For Youth, By Youth Movement Cohorts
Second Cohort (2026)
Meet the 75 young leaders from 10 universities representing 20 countries across diverse regions.
American University of Beirut
Home Country: Sierra Leone
Major: Computer Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Alhaji Alie Sesay is a Computer Science student at the American University of Beirut and a serial entrepreneur passionate about building practical solutions to everyday challenges. He has founded and led multiple ventures focused on addressing community needs through innovation and entrepreneurship. Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Alhaji is committed to youth empowerment through mentorship, workshops, and initiatives that encourage leadership and innovation. His interests span technology, social impact, photography, and Pan-African thought, all guided by a belief that sustainable change begins with bold ideas and consistent action. Whether developing new ventures, organizing community projects, or exploring creative storytelling, he strives to combine curiosity, service, and resilience to create lasting impact.
Home Country: Palestine (Residing in Lebanon)
Major: Master of Public Health (Health Management and Policy)
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Duaa Ismail Kallam is a Master of Public Health student focusing on health equity, psychosocial support, and youth engagement in conflict-affected environments. As a Palestinian refugee raised in Lebanon, her professional journey is deeply rooted in emergency health environments where she has supported communities experiencing war and displacement. Fluent in Arabic and English, Duaa is committed to building inclusive public health systems that center dignity, resilience, and equity through youth-led, grassroots solutions.
Home Country: Syria
Major: BSc Computer Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Mohamad Naim Ziadah is a computer science student specializing in software engineering, teamwork, and artificial intelligence. Driven by the potential of tech-driven problem solving, he has volunteered extensively with organizations providing community service and youth education. Through the For Youth, By Youth movement, Mohamad is eager to collaborate with global leaders to design inclusive digital projects that build stronger communities.
Home Country: Cameroon
Major: Medical Imaging Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Albright Apiaptse Njapah is an undergraduate student exploring the intersections of medical technology, radiology, and healthcare innovation. Beyond her studies, she is a dedicated volunteer who uses creative arts and drawing to reduce anxiety for pediatric patients at the AUB Medical Center. Currently teaching herself Python and data science, Albright aims to enhance med-tech response systems in her community. She is also an active mentor through youth initiatives like Open Dreams, helping young people access life-changing educational opportunities.
Home Country: Palestine (Residing in Lebanon)
Major: Medical Imaging Sciences
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Nureddin Alyahya is a Palestinian refugee living in Lebanon pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the American University of Beirut. Fluent in Arabic and English, Nureddin is deeply passionate about youth empowerment, leadership development, and the preservation of cultural identity. He approaches personal and professional growth as a lifelong path, aiming to combine his medical expertise with meaningful community engagement to create long-term social impact.
Home Country: Cameroon
Major: Master’s in Educational Psychology
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Ndosiri Precious Awasung is a passionate humanitarian and educator dedicated to child protection, mental health advocacy, and advancing educational equity across Africa. She is currently training to become an innovative curriculum developer for both academic institutions and corporate environments. Over the past three years, Precious has actively supported grassroots NGOs through roles in project management, communications, and tutoring. Fluent in English and French, she is building skills in mass communication and artificial intelligence to design modern learning initiatives that empower young changemakers and drive sustainable development.
Home Country: Lebanon
Major: Computer Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Hussein Alassaad is a Computer Science student at the American University of Beirut with a strong interest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software engineering. Throughout his academic journey, he has developed AI-powered applications, predictive machine learning models, and full-stack web solutions while maintaining excellent academic performance. Beyond the classroom, Hussein actively contributes to community initiatives through volunteering and educational programs, mentoring students and supporting technology-driven projects. He is passionate about applying AI to solve real-world challenges in education, healthcare, and financial technology. Through research, collaboration, and hands-on development, he hopes to build innovative, scalable solutions that create meaningful social impact.
Arizona State University
Home Country: Malawi
Major: MS Global Technology and Development
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Margaret Chilinda bridges global innovation with local impact, focusing on renewable energy systems, climate resilience, and geospatial data analytics. Holding a background in Natural Resource Management, she has contributed to international climate governance research through Oxford Net Zero. Fluent in English and Chichewa, Margaret is dedicated to creating sustainable, data-backed solutions for underserved communities.
