for Civic Engagement at Michigan State University
Tsaone Mosweu – Botswana
Tsaone Mosweu has four years of experience advocating for sexual reproductive health (SRH) and rights for women and young people with disabilities. With a degree in public health and pursuing a Master of Philosophy in human rights, focusing on sexual and reproductive rights in Africa, she is a junior consultant for the United Nations Population Fund Botswana. Tsaone develops disability-inclusive SRH programs and ensures meaningful engagement of adolescents and young people with disabilities in SRH policy and programming at national, regional, and global levels. She provides technical assistance in delivering comprehensive sexuality education for young people with disabilities and engages with decision-makers to advance SRH rights for people with disabilities.”
Hanna Lemma – Ethiopia
Hanna Lemma has over six years of experience in women’s rights advocacy and feminist research. She is also the Founder and Director of a young women-led feminist knowledge production platform called Addis Powerhouse, an organization that conducts gender research and employs evidence-based activism to ensure the meaningful representation of young women in socio-economic and political spheres in Ethiopia. Hanna holds a master’s degree in Development Economics. She is committed to gender equality and inclusive decision-making, and works to amplify youth voices, uplift feminist activists, and engage the community in feminist and women’s rights advocacy efforts. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Hanna plans to mobilize a young women’s network to push for a change in laws and policies that disregard and undermine the value of women and exclude them from decision-making.
Zelalem Dessalegn Demeke – Ethiopia
Zelalem Dessalegn Demeke has more than five years of experience in rehabilitation and assistive technology. Zelalem is currently the founder and executive director of the Grand Assistive Technology Center (GAT), a local NGO based in Ethiopia that works to expand access to assistive technology for disabled children. He also serves as Ethiopia’s country representative for Cerebral Palsy Africa and was instrumental in establishing Ethiopia’s first occupational therapy program at the University of Gondar. Zelalem earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Queen’s University in Canada. He is committed to improving the lives of disabled children and creating a more inclusive society. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Zelalem aims to expand GAT’s impact by establishing a production facility to manufacture appropriate assistive technology customized to meet the needs and environmental conditions of children with disabilities in Ethiopia.
Francisca Nancy Hagan – Ghana
Francisca Nancy Hagan has over 12 years of experience in gender equality, social inclusion, and community development. Currently, she is the executive director of the Developing Women for Skills and Opportunities (DWoSO) Initiative, where she oversees initiatives aimed at empowering women and increasing social inclusion. She also works as an extension services specialist for the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, where she provides technical communication support and coordinates stakeholder engagement. Francisca earned a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Cape Coast. She is dedicated to improving gender equality and social justice by creating inclusive environments and encouraging women’s leadership in a variety of industries. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Francisca intends to expand her advocacy work and develop more impactful programs to reach more women and girls in Ghana.
Pharis Jane – Kenya
Pharis Jane has over seven years of experience in youth leadership and community service. He is currently the national chairman of the Mt. Kenya Colleges and Universities Students Association (M-CUSA), which is concerned with the welfare of students from Kenya’s ten counties that comprise the Mt. Kenya Region. He also serves as the Jubilee Party’s youth spokesperson at the National Secretariat. He played a key role in establishing the Jubilee Party Youth League, a platform that has allowed many Kenyan adolescents to participate in politics. He is committed to ensuring that Kenyan youth take on political leadership at various levels of elective office. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. After finishing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he plans to use his experience to establish Kenya’s first youth-led political party. He is looking forward to representing his constituency in the National Assembly in 2027.
Khadija Mohamed – Kenya
Khadija Mohamed has over eleven years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Khadija is currently an operations coordinator at the Strong Cities Network, where she works to combat hate, extremism, and polarization, all of which can lead to violence, while also promoting a human rights-based prevention framework informed by international best practices. Along with her professional work, Khadija has extensive experience with youth and women’s empowerment and engagement. She founded Wayodi Ventures to help women and youth develop business and leadership skills. She serves as the program officer for the Youth Empowerment Programme Initiative and facilitates stakeholder engagement. Khadija has a bachelor’s degree in business commerce and is now pursuing a master’s degree in project management. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Khadija intends to work with the Sweetville organization to empower and mentor vulnerable women by teaching them baking, rug making, and eco-friendly bag production, as well as business, financial management, and leadership skills to help their businesses succeed. She also intends to build a network of 100 female mentors to inspire the next generation of women in our community.
