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Venture Spotlight: ATradezone
Using blockchain and AI to streamline African manufacturing to focus on entering the Canadian healthcare sector and expanding into Africa.
Using blockchain and AI to streamline African manufacturing to focus on entering the Canadian healthcare sector and expanding into Africa.
Senior Director, International Relations, Africa
University of Toronto
Canada
Dr. Penina Lam is the U of T’s Senior Director of International Relations, where she leads strategic engagement and development of partnerships with Africa.
She also leads the implementation the Africa Health Collaborative, designed to facilitate talent development and entrepreneurship among African youth. She oversees the Secretariat team and works in close partnership with colleagues across U of T, with African institutions, and the Mastercard Foundation.
As a scholar-practitioner, she’s passionate about research and programs that foster access to and equity in education, health, and employment opportunities. Prior to joining U of T, she worked as an Organizational Development (OD) consultant at the World Bank, in healthcare and education sectors. She’s experienced at engaging with diverse stakeholders to design, develop, and deliver impactful learning and talent development program.
Her academic career has spanned research, faculty, staff, and senior leadership roles working with African, Canadian, and US institutions. Dr. Lam holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & OD, with a focus on Human Resource Development.
Program Manager, Africa
University of Toronto
Canada
Edwina is the Program Manager for the Africa Health Collaborative within the Office of the Vice-President, International.
Previously from the U of T Scarborough where she served as Manager, Administrative Operations & Business Officer for the Department of Management and Manager of Operations & Project Management for the Office of the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean.
She has experience leading multidisciplinary teams and brings a breadth of knowledge on managing departmental operations, human resources, project management and administration of financial resources. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Henley Business School, University of Reading, U.K, where she is currently completing her PhD in Business Informatics & Systems Science.
Learning Facilitator
University of Toronto
Canada
Timothy Kinoti holds the role of Learning Facilitator, Africa at the University of Toronto (U of T), where he oversees all aspects of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Adaptation within the Mastercard Foundation Health Collaborative initiative in Africa.
Collaborating closely with colleagues at U of T and African Higher Learning Institutions, he draws upon 16 years of professional experience dedicated to research, impact measurement and program design; with a strong focus on development financing, youth employment initiatives, entrepreneurship, education, gender, and healthcare. He is an accredited Development Finance Fellow from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Before joining U of T, he contributed to the education portfolio and led the social protection program at World University Service of Canada within the refugee context and supported national education programs in Kenya at RTI International.
Program Officer (South) South Africa
University of Toronto
Canada
Dr. Angel Motsamai is the Program Officer: Southern Africa, at the University of Toronto, Canada.
Prior to join the University of Toronto, Dr. Motsamai was working at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, in Durban, South Africa. She held the position of Principal Project Co-Ordinator, where she was instrumental in coordinating and implementing projects that brought significant value to the university and were recognized, valued and approved by the local government of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Her other previous employment includes the Mangosuthu University of Technology, where she worked as a Project Officer. Her duties included the placement of students with industry, establishing partnership with companies for the purpose of placing students to do internships. She also worked with government entities to get funding towards monthly stipends for the students doing internships. She also worked at the Durban University of Technology, as a Senior International Relations Officer. Her duties included, recruiting International Students, organizing events i.e. international students’ orientation, hosting international visitors, establishing partnerships with international universities, embassies, ministries of education all over Africa but mostly in Southern Africa.
Dr. Motsamai holds a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration (DBA), a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management.
Senior Planning and Budget Officer
University of Toronto
Canada
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.
Administrative Assistant
University of Toronto
Canada
Marjorie is an administrative professional with close to 20 years of experience.
She is currently an Administrative Assistant at the Office of the Vice-President, International at the University of Toronto. Marjorie is a team player, an eager learner, and a highly organized individual. She is passionate about contributing and making a difference in the things that she does.
Before moving to Canada in 2020, Marjorie was an Executive Assistant to the CEO of a retail and travel company that represented various airlines and brands in the Philippines. Her previous position has allowed her to travel to different continents and exposed her to cultures and worldviews.
Marjorie is a mother of two, who enjoys painting, cooking, and being outdoors.