Home Country: Nigeria
Major: MS Information Technology
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Onyinye Udeozo is a web developer and natural language processing researcher focused on building tech solutions for underserved and refugee populations. A multilingual leader fluent in English, French, and Igbo, she served as the first female IEEE Chair at her university. Onyinye aims to use her platform to expand digital inclusion, tech mentorship, and youth leadership across Africa.
Home Country: Cameroon
Major: MS Global Technology and Development (Applied International Development)
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Bate Tabenyang Alaine is an award-winning activist and civic technology builder with a decade of experience reaching over two million citizens across Sub-Saharan Africa. He is the innovator behind BIPROMAP (an AI anti-corruption platform), SokoSense, and Ayodah SmartBloodBank. Co-author of the 2025 UNCAC Civil Society Peer Review Report, Alaine advocates for youth-led innovation anchored in public institutional accountability.
Ashesi University
Home Country: Ghana
Major: BSc Management Information Systems (MIS)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Harriet Yayra Boven Fiahagbe combines technology with creative storytelling and public speaking to inspire positive social change. Raised in Elmina, Ghana, she focuses on purpose-driven leadership and collaboration. Yayra utilizes content creation to drive community-led movements and foster civic engagement among young West Africans.
Home Country: Burundi
Major: BSc Business Administration
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2027
Prosperine Hollande Nduwayo is a social entrepreneur and the Chief Operating Officer of Space-Ed Africa. A former Erasmus+ exchange scholar at Sciences Po Paris, she co-founded Samandari to combat youth unemployment, and the Cubahiro Initiative to eliminate period poverty for displaced girls. She speaks French, English, Kirundi, and conversational Swahili.
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: BSc Mechanical Engineering (Bioengineering Focus)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
William Niyomugabo is a student engineer, agri-tech entrepreneur, and the founder of UmurageHarvest, an initiative preserving indigenous seeds to strengthen climate resilience. He also leads UbuntuMed, a healthcare incubator project. William blends mechanical design and grassroots entrepreneurship to tackle food security and medical challenges across East Africa.
Home Country: Zambia
Major: BSc Business Administration
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Purity Mwila is an aspiring financial analyst specializing in strategic accounting and corporate development. Driven by social responsibility, she focuses her leadership efforts on youth empowerment, creating educational programs, and providing structured mentorship pathways for street-connected children and vulnerable youth.
Home Country: Nigeria
Major: BSc Computer Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Jathniel Alade focuses on ethical tech leadership, software engineering, visual design, and data analytics. At Ashesi, he coordinates creative youth events, multimedia design initiatives, and proactive tech projects. He aspires to use his background in emerging technologies and digital art to create user-centric solutions within the global tech ecosystem.
Home Country: Ethiopia
Major: BSc Economics
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Meklit Kebede Mamo is an economics student deeply invested in environmental advocacy, gender equality, and youth leadership. She regularly spearheads local environmental impact actions, including tree-planting and coastal cleanups. An articulate storyteller and researcher, Meklit explores how emerging economic policies and technologies can be leveraged for sustainable development.
Home Country: South Sudan
Major: BSc Management Information Systems (MIS)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Monica Yar Malual Ajhok is a purpose-driven youth advocate specializing in cross-cultural community engagement and leadership development. She focuses on creating vibrant dialogue spaces where young changemakers can exchange ideas, share lived experiences, and build collaborative models for local development.
Home Country: Niger
Major: BSc Computer Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Zahara Seybou Harouna is a detail-oriented tech innovator passionate about software development, digital transformation, and database management. Her academic research focuses on the real-world adoption of AI in public healthcare systems. Zahara aims to design accessible, inclusive software applications that break down barriers in developing communities.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Home Country: Ghana
Major: BA Linguistics
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Nafisa Issifu uses her background in linguistics and strategic communication to advocate for inclusive education and accessibility. Fluent in English, Twi, and Hausa, Nafisa leverages her personal experiences as a person with a disability to mentor younger students, championing institutional equity and expanding accessible opportunities for all youth.
Home Country: Tanzania
Major: BSc Agricultural Biotechnology
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Irine Rejoice Mbasha is a youth organizer and co-founder of the Dada Kazini Foundation, focusing on mentorship, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. Fluent in English and Swahili, she has contributed to international food sustainability dialogues through the Arusha Food Systems Advisory Council.
