Fadi Salahedin

Fadi Salahedin is the Community Engagement and University Collaboration Coordinator for the For Youth, By Youth movement. He is interested in the holistic interaction between social psychology, technological development, and social/organizational issues like misinformation, political polarization, and social justice. Fadi believes in youth empowerment and education's role in creating transformative change. Fadi is currently pursuing a Master in Management-Grande Ecole at HEC Paris and holds a MSc in Social Cognition from the University College London (UCL) and a BA in Psychology from the American University of Beirut (AUB). He is the recipient of numerous scholarship awards like the U.S. Department of State MEPI-Tomorrow's Leaders Award, the Said Foundation Award, and the Imagine Fellowship Award in addition to several ones in academic excellence and community service.

Cameron Keighron

Cameron is passionate about making research, health, and advocacy more inclusive and community-driven. Their work focuses on participatory research, ensuring people have a real say in the science and policies that impact them. They’ve been deeply involved in youth research and advocacy, particularly in health and civic engagement areas. Through their work with the International Diabetes Federation of Europe, they amplify young voices in diabetes research and policy, pushing for better healthcare and support systems. They’ve also played a key role in the D1 Now project,poipi working directly with young adults, researchers and clinicians to improve diabetes care in Ireland. Beyond health advocacy, Cameron is committed to civic engagement, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate justice. As Chairperson of AMACH! LGBT+ Galway, they’ve helped create vital community services in the West of Ireland. Their work is all about breaking down barriers and making sure people are heard in research, policy, and beyond.

Duaa e Zahra Shah

Duaa is the Digital Engagement Specialist at the For Youth, By Youth Movement. She earned a Bachelor's in Economics from the National University of Sciences and Technology and is now pursuing an MS in Journalism and a JD in Law at Columbia University. She has worked with organizations such as Amnesty International, Girls Human Rights Hub, Pakistan’s Human Rights Ministry, and Gallup, primarily on gender equity, child rights, and educational reform. Duaa hopes to continue contributing to these areas through community engagement, legal advocacy, and journalism.

Fri Mercy Koti

Fri Mercy Koti is a dedicated nurse, born and raised in Banja Bamenda, Cameroon. Growing up in a rural community, she made a personal commitment to address the pressing issues faced by her community. This drive led her to co-found two non-governmental organizations: the Community Health Promotion and Rehabilitation Initiative (CoHePar Initiative) and a micro health insurance scheme. Currently, she serves as the Project Coordinator for CoHePar and as the administrative assistant for Gracious research and education association, an initiative that has given birth to two education projects. She is also an NGL alumni and serves as a cohort recruitment and selection specialist consultant for the For Youth By youth movement. Mercy is deeply passionate about empowering a new generation of problem solvers and change-makers.

Vuthlarhi Shirindza

Dr. Vuthlarhi Shirindza is a South African medical doctor with an MBChB (cum laude) and BMedSci(Hons)(cum laude) from the University of Cape Town (UCT). She is the Virtual Engagement Specialist of the For Youth, By Youth Movement and a Next Generation Leader alumna. Her leadership experience includes roles in the Rural Doctor’s Association of South Africa, TEDxUCT, UCT’s Health Sciences Students Council, and Rural Support Network. She co-founded Chewi, one of Africa’s first pet telehealth start-ups. As a UCT Global Surgery Research Fellow, Vuthlarhi conducts research to improve surgical access and equity in low- and middle income countries, particularly in Africa. She delivered a TEDx talk on how universities can equip youth for true success through curriculum reform. Her passions also include entrepreneurship, writing, and dance.

Patrovas Okidi (Gabriel)

Patrovas Okidi (Gabriel) is the co-founder and Team Lead at Megwa Social Initiative, where he focuses on eliminating poverty and hunger through rural empowerment. He also works as a Business and Risk Analyst at the Uhuru Institute for Social Development, advancing the cooperative model to facilitate grass-roots community growth. He uses his background in Statistics to leverage his analytical expertise and leadership skills to foster innovation and tackle community challenges. As a Student Representative on the steering committee of the Talloires Network, he actively contributes to advancing global civic education and is now proud to be part of a growing movement created and led by youth for the youth which is a big move in the right direction.

