The Presidential Precinct is proud to introduce the cohort of the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute: emerging African leaders committed to addressing community challenges, strengthening civic engagement, and empowering their communities.
Through an immersive leadership experience in Virginia, the Fellows will engage with university faculty, nonprofit leaders, and community organizers to develop practical skills in collaborative problem-solving, project management, and public dialogue.
Bringing diverse perspectives from across Africa, the Fellows share a commitment to inclusive leadership, community-driven solutions, and meaningful civic participation.
Blessing Aruya
Blessing Ozien Aruya has over four years of experience in the field of Agriculture and Agribusiness. Blessing is a Value Addition Consultant for the Innovative Youths in Agriculture Project under the umbrella of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, focusing on teaching and mentoring secondary school students, especially women, on the vast opportunities in agriculture, especially value addition and food processing as an agribusiness, and its capacity to reduce hunger and increase financial independence for them at an early age. She has trained over 1,800 government secondary school students. Blessing also owns a bakery called Ozien Cakes, where she trains and mentors women on cakes and confectionery to help them gain hands-on skills. She also volunteers at St. Malachy Pambegua and Albarka secondary schools, training over 400 secondary school students yearly on entrepreneurship with a focus on baking and confectionery. Blessing holds a Master's degree in Economic Geography and is currently rounding up her PhD in Climatology.
Upon Completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Blessing plans to use the knowledge and skills acquired to offer innovative and more sustainable solutions to more young girls in her community to improve their standard of living and also improve the agricultural and economic landscape in Nigeria.
Christy Chitengu
Christy Chitengu is a human rights attorney (awaiting admission) and the Co-lead of the Global Movement Against Statelessness. She is an MSc in International Human Rights Law candidate at Oxford University and was listed as one of the top 200 Young South Africans under the Justice Category in 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in law and development studies as well as a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Johannesburg.
With over five years of experience working in civil society organisations, Christy's areas of interest lie in statelessness, migration, displacement, and digital rights. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Christy plans to continue contributing to the statelessness field through advocacy and addressing discriminatory nationality laws.
Joe Chizuza
Joe Chizuza has eight years of experience in civic leadership and charity work. He is the Council Chairperson (Mayor) of the Ikelenge Town Council, focusing on representing the community and overseeing municipal policies and operations to improve the quality of life for residents. Joe is also the Founder of The Painkiller Foundation, an organization that works to help vulnerable rural girls, women, and boys to achieve their potential through education and mentorship. Joe holds an advanced diploma in Business Administration and Management studies and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws degree. He is motivated by presiding over local government decisions and services that have an impact on the local community, as well as driving action to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable people.
Upon completion of the MWF, Joe plans to be an effective and efficient civic leader and mentor, as well as create networks to advance the operations of The Painkiller Foundation. In the long run, Joe plans to hold a senior position in government as a Member of Parliament or Cabinet Minister.
Joseph Doe
Joseph F. Doe has over eight years of experience in digital communication. Joseph is a Communication Associate at Build Health International, focusing on overseeing the organization's communication strategies and implementation across Africa. Before this, Joseph was a Multimedia Content Producer for the USAID MEDIA ACTIVITY, where he coordinated multimedia production and provided training for community radio journalists. He is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker and has trained over 300 young filmmakers in West Africa. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication.
Joseph is passionate about delivering captivating multimedia solutions that amplify important messages and connect with diverse audiences. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Joseph plans to establish the first film and multimedia school in Liberia that will teach the arts and techniques of filmmaking and how to use these skills to create social change in Liberia and Africa at large.
Atou Garba Issa Ibrahim
Atou Garba Issa Ibrahim manages partners at the NGO Welthungerhilfe, where she has been working since 2021. She has also worked as a volunteer with the NGO MedCom and, during her studies, led a three-month project in Senegal for AIESEC, a student association. Atou has a bachelor's degree in agri-food industries and is pursuing a master's degree in agribusiness. She likes to be in contact with the community, listen to it, work with it, and bring smiles to people’s faces.
Through the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Atou would like to learn more about community mobilization and community management and refine her leadership skills to continue her work and passion as a humanitarian.
Alex Gikima
Alex Gikima has over 10 years’ experience in corporate marketing and legislative research. He is a board member at Vijana Mbele Foundation, where he is in charge of policy development. This is an NGO that is fighting the alcohol menace in Kiambu Constituency by rehabilitating the lives of alcohol addicts who are trained in technical short courses. He is passionate about youth empowerment, and through the organization, they have transformed the lives of over 500 youth who are now on their feet.
Alex is also a columnist with four leading newspapers in Kenya, where he shares his thoughts on topical issues. He is also a legislative researcher attached to the office of a member of Parliament for Kiambu Town. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Alex plans to go back to his country and use the knowledge, expertise, and network that he will gain to assist more youth to come out of the jaws of alcoholism so that they can be productive individuals in Kenyan society.
