Total Results: 664
Wellington Gombarume is passionate about leveraging Artificial Intelligence to develop impactful innovations that addresses sustainable development. He is an aspiring entrepreneur who constantly seeks ways to take ideas to the market or a broader audience instead for greater impact. Wellington is a IoT specialist, experienced in solutions using long range wide area networks and software development. He advocates for the sustainable development goals and partnerships for the goals. He is an active member of the Zimbabwean Institute of Engineers in Electronics Engineering. He is always eager to learn, adapt, collaborate and contribute to impactful sustainable projects. He also a very inquisitive person, and very enthusiastic in learning new skills in line with modern technology. He is mostly fascinated by electronic automation be it home, car or industrial oriented, you name it. Wellington finds chess enjoyable and electronics tinkering a very interesting hobby provided nothing is smoked in the process😅.
William Amanya is a leading and energetic development person interested in young persons and refugee camp opportunists. Kakuma Creative Project Foundator-Income Opportunity Project Empowers young person into various levels within the refugee setting called Kakuma Refugee Camp and combines the skillsets required for value addedness through creativity by artists who combine knowledge of Art/ Design/ Recycling Techniques. Having himself studied graphic design, photography, and social media management, William leads workshops and training to provide the youth with a platform to create an income stream for themselves through their work.
William’s academic and professional development shows his commitment to continuous learning and improvement. He attended Eldoret National Polytechnic for a Diploma Certificate and Kakuma Refugee Secondary School for a KCSE Certificate. Being an individual interested in technology and leadership, he has pursued professional development opportunities in data annotation with Humans in the Loop and in entrepreneurship programs.
William has a range of professional experiences: a translator with RSC Africa for IOM, a refugee consultant. His skill set includes communication, digital marketing, and leadership through which he has been able to create and lead several impactful initiatives. Other than Kakuma Made Creative, he is pursuing opportunities in the ICT field, including social impact and youth training.
Such is the case with William, who had to be the caretaker of his siblings after his mum’s demise in 2023. Personally, William has used determination to help drive his dream of effecting change at home and generally into society. With this job and his actions, William looks forward to being able to inspire others in taking hold of their abilities to make a change in their lives and around them.
Winfred Kiarie is a data-driven software engineer with a solid foundation in applied statistics and computing, complemented by specialized training in software engineering from ALX Africa. Her expertise lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, climate technology, and cybersecurity, with a particular focus on designing sustainable and secure technological infrastructures tailored to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Committed to leveraging the transformative power of AI for social good, Winfred has led several impactful projects, including Hack4Climate, where she guided her team in developing an innovative platform to educate communities on carbon credits and track their utilization. This initiative underscores her ability to use technology to address pressing environmental and social issues. Her recent research delves into optimizing renewable energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa through AI, demonstrating its potential to mitigate energy scarcity, enhance resource equity, and accelerate sustainable development.
Beyond her research and projects, Winfred is an active contributor to AI innovation, regularly participating in global hackathons on platforms such as Lablab.ai, where she collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world problems with cutting-edge AI solutions. This engagement reflects her commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and the application of emerging technologies to benefit society.
As an advocate for inclusive, people-centered AI, Winfred is dedicated to ensuring that technological advancements address societal challenges, particularly in underserved communities. She envisions a future where Africa not only adopts AI but leads in its development and implementation, fostering resilience, energy accessibility, and social equity. Through her work, she strives to bridge the gap between technology and humanity, creating a sustainable and innovative future for all.
Ximena is a Systems Engineer with a Master’s in Cybersecurity, currently pursuing a Master’s in Applied Ethics. Her work bridges digital security, academic research, and ethical analysis of technology, with a focus on the impact of artificial intelligence.
She currently works as a Cybersecurity professor at the University of Lima and as a researcher at Situada Online. Former Fellow at Derechos Digitales (LAREDD program), where she contributed to research initiatives and regional advocacy efforts in digital security. Throughout her career, she has been involved in projects aimed at strengthening digital security capacities across the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia, through awareness programs, the implementation of open-source security tools, ethical hacking, and incident management.
Her work focuses on understanding how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can reinforce social inequalities, while proposing technical and ethical alternatives to foster safer, more inclusive, and just digital environments.