Akmaljon Akhmedjonov

Akmaljon, or simply Jon, is a driven young professional with extensive experience in international development, consulting, and higher education. His diverse interests include peacebuilding, green start-ups, human rights, access to education, security, and sustainable development. Jon is currently assisting as an AI and Impact Intelligence Specialist for the For Youth, By Youth movement. Jon is passionate about helping others and gets goosebumps when he solves problems that people face. His global perspective is evident, having lived, worked, and studied in nine countries and traveled to more than twenty. Jon is constantly striving to become more resilient and create positive change in the world through his strong communication skills, passion for tangible social impact, and global mindset. His mission is to help as many people as possible fight mental poverty by empowering them to reach their full potential.

Promise Nyalungu

Promise Nyalungu is a visual storyteller, media producer, and youth advocate dedicated to amplifying impactful narratives. As the Visual Storytelling and Media Production Specialist for the For Youth, By Youth (FYBY) Movement, he produces high-quality documentaries, testimonials, and promotional videos. He has contributed to initiatives like the Cultural Producers Programme (2022) and works closely with universities and global networks. Passionate about youth empowerment, Promise uses storytelling to drive social change, ensuring young voices are heard. His expertise blends creativity, technical skill, and advocacy.

Harunah Damba

Harunah Damba is a biomedical scientist and advocate for disability inclusion, with expertise spanning health, disability advocacy, and social entrepreneurship. He is the founder and chair of United Persons with Disabilities (UPDS), a youth-led organization championing disability inclusion in Uganda. As chair of UPDS, Damba has launched several impactful initiatives, including the Employment-First Policy and Practice (EFPP101) course, the Journeys to Inclusion campaign, and the Twezimbe Uganda Graduates with Disabilities SACCO, which collectively benefit over 500 people with disabilities each year. Damba's work has been recognized globally, earning him several prestigious awards and fellowships, including the 2024 Professional Fellows Program Alumni Impact Award, the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, and the Talloires Next Generation Leaders Program. He is also a Professional Fellows Program alumnus, One Young World ambassador, UNLEASH Global Talent participant, and YALI alumnus.

Faiza Arshad

I’m Faiza! I graduated with a Bachelors in Clinical Psychology and I now lead the Retention Marketing team at Fresh Prints. I’m passionate about all things education and community.

Ilaf Nasr

Ilaf is a Sudanese feminist who has been actively engaged in advancing peacebuilding and social justice in Sudan since the Sudanese revolution started in 2018. As part of different feminist collectives in Sudan, she collaborated with other Sudanese feminists to address issues like gender-based violence, women’s political participation, and transitional justice, all from the transformative lens of feminism. Guided by global South feminisms, she navigates the intersections of inequalities and historical injustices rooted in colonialism. Her activism looks to examine how patriarchy, capitalism, and militarism shape lived realities, sustaining the oppression and exploitation of people and the earth. Through her work, Ilaf is committed to redefining narratives on justice, allyship, and solidarity. She does this by amplifying marginalized voices and communities, striving for a transformative change through a decolonial and intersectional feminist perspective.

Marc Nathanson

Marc Nathanson is a dedicated Medical Doctor in South Africa, passionate about pediatrics and with a background in psychology. A devoted husband, he is also an alumnus of the Next Generation Leaders program and a member of the wellness team, advocating for holistic healthcare. His special interests span child health, education, public health, and climate justice. Outside medicine, he finds joy in hiking, engaging in deep conversations with friends, and prioritizing family time.

Keila Zurisadai Contreras Santos

Keila is from Mexico and from an early age, she has made a commitment to her community. She has done projects that involve children in extreme poverty, girls in science, illiterate adults, and indigenous women in Chiapas, Mexico. Currently, she has impacted the lives of more than 15,000 people in southern Mexico through her projects. She was awarded a full scholarship by the Tecnológico de Monterrey with the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship to study her career and promote her social project: Aliyel en Libertad for girls and traditional midwives in Chiapas, Mexico.

Claire Mc Cann

Claire is passionate about breaking down the historical and spatial boundaries between higher education institutions and the communities excluded from these establishments. She is a Talloires Network Next Generation Leader and hopes to orientate her research and practice towards the construction of a more just education system in South Africa. Claire holds a MSt in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and MPhil in Economics from the University of Oxford. Currently, she serves as a mentor for Omprakash, an NGO dedicated to building mutually beneficial relationships between grassroots social impact organisations and volunteers, donors and classrooms around the world. She is also Chair-elect of the Graduate Student Network of the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement and is a Deputy Editor of the African Journal of Higher Education Community Engagement. She previously worked at the Rhodes University Community Engagement Division, responsible facilitating an engaged research group and a community engagement short course for high schools. Her research interests include community/public engagement, African higher education, feminist and engaged research methods, and community histories.

