services Director of the Rotaract Club of Fanos, and Executive Secretary of the Ethiopian Medical Students Association. In these roles, she has led teams, coordinated initiatives, and supported community and professional development activities. She is a Master of Public Health candidate in Health Economics at Addis Ababa University. She is passionate about global health, medical education, and strengthening health systems to advance equitable access to care.

Trisha Bhujle

2026-2027 Fellow with Enveritas, Uganda

Cornell University Class of 2026

She/her/hers

Trisha Bhujle is a 2026 graduate of Cornell University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Environment and Sustainability with a focus on applied solutions within agrifood systems and conservation. As a Laidlaw Scholar, she spent two summers in Northern Tanzania researching the role of climate change in amplifying conflicts between smallholder farmers and wild animals. She communicated findings in Swahili with Tanzanian community leaders, farmers, and wildlife managers and has since been recognized at the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi and the Stanford Research Conference. For two years, she also served as Program Assistant to the International Hunting Discussion Forum, a monthly forum of community leaders and academics across Africa to advance dialogue around tensions between hunting, conservation, and land use. At Cornell, Trisha mentored students at Anabel’s Grocery, a student-run nonprofit grocery store sourcing from local farmers and subsidizing fresh produce for students. As a United Nations Millennium Fellow, she designed initiatives to enhance circularity at Anabel’s while expanding access to free meals across campus, an effort for which she was one of ten students worldwide recognized by United Nations Academic Impact. She also co-organized the World Food Prize Foundation’s New York Youth Institute for high schoolers interested in agricultural innovation, and published a children’s book on spotted salamander migrations in New York’s Hudson Valley. Originally from Texas, Trisha enjoys hiking and recycled artwork and is passionate about making science accessible to all.

Nosipho Bila

2026-2027 Fellow with Moving Windmills Project, Malawi

United States International University-Africa Class of 2024

She/her/hers

Nosipho Bila holds a bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the United States International University-Africa as a Mastercard Scholar. As an alumnus at Imagine Scholar, this is where her passion for community development was instilled. Her passion spans from promoting reading and storytelling to health and sexual education for teenagers in rural communities through reading clubs and workshops. Nosipho has always been dedicated to African development, and through programs like the Yale Young African Scholars and Yale Young Global Scholars, she learned about the impact she can make on the continent. As a radio host, producer and social media manager for USIU-A Radio and producer for Capital FM, Nosipho creatively shared stories of culture, community and art, and she came up with strategies on how to effectively engage with the online community. Growing up and being based in a rural community, Nosipho’s passion for community development deepened, understanding the need for empowerment in the creative, education, agricultural and health care sector. Recently, Nosipho volunteered at Raleigh International, implementing sustainable projects for a rural community as well as supporting a nature reserve in sustaining the environment. Currently, she is a board member at Super Moms, freelancing the communications role and actively seeking funding for the organisation and helping with marketing. On the other hand, she’s a communications practitioner for Mowa Magazine, where she helps with content planning, content writing and marketing. In her free time, she enjoys reading, upcycling and volunteering around her community.

Lily Davis

2026-2027 Fellow with International Rescue Committee (IRC), Kenya

University of Pennsylvania Class of 2026

She/her/hers

Lily R. Davis earned a B.A. in political science, with minors in psychology and anthropology, from the University of Pennsylvania. Her professional focus lies at the nexus of immigration, public health, and peace and conflict, with a commitment to promoting safe and dignified migration and developing culturally competent healthcare systems. Lily attended high school in Ethiopia and spent a gap year volunteering across South America, international experiences that cemented her dedication to advancing global equity. At Penn, Lily was a Student Fellow at Perry World House, where she co-led a consultancy on European Union asylum law. As a research assistant for the Penn Cultural Heritage Center, she studied heritage preservation in the post-Soviet space and contributed to federal recognition petitions for Native American tribes. Most recently, she interned for the Salvation Army World Service Office, where she co-designed monitoring and evaluation frameworks for the Disaster Response and Recovery unit. Lily also completed a study abroad program on international human rights in Nepal, Jordan, and Chile, through which she conducted ethnographic and policy research on refugee access to healthcare. She has additionally completed internships with the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, the Health Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, and with CARE International’s Economic Development office for the Caucasus region. In her free time, Lily enjoys hiking, photography, trying new cuisines, and playing rugby, and she hopes to pursue a future career in immigration policy and/or refugee assistance.

