People Directory

Our team is the heartbeat of our collaborative efforts, comprising diverse experts from various fields. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, uniting to drive innovation and impact in the health sector. Together, we are more than just a team; we are a community committed to transforming healthcare across Africa.

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People Directory

Photo of Sharon Ngugi

Marketing Manager, African Impact Initiative

African Impact Challenge

Photo of Willie Ngumi

, MBA

Deputy Digital Learning Director

Amref International University

Photo of Edward Nkole

, CPA, CMA

Senior Planning and Budget Officer

University of Toronto, Office of the Vice-President International

Photo of Kwame Norvixoxo

Lecturer, Design, Teaching, Evaluating Research

African Leadership University

Photo of Efosa Obano

Founder & Manager of the Black Founders Network; Founder of African Impact Initiative

University of Toronto, African Impact Challenge, The BRIDGE

Photo of Kennedy Owino Ojowi

Master Scholar

Moi University, University of Toronto

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Photo of Julia Kemunto Ombese

Training Coordinator in the Department of Community Health at Amref International University

Amref International University

Photo of Yvonne Opanga

, MSc, MGB Candidate

Research, Learning, and Impact Technical Advisor at Amref Health Africa; Adjunct Faculty at the Amref International University, School of Public Health

Amref International University

Photo of Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Profile

Sharon Ngugi

Marketing Manager, African Impact Initiative

African Impact Challenge

Sharon Ngugi, a distinguished Pan African Change Leader and Marketing Guru, is committed to driving positive change across Africa through the art of storytelling. As the Marketing Manager for the African Impact Initiative, she harnesses her multifaceted skills to inspire transformation.

A “Brand Whisperer” and “Favorite Storyteller,” Sharon recognizes that stories possess the extraordinary power to ignite social change. She masterfully employs storytelling to amplify the impact of the African Impact Initiative’s projects. Sharon’s narratives not only raise awareness but also forge genuine connections with audiences, motivating them to become catalysts for change.

Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice & Influencer, Sharon utilizes her influential platform to share compelling stories of resilience, progress, and hope from Africa. Her dedication to illuminating these narratives has not only expanded the Initiative’s outreach but has also ignited thought-provoking dialogues about the continent’s potential.

Sharon’s innovative marketing strategies, coupled with her passion for storytelling, position her as a driving force behind the organization’s growth and success. Her ability to seamlessly blend storytelling with impactful marketing has not only made her an industry influencer but has also led to tangible change within African communities.

Through her visionary leadership and distinctive approach, Sharon inspires others to join the African Impact Initiative’s journey toward a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.

Email Address
sharon@africanimpactinitiative.com
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Kenya
Program
African Impact Challenge
Profile

Willie Ngumi, MBA

Deputy Digital Learning Director

Amref International University

Willie has a strong technology and business development background spanning private sector and the development sector.

He has over 11 years of experience in ICT4D space implementing solutions in Digital health, health system strengthening, behavior change communication, Human Centered Design and Digital Identities targeting underserved communities. Willie previously worked with the GSM Association, a global association for mobile network operators, CDC Foundation / mHealth Kenya, providing technical support for the conceptualization, design and deployment of mHealth applications through Public Private Partnerships. Willie also previously worked at the Foreign Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, and in the Internet Service Provision industry as a web developer.  Willie has an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and a BSc. in Computer Science from Africa Nazarene University, trained in Human Centered Design and a Certified Development Project Manager.

Email Address
willie.ngumi@amref.org
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Kenya
Governance
HECO Pillar Advisory Committee
Profile

Edward Nkole, CPA, CMA

Senior Planning and Budget Officer

University of Toronto

Edward Nkole is a seasoned professional who, since March 2022, has been dedicated to his role as the Senior Planning and Budget Officer at the Office of the Vice President International (OVPI).

His responsibilities encompass providing invaluable financial management counsel, ensuring meticulous preparation of financial reports for the Foundation, and fostering collaborative partnerships both within and outside the organization.

Edward’s role is marked by dual reporting, where he effectively liaises with the Senior Director, International Relations, Africa for the Mastercard Foundation Grant. Furthermore, he holds a pivotal position as the finance lead within OVPI, reporting directly to the AVP International Engagement and Impact.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Edward’s true passion lies in the realm of education. With a remarkable twelve-plus years of experience in the university sector, he brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the table. Edward Nkole is a dynamic individual who continues to make a significant impact in the field of international relations and education.