Rethabile Mohono – Lesotho
Rethabile Mohono, a seasoned journalist with nine years of experience, specializes in covering minority groups such as people with disabilities and the LGBTIQ+ community, as well as business and youth issues. Currently, he works as a digital news editor and senior journalist for Public Eye Newspaper in Maseru, Lesotho, and volunteers as a public relations officer for D-Tech Advertising Agency. Mohono has experience as a lifestyle journalist, marketer, and special project officer. He has an associate degree in journalism and media, is a YALI civic engagement alumna, and has received training on covering sexual and gender minorities and religion. Mohono also holds an advocacy certificate for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE) and human rights from the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he plans to launch a digital publication devoted to reporting on minority groups such as LGBTIQ+ and disabled people, who are frequently marginalized in various aspects of life. Mohono’s future plans include involving or hiring members of the LGBTIQ+ and disabled communities in the publication so that they can report on issues that directly affect them.
Maël Rabemananjara – Madagascar
Maël Rabemananjara has eight years of hands-on humanitarian experience, gained in Madagascar and Uganda. Maël has worked as a research specialist for the past four years, providing reliable and high-quality data to decision-makers and humanitarian program managers. She has a master’s degree in population and development. She is also passionate about mental health, feminism, travel, and content creation. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Maël intends to focus her consulting firm on studying and implementing humanitarian programs.
Godfrey Kambewa – Malawi
Godfrey Kambewa has a decade of experience in community building and engagement for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Godfrey is currently the executive director of the Angaza Foundation, which works to close the service delivery gap for Malawi’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Godfrey is also a member of the Drive project’s community advisory board for HIV testing services, as well as the Civil Society National Reference Group for Malawi’s Spotlight Initiative and the National Technical Working Group for Social Behavior Change Communication. He aims to become one of the country’s leading experts in HIV programming. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Godfrey intends to use the skills and knowledge gained to expand the Angaza Foundation and other community-led networks in order to strategically position themselves for programming.
Abderrahmane Sidi El Moctar – Mauritania
Abderrahmane Sidi El Moctar is a distinguished advocate and leader in climate change from Mauritania. He holds key positions including COY18 Mauritania contact point, YOUNGO-UNFCCC COP28 presidency, the first Mauritanian LCOY coordinator, and chairman and co-founder of the Green Mauritania Youth Network (GreeM). He is a medical doctor by profession. Abderrahmane is deeply committed to advocating for meaningful youth engagement in climate action. He has been selected as an MTE Climate Fellowship Ambassador for 2023, part of the World Bank Group youth initiatives, and represented Mauritania at the first African Youth Climate Assembly in Nairobi. Additionally, he serves as the coordinator of the technical health and climate working group in the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance. Abderrahmane is also part of the science group of the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY) and serves as a youth delegate at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Goals 2023. Abderrahmane has played a crucial role in coordinating the climate effects on African youth for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies during the preparation of the UNFCCC COP27 and COY17. In the last COP, he was selected by UNDP as the African Youth ambassador for COP29.
Francisco Panguana Junior – Mozambique
Francisco Panguana Junior is a lecturer, civic leader, researcher, and fiction writer. He has a bachelor?s degree in Portuguese and English teaching from the Pedagogic University of Maputo, a postgraduate diploma in decentralization in Africa from the Western Cape University and Addis Ababa University, a certificate in civic leadership from the YALI Regional Leadership Center, and he is pursuing a Master of Education at Pedagogic University of Maputo. In 2013, he volunteered at Pedagogic University of Maputo as an assistant of inclusive education where he was responsible for producing educational resources to develop the numeracy and literacy skills of children with disabilities. Since 2015, he has been a social sciences lecturer and researcher at Zambeze University. Since 2020, he has been a country director at Global Peace Chain Mozambique, where he is responsible for conceiving and implementing education for peace projects and civic engagement campaigns. He is a member of the YALI Network and One Young World. As a researcher, he has published three chapters in scientific books. He has won the Carlos Morgado 2023 award and came second place in the Natural Disasters Management short stories 2023 competition. He has published short stories and poems in six anthologies.