Yanique Mendez is an aspiring Academic and Political Scientist who holds a BSc in Political Science and is pursuing a MSc in Government, specializing in Comparative Politics & Political Theory. She has a rich background in youth leadership and development, having served as a National Youth Parliamentarian, an advisor on the National Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica, and one of two youth leaders who represented Jamaica at the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Parliament. Currently, she serves as President of the St. Ann Parish Youth Council. In addition to her service-leadership, Yanique is a 2024 30 Under 30 Caribbean American Emerging Leader, awarded by the Institute of Caribbean Studies, Washington, D.C.; a 2024 Black Diplomats Academy Fellow at one of the leading Canadian organizations in Black Diplomacy, Developing Youth Leaders of Tomorrow, Today (DYLOTT); a 2024 Governor General Achievement Awardee for the parish of St. Ann; and she was recently inducted as a Governor General ‘I Believe’ Initiative Ambassador.
Additionally, Yanique is one of the proud Founders of iBloom Jamaica, a nonprofit organization that addresses issues affecting marginalised and underserved youth communities in Jamaica.
Yanique has collaborated with various committees in developing strategies and advising on a myriad of local, regional and international issues, such as youth and national development policies, the strengthening of democracy, and strategic frameworks for marginalized groups.
As an ardent advocate, she unreservedly believes in Jamaica’s future and dreams of making an indelible impact in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
A results-driven Cybersecurity Engineer with a strong background in network and systems administration, digital transformation, and IT training. Skilled in conducting penetration tests on networks, systems, and web applications, with a deep understanding of vulnerability analysis and exploitation techniques. Demonstrates expertise in implementing advanced security solutions and raising cybersecurity awareness through targeted training programs. Holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity (in progress) and multiple industry-recognized certifications, including eCPPTv2, CEH, CCNA, CCNP, and CompTIA Pentest+. Proven experience managing complex cybersecurity projects, administering Microsoft Office 365, Windows Server, Zimbra, and Linux systems, and leading digitalization initiatives in both public and private sector organizations. Known for effective collaboration with stakeholders, risk mitigation strategies, and a proactive approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure. Passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. Fluent in French and English.
Yik Malehek is a dedicated and passionate advocate for conflict-affected communities, working tirelessly to empower these communities through career development and ongoing support. As a Beneficiary Advisor at Humans in the Loop, Yik ensures that the organization’s initiatives are closely aligned with the needs and voices of the beneficiaries it serves. Through this role, Yik listens attentively to the challenges faced by these communities and plays a pivotal part in shaping solutions that have a sustainable impact.
In addition to their work at Humans in the Loop, Yik is highly skilled in front-end web development, with a focus on creating interactive and responsive websites. Combining technical expertise with a deep commitment to social change, Yik strives to develop digital platforms that not only function seamlessly but also support causes aimed at improving lives. Their work as a web developer is driven by a passion for using technology to empower individuals and communities, bridging the gap between technical solutions and social impact.
Moreover, Yik has extensive experience in data annotation, contributing to the development of reliable AI systems by ensuring that data is accurately labeled and organized. This expertise enhances the quality of AI models, driving meaningful advancements in fields such as healthcare, education, and social justice. Through their technical skills in both web development and data annotation, Yik plays an essential role in the creation of impactful, AI-driven solutions that benefit those who need them most.
In addition to their work in web development and data annotation, Yik also posesses expertise in personal virtual assistance, offering administrative support tailored to meet individual needs. This versatile skill set allows Yik to provide comprehensive services that enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and ensure that both individuals and organizations can focus on their core missions.
Through their diverse range of expertise and unwavering commitment to social good, Yik Malehek continues to make a lasting impact, creating opportunities and solutions that empower communities and individuals in need.
Yolanda Nkala is a dynamic Data Scientist and passionate advocate for using technology to drive innovation and social impact. With three years of experience in AI and machine learning, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Systems at the University of Cape Town, focusing on leveraging machine learning to enhance fraud detection in digital payment systems.
Yolanda’s journey in technology began at the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha, where her interest in problem-solving and innovation was nurtured. While in high school, she joined the Code4CapeTown program, which deepened her passion for technology and innovation by equipping her with foundational programming and digital skills. Her commitment to excellence was further highlighted when she and her team won Best Innovation Project at the Innovate South Africa competition, a testament to her creativity and ability to lead impactful projects.