Home Country: Ghana
Major: BA Communication Design
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Samuel Sarfo is an enthusiastic graphic designer specializing in corporate branding, typography, UI/UX considerations, and digital illustration. Proficient across the Adobe Creative Suite, Samuel translates abstract concepts into compelling visual communications, working to collaborate with international creators to build an impact-driven portfolio.
Home Country: Zimbabwe
Major: BSc Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Nyasha Ruth Ngorima is an aspiring business analyst who specializes in data-backed problem solving and youth advocacy. She founded a reproductive health awareness program for adolescents and remains highly active in student government, combining research and leadership to address social vulnerabilities.
Home Country: Zimbabwe
Major: BSc Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Anesu Museruka focuses on inventory management, procurement optimization, and tech-driven market distribution. Fluent in English and Shona, she has practical experience consulting for local small businesses to streamline last-mile delivery, aiming to construct resilient supply systems across Africa.
Home Country: Ghana
Major: MPhil Disability, Rehabilitation and Development Studies
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: — (Alumna)
Expected Graduation: 2027
Naomi Awontemi Gariba is an inclusion ambassador with extensive professional experience in biostatistics, media broadcasting, and rehabilitation center coordination. Certified in digital marketing and graphic design, she merges strategic communications with clinical research to drive disability rights and healthcare policy reform.
Home Country: South Sudan (Residing in Ghana)
Major: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Gurile Roam Goka is an emerging clinician and the founder of Moon Light Trust, an organization providing healthcare awareness, safety, and holistic education to refugee populations. Awarded for his excellence in the sciences, his academic research focuses on developing low-cost assistive technologies for visually impaired individuals.
Makerere University
Home Country: South Sudan
Major: Bachelor of Agribusiness Management
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Nyeko Felix Ben is an agribusiness specialist focused on sustainable community development. He has spearheaded 21 peer-led educational interventions within regional refugee camps, successfully re-engaging out-of-school youth and driving grassroots campaigns against substance abuse.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: Bachelor of Adult and Community Education
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Mukisa Gloria Gift is a Bachelor of Adult and Community Education student at Makerere University whose passion for community development is rooted in a commitment to empowering young people. As a first-generation university student, she views her educational journey as both a personal achievement and an opportunity to inspire others.
A Baobab Ambassador and member of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community, Gloria is dedicated to creating spaces where young people can grow, lead, and thrive. She enjoys public speaking and believes in the lifelong practice of learning, relearning, and unlearning as the foundation for meaningful change. Her goal is to help transform the narrative around youth by empowering young people to become confident leaders and active authors of their own futures.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: Literature and English Language Education
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Akello Shakila is a professional Ugandan Sign Language Instructor, Deaf poet, and disability rights advocate. She serves as a peer educator with Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) and leads institutional equity policies as the Minister for Students with Disabilities within the Makerere University Students Guild.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: Biotechnology
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Mukisa Karen is a Biotechnology student at Makerere University's College of Natural Sciences (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology), based in Kampala, Uganda. Her work extends beyond the classroom into social entrepreneurship and mentorship, particularly empowering young women — she founded a Social Enterprise Campus Hub aligned with SDG 8, and serves as General Secretary of a campus organization. Karen is drawn to creating spaces where younger girls entering campus life can find a relatable role model, drafting motivational talks rooted in her own first-year experience. Fluent in English and Luganda, she is committed to building youth-led, community-driven initiatives that turn entrepreneurial ideas into practical, grassroots impact.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Brendah Nyangoma is a student leader and disability rights advocate who communicates fluently in Ugandan Sign Language and English. Crowned Miss Deaf Uganda 2023/24, she champions inclusive education, corporate support networks, and equal leadership opportunities for students with disabilities.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: BSc Organizational Studies
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Hadassah Joy is a youth advocate and grassroots coordinator for the Africa Youth Leadership Forum. Drawing from her personal experiences navigating mental health, she coordinates global digital workshops connecting youth to socio-economic opportunities, driving local action toward the realization of Africa's Agenda 2063.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: Adult and Community Education
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Sunday Amon is pursuing a Bachelor of Adult and Community Education at Makerere University in Uganda. He is the founder of Bombo Fresh Soap Nest Group, a youth-led initiative that promotes environmentally friendly personal care products while advancing youth entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. Sunday currently serves as Operations Manager at Jasper Primary School, where he oversees school operations and supports academic and administrative programs. He is also a Baobab Ambassador and a NAYLIDS Peer Coach on the Coach Moi platform, mentoring African students applying for scholarships while promoting digital literacy and career development. Previously, he served as Vice President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Scholar Council at Makerere University, championing student leadership and engagement. Fluent in English, Luganda, Kinyarwanda, Runyankole, Rukiga, Kinyabwisha, Kiswahili, and several other languages, Sunday is passionate about advancing inclusive education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable community development across Africa.