Yovela Debesay

2026-2027 Fellow with UONGOZI Institute, Tanzania

University of South Florida Class of 2022

She/her/hers

Yovela Debesay is a development economics and international affairs professional with experience spanning research, policy engagement, strategic communications, and cross-sector partnerships. Her work has focused on economic development, climate resilience, diaspora engagement, and private sector growth across Africa and the Global South. She has contributed to research and policy initiatives with international organizations, think tanks, and nonprofit institutions, including work related to economic growth, investment, education, and sustainable development. Her interests center on the intersection of economic policy, inclusive growth, and locally led development strategies, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yovela holds a Master of Arts in International Development from George Washington University and bachelor’s degrees in Economics and International Studies. She is passionate about advancing evidence-based solutions that strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity, and support sustainable development across the African continent.

Zoey Duan

2026-2027 Fellow with Clinton Health Access Initiative, Eswatini

Yale University Class of 2026

She/her/hers

Zoey Duan is a recent graduate from Yale University, with a B.A. in Global Affairs and certificates in Global Health Studies and Statistics & Data Science. Her research has spanned critical issues in global health, infectious disease, and health economics, including conducting research as a Tobin Fellow with the Yale School of Public Health and Ugandan HIV clinics on cost-effectiveness analyses and assisting with clinical trials on substance use and infectious disease (HIV/Hepatitis C) treatment at Johns Hopkins Medicine. She has also directed quality and process improvement at the HAVEN Free Clinic, Yale’s student-run primary care clinic that serves over 600 local, uninsured patients. She has experience in providing strategic consulting for healthcare and non-profit organizations like Mayo Clinic, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and National Alliance on Mental Illness, as well as logistical oversight for several international educational conferences for Yale Model United Nations. Most recently, she worked with the World Bank’s Climate & Health Program to produce policy reports on climate vulnerability in LMIC health systems and a portfolio review of program investments. Additionally, her senior thesis examined the epidemiological outcomes and donor transition strategies for HIV/AIDS programs in Africa in response to recent PEPFAR reforms. Zoey hopes to use her Princeton in Africa fellowship to deepen her understanding of Africa and its health challenges at the community-level, informing her future doctoral studies in global health policy, health economics, or epidemiology. Originally from Hawai’i, she likes stargazing at the beach, running outdoors, and playing board games with friends.

Wairiumu Gitau

2026-2027 Fellow with Farming Out of Poverty, Sierra Leone

University of Nairobi Class of 2019

She/her/hers

Wairimu Gitau is drawn to work that helps people turn skills, creativity, and ideas into sustainable livelihoods. Her experience spans education, digital inclusion, the creative economy, and community development. She has led partnerships, fundraising, and program implementation for nonprofits, social enterprises, and grassroots organizations working to connect communities with skills, resources, and economic opportunity. More recently, Wairimu has worked with early-stage social impact ventures and refugee-led organizations, supporting resource mobilization, organizational development, and initiatives focused on livelihoods and economic empowerment. As a Princeton in Africa Fellow with Farming Out of Poverty (FOOP) in Sierra Leone, she is excited to explore agriculture as a driver to strengthen livelihoods and food security. She looks forward to immersing in Sierra Leone’s rural communities, experiencing a new culture and approach to locally led development. Outside of work, Wairimu enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and playing the cello.

