Young AI Leaders Community All Members

Tawanda is an Informatics student at the National University of Science and Technology, passionate about embracing technological change in Africa. Experienced Machine Learning Engineer specializing in intelligent systems and scalable architecture.Whether i’m fine-tuning hyperparameters or sketching out game mechanics , i approach each challenge with curiosity and purpose.They also explore AI and Machine Learning to address real-world problems and advance technological progress in Africa.What really is the power and potential of Ai to solve complex problems? A question that drives a few

Arielle Kana is a Master’s student at the National Advanced School of Engineering of Yaoundé. Passionate about data science and data engineering, she has acquired skills in data processing and visualization, particularly with Talend and Power BI. She has also explored the world of ERPs, notably Odoo, through invoicing management.
Ambitious, determined and rigorous, she approaches every challenge with a strong desire to learn and a constant drive for self-improvement. With an analytical mindset, she enjoys solving complex problems and transforming data into actionable insights. Her dedication and dynamism make her a highly motivated individual, always ready to take on new challenges.

Kenneth is a graduate of electrical and electronics engineering from Joseph sarwuan Tarka university Makurdi. He is the founder of Kennizlight electrical services which offers professional house wiring and maintenance services, sale and supply of electrical cables and accessories. His passion for AI and other related innovations is the reason he applied to join the young AI leaders program to contribute his quota and also learn more from the process.

Tetiana is a Bachalor’s student in Geneva Business School and Co-owner of AI publishing house that succeeded with a famous “Phoenix Dreams” book which 70% made with a help of AI.
Tatiana took a course on AI knowledge at her university, and thanks to this she created the book Phoenix Dreams, which is completely created with artificial intelligence. She can work with AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Mjourney , Gemini, and so on. Her determination will help all upcoming projects turn dreams into reality in the future, thanks to AI. Everything that will be done in future projects, Tetiana is ready to execute with maximum effort. Also, Tetiana worked in the medical field, marketing, in a well-known pharmaceutical company “Farmak”. As a regional leader, Tеtiana really wants to take full responsibility for the management, coordination, and development of activities in AI. Also, due to the fact Tatiana knows the preferences of this part of Ukraine it would be easier for her to determine all the necessary information for the further work.
Tetiana is looking forward for the next period of time that could be the best to apply her knowledge and implement AI more in the world. The best projects are made by knowledge and strive.

Thuso is a multi-award-winning technologist and Educator. Currently he is the Vice Chairman of STEAMLes Robotics which is a non-profit organization whose aim is to ignite the passion for robotics and STEAM (Science Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) among youth in Lesotho. Thuso is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Botho University under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

He has multiple awards that include winning the Huawei ICT Competitions 1st prizes twice, winning the SADC Innovation Challenge, the Vodacom Farmer’s App hackathon and many more. Due to his passion for cutting-edge technologies, he is a Certified AI Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Cyber Security certified, API Architect and certified Information Communications Technology Professional with certifications and recognition from vendors such as Huawei, Cisco, Microsoft, Fortinet, Oracle and many more. He has an Honours in Computing from Botho University and he is currently an Information Systems Management candidate.

With over six years combined experience in Network Engineering, Software Engineering, Leading Robotics programmes and Academia, Thuso has worked on impactful projects in the private, public and non-profit sector. With roles ranging from being an ICT Talent Ecosystem Ambassador, Software Development consultant, Project Manager, Robotics Coach and an Award-winning technology startup Founder. As a Young AI Hub Leader, his aim is to contribute to impactful SDG-based solutions using Artificial Intelligence. He is dedicated to empowering young AI innovators through the establishment of impactful projects harnessing the power of AI to create a better world for all, ensuring inclusiveness, transparency, safety, accountability, robustness of AI innovation in society for a sustainable tomorrow.

Christiane, 20ans étudiante en 3ème année de licence en économie. 

Introverti, une passion pour l’apprentissage et la perfection,.. 

Timothy Kamau is a passionate AI innovator, sustainability advocate, and community leader dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence, Web3, and IoT for social good. With a strong focus on solving real-world challenges in Africa, Timothy actively works on projects in sustainability, urban mobility, and ethical technology development.