Home Country: South Sudan
Major: Bachelor of Commerce
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Nancy Puru is a trilingual student leader fluent in English, Juba Arabic, and Bari. As a former refugee and the first person in her family to access higher education, Nancy uses her platform to promote personal financial literacy, break cycles of poverty, and inspire economic transformation.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: BSc Food Science and Technology
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Rashidah Nampiima is a student leader, mental health advocate, and the founder of The Social Integration Initiatives. Having served as a Guild Representative Counselor, she designs safe, peer-led spaces that provide psychosocial awareness and foster social cohesion among marginalized youth.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: BSc Applied Psychology (Community Psychology)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Among Cleopatra is a mental health advocate who serves as a Peer Buddy and student chapter lead for MindLyfe. She analyzes the intersections of cognitive psychology and socio-economic mobility, believing that deep mindset transformation is the foundational key to eliminating poverty.
University of British Columbia
Home Country: Somalia
Major: Master Of Food and Resource Economics
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Hussein Ibrahim Omar is a Somali economist and community development advocate pursuing a Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) at the University of British Columbia, Canada, as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, with an expected graduation in November 2027. He holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Economics and Finance from Kenyatta University and is a Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (CIFA). Hussein speaks Somali, English and Swahili. He is passionate about sustainable food systems, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. Through his work as an Investment Officer, he supports refugee and host community entrepreneurs with business development and access to finance. Having grown up in a refugee setting, Hussein is committed to using evidence-based policy, economics and leadership to strengthen livelihoods, promote food security and create inclusive opportunities for marginalized communities across Africa.
Home Country: Ghana
Major: Master of Food Science
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Yvonne Afua Sika Adjei is an innovative food scientist dedicated to youth development and community wellness. Navigating life as a lupus patient, Yvonne channels her lived experience into robust advocacy for inclusive health support systems, using her platform to inspire resilience and lead cross-cultural community transformations.
Home Country: Nigeria
Major: Master of Food and Resource Economics
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Abdulbaaki Akinola is an agricultural economist specializing in econometric data analytics and agricultural policy design. Having graduated with First Class Honours, he applies statistical tools to design community-based interventions that maximize farm productivity, working toward data-driven food security models for West Africa.
Home Country: Canada (Originally from Malawi)
Major: BSc Food, Nutrition and Health (Pre-Nursing)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Irene Mubeho Mushimiyimana is a spoken word artist, advocate, and former UN interpreter. Shaped by her upbringing in a refugee camp, she coordinates local academic mentorship initiatives for refugee youth through the WUSC Local Committee, utilizing performance art and leadership to drive civic change.
Home Country: Nigeria
Major: Master of Applied Science in Forestry
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Kehinde Yusuf is a wood products engineer researching carbon-neutral infrastructure within the Sustainable Built Environment Laboratory. Named a Top 100 Africa Future Leader, she acts as Director of Internal Affairs for the African Students’ Network, building mentorship pipelines for women pursuing careers in STEM.
Home Country: South Sudan
Major: BSc Nutrition and Health
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2027
Angeth Alier Ajak Awur is a cross-cultural student leader who serves as the Student Refugee Program Coordinator for the WUSC Local Committee. Raised across South Sudan and Uganda, she spearheads institutional advocacy efforts to secure sustainable funding and healthcare accessibility for incoming refugee scholars.