Saara Waandja – Namibian
Saara Waandja has more than four years of experience assisting and counseling children, adolescents, and young people living with HIV. Saara is currently volunteering as a Namibian Adolescent Treatment Supporter (NATS) for the Ministry of Health and Social Services at the Katutura Health Center, where she focuses on creating a positive and supportive learning environment for HIV-positive youth. Saara has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. She believes that only through active participation in communities can change be achieved. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Saara intends to apply the skills and knowledge she gained to her current work while also collaborating with other organizations that focus on youth health and safety.
Irene Nneoma David-Arinze – Nigeria
Irene Nneoma David-Arinze is a multimedia journalist, entrepreneur, and professional speaker with seven years of experience. Inspired by the need to promote social justice, energy access in unserved and underserved communities, fact-checking, financial literacy, climate change issues, and capacity development for early and mid-stage journalists across Africa, Irene founded LIDA Network, a digital media organization. Her reporting has been recognized with a PwC Journalist of the Year nomination in the SME Reporting and Sustainability Reporting categories. She was also nominated for the Gatefield Journalist of the Year award, a Thomson Reuters 2021 Change Maker Award, and a Humanitarian Award from LA MODE magazine. Irene has worked as a speaker, moderator, and event host for a variety of brands, including HP, UNESCO, the UN, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and Susty Vibes. Irene graduated from the prestigious Covenant University and attended Harvard Business School online. She is currently enrolled in an Oxford University program focused on sustainable finance. After the fellowship, Irene looks forward to leveraging the network and opportunities from the fellowship to strengthen the work of the LIDA Network.
Zakariyya Haruna Liman – Nigeria
Zakariyya Haruna Liman is a passionate humanitarian and youth activist dedicated to advocating for good governance in Nigeria. He established the Rescue Future Generation Charity Initiative and the Power of Youth and Justice Initiative to advance his mission of fostering accountability and transparency in governance. Zakariyya is also a skilled IT professional, computer operator, instructor, and part-time lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic in Nasarawa. He has a national diploma and a bachelor’s degree in computer science. As a young leader, Zakariyya has spearheaded a number of community development initiatives, including free JAMB CBT training, leadership and mentoring programs, and election awareness campaigns. He also organized electoral debates for aspiring lawmakers in his state, encouraging voters to make informed decisions. Zakariyya is a fellow of the Young Political Leadership School Africa, the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship, and the Youth Leadership Program for African Leadership Initiative West Africa. Following the Fellowship, he plans to continue advocating for good government and empowering youth to build a better future for Nigeria. His vision includes training and empowering youth before involving them in holding their leaders accountable, as well as establishing 20 civic clubs in secondary schools throughout Zamfara State.
Jemimah David-Makeri – Nigeria
Jemimah David-Makeri is a visual storyteller, media producer, and children’s photographer in Nigeria who uses photography and filmmaking to document authentic stories of children while advocating for their rights. Jemimah works with Almajiri Child Rights Initiative to use visual storytelling to highlight the educational and abuse issues of marginalized children. She also leads the communications team at Hope and Care Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit organization, to garner support for orphans, vulnerable children, and children affected by conflicts through storytelling. Jemimah volunteers her storytelling skills with Child Evangelism Fellowship, which focuses on instilling positive values in children, and with the fashion brand Hardwear Customs, which produces eco-friendly African clothing for children and youth. She holds a degree in Radio, TV, and Film Production Studies from Eastern Mediterranean University, and she has received practical training in media and communications for development from Youth-Hub Africa and others. She is passionate about using media to instill positive values in the lives of children and to advocate for their rights. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Jemimah plans to continue using media tools to influence actions toward achieving child rights through her budding storytelling company, while also building a team of storytellers.
Samantha Bickini – Republic of the Congo
Samantha Bickini has over 14 years’ experience in the communications field. Samantha is currently the regional digital officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross, supporting the digital teams of more than 10 countries in the management, coordination, and creation of content for French digital platforms, as well as the implementation of digital campaigns. She is also an internal trainer for digital communications, web writing, and content management systems. Samantha blogs for Mondoblog, the largest platform for French-speaking bloggers, and participates in the Spoken World Poetry Collective (Vendredi Slam). She is also the author of C’est Lui l’Homme, a novel that explores the balance of power in a society where women have all the rights and men have all of the responsibilities. Samantha has a degree in journalism and communications and is now pursuing an MBA in advocacy and public relations. Samantha plans to establish a virtual community after the Mandela Washington Fellowship to connect high school girls with female mentors in their communities so that they can share their experiences and assist them in choosing a career path.