Karla Jazmín García Antonio

I am an indigenous woman of African descent, the first woman in my family to achieve higher education. My name is Karla Jazmín García Antonio and I was born in Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico. I studied a degree in intercultural management for development. I am a local and national activist for the National Network of Afro-Mexican Youth. During my time as a student, I was a gender activist, defending women's human rights and sharing spaces and organizing as women's circles in the Zongolica mountains and around Orizaba, and internationally as Next Generational Leaders.

Ángel Solís

Ángel Solís is a Mechatronics Engineer passionate about social impact, entrepreneurship, and innovation. He currently works at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where he coordinates national programs focused on digital transformation for SMEs in LATAM, helping businesses leverage technology for growth and sustainability. As the founder of Kukulmat, Ángel leads initiatives that promote education and cultural reconnection among indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Through creative learning tools, technology, and entrepreneurship, Kukulmat empowers children and youth to preserve their heritage and break cycles of inequality. His work has been recognized with the Eugenio Garza Sada Award, which honors organizations that promote Mexico’s development through humanistic leadership. Ángel is an Aspire Leaders Program Alumni, having completed an intensive leadership program focused on critical thinking, communication, and global engagement for social impact. He has also participated in international leadership and innovation programs, including Next Generation Leaders, an initiative of the Talloires Network, and Active Citizens, a global program by the British Council. Beyond his entrepreneurial and educational work, Ángel has shared his insights as a speaker at the Latin American Impact Investment Forum, advocating for education, technology, and cultural preservation as drivers of positive change. He has also collaborated with the Stanford Social Innovation Review en Español, creating engaging digital content highlighting innovative solutions and fostered dialogue among changemakers in Latin America.

Karen Estevez

Karen Estevez was born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and holds a degree in Innovation and Development from Tecnológico de Monterrey. She currently works as a Manufacturing Engineer at Cisco, where she is part of inclusive communities such as WISE, PRIDE and is a site lead for the social action program “Global weeks of giving”. Karen considers herself a person interested in learning from other people and other cultures, as well as promoting social transformation in the context in which she lives.

Paseka E. Gaola

He is a results-driven professional who specializes in education, youth development, and community impact. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Law from the University of Pretoria, bringing experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and international initiatives. Passionate about empowering youth, leveraging strategic planning and communication skills to advance educational opportunities and drive meaningful community development.

Mohak Thukral

Mohak Thukral is the founder of Project Kushal Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding education access, supporting sexual minorities, and driving social justice initiatives. Through skill development programs and hunger drives, he has impacted the lives of over 5,000 students and marginalized individuals. Previously, he worked as a corporate lawyer at a leading Indian law firm, specializing in M&A and financing, with a particular focus on impact investment and public policy. Now, he concentrates on strengthening legal aid and access to justice, bridging grassroots efforts with institutional frameworks to create lasting systemic change.

Steve Mwangangi

Steve is a NGL alumni and volunteer, currently working in venture capital and impact investing. A lawyer by training, he is passionate about entrepreneurship, climate justice, impact investing, and community building. Steve also co-founded Asili Nomads (fka Nature Lovers KE), a social enterprise fostering outdoor experiences and environmental conservation among youth in Kenya. Outside work, he enjoys vintage photography, hiking, and exploring new ideas in tech, social entrepreneurship and finance.

Philip Adebayo

Philip Adebayo is currently a PhD Candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Calgary, Canada, specializing in clean and renewable energy technologies. He received the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) Momentum Fellowship and the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship to support his PhD studies. He earned his master's degree from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, fully sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation and graduated top of his class with a first-class bachelor’s degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Beyond academia, He is a dynamic leader and mentor passionate about youth development, access to quality education and sustainable energy solutions. He is a fellow and former Assistant Program Facilitator of the Africa Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL), mentoring and supporting future energy innovators. His leadership and passion for youth empowerment earned him recognition as one of the 2021 Next Generation Leaders under the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities. A dedicated volunteer and community builder, he served as Volunteer Coordinator for the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and is a founding member of the Schulich PhD Catalyst Leaders program, honing skills in entrepreneurship, social innovation, and engineering leadership. He is a visionary dedicated to driving meaningful change in the global shift toward sustainable and equitable energy solutions, playing a pivotal role in shaping the sustainable future we collectively aspire to achieve.