Jeielle Habinam

2026-2027 Fellow with Foundation for Community Development and Empowerment, Uganda

Princeton University Class of 2026

She/her/hers

Jeielle Habinam is a 2026 graduate of Princeton University, where she earned a degree in Anthropology with minors in African Studies and French. At Princeton, Jeielle served as President of the Africa Summit at Princeton, a departmental organization that brings together scholars, activists, artists, and thinkers for an annual summit on campus. During her leadership, she launched the Undergraduate Africa Journal Initiative, a project dedicated to encouraging and showcasing undergraduate academic research focused on the African continent. Deeply engaged in academic research and advocacy, Jeielle has worked with artistic and humanitarian organizations across East Africa, where much of her anthropological research is based. She served as a Youth Ambassador for the Panzi Foundation, helping raise awareness about sexual violence during times of war in the Congo and supporting the organization’s fundraising initiatives. Jeielle has also conducted research in refugee camps in Goma, studying the psychological effects of war on Congolese communities and examining the community-based systems that spoken-word artists are creating to address trauma and support healing. In addition, she is the founder of the Kivu Academic Program, an initiative dedicated to providing students in the Kivu region with the resources and guidance needed to apply for scholarships and academic opportunities abroad. Jeielle sees social work, advocacy, and academic reform as the foundation of her life’s work. Following her fellowship with Princeton in Africa, she plans to pursue graduate studies focused on improving mental health systems and expanding academic opportunities for disadvantaged communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa.

Sydney Hergan

2026-2027 Fellow with International Rescue Committee (IRC), Kenya

Susquehanna University Class of 2022

She/her/hers

Sydney is an economic development professional focused on capacity development and education, primarily in capital markets and public finance. Focused on Africa and the Middle East, she is passionate about working with underserved communities, especially refugees, to equitably access finance and economic opportunity. She previously led the IFC-Milken Institute Capital Markets Program and World Bank-Milken Institute Public Financial Asset Management Program, building human capacity in the public finance sector across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond to drive innovative regulation and public wealth management for long-term prosperity. There, she worked with more than 300 scholars from 60 countries, covering issues from sovereign credit ratings to pension fund management. As a Princeton in Africa fellow, Sydney is working with the International Rescue Committee’s Somalia team, based out of Nairobi, where she has the opportunity to translate her work directly to the refugee context. On a volunteer basis, she works with students affected by conflict in the Middle East to enable them to access higher education and meaningful careers. She also serves on the board of the DC-Africa Network, bringing together young leaders to collaborate on regional policy and programming. Sydney graduated from Susquehanna University with a B.A. in Economics: Global Economy and Financial Markets, and a B.S. in International Business, completing a Stein Fellowship in International Development in Southeast Asia. She enjoys traveling, which she documents with photography and textile arts, and is learning Arabic and French through her travels.

Amdeta Hermela

2026-2027 Fellow with Botswana Baylor (formerly BIPAI Botswana), Botswana

George Washington University Class of 2026

She/her/hers

Hermela holds a Master of Public Health in Global Health Program Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with a minor in Health Promotion from American University. Her experience spans global health research, program implementation, and policy. She has contributed to an NIH-funded study on licit drug policy, conducted qualitative field research in Malawi with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and supported an HIV prevention trial through the MU–JHU Research Collaboration. She has also worked with BRIDGE Africa on partnership development and research initiatives. Previously at John Snow Inc., she supported USAID-funded health systems strengthening projects across Africa and Central Asia, spanning malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and digital health. Born in Ethiopia and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Hermela is driven by a commitment to health equity and community-led approaches to resilience. Outside of work, she loves listening to music, cheering on Arsenal, and slowly but surely working on her embroidery skills.

Eva Hymes

2026-2027 Fellow with Kickstart International, Kenya

Dartmouth College Class of 2025

She/her/hers

Eva Hymes recently graduated from Dartmouth College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and is completing a Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical and Operational Systems Engineering. Throughout college, she pursued opportunities at the intersection of engineering, entrepreneurship, and community impact. Eva has worked on projects ranging from assistive technologies for stroke survivors to disaster preparedness initiatives for older adults in rural New England. She has also contributed to startups focused on sustainability and financial inclusion, including work with Stahili, a Nairobi-based technology company. Beyond engineering, Eva served as president of Kappa Delta Epsilon and co-founded and managed a student theater company, where she developed a passion for building communities and bringing ambitious ideas to life. Originally from Albany, New York, Eva is interested in human-centered product development and pushing the potential for innovation in resource-constrained environments. In her free time, she enjoys reading somewhere sunny and listening to music.