His expertise spans machine learning, deep learning, and AI ethics, honed through his involvement with Zindi, IEEE, Google Developer Groups (GDG), and the Data Science and AI Club (DSAIC). As a Zindi Ambassador, Timothy fosters AI literacy and community-driven innovation, mentoring aspiring data scientists and developers. He has also participated in hackathons and global programs, earning recognition for his contributions to smart cities and sustainable infrastructure.
Timothy co-founded EcoSphere, an AI-powered sustainability initiative, and Transit360, an urban mobility platform integrating AI and IoT to optimize public transport. He continuously enhances his skills through programs like the Deep Learning Indaba and Grow with Google Scholarship.

As a member of the Young AI Leaders Community, Timothy is committed to empowering young developers, contributing to AI policy discussions, and driving technological advancements that support sustainability, economic growth, and equitable AI adoption in Africa. Through mentorship, advocacy, and innovation, he envisions a future where AI serves as a catalyst for societal progress and sustainable development.

Tirivashe Marinda currently serves as the Programs Manager at Mother Africa International, an organization dedicated to empowering underserved rural communities in Africa. He is also the founder and lead digital creative at STIXMEDIA, a full-service integrated branding, marketing, and creative media company based in Zimbabwe. STIXMEDIA provides innovative branding, business, and software solutions to clients across Africa and beyond, with a strong focus on customer-centric approaches and technology-driven results.

With a BSc Hons Degree in Computer Science from Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), Tirivashe combines his technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to drive meaningful change through technology and creative media. His passion for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evident in his work, particularly in developing transformative solutions that address real-world challenges. One of his key achievements includes the House Price Prediction Model, which he presented at the 1st International Business, Governance, and Accounting Conference under the theme “Cross Industry Transformation through Artificial Intelligence Research Fair.” His innovative work was recognized by notable figures, including the Honourable Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Jacob Mudenda.

Through STIXMEDIA, Tirivashe leads efforts to craft impactful brand identities, develop engaging digital experiences, and harness cutting-edge technology to drive client success. His vision is rooted in understanding consumer behavior, leveraging advanced analytics, and dynamically evolving with technology to achieve optimal results for brands.

Tirivashe’s commitment extends beyond business and innovation to fostering digital inclusion. He has facilitated workshops like the AI and Media Capacity Strengthening Workshop organized by MISA Zimbabwe, where he worked with media practitioners to explore AI tools and their ethical implications in journalism.

Driven by a mission to bridge the digital divide, Tirivashe strives to make AI and digital skills accessible to underserved communities, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Alla Tkachuk is currently pursuing a second higher education at the master’s level in Secondary Education / Informatics to deepen her professional knowledge and skills. She has a keen interest in artificial intelligence and its applications in education, viewing AI as a powerful assistant for teachers. She explores how AI can enhance the learning experience, personalize education, and optimize the teaching process by automating routine tasks, providing data-driven insights, and fostering student engagement. Her research and professional development focus on integrating AI-driven tools into modern educational methodologies to create a more effective and interactive learning environment.

Tlotliso Makae is a highly skilled Software Developer and Machine Learning Specialist with a strong passion for artificial intelligence, frontend development, and embedded systems. With a Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering, a CCNA certification, and a postgraduate course in AI, he possesses a solid technical foundation that enables him to develop innovative and intelligent solutions across multiple domains.

Tlotliso has extensive experience in building and deploying web and mobile applications, utilizing technologies such as React.js, Next.js, and TypeScript. His work as a Junior Software Developer at Nucleus PTY LTD has allowed him to contribute significantly to system design, project management, and mobile application development. His ability to integrate AI-powered solutions into software products has made him an invaluable asset in projects related to predictive analytics, financial technology, and embedded systems.

Among his notable projects, Tlotliso developed a comprehensive Tour app for Lesotho, enhancing the travel experience by providing users with an intuitive platform to explore the country’s attractions. His expertise extends beyond software development, encompassing UI/UX design and microcontroller applications, where he seamlessly blends functionality with user-centered design.

