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Cossy Lelei holds a Bachelor of Science in data sciences from The Pennsylvania State University where she is also pursuing a Master of Science in geography. She is passionate about integrating research and technology to generate insights, inform decision-making, and support policy in international development. Her academic pursuits are complemented by professional experience in scientific communication, enhancing her ability to contribute effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Sophie leverages her proficiency in statistical software applications such as R, Python, and SAS, and multimedia tools like Final Cut Pro, Canva, and Photoshop. She uses these tools to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging content to raise awareness and drive engagement on various topics among diverse audiences. Her expertise in these areas significantly boosts the reach and impact of her communications, particularly in her role as the editor of a bi-weekly newsletter for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Sophie continues to demonstrate her commitment to applying her training in practical settings through her research experience in health systems like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and involvement in various STEM equity educational programs at Penn State. This practical application of her skills underscores her dedication to making a tangible difference in the fields of health and education. In addition to her academic and professional experience, Sophie is fluent in French and has intermediate proficiency in Kiswahili, expanding her communicative reach in international contexts. Sophie is eager to apply her expertise in data science and communication to impactful projects in Africa.

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Isabel Masawi is graduating from Agnes Scott College, in May 2024, with a B.S. in Physics, a B.A. in Mathematics, and a minor in The Foundations of Artificial Intelligence. Isabel was born and raised in Zimbabwe. Before the PiAf fellowship, Isabel also worked with Metis, an organization specializing in training leaders in education, under the ALforEducation apprenticeship. Isabel is passionate about education beyond the classroom, teaching younger children skills like programming, electronics, and robotics and about Africa’s technological and economic development. At Agnes Scott, she competed in intercollegiate soccer and made the list of all academic honors for three years in a row. She is an Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society member and a Tri-Alpha (AAA) National Honor Society member for first-generation college students. In the future, Isabel’s goal is to pursue a graduate degree in engineering and establish a technological and industrial presence in Zimbabwe or Africa, that speaks out for the youth, empowers them, and develops their talents inside and outside the classroom as she believes it is imperative to create a platform that introduces young people to problem-solving skills and engineering for those who would want to pursue the discipline.

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Lyla Renwick-Archibold is a recent graduate from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in computer science and brain sciences. Through her experiences studying human rights and technology in Amsterdam and interning at a startup in Cape Town, Lyla developed an interest in the misuse of technology and how they affect society. She has continued to pursue this interest by spearheading a research project at the McKelvey School of Engineering about the toxicity of AI chatbots. She is interested in pursuing a law degree and working on developing global regulation to lead to equitable technology development and usage, and is excited to be a fellow working on STEM education in Tanzania.

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Joyce is a highly skilled professional with a wealth of experience in business development, strategic leadership, and partnerships within the African market. With over 9 years experience in the Banking, Payments, and the Software industry, she has a proven track record in driving revenue growth and forging strategic partnerships. Her expertise spans market analysis, GTM strategy, client acquisition, and product positioning. In addition to her extensive experience, Joyce has a Msc Degree in Management & Organizational Development from USIU and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Moi University.”

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Mahilet Mesfin graduated from the University of Washington in 2021, completing an honours Bachelor’s in International Economic Development with a minor in Human Rights–and received a Henry Jackson School fellowship for her achievements. Additionally, Mahilet has recently finished her Master’s in Science at the London School of Economics (LSE), finalising a degree in International Social and Public Policy. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she is deeply committed to catalysing and unlocking transformative economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, seeking to redefine the continent’s narrative. Whilst studying for her undergraduate degree, Mahilet was elected President of the Black Student’s Union, leading and facilitating discourse on equity programs for its Black student body. Continuing her commitment to empowering the diaspora during her Master’s studies, she was elected as the Co-President of PFAL – Programme for African Leadership at the LSE. Within this capacity, she represented the interests of her fellow African leaders. Whilst also acting as a representative for the prestigious Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa.
Additionally, as a Lead Engagement Officer at the Seattle City Council, Mahilet worked to support her district’s elected Councilmember’s office. Undertaking issues concerning economic development, social mobility, and homelessness. Here, she managed and conducted concise research on the correlative effects of displacement and collected reports on community-backed civil service groups, organising engagement initiatives at the Seattle City Council. Organising engagement events with local stakeholders and community members in South Seattle, Seattle’s most economically diverse neighbourhood. During this, Mahilet contributed to over 20-analytically backed policy briefs.