Zukile Ntentema

Zukile Ntentema hails from the Nyanga community in Cape Town and possesses a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Cape Town. His professional background includes serving as a research assistant, where he demonstrated exceptional analytical and support skills. Additionally, he has excelled in his role as a peer counselor for health science students, facilitating their academic and personal development. Zukile has also gained significant practical experience in fieldwork, particularly with homeless populations, enhancing his understanding of complex social issues and contributing to his comprehensive skill set in social work practice. Recognized among the top 40 Global Next Generation Leaders, Zukile has engaged as a speaker at global conferences, sharing the stage with luminaries such as John Forbes Kerry, the 68th U.S. Secretary of State. His strategic acumen contributed to a successful initiative that secured multimillion-dollar funding for the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities program. In addition to his degree, Zukile has completed multiple professional certifications, including project management from the University of California, Irvine, public relations from IE Business School, strengthening political youth organizations through the International Academy for Leadership and Communication from Mcquarie University. Notably, he has been instrumental in replicating youth programs for the Western Cape Government, developed anti mugging guideline, initiating the first youth violence prevention center process at the University of Cape Town. His been featured on prominent South African media outlets, including SABC, Newsroom Africa, eTV, and Expresso, and have garnered academic recognition through publication by the Department of Sociology at Oxford University.

Mahugnon Samuel Ahossouhe

Mr. Mahugnon Samuel Ahossouhe is a PhD student in the field of environmental sciences at the International Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. He is conducting engaged research on the urban mine valorization for the circular economy development in low-income African countries. He’s research contributes to economic development and the reduction of environmental and health issues linked to e-waste management. Mahugnon has a strong interest in community development and his participation in the USAID's “Young African Leadership Initiative” program and the “Next Generation Leaders” program and “Amplifying the Voices of Engaged Researchers” initiative of the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities enabled him to hone his skills in developing and leading initiatives of major community importance.

Nana Muigai

Nana Muigai is a Relationship Analyst in the Global Network Banking at Citibank, supporting a $100 Million portfolio of top multinational clients in East Africa. Concurrently, he serves as a Business Executive Assistant to the Regional Director, East Africa, Global Network Banking, overseeing multijurisdictional operations, and stakeholder management across the region. He holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Economics from Kenyatta University, and is a former Mastercard Foundation Scholar (MCSP), a fellow at Equity Group Foundation’s Premier Scholars’ programs: Equity Leaders Program (ELP), Equity Global Scholars Program (EGS) and Wings-to-fly Program (W2F). Muigai is currently invested in a documentary feature “Voices of a Generation” that encapsulates the aspirations and architecture of the youthful dissent against authoritarianism in Kenya.

Adina Sulumbekova

Adina Sulumbekova is a researcher and community advocate with a background in sociology, talent management, and human potential development. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus on Sociology from the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Talent Management and Human Potential Development. Her research explores themes of oral history, urban nomadism, and socio-political transformations in Kyrgyzstan, with contributions to projects such as To Be Named, Untold Stories: History of Kyrgyzstan under Stalinism, and Farm Decollectivization in the Kyrgyz Republic. She has also been recognized as a recipient of prestigious scholarships, including the Global UGRAD Scholarship, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s SUR-PLACE Scholarship, and the Talloires Network Scholarship at Tufts University. Beyond academia, Adina is actively engaged in community initiatives and youth development programs. She has played a key role in projects such as the Easy Kyrgyz language-learning app, the Side by Side Village Youth Guidance Program, and digital literacy training for regional school teachers. Her leadership extends to health and climate awareness initiatives, including volunteering with the National Program for Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer and coordinating the Hope is Here charity project. Fluent in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English, with proficiency in German, she combines research expertise with practical experience in data analysis, project management, and qualitative research. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and playing the komuz.

Clement Ngosong

Clement Ngosong is a youth empowerment advocate, consultant, and founder of Impact Axis, a non-profit revolutionizing soft skills development through experiential learning. He serves as a Consulting Analyst at NiaDelta, conducting market research and strategy development. Clement has advised international bodies like USAID and the European Union on youth policy and development. Recognized as a 2023 Kofi Annan Changemaker and One Young World Ambassador, he is committed to equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive, driving sustainable change across Africa and beyond.

María D. Torres Sánchez

Maria is a Peruvian Indigenous Rights lawyer with a Masters in International Human Rights and Public Policy from University College Cork (UCC)(Ireland), with more than 10 years of experience working with indigenous organizations, and in advocacy and strategic litigation, before domestic and international bodies. She has been a parliamentary advisor on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the protection of the Environment and was a legal and political advisor for several indigenous organizations. Her research focuses on extractive industries in indigenous territories, reclaiming ethnic identities and intercultural education, all from the theoretical frameworks of decoloniality and human rights. Based in Ireland, she is now looking to pursue a career in academia, and she is currently involved in the Praxis project, a UCC initiative dedicated to embedding Global Citizenship and Development Education into the university’s educational and cultural framework, and also in the Latin America Solidarity Centre, which mission is to promote links between Irish and Latin American people.