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, Tlotliso continues to craft intelligent, embedded, and user-focused solutions that drive technological advancement. His work reflects a dedication to solving complex problems through a combination of AI, software engineering, and cutting-edge design principles.

Tomás de los Ángeles graduated from the Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca (UTM) as a Mechatronics Engineer. During his career, has participated in many technological development projects like programming, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI,) convolutional neural network (CNN), machine learning and automation.

In the last semester of his career, he has been part of the construction of two mobile robots with autonomous navigation using potential fields for different terrains. On the other hand, he has developed a climate cabin to orchid care using fuzzy control and Yolo v3 motor for artificial vision.

After college, he decided to follow his passion for the universe and astronomical science creating the Mixtecnautas team with friends and participating in the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 Oaxaca where they reached the semifinals. From this event, he has been participating in many events with his team, bringing astronomical knowledge to Oaxaca’s indigenous and rural communities to promote the curiosity in the scientific fields in children and the general public from those communities.

Tomás is interested in joining Young Leaders in AI stems because he believes in Oaxaca’s talent to develop solutions based in the STEM focus to resolve critical problems in vulnerable communities furthermore of aerospace and technological industry.

Tomás hopes that his point of view from his culture and engineering experience helps to get a better life quality in his community in addition to promoting the technological interest in his state and country.

I am Trevor Otieno, a dedicated professional with a strong background in data science, mental health advocacy, and education. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, I am passionate about leveraging AI, data analytics, and technology to drive positive change in mental health awareness, education, and sustainable development.

I am a student at KSTVET and will soon become a TVET tutor. I aim to implement innovative learning strategies powered by AI and data-driven decision-making. My academic background in applied statistics has equipped me with strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, which I have further refined through hands-on experience in data science, AI, and qualitative research.

Beyond my technical expertise, I am a passionate mental health activist. I am committed to breaking the stigma and providing support through TrevorWrites, my mental health blog, and a WhatsApp support community. I actively volunteer with organizations working to implement SDGs, particularly in AI for Good Education, which uses technology to address different learning strategies.

As a Global Youth Ambassador with TheirWorld I collaborate with like-minded professionals to explore how AI and technology can drive social impact. My goal is to integrate AI-driven solutions in education and mental health, ensuring technology is used ethically and effectively.

I am eager to explore opportunities in data science, AI ethics, educational technology, and mental health advocacy, applying AI to foster meaningful impact in education and well-being.

An eloquent,fluent,industrious young lady pursuing Bachelor of Laws Degree with Zimbawe Ezekiel Guti University.Passionate about archieving justice,networking and with great interest in Artificial Intelligence and the Law.Wide reader and researcher.

A holder of a Professional Chief Executive Certificate in LabourLaw,Mediation,Arbitration and Conciliation from Bindura University.

Formerly attached at Harare Magistrates Court Rotten Row from February 2024-June 2024.Gained knowledge in criminal law,trial and drafting.

Formerly attached at Harare civil court from June 2024-July 2024.Attained knowledge in practical civil procedural issues and matters such as divorce,maintenance,domestic violence issues inter alia.

Formerly attached at Sawyer and Mkushi Legal Practitioners from July 2024- February 2025.Managed to gain skills in research,drafting and oratory skills.

Umaima Baboojee is a dedicated crisis management professional currently pursuing her MSc (Hons) in Crisis and Security Management: Governance of Crisis at Leiden University. With a foundation in International Relations and International Law from the University of Groningen, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to understanding complex global challenges.

As Masters Committee Chair at L.S.A. Custodia, Umaima demonstrates exceptional leadership by coordinating events, managing budgets, and fostering collaboration among team members. Her current role at Broken Chalk as a Research and Journalism Intern showcases her commitment to educational advocacy, where she researches and writes about global educational challenges and human rights issues.

Umaima’s professional journey includes valuable experience in marketing and community engagement through her work at Tubber, where she implemented customer loyalty programs and managed social media strategies. She further honed her organizational skills through leadership positions at the Groningen Indian Students Association and event committee work with ISA Delft.

