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 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

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Maarouf Borhan Hatab

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Marian Bernice Kafui Adzoa Haligah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Ashesi University

Photo of Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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

Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

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

Maarouf Borhan Hatab

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Receiving the scholarship has been a transformative experience for me.

What I value most about it is the access to invaluable information that has made adapting to life as an international student remarkably easy. The constant support I receive from the scholarship program is truly remarkable; it’s as if they anticipate my needs before I even realize them. Moreover, the connections I’ve been able to make through this opportunity have enriched my academic and personal journey. It’s a testament to the scholarship’s commitment to my success, and I am incredibly grateful for the doors it has opened in my life.

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

Marian Bernice Kafui Adzoa Haligah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I am Marian Bernice Kafui Adzoa Haligah from Ghana, honored to be a Mastercard Scholar at the University of Toronto, where I am specializing in Health Informatics. 

This scholarship has validated my academic dedication and fueled my passion for bridging healthcare and technology. What I’ve treasured most as a Mastercard Scholar is the global network of like-minded individuals, dedicated to making impactful changes. Every day, I’m reminded of our collective potential and am profoundly grateful for this transformative journey. With the foundation laid by the Mastercard Scholars program, I’m empowered to make lasting impacts in healthcare through informatics.

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

Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

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

David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

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

Diana Kaliza

Master Scholar

African Leadership University

Being a Mastercard Scholar has provided me with a profound educational opportunity, equipping me to address the healthcare challenges confronting Africa, particularly in Rwanda.

With firsthand experience of the continent’s healthcare system, I am uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully. I recognize the importance of collaboration in effecting change, and I’m committed to working with fellow scholars, professionals, and organizations to improve healthcare across Africa. Moreover, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back to my community by addressing healthcare disparities and promoting equitable access to healthcare.

In essence, this scholarship has empowered me to be a force for positive change in the African healthcare system, enabling me to make a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals throughout the continent.

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