Nia Isehak

2026-2027 Fellow with African Leadership Academy, South Africa

New York University Abu Dhabi Class of 2025

She/her/hers

Nia Isehak is a graduate of New York University Abu Dhabi, where she studied Business, Organizations and Society with minors in Economics and Social Research and Public Policy. Originally from Ethiopia, Nia is passionate about expanding access and opportunity across Africa through technology, and institution-building in emerging markets. During her time at NYUAD, she conducted research focused on financial and operational systems for underserved businesses, which later became the foundation of her senior thesis. Professionally, she has worked across venture capital, strategic operations, and financial systems, including with the Ethiopian Capital Markets Authority during the early stages of the country’s developing capital market ecosystem. Beyond her professional interests, Nia is deeply passionate about community-building and cross-cultural connection, having founded the Ethiopian-Eritrean Students Association at NYUAD and worked closely with student communities throughout university. Following Princeton in Africa, Nia hopes to pursue a master’s degree focused on development, policy, and systems-level impact across Africa.

Blessing Jegede

2026-2027 Fellow with Anda, Angola

Princeton University Class of 2023

She/her/hers

Blessing graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a certificate in African Studies. At Princeton, she was a teaching assistant for three years with the Mathematics department and the Introduction to Engineering course for first-generation/low-income students of the Freshman Scholars Institute (FSI). She founded the Society for African Internationals at Princeton (SAIP), a “home away from home” supporting and providing community for students navigating a new academic environment. She founded the Africa Summit at Princeton: the first of its kind, a space for thought leaders, including a sitting head of state, to hold dialogue on African matters. This work supported the creation of the Africa World Initiative, an innovative hub connecting Princeton with Africa’s most creative minds. At Ashoka, Blessing led youth-focused initiatives to power the next generation of young changemakers. She then worked with AWE Foundation & AWE Funds where she championed initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, including a $25,000 USAID grant to implement a mentorship programme for women business owners in India. She also worked with Earlybird Venture Labs to help early-stage Kenyan startups raise funding. She currently serves as Chief of Staff and Head of Operations at Bankly, a Nigerian fintech company working to deepen financial inclusion and access for all Nigerians while spearheading a post-acquisition merger. Blessing regularly volunteers with the AR/VR Africa Hackathon and The Global African. On completing the Princeton in Africa fellowship, Blessing plans to pursue a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations in order to pursue a career in African development. Originally from Lesotho with Nigerian heritage, she enjoys learning languages, photography, and Formula 1 racing.

Boris Kohler

2026-2027 Fellow with Baylor Eswatini (formerly BIPAI Eswatini), Eswatini

University of Pennsylvania Class of 2025

He/him/his

Boris Kohler is a 2025 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Mathematical Economics from the College of Arts & Sciences. During his undergraduate studies, he gained exposure to health economics and health services research, with a pivotal experience being his health informatics internship in Gaborone, Botswana. While in Botswana, Boris assisted in the implementation of EHR software, supported research on root causes for sexual and gender-based violence, and improved clinical workflows. Boris recently completed a Master of Management in Clinical Informatics from Duke University in 2026. During his Master’s, he worked on projects focused on evaluating the documentation of Social Determinants of Health within the Duke Health system and designing clinical informatics initiatives that leverage patient engagement technology to decrease psychiatry clinic no-show rates for intake appointments. He also worked part-time at UNC Chapel Hill researching incentive structures for increasing treatment engagement in first-episode psychosis patients. Outside of his studies, he was a swim coach for adult and youth swim programs at Duke Aquatics. Combining an analytical foundation with applied systems thinking, Boris is dedicated to bridging gaps between diverse health environments and modern informatics. Following the Princeton in Africa Fellowship, Boris plans to work on the global development of digital health infrastructure to solve complex clinical and public health issues, focusing not only on expanding access but also on optimizing engagement.