Email Address
edward.nkole@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
Africa Secretariat
Profile

Kwame Norvixoxo

Lecturer, Design, Teaching, Evaluating Research

African Leadership University

Kwame Norvixoxo is currently a Lecturer (designing, teaching and evaluating Research) at the African Leadership University, as well as the Director and Senior Consultant for Knorx Consulting Services.

His other roles in African Leadership University (ALU) include, Capstone Manager for the Global Challenges Faculty, Research Committee Chair for ALU, Head of Ethics and Research Faculty Lead.

Email Address
knorvixoxo@alueducation.com
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Rwanda
Profile

Efosa Obano

Founder & Manager of the Black Founders Network; Founder of African Impact Initiative

University of Toronto

Efosa Obano started and manages the Black Founders Network (BFN), which supports Black entrepreneurs across Canada with capital, community, and capacity building.

He also started and leads the African Impact Initiative (AII), which enables early African innovators to create solutions to challenges in their communities. He has expertise in using technology to create social impact, invest with impact, and build early-stage ventures. For this work, he has been recognized by the United Nations and the Ontario Minister’s Award of Excellence.
 
Prior to these, he led a team that guided start-ups on their digital transformation journeys with Dell Technologies Canada. He also led community outreach for Dell Canada’s Social Impact Team & Dell Canada’s Black Networking Alliance. He received Dell’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award for this work. He is an alumnus of the University of Toronto, where he specialized in Strategic Management.

Email Address
efosa.obano@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
African Impact Challenge
Profile

Kennedy Owino Ojowi

Master Scholar

Moi University

I am grateful for the opportunity to study health informatics as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto.

This life-changing experience has challenged me to reach my full potential and has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most inspiring, intelligent, and supportive people in the world. I am confident that the experiences and relationships that I am building as a Mastercard Scholar will help me make a positive impact on the health system.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Kenya
Canada
Programs
Master of Health informatics Executive (EMHI)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Profile

Gladys Olisaekee

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

Email Address
gladys.olisaekee@mail.utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Profile

Julia Kemunto Ombese

Training Coordinator in the Department of Community Health at Amref International University

Amref International University

Ms. Julia is a Training Coordinator in the Department of Community Health at Amref International University (AMIU).

She has a wealth of experience in Community Health Work, Marketing, and Client/ student management, office and operations management. Previously, she has worked in various immunization, Communicable and Non-communicable diseases, leadership, management, and Governance projects implemented in various counties across Kenya under the Institute of Capacity Development (ICD) of Amref Health Africa as well as working as a Community Health Assistant in the Directorate of Health, Nairobi County. Ms. Julia holds a Degree in Community Health Practice and a professional certification in Strategic Management, leadership, and Development from Kenya Institute of Management and is soon looking forward to enrolling for a Master of Science in International Global Health. Currently, she is taking her French language classes.

Country
Kenya
Profile

Yvonne Opanga, MSc, MGB Candidate

Research, Learning, and Impact Technical Advisor at Amref Health Africa; Adjunct Faculty at the Amref International University, School of Public Health

Amref International University

Ms. Yvonne Opanga is a Research, Learning, and Impact Technical Advisor at Amref Health Africa and also contributes to the training of healthcare workforce in her capacity as an Adjunct Faculty at the Amref International University, School of Public Health.

She is the secretary of the Amref Ethics and Scientific Review Committee, where she coordinates the activities of the IRB secretariat. She is a public health researcher with more than 12 years’ experience in implementation research, Impact evaluations, health systems research, and Bioethics.

Ms. Opanga has a keen interest in research that addresses emerging trends across the health system continuum in the context of Primary Healthcare. Her aim is to drive research that contributes to effective corrective measures addressing Contextual and systemic disparities, including operation bottlenecks affecting the functionality of Primary Health Care Systems in vulnerable contexts in Kenya.

Ms. Opanga has participated as a co-investigator in more than 20 studies and published 19+ publications in local and international peer-reviewed journals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Foods, Nutrition, and Dietetics, a Master of Science in Public Health, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Ethics (Research, Public Health, and Clinical Ethics), and she is currently pursuing a Masters in Global Bioethics with Anahuac University Mexico (Universidad Anáhuac).

Email Address
yvonne.opanga@amref.org
Country
Kenya
Profile

Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

So far, my experience with the Mastercard Foundation has been phenomenal.

The staff has been incredibly helpful from day one to the present. I felt so welcomed to the city of Toronto; I was chauffeured from Pearson airport to Graduate House, where my room was already prepared with a greeting basket containing amenities for my stay. The organization has ensured that I am fully prepared for academic and social life. I am extremely appreciative for this opportunity.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Master of Health Administration (MHSc)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program