Her diverse internship experiences span legal work at A.Y. Bookwala, finance at NITON VALVE IND PVT LTD, and human resources at National Aviation Services, reflecting her adaptability and eagerness to gain cross-functional expertise. This varied background has equipped her with skills in research, advocacy, and strategic communication.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Umaima is enhancing her leadership capabilities through Leiden University’s Honours Academy Leadership Programme. Her OSINT certification complements her academic focus on crisis management and security.

Based in The Hague, Netherlands, Umaima combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, positioning herself as an emerging professional in governance and crisis management with a particular focus on educational advocacy and human rights.

Valentina is a dedicated student in International Law and Artificial Intelligence, passionate about contributing to the development of AI in a sustainable and ethical way. Her education delved into the biases and risks of AI, dilemmas of Governance, privacy, user rights and data protection, as well as the environmental impact of AI supply chains. Armed with optimism and enthusiasm, she aims in her academic and professional future to pursue these interests with research, and to contribute bringing awareness by helping educating others.

Valeria Bosibori is the Regional Lead for Kajiado Hub within the Young AI Leaders Community, a global initiative under AI for Good by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In this role, she fosters cross-hub collaboration, drives regional AI initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensures effective leadership within the community. She supports Hub Leaders in executing impactful AI-driven projects and strengthens partnerships across the region to maximize social impact.

With a natural ability to connect with people, Valeria thrives in leadership roles that require collaboration, mentorship, and strategic thinking. She is known for her warmth, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the communities she serves.

Beyond this, Valeria is a dynamic full-stack software engineer with expertise in JavaScript and Ruby, actively contributing to developer communities. She co-founded Tech Sisters Kenya, a thriving network empowering over 1,300 women in tech through mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. Her background in accounting, software engineering, and product management fuels her passion for building inclusive, impactful technology solutions.

As a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador and an advocate for diversity in tech, Valeria brings an energetic and visionary approach to her work. She is an innovative problem solver, always seeking ways to make technology more accessible and meaningful. Her ability to inspire, organize, and drive change has made her a respected leader in both technical and community-building spaces.

Valeria Soler currently works for the ministry of ICTs of Colombia, specialising in the intersection of technology, society, and international cooperation. She is also the ambassador of Women in AI Colombia, a flourishing community full of career advancing opportunities and collaboration among its members.

Her background is diverse stemming from Political Science and Design where she found her calling in the technology sector. She has worked on startups, game design, is a trained dialogue facilitator, speaks more than 4 languages, and has traveled to more than 30 countries. She practices mindfulness and breathwork regularly and she is a fellow burner.

Her interests are AI, education, innovation, peace, personal development and entrepreneurship.

She is recognized for her ability to tackle complex, high-stakes challenges with creativity, resilience, and dedication and for daring to exceed expectations and forgetting that there is even a box to begin with.

Valeria is committed to highlighting the leadership and advancements of LATAM and creating the context of possibilities where radical and daring innovation can take place, leveraging technology for societal benefit. That is why she will now be leading the Bogota Hub of AI for Good.

Vanessa Arellano is a Software Engineer and Researcher with a strong background in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Software Development. Graduate with honors as a Intelligent Computing Engineer and with over two years of experience in the field, she has contributed to the development of cutting-edge solutions, particularly in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), facial recognition, and AI-driven applications. Her expertise includes working with various programming languages, frameworks, and cloud-based infrastructures to build scalable and efficient software systems.

Her research in Brain-Computer Interface systems for mobile devices has been instrumental in advancing the field, leading to the publication of two research papers, one in presented in COMIA 2024 and another presented in MICAI 2014. In addition to her contributions to academic research, she has worked on AI-driven chatbots for WhatsApp Business, leveraging generative AI models to enhance customer interactions and automate business processes.

Vanessa is an active member of the Approaching the Universe Foundation – Oaxaca Committee, where she has played a key role in organizing local and national congresses aimed at promoting scientific education and technological innovation. Through her leadership in the foundation, she has facilitated events that bring together researchers, professionals, and students to exchange knowledge and inspire new generations. Her dedication to fostering scientific curiosity and engagement has made a significant impact on the local community, strengthening educational opportunities in STEM fields across Mexico.