Abiseniya Lemma

2026-2027, 2026-2027 Fellow with African Leadership Academy, South Africa

University of Georgia Class of 2022

She/her/hers

Abiseniya graduated from the University of Georgia (UGA) in 2022 with a degree in International Affairs and a Minor in Criminal Justice studies. At UGA, she worked as a human rights researcher to support initiatives and work for The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI). She was involved in many leadership organizations at UGA such as Arch Society and AIESEC where she held President roles in both. In her final year at UGA, she received the Outstanding Senior Leader Award, honoring senior students who have devoted commitment to leadership, academics, campus engagement, and community service. Following graduation, Abiseniya worked on the national team of AIESEC United States, an organization that develops youth leadership through cross-cultural exchanges. As Executive Director alongside her team, she launched the Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders initiative to offer scholarships for young adults with financial barriers to go on a fully funded exchange experience. Additionally, she represented the organization at the United Nations ESOSOC Youth Forum, facilitated 4+ conferences for AIESEC’s members with educational programming and alumni collaboration. Abiseniya is currently a DEI Consultant and Project Manager, working to build more equitable organizational systems. Originally, a first generation immigrant, with parents from Ethiopia and Tanzania, Abiseniya has a deep connection to the African continent and the development of leadership amongst the youth. Following the Princeton in Africa fellowship, she plans to continue her career in international youth development. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and listening to music.

Kibiriti Majuto

2026-2027 Fellow with Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Kenya

College of Mary and William Class of 2021

He/him/his

Kibiriti Majuto is an environmental management professional dedicated to advancing climate solutions and equitable development. He holds a Master’s in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment, where he focused on Climate Change Science, Solutions, and Environmental Policy. During his time at Yale, Kibiriti served as both Green Innovation Coordinator and Climate Innovation Coordinator, leading initiatives to foster student-led climate action and strengthen a vibrant community of innovators. Previously, he worked as a Litigation Paralegal at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), supporting landmark cases in conservation, clean air, and community protection from industrial pollution. His commitment to climate justice and food security is reflected in his work at the Brooklyn Movement Center and the Congressional Hunger Center. Kibiriti’s perspective on global sustainability was further shaped by his role as the 2023 Youthwise United States Representative at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). As a former Donald M. Payne International Development Fellow, he conducted focused research with the Congressional Research Service, analyzing policy developments in the Middle East and Africa. Blending experiences in advocacy, research, and international engagement, Kibiriti centers his work on adaptation and mitigation strategies for Sub-Saharan Africa. He aims to advance inclusive environmental governance and cross-sector climate solutions that connect community leadership with global sustainability goals.

Kathleen Hirkento McPeak

2026-2027 Fellow with Lwala Community Alliance, Kenya

Syracuse University’ Class of 2024

She/her/hers

Kathleen Hirkento McPeak earned her Master of Public Affairs from Brown University’s Watson School for International and Public Affairs, where she specialized in data and climate policy, and was selected as a Watson Director’s Fellow with the Africa Initiative. In this role, she researched illicit financial flows connected to multinational corporations in West Africa’s energy sector. Previously, she graduated from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School with a bachelor’s degree in Policy Studies and a minor in Global Security Studies. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she worked for the Literacy Corps, where she oversaw tutoring operations serving more than 500 students across Syracuse. She also tutored students herself and helped recruit, train, and oversee the 100 tutor program. Her international experience includes interning with UNESCO in Florence, where she contributed to heritage preservation and community engagement initiatives, and supporting the Mandela Washington Fellowship as a program intern at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. Originally from Kenya, and conversational in Kiswahili, Kathleen Hirkento is passionate about climate resilience, public health policy, and equitable development within Africa. Following her fellowship with Princeton in Africa, she hopes to continue advancing policy solutions at the intersection of climate, governance, and sustainable development. In her free time, she enjoys trying new foods, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Peter Njogu