Kadiatou Yacouba Keita
Kadiatou Yacouba Keita has over 11 years of experience in peacebuilding, governance, and advocacy. She is a Sahel director at International Alert, an international peacebuilding organization where she focuses on fostering dialogue between communities and policymakers, strengthening resilience in conflict-affected areas, and supporting an inclusive peace process. Before that, she led the USIP program in Mali as a country director. With extensive experience in program management, policy influence, and capacity-building, Kadiatou has worked on initiatives addressing violent extremism, social cohesion, and economic recovery. She also engages in volunteer work supporting children with sickle cell disease, promoting awareness, and providing psychosocial support to affected families.
Kadiatou holds a master's degree in gender and peacebuilding, specializing in the intersection of gender, conflict, and security. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Kadiatou plans to deepen her expertise in leadership strategies for crisis response, with a strong focus on empowering communities to navigate challenges. She aims to strengthen advocacy efforts at the regional level, ensuring that local voices shape policy decisions, and contribute to sustainable governance initiatives that foster resilience, peace, and inclusive development.
Mohamed Kunta
Mohamed Kunta has over 10 years of professional experience in various capacities within different institutions and has dedicated his career to advancing the youth, peace, and security agenda across West Africa. Mohamed serves as the national director for the Young People Advocacy Network, a civil society organization working on climate change, migration, and youth peace and security. His academic journey includes a bachelor's degree in peace and conflict studies from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He is a member of the second cohort of the African Union's Africa Youth Ambassador for Peace, representing the West Africa region. His tenure has been marked by extensive capacity-building programs for youth leaders, facilitated in collaboration with ECOWAS, WANEP, Plan International, ACCORD, GIZ, and other key stakeholders.
Mohamed’s efforts have addressed various cross-cutting issues affecting youth, including climate change, youth empowerment, migration, and protection from violent extremism. He has been privileged to contribute to the African Union's youth peace and security agendas, particularly in implementing the AU-Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security, Agenda 2063, and the Silencing the Guns campaign.
Isabelle Linus
Isabelle Linus has over four years of experience in social work. Isabelle is a social worker at the Association for Termination of Female Genital Mutilation, focusing on safeguarding children and girls from gender-based violence by critically conducting a risk assessment, responding to reports of abu-e/exploitation and creating an action plan for each child. Previously, she worked at DREAM Centre Masanga as an assistant administrator, focusing on triaging patients, distributing food packages to the needy, offering psychosocial counselling, and other administrative duties. Isabelle holds a bachelor's degree in Health Promotion and Sports Science.
Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Isabelle plans to become a powerful advocate for social justice, particularly for vulnerable populations, influencing government policies for social justice and mobilizing grassroots efforts to end female genital mutilation in her community, and to shape a generation of empowered young women who can stand up for their rights and advocate for a future free of harmful traditions.
Maateuw Mbaye
Maateuw Mbaye has over five years of experience in the field of human rights. He serves as a Program Officer for Protection and Civic Space, where he addresses challenges to civic space such as restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly, and association through a multifaceted approach involving research, training, and advocacy. Beyond his professional work, Maateuw is actively engaged in community initiatives; he supports young students during exam periods by offering courses in English and French and also participates in environmental efforts such as tree-planting campaigns to combat desertification in his country. Maateuw holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Foreign Languages, specializing in international affairs and trade.
Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Maateuw plans to intensify advocacy for laws protecting free speech, conduct research on civic space violations, and expand capacity-building training for journalists and activists on safety and legal defense across West Africa. Maateuw also aims to launch a podcast in English where human rights issues will be discussed with prominent actors in the region.
Kasmuel McOure
Kasmuel McOure has over 10 years of experience in advocacy, civic engagement, and music education. Kasmuel serves as an assistant in the office of H.E. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Kenya's second Prime Minister and Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, where he advises on youth affairs, engages with the media, and accompanies him on national assignments. Kasmuel is also an active member of the Orange Democratic Movement Youth League, contributing to youth political organization and strategic engagement. Kasmuel is the Director of Maskani Big Band, Kenya's only big band, where he mentors underprivileged youth through music education and performance, using music as a tool for empowerment and social change. He is also a cofounder of Wazalendo Wakombozi, a youth movement focused on reducing unemployment and driving climate action through agriculture and smart farming.
As a community champion for mental health and wellness and Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights, Kasmuel has empowered youth to navigate personal and social challenges through targeted outreach and support programs. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Kasmuel plans to continue engaging his community through both art and politics, with a goal of vying for an elective or nominative position in the next parliament to amplify youth voices and drive sustainable change.
Allington Ndlovu
Allington Ndlovu has over five years of experience in cultural heritage preservation, advocacy, and creative arts. Allington is the Director of Amagugu International Heritage Centre, focusing on safeguarding and promoting indigenous cultural heritage through education, community-driven initiatives, and sustainable cultural tourism. He has led impactful, donor-funded projects such as Strengthening Community and Advocacy in Matobo, Visual Expressions of Matobo Youth Voices, and Preservation and Documentation of Threatened San Rock Art.
Allington holds a BA Hons in History and International Relations and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Allington plans to enhance policy advocacy for cultural heritage, expand community-based heritage programs, design programs that intersect new technologies and cultural heritage preservation, and foster international collaborations to strengthen heritage sustainability in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Solita Okure
Solita Okure has over 10 years of experience in community health and development, with a specialized focus on elderly care. She serves as the Executive Director of Emerald Foundation Uganda, leading a team of volunteers to provide comprehensive care and support to older persons in the Teso sub-region. Through her leadership, the organization has grown its reach, implemented innovative social inclusion programs, and influenced local policies against elder abuse. In addition, Solita is a nurse at The AIDS Support Organization Soroti, where she plays a key role in caring for HIV patients through community-based health interventions. She has also served in various roles in public health and research, including supervising village health teams.
Solita holds a Diploma in Nursing and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Public Health at Cavendish University Uganda. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Solita plans to strengthen her advocacy for national policies that safeguard older persons' rights, build strategic partnerships, and mobilize resources to scale sustainable elderly care models across Uganda. She also aims to pioneer the Minimum Social Inclusion Package to ensure older persons are integrated into community life and, in the long run, establish Uganda's first geriatric hospital.
Chinenye Onyema
Chinenye Onyema has over eight years of experience in project management and policy advice in the development sector. She is a Programs Officer at the Nigerian Academy of Science, designing and implementing programs aimed at solving development challenges in Nigeria, using science as a backdrop. She recently coordinated a 250,000USD internationally funded project focused on strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem in Nigeria through evidence-informed policies, and a 15,000USD research project aimed at exploring the use and impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Chinenye holds a master's degree in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she plans to use her new skills to effectively manage large-scale development projects, foster inclusive stakeholder engagement, and utilize data-driven approaches to shape public policy.
Jhaklin Rosario
Jhaklin M. do Rosario has over three years of experience in the social development field. She is the Administrative Manager for Ibo Foundation, focusing on supporting the implementation of social initiatives on Ibo Island. In 2022, through the Girl Move Academy program, Jhaklin mentored 30 girls in 7th grade and led a team of university students to reduce girls' school dropout rates, early pregnancies, and premature unions. She co-created and implemented a pilot solution within the ChangemakerLab initiative, empowering over 200 farmers at the Marratene refugee center. Currently, she volunteers with Amec Rural, a local association dedicated to climate action and community development.
Jhaklin holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management and a degree in Leadership and Social Innovation. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Jhaklin intends to establish a social platform to create a community that empowers young people to drive positive transformation and contribute to peacebuilding within their society.
Adna Saed
Adna Saed has more than six years of work experience in the field of gender equality, civil society development, and community empowerment. She is a Women Empowerment Officer at Somaliland Youth Development and Voluntary Organization, conducting community-level awareness programs on SGBV/ FGM; supporting SHG and women's groups' development and improving women's and youth's livelihoods through teaching women and men vocational skills like tailoring and masonry, respectively. She holds a Master's Degree in Project Planning and Management from Abaarso Tech University and a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems at Togdheer University.
Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Adna plans to scale up the progress of community-driven policies and sustainable programs that enhance women's leadership, economic independence, and civic engagement.
Ebrima Sama
Ebrima Sama has over four years of dedicated experience in civil society work. He serves as a Program Officer at Men For Equality, where he is deeply committed to engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against SGBV and the sociocultural barriers that hinder women's access to education and opportunities. Throughout his journey, Ebrima has volunteered with various organizations at both the university and national levels. His efforts have focused on consolidating democracy and promoting good governance in a country that endured 22 years of dictatorship. He is also passionate about advocating for the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes and has helped numerous youth develop their public speaking skills.
As a law student, Ebrima is driven by a strong desire to address the gaps in human rights and governance within his country. His ultimate goal is to serve as Attorney General, where he hopes to make a meaningful impact. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Ebrima plans to broaden the reach and effectiveness of his work, extending his efforts to other countries in the subregion.
Onalerona Seane
Onalerona Seane is a poet, copywriter, and entrepreneur with over five years of experience in digital marketing and storytelling for social impact. He is the founder of Onamatterpeer (Pty) Ltd., a creative agency advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through CSR initiatives and awareness campaigns. Onalerona is the first Global South Contributor to Global Citizen’s Emerging Creatives Program and has performed for the UN World Food Program. His civic work includes Last Seen, a living poem honoring abuse survivors, which gained a prestigious nomination at the Inaugural Cultural and Creative Industry awards hosted by South Africa's Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. Passionate about healing through art, he uses creative expression to foster consent education and social justice.
Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Onalerona plans to scale Onamatterpeer into a pan-African agency focused on developing businesses, non-profit organizations, and personal brands through culturally grounded marketing.
Antoinette Sendolo
Antoinette Yah Sendolo is a communication professional who is passionate about women’s empowerment and gender equality. She serves as a program officer at Kvinna till Kvinna, supporting three local partner organizations in Liberia focused on advancing women’s economic empowerment and improving the lives of women and girls. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Communication from Lund University (Sweden) and is completing a second master's in Public Sector Administration at the Cuttington University School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Before transitioning into the development sector, Antoinette worked as a journalist with the Liberian Women Democracy Radio (LWDR) and The Inquirer Newspaper, where she reported broadly on issues affecting women and girls. As a journalist, her work aims to create awareness of different issues confronting women and girls, elevate marginalized voices, and inspire public dialogue around gender equality. Most recently, she worked with Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation, a Sweden-based organization supporting refugees and communities in crisis, particularly in Iraq and other vulnerable environments.
Emmanuel Twesige
Emmanuel Twesige has over eight years of experience in peacebuilding, transitional justice, and community development. He is a Human Rights Officer at Rwenzori Forum for Peace and Justice, focusing on advocating for the rights of victims of armed conflicts in the Rwenzori and Northern Uganda regions. He is also a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Social Sciences at Mountains of the Moon University, and serves as YALI Participant Engagement Lead, US Exchange Alumni Mobiliser for Western Uganda, and Board Member of various Organisations. His work focuses on building and strengthening the capacity of vulnerable individuals and communities to sustainably pursue justice and human rights, fostering grassroots human rights advocacy and synergies, promoting community-driven development, and creating avenues for collaborative advocacy at both local and national levels.
Emmanuel holds a Bachelor's Degree in Community Development, a Certificate in Administrative Law, and is pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Administration and Management. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Emmanuel plans to leverage data and technology to support evidence-based victim-centered Transitional Justice processes, strengthen partnerships and CSO synergies for collaborative advocacy, and innovatively enhance institutional engagements with sensitive and marginalized groups.
Jabir Yahya
Jabir Yahya Zakari is an award-winning civic activist with over four years of experience in civic engagement, youth development, governance, elections, and policy advocacy. Currently, Jabir leads youth-led initiatives focused on fostering change in Nigeria's political landscape through civic education and mobilization. Through independent projects, Jabir has been organizing large-scale campaigns, developing civic education programs, and leveraging social media and traditional media to raise civic awareness. He also develops and shares civic education content online, reaching a broad audience with messages of good governance and active citizenship.
Jabir holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Maiduguri. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Jabir plans to establish a youth-led non-profit organization dedicated to promoting active citizenship, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering young Nigerians to become agents of change in their communities.
Natnael Yamnew
Dr. Natnael A. Yamnew has over seven years of experience in global and public health. He currently serves as the Director of Programs and Strategic Partnership at the Africa Center for Early Childhood Development, where he leads regional strategies to improve childhood well-being across Africa. He has consulted for the World Health Organization, advised the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, and served as a Research Associate at King's College London.
Natnael holds master's degrees in Global Health, Global Surgery, and Public Health, in addition to his Medical Degree, and is a Chevening Scholar. He is also the founder of Global Action in Rebuilding Ethiopia, a local NGO supporting essential service restoration in conflict-affected areas. Natnael is committed to building equitable, youth-driven health systems. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he aims to expand cross-border partnerships to scale innovative health and development programs for vulnerable communities across Africa.
Nathan Zindikilani
Nathan Zindikilani is a dynamic policy advocate with a profound commitment to the progressive development of law and public policy. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours Degree from Great Zimbabwe University, providing a strong academic foundation for his impactful work. Nathan is the founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Law & Policy Development (CeLP), a youth-led think tank that champions innovative and progressive approaches to law and policy development in Zimbabwe. Through CeLP, Nathan advocates for inclusive, forward-thinking policies aimed at ensuring sustainable development, justice and prosperity. With extensive experience working with both local and international civil society organizations, Nathan has been at the forefront of initiatives focusing on law, youth empowerment, public health, climate action, anti-corruption, and public policy. His expertise and passion have driven him to seek meaningful change in his community. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Nate plans to become a leading advocate for public policy reform and an advisor to decision-making bodies across the Continent.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute is hosted by the Presidential Precinct in partnership with the University of Virginia, William & Mary, and the historic sites of Montpelier, Highland, and Monticello.
Through this collaboration, the Institute equips emerging African leaders with the tools to address community challenges, strengthen civic engagement, and inspire lasting change.
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