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Eloah is a lifelong learner from the Washington D.C. metropolitan, born in France, and proud of her Congolese and Angolan roots. Her love for exploring the world developed from her extensive time abroad at an early age. She is a recent graduate of American University studying International Studies, concentrating on International Development with youth. She was a part of the School of International Services’ 3-year Global Scholars program. Eloah plans on a career in youth development, and before her enrollment at American, she was a Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange student in a Department of State exchange program in Ghana. This program sparked her love for youth empowerment as she worked with disadvantaged youth in Accra, helping them seek a better future through education. Through grassroots outreach, she had conversations with youth who experienced educational inequity. Although her time in Accra ended early due to COVID-19, she helped enroll children in public and vocational schools while providing information to stakeholders as the Social Media Lead. Eloah spent last Fall semester studying and interning in Kenya where she worked with the Horn of Africa Youth Network. She believes that the advancement of all youth, specifically African youth, can be reformed by providing opportunities and skills to understand the relevant technology of today. Her involvement in campus life included events coordinator of the African Student Organization and photographer for the Student Union Board and the Yearbook club. In addition, Eloah is always eager to be surrounded by cultures, learn new languages, and spend her free time learning something new (preferably outdoors).

Ian Stiehl graduated from Dartmouth College with a major in Astronomy and a minor in Mathematical Physics while completing the pre-medical track. His honors thesis integrated all three courses of study in a project that applied information theory to the field of extrasolar planetary science. He examined whether computational methods could distinguish between different types of planets (e.g., Earth vs. Jupiter) without the need for input physics. Involved in the Native American Program at Dartmouth, Ian spent three years working as a tutor and advising younger students on scholarship applications. Outside of school, he interned at Allegro Pediatrics in Washington state and researched how the musculoskeletal system responds to spaceflight with funding from the Stamps Scholarship. Originally from Seattle, he grew up loving the outdoors, an interest he maintained in college. He has led multiple backcountry canoe and hiking trips around the US and relishes the opportunity to explore northern Tanzania. In his free time, Ian loves running, racing on Dartmouth’s triathlon team all four years of college. In February of 2023, months of training came to a close as he participated in the Kilimanjaro marathon. With Tanzanian Education Corporation, Ian has served as a computer science teacher, an IT manager, a STEM project advisor and more. He started both a Girls in STEM program that meets weekly and a digital literacy development program for teachers at Tumaini Senior Secondary School (TSSS) where he works. Also in pursuit of bridging the computer knowledge gap, he initiated a partnership between TSSS and the International Certificate of Digital Literacy (ICDL). ICDL classes for A-level students are currently in the pilot phase for a full launch in July 2023. Ian has been grateful to his colleagues, students, and friends at TSSS for welcoming him into the school community.

Michelle graduated from Connecticut College majoring in International Relations with minors in French and Global Islamic Studies. While in college, she studied abroad in Kigali, Rwanda. She also interned with Fondation Artisans de la Paix et du Développement au Rwanda, a grassroots development organization, where she helped manage the distribution of 2,000 energy-saving stoves. Michelle concluded her college career by writing an honors thesis on the role of UN Peacekeeping Operations leadership in shaping organizational culture to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. After college, Michelle worked as a program assistant at the Social Science Research Council where she helped administer international fellowships for PhD candidates, contributing to grants management, report writing, data analysis, and communications. Outside of work she takes Kiswahili lessons and completed Population Works Africa’s e-learning platform on decolonizing development. Michelle is excited to work with the Kupona Foundation and learn more about community-based healthcare programs in Tanzania.

Brian Njoroge graduated from Duke University with a double major in Public Policy and International Comparative Studies and a certificate in Markets and Management. At Duke, Brian was involved with the African Conversations Club where he continuously worked with various departments to promote African scholarship on campus. Additionally, he coordinated fundraising for the school newspaper and sat on the Duke Students Alumni Board. During his junior year, Brian was involved in designing a state-wide computer science curriculum for middle school students in North Carolina. He spent his final year as part of an international workshop exploring care economies in the Global South to develop a universal care index. Previously, he has worked with Equity Bank in Kenya, and with Social Entrepreneur Corp in Guatemala consulting for local non-profits. Brian has also volunteered at a community-based micro-finance in Kampala and designed an agricultural project that was implemented in Central Uganda. In his spare time, he enjoys taking photos and running on trails. His interest in serving the marginalized communities through policy and critical development continues to shape what he does, and he is looking forward to working with Kupona Foundation in the coming year.

Mariama graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs with a concentration in global public health and a minor in public health. Following graduation, Mariama worked as an Events Associate for POLITICO Live, building targeted guest lists, coordinating social media platforms, and managing video and website production to ensure a lasting digital impact for all summits, series, and panel conversations. Mariama received the “Unsung Hero” award, given to those who embody the values of collaboration, disruption, talent cultivation, and relentless contribution. To remain active in global health, Mariama also worked as a part-time Research Assistant for the World Faiths Development Dialogue and contributed to the country mapping investigation of the religious landscape in Lesotho, Nigeria, and Senegal, formatted field interviews, and researched religious views to universal healthcare. She previously held internships with JBS International’s Disability Services Center and Georgetown University Law Center’s O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law and held on-campus positions as an orientation leader and a resident advisor. A first-generation American with parents from Ireland and Sierra Leone, Mariama grew up in Dallas, TX and is thrilled to have the opportunity to combine her passions of global health and communications at CCBRT!