2026-2027 Fellow with Anda, Angola

Kenyatta University Class of 2022

He/him/his

Peter Njogu is a 2022 Economics and Finance graduate of Kenyatta University and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His professional background includes tenure at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) where he contributed to ground-breaking projects that aimed to offer quality healthcare delivery to the public within the Central Region of Kenya through clinical research. Notably, he participated in a study that investigated the efficacy of a single dose of HPV vaccine on young girls and women whose findings have influenced World Health Organization’s global health policies and strategies. At The Aga Khan University-Global, Peter managed a portfolio of donor-funded programs from The Gates Foundation, the EU, Google Foundation, the NIH, KfW, ELMA Philanthropies and UKRI that cut across health research, institutional bilateral engagements, technological innovations in health and healthcare delivery intervention programmes across East Africa. As a 2024 ALX Fellow, he mentored young college and university graduates to navigate the professional world through training and skills acquisition. He is particularly interested in the intersection of donor, debt, and equity financing and its broader economic impact, with a passion for leveraging financial data to drive decision-making and sustainable empowerment. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys reading, travelling, listening to music and seeking out new adventures. Through the Princeton in Africa fellowship, he aims to scale the reach of business and economic empowerment solutions across the continent.

Brian Oduor

2026-2027 Fellow with Moving Windmills Project, Malawi

Kenyatta University Class of 2023

He/him/his

Brian Onyango Oduor is a graduate of Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, where he earned a degree in Environmental Health (Public Health). He also holds a Certificate in Data Protection from the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) at Strathmore University. During his studies, Brian served as a class representative and was actively involved in the Environmental Health Club, participating in community health outreach initiatives focused on urban sanitation, mental health awareness, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Passionate about public health, sustainable development, and youth leadership, Brian has built experience through research, volunteerism, and civic engagement. His undergraduate research examined the prevalence of mental health issues among students in higher learning institutions. Beyond academia, he has contributed to community-driven initiatives through organizations such as Stowelink Inc. and Kenya Ni Mimi, where he engaged in youth leadership, active citizenship, and nation-building efforts. Brian is also an Aspire Leaders Program alumnus, where he strengthened his skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and social impact. Driven by a commitment to advancing health equity and sustainable development across Africa, Brian is interested in the intersections of public health, policy, governance, and community development. Following his Princeton in Africa Fellowship, he hopes to pursue graduate studies and build a career dedicated to strengthening public health systems and improving community well-being across the continent. Originally from Kenya, he loves football, cycling, rugby, and research.

Whitney Onserio

2026-2027 Fellow with Foundation for Community Development and Empowerment, Uganda

United States International University - Africa Class of 2023

She/her/hers

Whitney Jerusa Onserio is a people-centered professional committed to creating meaningful change in her community. She is a graduate of USIU–Africa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Management, building a strong foundation in human behavior, communication, and organizational thinking. She previously worked as a Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Associate at Nyanam International, where she supported fundraising efforts, strengthened partnerships, and contributed to initiatives focused on improving the lives of widowed women and their children in western Kenya. Whitney also mentors early-career professionals and students at New Dawn Collective Pathways, supporting their personal and professional development through guidance and feedback. In addition, she is a semi-competitive swimmer and participated in a cultural exchange program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake in 2021. Whitney enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and trying new recipes.

Aleya Philip

2026-2027 Fellow with Tech Care for All, Kenya

Columbia University Class of 2023

She/her/hers

Aleya Rebecca Philip is a public health professional from Chennai, India, whose work has taken her from grassroots menstrual health campaigns in college to cervical cancer prevention in rural Zambia to cancer screening policy with the Government of Tamil Nadu. She holds a Master of Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, with a focus on reproductive health and community-based interventions. Before graduate school, she served as Student Body Vice President representing 3,600 students, and led menstrual health campaigns and community-building initiatives for women and girls through her college’s RutuChakra chapter. During her graduate studies, she contributed to an HPV self-testing pilot in Zambia’s Western Province, working directly with women, healthcare providers, and community leaders in a resource-limited field setting – an experience that shaped her deeply. Following her MPH, she worked at the state government level on cancer screening initiatives before moving into public sector strategy and consulting. Drawn back to the field and to Africa, Aleya joins Tech Care for All in Nairobi as a Princeton in Africa Fellow. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, finding great places to eat, and being outdoors.