Her achievements during high school include winning a silver medal at the Beijing Science Expo, showcasing her ability to solve problems with global relevance. Yolanda’s passion for innovation also led her to deliver a lecture at Rhodes University alongside distinguished speakers such as Jim Adams, former Chief Technologist at NASA. In her lecture, she inspired high school students to explore technology and innovation as tools for creating positive change and emphasized the importance of innovation in tackling real-world challenges.
During university, Yolanda was actively involved in Codespace, where she tutored programming and IT, empowering fellow students with the skills needed to succeed in the tech industry. She also became a Women Techmakers Ambassador by Google, where she championed diversity in technology by organizing workshops and mentorship programs for young women. Through this role, Yolanda has contributed to creating inclusive spaces in tech and inspiring the next generation of women innovators.
In 2025, Yolanda was selected as the Pretoria Hub Leader for the Young AI Leaders Programme, an initiative by AI for Good, aligned with the values of the United Nations. In this role, she will lead efforts to promote AI literacy, mobilize young innovators, and drive projects addressing societal challenges in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Yolanda’s work is rooted in her values of inclusivity, equity, and ethical innovation. She believes in using technology as a tool to empower communities and create lasting impact. Her journey demonstrates a balance of technical excellence and a deep commitment to human-centered progress, positioning her as an emerging leader in the global AI and innovation community.
Zaianb Azizi, from Afghanistan, is an alumna of the Chevening and Fulbright scholarships currently working in the international development sector. She holds an LLM in International Law from the University of Sussex and a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgia State University. With expertise in public policy, legal research, and advocacy, she is dedicated to leveraging technology for social good and addressing systemic inequalities.
Zainab has been deeply engaged in youth empowerment and governance initiatives, with a focus on equal rights and creating opportunities for all. As the Curator of the Kabul Hub Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, she successfully led a team of over 20 Afghans in implementing impactful social projects designed to benefit underserved communities.
In her professional and volunteer roles, Zainab has collaborated with youth globally to address critical issues such as AI governance, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. She is passionate about ensuring that technological advancements uphold human rights, promote equity, and foster inclusive opportunities for marginalized populations.
Zara Gounden is the Cambridge Hub Leader for the Young AI Leaders program. With a strong commitment to bringing humanitarians to the forefront of AI innovation, she focuses on addressing systemic biases in technology, ensuring AI becomes a tool for equity and societal progress. Her passion for this work stems from her time on the French-Italian border, where she witnessed the harmful effects of biased algorithms and facial recognition technologies on asylum-seekers. These experiences deepened her resolve to advocate for inclusive and ethical AI practices.
Zara also co-founded Twenty Miles More, a youth-led initiative addressing the intersection of Europe’s migrant reception crisis, climate change, and border tensions. The project received a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace grant, which was used to conduct water quality assessments of the Roya River, provide essential support to migrants in Ventimiglia, Italy, and produce a feature-length documentary attesting to the conditions at these borders.
A fourth-year Davis Scholar at New York University (NYU), Zara is pursuing a BA in Politics, Rights, and Development with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her studies have spanned six NYU campuses—Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Florence, New York, and London—providing her with a uniquely global perspective on the complex issues she addresses through her work. Recently, Zara was honored with the prestigious Dr. Patricia M. Carey Changemaker Award in recognition of her contributions to decolonial and equity-focused initiatives at NYU.
Zino Haro is the co-founder and cybersecurity lead of Youth for Privacy, an organization that works to raise awareness of security and privacy through education, outreach, research, and advocacy work on an international scale. Through Youth for Privacy, she has contributed to the United Nations Open Ended Working Group on Information and Communications Technologies and others. Prior to work at Youth for Privacy, Zino worked on technical cybersecurity research topics including AI weaponization (presented at DEFCON China), private blockchain vulnerabilities (presented at Code Blue Japan and Code Gate South Korea), malware targeting industrial control systems, router security policy, and more. She was named a Society of American Military Engineers Scholar, a BlackHat Academic Scholar, a 30 Under 30 Hispanic Executive for work on tech startup Uni-ke, and a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 lister for work on Youth for Privacy.
Outside of work on security, Zino has experience in the worlds of fashion and art. In fashion, she presented her first physical collection in 2017, digital collection in 2022, and participated in a number of runways. In art, she has had pieces presented at galleries in New York and Paris and has auctioned artwork for nonprofit fundraisers.