David Niyitanga

David Niyitanga, from Rwanda, is a dedicated professional in community resilience building, specialised in climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental conservation, food security, and social protection. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, specializing in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. With more than five years of experience in project management, policy advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and participatory action research, David has worked with both national and international civil societies organizations in Rwanda. He has actively participated in volunteer initiatives and civic leadership at local, national and international programs. David is passionate about fostering innovation and social cohesion, and is committed to creating dynamic environments that empower individuals to realize their full potential while advancing sustainable and inclusive development.

Khan Alkozee

Khan Alkozee was born in Afghanistan, an area that has struggled with continuous war, which presents a barrier to children, adolescents and many others from receiving an education. In Khan’s opinion, education is the foundation for the growth of society and its future, informing his motivation to focus on learning and giving that chance to others. This goal has brought Khan to the University of Camilo José Cela in Spain, where he is earning a double degree in Law & Criminology. With the knowledge that Khan acquires, he hopes to contribute to making our society safer and more prosperous.

Daniel Patrick

Daniel is a student of Economics at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya in his Junior year. He is a fellow at Equity Leaders Program based in Nairobi, where he served as a Chairperson of Residential Mentors in Nyagatugu, a Chaperone & mentor to Equity Wings to Fly scholars, and as the African Representative in the Equity Global Scholars Board. Daniel is the Founder and Team Leader of Ecotowels (K) Initiative, whose goal is to create environmental and social change by revitalizing menstrual health practices that are healthy, innovative, environmentally sustainable, culturally responsive and empowering. Daniel dreams of a world where menstruation will be celebrated as essential to life and is committed to this cause.

Patrick Oyenga

Patrick Oyenga is a Kenyan research professional and social impact leader. He has collaborated with prestigious organizations like UNESCO, World Bank, and British Council on cultural heritage, human rights, climate change action, sexual reproductive health and rights, and youth mentorship. Patrick's expertise spans academic administration, project finance planning, monitoring, evaluation, and digital data management. He prides in community development and social change initiatives. He is the director and founder of Communis Minds Research and Commnity Resource Initiative, a community-based organization (CBO) operating in Nairobi metropolitan with major goal of youth professional mentorship. He holds an honor in Economics and an MSc in Research Methods.

Sarah Alharthey

Sarah is one of the pioneering women in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Utilities Development in Saudi Arabia with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Renewable Energy Engineering from Effat University. She is a Global Shaper at World Economic forum and her work revolves around climate policy, green economy and advocacy for education and women’s rights in marginalized communities. Sarah is the Founder of Women Engineers Network of Saudi and Co-Founder of Dar Wujd, a social enterprise for empowerment of underprivileged women and youth in jeddah since 2016.

Farhana Shahnaz

Farhana Shahnaz is a development practitioner with an academic background in Economics, Development Studies, and International Relations. She brings demonstrated experience of 4 years in strategic development communications, digital communications, content development and editing. She wishes to establish effective development communications practices which blend both art and science. She is currently working as a Communications Officer at UNDP for a project focusing on preventing violent extremism (PVE) and fostering inclusivity and peace. Farhana is a Global SDG Talent and Ambassador at UNLEASH – Innovation lab for the SDGs and a Fellow at the Interfaith Dialogue on Violent Extremism Intercontinental Youth Forum.

Maria Gitau

Maria Gitau is a dynamic program manager and software engineer dedicated to empowering young people through education, innovation, and impact-driven initiatives. As the Program Coordinator for the For Youth, By Youth Movement (FYBY), she leads efforts to equip the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to break barriers and create meaningful change. With a background in program management and technology, Maria is passionate about making complex topics—like sustainability and climate action—more accessible and actionable for youth. Her work extends beyond FYBY, as she also plays a key role at Verst Carbon, where she leads the Carbon Markets eLearning department, that aims to bridge knowledge gaps in carbon markets and sustainability. Maria’s dedication to social impact has taken her from leading community initiatives in Lodwar to advocating for better, innovative community-driven solutions. A First-Class Computer Science graduate of Strathmore University (SU) and recipient of the 2023 SU Community Service Award, she thrives at the intersection of technology, education, and social good—always looking for innovative ways to inspire, educate, and drive change.