Ben Rosmarin

2026-2027 Fellow with Enveritas, Uganda

Middlebury College Class of 2026

He/him/his

Ben recently graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in environmental policy. His honors thesis examined how institutional constraints and risk shape smallholder farmer adoption of integrated soil fertility and regenerative practices across Sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond his academic work, Ben has gained hands-on experience at the intersection of research, policy, and community engagement. He worked in business development for a soil data startup, where he partnered with organizations across Africa to support the adoption of advanced soil measurement technologies and carbon market initiatives. His work focused on helping position and apply these tools in real-world agricultural and climate contexts, while engaging with developments in soil MRV systems. He also has nonprofit experience through his work with The Farmlink Project, where he supported efforts to reduce food waste and redirect surplus food to communities in need. Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Ben loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking, and is always eager to explore new landscapes. Ben is driven by a commitment to designing food systems that are both ecologically sound and socially inclusive. Through the Princeton in Africa fellowship, he hopes to deepen his practical understanding of how local innovation and policy can support farmers across the continent.

Aurore Shima

2026-2027 Fellow with Baylor Eswatini (formerly BIPAI Eswatini), Eswatini

Hope College Class of 2025

She/her/hers

Aurore Shima is a first-generation 2025 graduate of Hope College, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Global Health and Psychology. Originally from Kigali, Rwanda, she is committed to advancing health equity through community-centered approaches informed by both her lived experiences and global work. This commitment has led her to support health access initiatives in Dubréka, Guinea, contribute to water and sanitation projects in Quito, Ecuador, and conduct independent research on historical trauma, political conflict, and mental health in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo while studying abroad in Switzerland and Morocco. At Hope College, she held leadership roles across multiple student organizations and contributed to interdisciplinary research in nursing, political science, chemistry, and global health. Professionally, she has led student consulting teams on projects related to health research, recruitment, and organizational development. Most recently, she worked in child welfare with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services as a permanency caseworker, supporting permanency planning and child and family well-being. Following her Princeton in Africa fellowship, Aurore plans to pursue a Master’s in Global Mental Health. In her free time, she enjoys singing, vlogging, baking, and learning new languages.

Laila Shushtarian

2026-2027 Fellow with Savannah Global Health Institute, Kenya

Columbia University Class of 2021

She/her/hers

Laila Shushtarian holds dual Master’s degrees in International Affairs and Public Health from Columbia University, with a focus on climate change, food systems, and global health equity. Her work centers on building the partnerships and systems that turn global commitments into lasting local impact. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, she has partnered with civil society organizations, community leaders, and government counterparts on climate, nutrition, and health programs. Most recently, she worked with the World Food Programme in The Gambia on food security and nutrition efforts, and with ENDA Santé in Senegal as a Public Health Policy Advisor, where she facilitated workshops with women farmers, supported climate adaptation projects, and drafted funding proposals designed and led by local partners. She has also worked at the institutional level to advance climate and health priorities. At The Rockefeller Foundation, she supported partnership development and grant coordination for climate and green energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa. At Foundation S, the philanthropic arm of Sanofi, she helped create the Collective Minds Climate Council, a coalition working to elevate the health impacts of climate change at COP25, the UN General Assembly, and the World Health Assembly. Laila is fluent in Farsi and proficient in French and is committed to development that is designed and led by the communities it aims to serve. Through her Princeton in Africa fellowship, Laila is deepening her commitment to a career at the intersection of climate adaptation, food systems, and health equity across Sub-Saharan Africa.