Home Country: South Sudan
Major: Geology
Degree Level: Undergraduate
World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Scholar
Expected Graduation: 2029
Matik was born in Kondok village in Tonj North County, South Sudan. Matik grew up in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya after fleeing civil conflict in his home country. He completed his primary education and partly did his secondary education in the camp. Despite the harsh learning conditions, Matik remained focused and was later awarded a scholarship to join a national high school, where he finished with excellent grades. He was later selected into the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) 2025-2026 cohort and joined the University of British Columbia. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Geology. Matik demonstrated leadership skills in and outside the school. After completing high school, he volunteered as a peer teacher and mentor at one of the camp secondary schools. Having experienced the gaps in education for the underprivileged, Matik aspires to increase literacy access to underserved students, especially those in refugee camps.
Home Country: Ghana
Major: MSc Forestry
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Millicent Adjubi leverages bioinformatics and molecular biology to optimize soil microbiology and enhance food security. She has trained smallholder farmers in sustainable agricultural techniques and organized community composting initiatives, aiming to bridge cutting-edge academic research with grassroots environmental restoration.
University of Cape Town
Home Country: Zimbabwe
Major: Master of Social Work
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Rumbidzai Yasini is an award-winning human rights defender and YALI Fellow. She is the founder of Sisterhood of Hope, a grassroots organization that has empowered over 2,000 marginalized girls through human rights education, child protection advocacy, and the systematic dismantling of harmful cultural practices.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: BSc Honours in Environmental and Geographical Science
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2027
Thando Mafolo is an environmentalist and community leader who speaks seven South African languages. Her research targets triple bottom line sustainability models—balancing people, planet, and economy. She designs community financial literacy toolkits intended to empower youth facing systemic poverty.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2030
Nduvho Tosca Radzilani integrates clinical training with a deep commitment to environmental activism and cultural connection. Fluent in English and Tshivenda, Nduvho uses poetry, creative writing, and healthcare advocacy to foster compassionate public medicine while inspiring mental and social resilience in others.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: BSc Chemical Engineering
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2027
Sibahle Nkonzo is a process design engineer recognized on the Dean's Merit List and the Golden Key International Honour Society. Multi-lingual and community-centered, she applies her engineering background to water treatment and industrial sustainability projects, advocating for equitable youth-led development frameworks.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Karabo Tisane holds an Honours degree in Medical Cell Biology and specializes in student mentorship and clinical peer support. Operating within UCT's Health Sciences faculty, Karabo constructs supportive outreach models designed to guide youth toward purposeful leadership and community service.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Bhekisizwe Magnificent Thomo is an intercalated medical researcher utilizing advanced proteomics and bioinformatics to map host responses to mycobacterial infections. A spoken word poet and Harvard Health Systems Hackathon winner, he blends clinical science, coding, and digital storytelling to advocate for policy innovation.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2029
Ndoda Tshishonge is a multilingual medical student fluent in TshiVenda, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans, and English. She focuses on medical cell biology and clinical diagnostics, striving to evolve into a multifaceted healthcare practitioner who integrates medical practice with public advocacy to build more equitable health systems.
Home Country: Uganda
Major: MSc Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications)
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2027
Ambrose Onapa is a Mandela Rhodes Scholar and Dalai Lama Fellow developing advanced 5G and IoT telecommunication architectures. As a social entrepreneur, he co-founded Cassavity, utilizing low-cost agricultural technology to mitigate post-harvest food losses and increase economic stability for rural farmers.
University of Edinburgh
Home Country: Cameroon
Major: MSc Environmental Sustainability
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2026
Vanessa Ngwi Fongwa is an environmental engineer, activist, and the Founder of the Youth Elevation and Empowerment Organisation (YEEMO). Serving as a UK Ambassador for the ONE Campaign, she applies her engineering background to solve socio-environmental problems and build safe educational pathways for vulnerable youth.
Home Country: Kenya
Major: MSc Global Food Security and Nutrition
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Sarah Atieno Owuor is a food systems specialist with over seven years of experience collaborating with smallholder farming systems in East Africa. Her work bridges climate-smart agricultural technologies and inclusive community development, intentionally designing training models that elevate women and youth leadership in agribusiness.
Home Country: Kenya
Major: MSc One Health
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Esther Murunga is a public health specialist, researcher, and the founder of the Africa Youth Research Network. A Research Fellow at Health Systems Insight, she works to bridge the gap between youth advocacy and evidence-based policy generation, creating people-centered approaches to improve public health outcomes.
