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.

View All Scholar Faculty Staff

People Directory

Photo of Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Titilola Abolade

, MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Photo of Ronald Carshon-Marsh

, MD., MIPH, DrPH (c)

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Photo of Wisdom Mawuenyefia Amenyo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Asmaa Habini Balagha

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Amref International University

Photo of Bethlehem Addisu Demissie

Master Scholar

Addis Ababa University, University of Toronto

Profile

Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

It is a wider opportunity to be a Mastercard Scholar.

The foundation has made it possible to pursue higher learning and commit to a scholarly life. The enabling environment provided by the Mastercard Foundation has equipped me to face the various challenges that come along with graduate studies. As a Master of Public Health student (Environmental Public Health emphasis) at the University of Toronto, I am a step closer to achieving my academic and career goals of preventing diseases, improving the health of populations and communities, and ensuring sustainability of the environment.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Occupational and Environmental Health
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
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Health Administration (MHSc)
Profile

David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Joining the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program at UofT was a pivotal moment in my academic journey.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, I was uncertain about my next steps. The transition was demanding, pushing me to find direction and purpose amidst a sea of aspirations. Today, I am extremely grateful for the life-changing opportunity offered by the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program. It has allowed me to pursue my master’s in Financial Insurance, a field that perfectly aligns with my career ambitions. Through this enriching experience, I am building formidable skills and establishing meaningful connections vital for impact and transformation in Africa.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
Profile

Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I am Nicholas Kofi Adegbe from Ghana. Once doubtful of advancing beyond high school, but my life took a pivotal turn with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2018.

Fast forward after undergraduate degree, I got the life changing opportunity from the scholar’s program again to pursue a masters in Financial Insurance at the University of Toronto. The intricate blend of data science and finance in my program doesn’t just add to my academic knowledge; it serves as a catalyst, setting me on a path to reshape financial frameworks.

Beyond academia, the Scholars program’s leadership training has been transformative. Molding me with virtues of integrity and resilience. Equipped with all the necessary resources, I am empowered to inspire young people to leverage technology to solve problems in Africa. With a world-class education and these foundational lessons, I am poised to drive financial innovation with technology, ensuring a prosperous future for many.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
Profile

Titilola Abolade, MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

With a career spanning over 15 years, Titilola has professional work experience in public health program development, management, and leadership at both national and international organizations in Nigeria.

This involved working with government agencies and parastatals, UN Agencies, NGOs, Community-based organizations (CBOs), Faith-based Organizations (FBOs), private sector and donor organizations across Nigeria through partnership, collaboration, capacity strengthening, resource mobilization, technical assistance, research and other health systems strengthening initiatives.

Titilola is in the 2nd year of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program. Prior to this, she worked as Program Director overseeing Nutrition International’s programs and operations in Nigeria and ensuring they are aligned with the Government of Nigeria’s strategic priorities. In 2018, Titilola received Nutrition International’s “President’s Award of Excellence” for leadership. She has also previously worked with the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) in Ibadan and Abuja, Nigeria and Sightsavers Nigeria Country office, Kaduna.

Titilola is grateful for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship and believes the DrPH program will further strengthen her knowledge, capacity and network in advanced public health research, policy and leadership. This is with a view to contributing to developing, scaling and leading effective and innovative solutions to public health challenges in Nigeria and Africa. She believes health and nutrition play a critical role in development. Her research interests include maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and nutrition.

Email Address
titilola.abolade@mail.utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Programs
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Profile

Ronald Carshon-Marsh, MD., MIPH, DrPH (c)

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

Ronald completed his first degree in Medicine in 2008 from the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Sierra Leone and his Master of International Public Health from the University of Queensland, Australia. He holds a postgraduate certificate on Health Systems Planning from the Tokai University, Yokohama, Japan. Ronald worked as a medical officer in many hospitals and served as Case Management pillar lead during the Ebola epidemic (2014 – 2016) in Kono, Sierra Leone. He was awarded ‘Young Alumni Excellence Award 2016’ by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia. Due to his administrative and clinical experience, he worked as the District Medical Officer in two districts and served as the overall technical lead for the COVID-19 response in Bo district 2020 – 2021. He has also served as the programme manager, National Malaria Control Programme. Ronald has published articles on Mortality Surveillance and Antimicrobial Resistance.

Email Address
ronald.carshonmarsh@mail.utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Programs
Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Profile

Gladys Olisaekee

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

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

Wisdom Mawuenyefia Amenyo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

In my vision for Africa’s youth, positivity reigns, and ground-breaking ideas are the norm.

I see a future where avenues for talent, knowledge, and skills flourish, particularly in health, education, and energy. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, I’m on the path to becoming a frontline changemaker, contributing to these transformative avenues. The satisfaction lies in collaborating with interdisciplinary, impact-driven individuals united by the goal of uplifting Africa. The Scholar experience goes beyond academics, instilling professionalism, social responsibility, and robust networking. Embarking on my MEng in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Mechanics, and Clinical Engineering Instrumentation, feels like turning dreams into reality. The support and coaching from colleagues, faculty, and administration create a nurturing environment that ensures dreams become tangible achievements.

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

Asmaa Habini Balagha

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

As a Mastercard scholar at the University of Toronto, I value the opportunities given to me and the exposure that the institution is giving me, in order to grow in the profession of health administration, improve my expertise and develop networks that will help me in my professional career hence making me be a better health administrator in the health care industry.

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

Bethlehem Addisu Demissie

Master Scholar

Addis Ababa University

As a Mastercard Scholar, I get to develop new connections every day.

Being a scholar enables me to meet various people from around the world and to share and learn from their experiences. Since tuition and living expenses are fully covered, I can focus my attention on learning and exploring new things. I am so grateful and excited to be a Mastercard Scholar and I am looking forward to adventures ahead.

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