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Photo of Famous Tay

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Gwen Burrows

Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact

Office of the Vice-President International, University of Toronto

Photo of Harriet Tunu Baraka

Master Scholar

Amref International University, University of Toronto

Photo of David Palmer

Vice President, Advancement

University of Toronto

Photo of Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Jemila Abdulai

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Joseph Owusu

, BA, MBA, PhD

Professor, School of Business; Co-Chair, Health Ecosystem Pillar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Jackie Sitienei

, MPH, PhD Candidate

Lecturer, School of Public Health, Health Policy, Management and Human Nutrition Department; Consultant, Population Health, AMPATH Program

Moi University

Photo of Arti Singh

, PhD

Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the KNUST School of Public Health

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Profile

Shadrach Korsah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto and formerly at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, my fundamental experience is that the Scholars Program is full of opportunities – opportunities for personal development, networking, impact and self-actualization.

The exposure has enabled me to develop a better sense of leadership, one that is premised on the values of integrity, service and positive influence.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Social and Behavioural Health Sciences
Profile

Famous Tay

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

The Mastercard Foundation’s visionary commitment to education and leadership has profoundly influenced my journey.

As a Mastercard Scholar, I’m deeply proud to be part of a program that not only champions academic excellence but also emphasizes the importance of creating a meaningful, positive impact in the world. This scholarship has not only alleviated financial barriers but has also fostered a culture of service and leadership within me. Through my studies, I’m determined to contribute to solving global challenges and improving accessibility of healthcare. This transformative experience has empowered me to think globally and act locally, making a real difference.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Biomedical Engineering
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Profile

Gwen Burrows

Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact

Office of the Vice-President International

Gwen Burrows is Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact at the University of Toronto.

The Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement and Impact (AVP IEI) collaborates with colleagues across the university and internationally to advance the University of Toronto’s global excellence and impact in research, its translation, and in teaching and learning. The Assistant Vice-President leads and executes the University’s integrated international strategy across multiple dimensions, with a particular focus on region-specific engagement strategies and the development of partnerships to maximize global impact.

Gwen was Executive Director in the Office of the Vice President International for five years before becoming AVP IEI and in that role, supported the creation and implementation of the University’s first international strategic plan, and led the development of key international partnerships in a number of regions around the world. Gwen came to the University from The Hospital for Sick Children, where she held a number of leadership positions, including Executive Director, Public Affairs and Child Health Advocacy. As Director, Strategic Projects for the SickKids Research Institute from 2006-2013, amongst other accomplishments Gwen co-led a successful $227 million Canada Foundation for Innovation grant proposal and its implementation to support the vision guiding the development of the Peter Gilligan Centre for Research and Learning. Gwen holds a Master’s in Philosophy from Johns Hopkins and a BA from McGill University.

Email Address
gwen.burrows@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Governance
Executive Steering Committee
Profile

Harriet Tunu Baraka

Master Scholar

Amref International University

My name is Harriet Tunu Baraka from Kenya, and I am a Mastercard Foundation scholar pursuing a Master of Health Administration at the esteemed University of Toronto. 

I got the award through my former school, Amref International University and this transformative journey has been incredible. The Mastercard Foundation team has been very supportive, and my transition to Canada has been seamless. This journey will not only equip me with the necessary leadership skills for the healthcare industry, but it will also make me expand my network and create lasting memories. I am very grateful.

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

David Palmer

Vice President, Advancement

University of Toronto

Since 2007, David has served as Vice-President, Advancement for the University of Toronto.  Under David’s leadership, U of T launched Boundless which concluded in 2018 as the largest campaign in Canadian history with $2.64 billion raised.   

David is a Senior Fellow of Massey College, a Council for Advancement and Support of Education Laureate and former trustee, an executive committee member of the National Council of Foundation Executives, and a director of the Earth Rangers Foundation. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in musicology from Princeton University and began his career as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Music at Western University, his undergraduate alma mater.

From 1999 to 2007, David served as President and Executive Director of the Royal Ontario Museum Board of Governors. From 1993 to 1999, David led a ground-breaking campaign for the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University, ushering in a new era in professional-faculty fundraising in Canada.

David was recognized in 2011 with the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2016 he was recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education.

Email Address
davidnpalmer@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Governance
Executive Steering Committee
Profile

Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

My name is Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa. A Mastercard Foundation scholar pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto.

Being a Mastercard Foundation scholar in a renowned university has been an enriching experience that allowed me to explore my potential further and reach out for my dreams. As a graduate student, I have had a chance to partake in various programming and events that have enriched both my academic and social knowledge on numerous topics, such as cultural diversities, leadership, and more out-of-the-classroom knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am making the most of this opportunity and look forward to realizing my hopes and dreams for the healthcare sector.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Biomedical Engineering
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Profile

Jemila Abdulai

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

My most valued experience as a Mastercard Scholar at UofT has been the profound sense of family and community.

It’s a journey filled with thrilling and exciting moments, but it’s the heartfelt love and unwavering support from fellow scholars and the Mastercard administrators that I treasure the most. Knowing that we have each other’s backs, no matter the challenges we face, is truly amazing. This tight-knit community has made my scholar journey unforgettable, and I will forever be grateful for the genuine connections and camaraderie that define our experience here.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Biomedical Engineering
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Profile

Joseph Owusu, BA, MBA, PhD

Professor, School of Business; Co-Chair, Health Ecosystem Pillar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Joseph Owusu is the Pillar Lead for Health Ecosystem at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Mastercard Foundation Africa Health Collaborative and Academic Programme Coordinator for O. R. Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative in Entrepreneurship and Employability.

He is a Lecturer of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at KNUST, Ghana. He also serves as the Co-Chair for the Health Ecosystem Pillar Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Technical Committee to develop MSc. Health Entrepreneurship Management for the Health Collaborative. His research has been published in the International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, Journal of Business and Management, Cogent Business and Management, Australian Journal of Business and Management Research, Investment Management and Financial Innovations, and International Journal of Research in Business and Social Sciences. Joseph received his Ph.D. from the University Malaysia Kelantan.

Email Address
Josephowusu87@yahoo.com
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Ghana
Governance
HECO Pillar Advisory Committee
Profile

Jackie Sitienei, MPH, PhD Candidate

Lecturer, School of Public Health, Health Policy, Management and Human Nutrition Department; Consultant, Population Health, AMPATH Program

Moi University

Jackline Sitienei is a Lecturer, from Moi University, School of Public Health, Health Policy, Management and Human Nutrition Department, and a Consultant, Population Health, in Academic Model Providing Access to Health Care (AMPATH) Program.

Her work entails teaching, research and Community service. Jackline is a PhD Candidate, University of the Witwatersrand, have an MPH (UNSW), MSc International Research Ethics (Moi U). Jackline had previously worked in the health sector as a nurse manager, then Clinical Administrator in AMPATH program before joining Moi. Her research interests include health systems research, population health, community engagement, governance primary health care, biomedical research ethics and TB/HIV. Jackline has several publications in these areas.

Email Address
jcsitienei@gmail.com
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Kenya
Governance
HECO Pillar Advisory Committee
Profile

Arti Singh, PhD

Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the KNUST School of Public Health

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Arti Singh, a public health physician and faculty member at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.

Her research areas of interest are non-communicable disease and tobacco control. She is also an advisory committee member on the Health Ecosystem Pillar of the Mastercard Foundation Health Collaborative program.

Email Address
artisingh_uk@yahoo.com
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Ghana
Governance
HECO Pillar Advisory Committee