Home Country: Kenya
Major: MSc International Development
Degree Level: Masters
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Janet Kasyoki is a Kenyan entrepreneur, youth mentor, currently pursuing an MSc in International Development at the University of Edinburgh. She is the founder of Eden Farm, an enterprise working to improve livelihoods in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands through climate-resilient goat breeding. Janet is also passionate about expanding opportunities for young people and works with a CBO in livelihood training and mentorship, supporting underserved youth as they transition into education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Her work brings together education, sustainable livelihoods, and community development, driven by the belief that lasting change happens when young people are equipped with practical skills, supportive networks, and the confidence to lead. She enjoys writing, photography, and creating spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive together.
University of Pretoria
Home Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Residing in South Africa)
Major: BSc Mathematical Statistics
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Andrea Muhuli is an aspiring data scientist living as a refugee in South Africa, dedicated to using statistical models to solve complex socio-economic problems. Alongside his intensive analytical coursework, Andrea leads peer-support networks on campus and explores creative outlets through musical performance.
Home Country: Cameroon
Major: BSc Medical Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Oscar Muvala Gangdia is a public health strategist and founder of NeoReach Africa, a grassroots group mitigating maternal preeclampsia and neonatal defects through plant-based nutritional care. An Aspire Leaders Fellow, his clinical work has been featured globally at the World Congress on Public Health.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2030
Kabelo Madalane is a medical student specializing in internal medicine and the "One Health" global wellness framework. A creative faculty mentor who applies graphic design to public healthcare, she coordinates peer support structures to bridge public health awareness gaps and cultivate community health equity.
Home Country: Ethiopia
Major: MIT ICT Information Science
Degree Level: Graduate/Master's
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Ruth Wakjira is an information management specialist and assistant lecturer recognized on the Golden Key International Honour Society. Her research targets cybersecurity strategies, data analytics, and digital innovation, focusing on implementing secure and equitable technology architectures across developing communities.
Home Country: Kenya
Major: BSc Computer Science
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Samuel Angore Katana dual-studies computer science and law, heading grassroots programs that empower women and youth. He is currently developing Melin, a digital, scalable peer-mentorship infrastructure engineered to embed trained young academic guides directly inside rural East African secondary schools.
Home Country: Tanzania
Major: BA Political Science and International Studies
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Leila Mgalla is a human rights defender, international organizer, and Women Deliver Emerging Leader. She has advocated for youth and gender inclusion directly within the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, complementing her work with legal internships at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Home Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Major: BCom Supply Chain Management
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Ogatha Sada Sobanuka is a BCom Supply Chain Management student at the University of Pretoria who is passionate about youth empowerment, equitable opportunities, and purpose-driven leadership. Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, her journey has been shaped by resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to creating positive change. Drawing on her lived experiences, Ogatha believes that resilience can transform setbacks into opportunities for growth. She aspires to empower young people, advocate for greater equity and inclusion, and lead with empathy and courage as she works toward creating meaningful impact within her community and beyond.
Home Country: Kenya
Major: Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Systems)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Faith Wairimu leverages her background in information systems to explore the intersections of technology, intercultural communications, and digital storytelling. Focused on building dynamic social networks, she uses technology as an uplifting tool to cultivate community engagement and drive inclusive change.
Home Country: South Africa
Major: Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2028
Meron Fanna holds a background in commercial law and specializes in administrative law, litigation research, and civil practice. A disciplined academic and youth tutor, she focuses on using legal frameworks as an instrument for social accountability, combining rigorous legal analysis with community empowerment.
University of Rwanda
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2028
Ferdinand Hashimwimana is a former rural teaching assistant and a fierce advocate for sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR). His work directly integrates disability-inclusive design with responsible AI implementation, building intersectional platforms that advance global targets for health and educational equity.
Home Country: Kenya (Studying in Rwanda)
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2031
Esther Obiero is an aspiring hematologist whose medical mission is inspired by her sister's journey as a sickle cell warrior. Bringing a corporate background from an operational internship at Equity Bank, Esther designs tech-driven medical interventions aimed at removing stigmas and expanding specialized hematological diagnostics.
Home Country: Burundi
Major: Bachelor of Social Work
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Ngabireyimana Christella is a cross-regional advocate specializing in social entrepreneurship, refugee integration, and community development. Fluent across Kirundi and Kinyarwanda, she implements vocational training programs and creative arts cooperatives designed to restore economic dignity to displaced youth.