Thuthula Sodumo – South Africa
Thuthula Sodumo embodies resilience and determination, advocating passionately for marginalized communities. Overcoming physical barriers, she earned a National Diploma in Public Management, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, and an Honours degree in Gender Studies from the University of South Africa (UNISA), showcasing her unwavering commitment.Driven by her passion for change, Thuthula is a prominent advocate for gender equality, mental health, youth empowerment, and disability rights. Pursuing a Master’s degree in Gender Studies with a focus on disability intersectionality, she delves into the intricate challenges faced by disabled individuals within societal gender dynamics. Thuthula actively engages with grassroots organizations, challenging norms and amplifying marginalized voices. In corporate roles like customer care specialist and team leader, she exhibits exceptional empathy and leadership, driving improvements in service delivery and organizational culture. Committed to empowering girls with disabilities, Thuthula mentors and inspires, believing profoundly in education’s transformative impact. Post-Mandela Washington Fellowship, she aims to establish an NGO empowering rural girls with disabilities, collaborating on initiatives aligned with her goals.
Botlhale Boikanyo – South Africa
Botlhale Boikanyo is an award-winning poet, actress, speaker, and presenter. She is a multidimensional storyteller who has immersed herself in the arts and entertainment industry, bringing forth her youthful energy and talent. Her journey began at the age of 11 when she became the youngest winner of South Africa’s Got Talent in 2012, marking the inception of her remarkable career. Botlhale is also a Brand South Africa: Play Your Part Ambassador, and an ambassador for the Legacy of Hope Foundation alongside distinguished figures like Viola Davis and Charlize Theron. Throughout her career, Botlhale has remained dedicated to uplifting her community and advocating for causes she believes in. She founded the Botlhale Boikanyo Foundation, focusing on youth development, arts education, and empowering young leaders through art. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Botlhale plans to continue to contribute to shaping future African artists and leaders through her foundation.
Xabiso Vili – South Africa
World Poetry Slam champion and Mail & Guardian top 200 Young South African, Xabiso Vili is a multi-award-winning performer, writer, new media artist, producer, and social activist. He is the founder of Siziintsomi Creations, a creative incubator company that focuses on the intersection of storytelling, innovative mediums, and media and healing. He is researching and creating a methodology for how writing can be used as a tool for therapy. Xabiso has a diverse body of work including a poetry album, a one-man show, a poetry collection, and a co-authored young adult novella. He spent 2020 creating an AR poetry-audio-visual project which debuted alongside his projection mapping installation projected onto the Saint Eustache Church at NewImages Festival. Xabiso is an Electric South New Dimensions Lab alumni and a Business and Arts South Africa Cultural Producer. He was awarded a Leeds 2023 international artist seed commission to research and develop a new AR mural work for the year of culture in 2023. He is also the inaugural winner of the Fakugesi Digital Creativity Award for the best AR project in Africa and is currently touring a new projection mapping installation entitled, “Kwasukasukela – In the Beginning”.
Joseph Brighton Malekela – Tanzania
Joseph Brighton Malekela has over eight years of experience in advocating for youth engagement in decision-making, peace, security, and development. Currently, Joseph is a chief operations officer at the Africa-Asia Youth Foundation (AAYFO), focusing on empowering youth in leadership, peace, and development. He is a trained and certified UN Youth Champion of the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations in Tanzania. Joseph holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and ethics and is currently pursuing a master?s degree in strategic and peace studies, both at the University of Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania. Joseph is interested in moral leadership, good governance, human rights, peace, and security for sustainable development. After completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Joseph plans to intensify his work in empowering young leaders of Tanzania and Africa in their participation in decision-making, peace, and development.