In recognition of her technical skills and leadership potential, she was selected to participate in the International Air and Space Program (IASP 2022). Through this program, she collaborated with professionals from diverse backgrounds on innovative aerospace projects, strengthening her ability to work in interdisciplinary and international teams. She also believes strongly in continuous training, and so she has been capaciting herself in responsible generative AI, data analytics and as an AWS software architect. Following her interest in the aerospace field, she also owns a diploma in Aerospace Mission Design and is one of the main .

Beyond her technical achievements, Vanessa is deeply committed to STEM advocacy and mentorship. As the first woman engineer in her family, she actively works to inspire and support young students—especially women—interested in pursuing careers in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. She has delivered numerous public talks at schools and universities, encouraging future generations to explore opportunities in technology and innovation.

She is currently preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Advanced Computer Science at the University of Liverpool, where she aims to deepen her expertise in AI, optimization techniques, and machine learning operations (MLOps). Her long-term goal is to drive AI-powered solutions that address real-world challenges, fostering international collaboration between Mexico and the UK and bringing quality jobs for recent graduates in her country.

In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, she is exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in BCI technology and software consulting. Her vision is to lead innovative projects that push the boundaries of AI applications while continuing to mentor and empower the next generation of engineers.

Venkat Harshith Yadav Govindappa is an AI enthusiast and technologist dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and scientific research. Currently pursuing Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at Brandenburg University of Technology, his work bridges deep technical knowledge with a mission-driven approach to innovation.

As a Research Assistant at the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), he contributes to data automation and analytics in the Biophotonics department, optimizing scientific workflows through Python-based solutions. In his current startup he is actively working on an AI-based application for early detection of eye diseases using image processing, aiming to make preventive eye care more accessible through technology.

Venkat brings hands-on experience in machine learning, generative AI, large language models, and cloud-based AI system design. During his tenure at Tech Mahindra, he led critical data migration project, streamlining operations and boosting system performance. His entrepreneurial journey as co-founder of Tyilo Farm Concepts reflects his commitment to socially impactful tech successfully enhancing farmer incomes through data-driven agritech solutions.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to build for social good, fluent in multiple languages and equipped with strong leadership and problem solving skills, he is passionate about fostering cross-cultural collaboration and driving inclusive innovation. Venkat continues to explore innovative applications of AI in fields that matter from health diagnostics to sustainable development.

Vernard Sharbney Ngomane is the Director of CDSA (Cross Domain Solutions Architect), a Collaborative Digital Skills Accelerator initiative focused on advancing AI-driven innovation, digital skills development, and capacity building across Africa.

At CDSA, Vernard leads programs that integrate ethical AI, emerging technologies, and cross-sector partnerships to support youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Under his direction, CDSA collaborates with global partners—including educational institutions, private sector innovators, and UN-aligned initiatives—to promote inclusive access to AI skills, standards, and digital transformation resources.

Passionate about AI for social impact, Vernard works to bridge gaps between policy, technology, and community development, ensuring African innovators are empowered to co-create solutions for global challenges.

Víctor Ezequiel Martínez Cruz is an applied Physics Engineer graduated from the Technological University of the Mixteca (UTM). His experience includes organizing and managing UTM’s Astronomy Club, where he led multiple astronomy and astrophysics outreach events, delivered public lectures, and created workshops to bring science closer to the student community. He also worked as an observational astronomer at the National Astronomical Observatory of San Pedro Mártir, where he was responsible for telescope operation, MATLAB data processing, and photometric analysis.
Additionally, he completed a professional internship in 2022 at Hospital Juárez in Mexico City’s nuclear medicine department, where he learned about radiological safety protocols and nuclear physics applied to medicine.
In 2024, he joined the Mixtecnautas team to collaborate on Andivi Nundoó, a project that explores exoplanet skies by combining cutting-edge science with cultural outreach, using real data from NASA and the GAIA satellite. This initiative reflects his passion for sharing and contributing to astronomical knowledge, and has allowed him to bring astronomy to underserved regions across Oaxaca where such opportunities are uncommon.
His passion for science, particularly astrophysics, has enabled him to share his knowledge at various physics conferences and events.