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2030
Sandrine Usanase Hirwa is a disciplined medical student with corporate clinical exposure through a practical pharmacology internship at Bimophar Pharmacy. She specializes in clinical diagnostics and evidence-based medicine, aiming to deliver high-quality, compassionate surgical and therapeutic care within resource-limited settings.
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: Bachelor of Pharmacy
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: —
Expected Graduation: 2027
Niyibizi Kayumba Christian is a pharmaceutical researcher specializing in medical sciences and clinical research. Valuing scientific teamwork and agile communication, he coordinates health campaigns within the For Youth, By Youth movement, focusing on modern therapeutic delivery and patient safety optimization.
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2030
Tuyishimire Elie centers his medical career on public health education and clinical diagnostics. He focuses on eliminating health resource disparities, looking to form strategic cross-border partnerships with international youth networks to scale local health literacy campaigns across East Africa.
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: BSc Midwifery / Health Sciences
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Niyonshuti Marie Chance is an award-winning health innovator and youth advocate. In 2026, she engineered a prize-winning hybrid solar and electric crop-drying machine to alleviate market losses for local fishermen, combining engineering logic with clinical compassion to improve community livelihoods.
Home Country: Zimbabwe (Based in Rwanda)
Major: BSc Information Systems
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Sean Mavhima is a tech innovator and founder of VoltageAfrica, a clean energy startup accelerating renewable infrastructure adoption. An active member of the East African Youth Parliament, Sean applies artificial intelligence and information frameworks to empower rural communities and promote green transitions.
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: BSc Business Information Technology
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2027
Mutuzo Shema Gabin is a technology enthusiast and the founder of WebWise Academy, a digital initiative instructing underserved youth in high-demand tech skills. He merges enterprise information systems with creative graphic design to advocate for digital accessibility and equity.
Home Country: Rwanda
Major: Social Work
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Yes
Expected Graduation: 2029
Ketsia Kabogora is a first-year university student with a strong interest in social development, leadership, and community service. Passionate about lifelong learning, she is committed to developing the knowledge and skills needed to create positive change in her community and beyond. Through her academic journey, Ketsia has strengthened her communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while embracing opportunities to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. She believes that inclusive collaboration is essential to addressing complex community challenges and advancing sustainable development. Guided by a commitment to integrity, personal growth, and service, Ketsia aspires to build a career that improves the lives of others while contributing to more equitable and sustainable communities.
Inaugural Cohort (2025)
Click on each photo to read the biographies of the For Youth, By Youth inaugural cohort members.
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- Abanga Moses Aningiba
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- Ashley Melaine Poutum
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- Niyana Fikru Amanu
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- Forgive Akosua Agbesi
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- Devotha Ikuzwe
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- Kirabo Joel Ochuma
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- Lucky Geluk
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- Beatrice Somuah
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- Maureen Wangui
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- Nour Kaddeche
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- Abdullahi Mohamed Abdi
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- Rinah Marion Namwase
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- Naome Ayebale
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- Tyobo Harriet Yake
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- Sandra Naikambo
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- Khomotjo E. Mabusela
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- Olwakhe Nzuza
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- Helena Nuwagaba
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- Nyingilayefa G. Ernest
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- Carine Tuyikunde
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- Debora Suday
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- Reem Wehbe
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- Tete Mupenge
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- Inares Kenne Tsangue
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- Nandini Tanya Lallmon
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- Samuel Oliaha Peter Amok
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- Kamvelihle Mapundu
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- Cindy Wanyika Kilonzo
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- Theophile Manirakiza
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- Sibani Shandu
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- Catherina Kuetezang
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- Nathanael Irivuzumuremyi
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- Ali Omar Ali Shammakh
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- Anthony Byansi
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- Ruvarashe Mbizvo
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- Issaka Idrissa
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- Beti Mekonen
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- Dina Al-Amood
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- Matthew Tuurozeeng
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- Adil Kome
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- Ayanda W. Mwambetania
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- Deng Kuol Parmena Aguto
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- Michel Rutendo Mandiopera
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- Mbali Mgulwa
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- Ben Riak Changdar
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- Mercy Oziohu
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- Diane Mushimiyimana
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- Batoul Al Ghafari
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- Abdulraheem Abbas Abdullah