Annetta BV Mahoney – The Gambia
Annetta BV Mahoney has over five years of experience with advocacy and project management. Annetta is currently a program manager at Gambia Participates, where she works to improve fiscal transparency, reduce corruption, and promote election integrity. Annetta has volunteered her time and expertise for a variety of community-based initiatives that promote social justice, human rights, and civic engagement. She has been actively involved in organizing grassroots campaigns, leading citizen empowerment workshops, and assisting marginalized communities. Annetta earned a bachelor’s degree in politics, philosophy, and economics. She is driven by a desire to empower marginalized communities, increase citizen participation, and hold government institutions accountable. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Annetta intends to use her newly acquired skills, knowledge, and networks to advance democratic governance, transparency, and social justice initiatives in The Gambia. She hopes to take on leadership roles in civil society organizations or government agencies that promote citizen engagement and accountability. She also plans to continue advocating for marginalized communities and driving positive change through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.
David Oyet – Uganda
David Oyet has over seven years of experience in community mental health, program coordination, and marketing strategies. Currently he is the co-founder and program director at Finemind Uganda, focusing on community mental health and empowerment. David is also a member of the Uganda National Youth Council and has coordinated numerous counseling sessions, provided economic empowerment training, and led youth engagement initiatives. He also served as the marketing coordinator at Clarke International University, where he developed marketing strategies and established collaborations with non-government organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree and is dedicated to making a positive impact in mental health, education, and community development. David is motivated by the need to build a healthy civic space for Uganda citizens through a thriving non-government organization promoting healthy minds. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, David plans to grow his current work by promoting mental health service provision to youths in schools with close partnership with American businesses and organizations in the spirit of promoting globalization and sharing good practices from the American culture.
Wilkins Sikazwe – Zambia
Wilkins Sikazwe is a dynamic figure with a diverse skill set spanning education, filmmaking, technology, and social advocacy. With over five years of multifaceted experience, he is a fervent champion for education, digital literacy, artistic expression, and social change. Currently serving as a production manager, actor, script editor, and writer at Real Image Africa Media, Wilkins brings his expertise to the forefront of film production, utilizing storytelling as a catalyst for positive social impact and sustainable development goals. He interned with Education Development Center and USAID, where he contributed to configuring and distributing radios to village schools to enhance educational access. He volunteered as a facilitator at ChildFund program, teaching ICT to teenage mothers and youths in Chongwe. Wilkins holds a bachelor?s degree in information communication technologies and language (Literature and English) from the University of Zambia, complemented by numerous social impact certifications. Wilkins envisions setting up countrywide training hub centers for film, art, technology, and capacity building post-Mandela Washington Fellowship. His long-term goal is to establish a company specializing in leveraging innovative technologies to enhance educational experiences, promote artistic expression, and tackle sustainable development goals, all while fostering creativity, awareness, and transformative social change.
Samson Muzenda – Zimbabwe
Samson Muzenda is the founder and executive director of Tariro Youth Development Trust (TYDT), a youth-led organization founded in 2015 to advance positive youth development in Zimbabwe. TYDT strives to see a better society, in which all youth are holistically empowered to thrive and contribute to development of their communities. Samson is a Generation Democracy Member, an initiative by the International Republic Institute of the United States of America that strengthens youth participation in development processes. He also serves a board member of the Hope Ithembelani Tariro, working towards transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children, and advisor of the Girls are Important Network, focusing on female child empowerment. Samson holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Zimbabwe University, and a Master of Science in Development Studies from Women’s University in Africa. As a researcher for his organization and volunteer work he has focused on GBV and women in artisanal mining in Zimbabwe, TYDT’s intervention in reducing child marriages amongst vulnerable girls during acute and recovering phases of COVID-19, climate change impacts, and sexual and reproductive health rights among women in the Zaka rural district of Zimbabwe.
Tjedu Moyo – Zimbabwe
Tjedu Moyo has over five years of experience working in the civic society space and is most passionate about developing underserved populations in the fields of public health, climate change, and gender equality. Tjedu graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in geography and population studies. Currently, Tjedu is the executive director at the Lunia Centre for Youths, an organization she founded in 2020 that seeks country-wide climate justice, gender equality, and equitable health service delivery for all. Upon completion at the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Tjedu will continue positioning the Lunia Centre for Youths as a vehicle that Zimbabwean children of all ages can use to engage on issues of gender equality, climate change, and public health while continuing with her studies.