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.

People Directory

Photo of Cajetan Songwae

Master Scholar, Founder of Light Farms and Innovations

Ashesi University

Photo of Solomon Makuza

, BSc (Hons); MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Photo of Naomi Teshome Assegied

, MD

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Photo of Bethlehem (Betty) Sisay Tefera

Master Scholar

Addis Ababa University, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Seidu Tahiru

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuel Opoku Mensah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Profile

Cajetan Songwae

Master Scholar, Founder of Light Farms and Innovations

Ashesi University

Profile

Solomon Makuza, BSc (Hons); MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

Solomon Makuza is a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. He has devoted his career to improving social determinants of health and well-being in under-resourced communities. His career began at AVSI International, where he led a child protection and development project across three refugee camps in Rwanda. There, he established multisectoral mechanisms to protect, respond to, and prevent child abuse.

Following this, he served as Programs Manager at Partners in Health, addressing socioeconomic disparities and improving healthcare and social support for vulnerable communities. Most recently, Solomon served as the Executive Director of Gardens for Health International, an NGO focused on maternal and child nutrition. Under his leadership, thousands of families and children were positively impacted. He built enduring partnerships with both local and global stakeholders and played a pivotal role in shaping national policies, including school feeding programs, community health workers’ nutrition guidelines, and the food and nutrition policy.

With a strong background in community outreach, international development, and health equity, Solomon’s interests include maternal and child health, food and nutrition security, global health, and policy development.

In his free time, Solomon enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching soccer and basketball, and jogging. Originally from Rwanda, he holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health Sciences and a Master’s in Public Health. Upon completing his DrPH program, Solomon aims to use his expertise and platform to advance public health in underserved communities, driven by a strong sense of optimism about his potential impact.

Profile

Naomi Teshome Assegied, MD

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

Dr. Naomi Teshome Assegied is an accomplished medical doctor with almost ten years of experience, most of which has been dedicated to public health. With a solid foundation in medicine, she has a proven track record in health financing, project management, health system strengthening, and strategic planning. Naomi completed her undergraduate studies in medicine from the University of Gondar and her Master’s in Public Health from the Hebrew University. She has also completed a leadership fellowship from the University of Delaware and is a Mandela Washington Fellow under the Young African Leaders Initiative.

Naomi has illustrated her leadership abilities throughout her career, one notable example being her role in spearheading the development of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for Ethiopia’s emergency, injury, and critical care systems. She has also played a crucial role in preparing and revising over ten national policy documents at the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia during her time as a technical advisor.

In her most recent role as a Country Manager for East Africa at Akros Research, Naomi oversaw the implementation of critical health initiatives in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. Her role involved managing local teams, coordinating with member states, and driving innovative solutions to improve health outcomes at the country level. Naomi also served as a Co-Chair of the Standing Committee of Medical Care and a Scientific Committee Member at the Ethiopian Medical Association.

Naomi’s areas of interest include public health leadership, health equity and social determinants of health, emergency preparedness and response, and global health.

Beyond her professional life, Naomi is passionate about exploring new places, learning about diverse cultures, and indulging in the rich variety of global cuisines. She has also been a Sunday school teacher at her local church since she was fifteen years old and deeply values this role.

Profile

Bethlehem (Betty) Sisay Tefera

Master Scholar

Addis Ababa University

My time as a Mastercard Foundation scholar at the University of Toronto has truly been a transformative experience.

As a medical doctor from Ethiopia, I have gained a new perspective on healthcare and the ways in which it is viewed around the world. In Canada, I have been inspired by the idea that healthcare is a right, not a privilege to be earned, and I now dream of bringing this ideology back to my home country.

Profile

Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

I am Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh from Ghana. I graduated from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where I was introduced to the broader discipline of Biological Sciences. Following my B.Sc., I served my mandatory National Service at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), where my interest in Public Health-related research was stimulated.

Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program, my goal of pursuing further studies has become a reality. I am currently taking an MPH in environmental health at U of T which completely aligns with my long-term career ambition of becoming a professor and a researcher in the field.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mastercard and the University of Toronto for their generosity in admitting and funding my colleagues and me. I haven’t done much with the program yet, but based on the quality of the tuition, it already appears to be highly beneficial. I am convinced that the time I am investing in this program will help me become an innovator in the field of environmental health.

Profile

Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

One of the most enriching experiences was the opportunity to engage in a vibrant and diverse academic community.

The scholarship not only provided financial support but also opened doors to various academic and extracurricular activities that have enhanced my experience at the University. Networking opportunities with fellow scholars and professors allowed me to connect with leading experts in my discipline and gain insights into the latest developments in the field. These interactions were invaluable for both my academic and professional growth.

Profile

Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

My experience as an international student on the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of Toronto has been nothing short of transformative.

It has not only provided me with a world-class education but has also opened doors to new horizons and perspectives. I have felt welcomed and embraced by a multicultural community. Interacting with peers from various backgrounds has enriched my cultural awareness and global perspective. It has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, essential skills for our interconnected world. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Profile

Seidu Tahiru

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

My name is Seidu Tahiru from Ghana, with a background in Actuarial Science and Applied Mathematics.

My academic journey centers on Health Informatics and Data Analytics. I am passionate about harnessing advanced analytics to empower clinicians with transformative decision-making tools for the benefit of patients and the healthcare systems.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship has transformed my academic journey, providing me with vital academic guidance, career mentorship, and financial support. This program has cultivated a community of scholars dedicated to positive change in Africa.

I aspire to leverage this opportunity to improve healthcare systems, particularly in Ghana, and contribute to a healthier future for all.

Profile

Emmanuel Opoku Mensah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

My experience as a Mastercard Scholar has been nothing short of exhilarating.

This is in stark contrast to the initial feeling of uncertainty when I was selected. Mastercard has contributed immensely to my integration into my program of study. Every step of the way was carefully guided to prevent any mishaps, and I could not be more grateful.

I am looking forward to completing my Masters in Public Health at the University of Toronto and making great impact in the occupational and environmental health space worldwide.

Profile

Shadrach Korsah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

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.