March 2022 Newsletter | Princeton in Africa

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Our Fellows and Alumni secure Payne and Pickering Fellowships

SFS Students and Alumni Achieve Foreign Service Dreams Through Pickering and Payne Fellowships

Ìbílọlá Owóyẹlé, a 2017-2018 alumni of Princeton in Africa, became a Pickering Fellow alongside current Fellow Brenda Coromina.

“After graduating from Georgetown University, (Ìbílọlá) returned to West Africa, serving as a Princeton-in-Africa fellow at the African School of Economics in Benin”
-Paul James, Georgetown University

“I look forward to this opportunity to serve my national and global communities, and to learn more extensively about a world that exists far beyond myself.”
-Ìbílọlá Owóyẹl 2017-2018 Fellow with African School of Economics, Benin

We’re proud of our alumni network, and see many of our Fellows grow and thrive in the international development field once their fellowships come to a close.

Dami meets up with Alumni and Fellows based in Africa

While conducting site visits to some of our newer host organizations, Damilola reached out to our network to meet up with Fellows and Alumni who were based in Nigeria or Kenya. Thank you to Dhruvi Joshi (2020-21 Fellow with Lwala Community Alliance, Kenya), Liviya David (2017-2018 Fellow with HelpAge International, Kenya), Maggie Andresen (Fellow with Gardens for Health International, Rwanda), Rowan Sharkey (Alliance & CIAT, Kenya), and Emma Anderson (IRC Somalia, based in Kenya).

Dami, Dhruvi Joshi (2020-21), and Liviya David (2017-18) in Nairobi, Kenya

Dami Visiting Host Organizations Based in Kenya

Our 2022 Virtual Retreat!

On March 10th and 11th, our staff, the current cohort of Fellows, and our esteemed guest speakers joined in a virtual retreat over zoom.

Thank you to our guest speakers and alumni volunteers:

Sol Eskenazi (African School of Economics, Benin, 2015-2016)

Audrey Atencio (United Nations World Food Programme, Uganda, 2014-2015)

Professor Mahiri Mwita, Princeton University Program in African Studies

Razan Eltayeb (Population Services International, Kenya, 2019-2020)

Elizabeth Wangu (African Leadership Academy, South Africa, 2012-2013)

Joanna Bascom (Healthy Learners, Zambia, 2019-2020)

Oluseyi Segun (Gardens for Health International, Rwanda, 2014-15)

Our History

In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.

Testimonials

The International Rescue Committee has been so fortunate to have had a longstanding relationship with Princeton in Africa since our very first Fellows landed in Rwanda in 1999. Whether it was Emily or Renee in 1999 or the 110 Fellows across 14 IRC countries over the years, we have been blessed by the relationship, the quality of the Fellows and the impact on what IRC does on the ground every single day.

Brian Johnson

Chief Human Resources Officer

International Rescue Committee

My fellowship has been the most impactful personal and professional development opportunity of my life. I wanted a post-college experience that would push my limits, expand my comfort zone, and help me discern the next steps in my career journey. And this has been the case.

Ryan Elliott

2014-15 Fellow

Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Lesotho

I can honestly say that this year has changed my life and my view of what’s possible for the future. Princeton in Africa isn’t just a one-year fellowship, it’s an introduction to a particular way of life and a new way of thinking about the world. I feel like so many doors are open now that I never would have considered before.

Katie Fackler

2010-11 Fellow

UN World Food Programme

My Princeton in Africa fellowship was everything I could have hoped for and much more. The myriad of experiences makes my head swim, and it has strengthened my desire to help underserved populations worldwide.

David Bartels

2006-2007 Fellow

Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative

Princeton in Africa was an invaluable experience for me. I learned an infinite amount through my work and through living in Uganda. I also realized that I want to continue working on African issues as long as I can.

Alexis Okeowo

2006-2007 Fellow

The New Vision

The International Rescue Committee’s experience with Princeton in Africa has been exceptional. Each Fellow brings excellent writing and analytical skills as well as unique interests and passions that enrich the program and the field office environment. We were so pleased we expanded the program to more field offices.

Susan Riehl

Human Resources, IRC

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has been working in Africa for over 11 years through its Secure the Future program. One common theme in all aspects of program implementation is having passionate, energetic individuals on the ground who can think outside the box and then transfer the skills for sustainability. The Princeton In Africa Fellows have been a huge asset in this regard and our programs and patients have been better for it.

John Damonti

President, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation