Martine Ekomo-Soignet
Central African Republic

Martine Ekomo-Soignet has more than three years of experience in various fields in the political and development sector. Martine was Project Officer for the international non-governmental organization African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) in France, where she focused on the Health Africa Club, an endowment fund that raises private sector funds in Europe and Africa to help African communities living in isolated area improves their health. Previously, she was an intern with the United Nations (UNDP-UNESCO). With UNDP she worked in governance and election programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her UNESCO internship focused on the empowerment of women and girls in Africa through sports by working in the anti-doping and sport division at UNESCO headquarters in France. Martine is also Vice President of an association of young professionals from Africa living in France and President of an association of young African women living in France. She wishes to return in Africa in order to lead business or social projects. All her projects are focused on the Central African Republic and specifically for and about youth, which is why she decided to return to the Central African Republic after several years in France to play a role in her country. Upon completion of the Washington Fellowship, Martine plans to work on the empowerment of youth as recovery actors in Bangui, Central African Republic, by establishing a youth center that focuses on civic leadership, advocacy workshops and vocational training.