Meet the Fellows

My name is Munachi. I currently live and study in Nigeria. I'm a student Optometrist and I'm also a makeup artist.

I'm Yasir Muhammad Nasir from Jalingo, Taraba State. Right now I'm rounding up my final year studying Industrial Chemistry at Taraba State University. I grew up watching my people farm rice but stay broke. Farmers here sell paddy for peanuts because there's no mill nearby. So it rots, or middlemen cheat them. Yet in Abuja, we’re buying imported rice for ₦900/kg. I started small — buying and selling rice with whatever capital I could gather. Just to learn how this thing really works on the ground. But selling alone won't fix the problem. That's why I'm building FAYROOZ RICE REPUBLIC. I want to set up a mill that buys straight from Taraba farmers, pays them better, and gives Nigerians clean, affordable rice. My chemistry background helps me understand the processing. My Jalingo roots help me earn farmers' trust. I’m not looking for handouts. I’m looking for the business knowledge to turn this idea into real jobs for my people. That’s why I’m here.

Finance and credit professional turned entrepreneur with 10+ years evaluating businesses across East Africa. Now building solutions for the funding gaps I witnessed firsthand.

Solo founder building Style AI, an AI-powered fashion assistant. Focused on behavior-driven products, rapid execution, and turning daily decisions into scalable systems.

I am a dedicated healthcare professional and community leader committed to driving sustainable development through the intersection of health equity and financial inclusion. As a trained male nurse, my clinical background has provided me with a profound understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by underserved populations. However, my journey has taught me that medical care alone cannot solve the systemic issues of poverty and lack of opportunity. This realization led me to expand my impact beyond the hospital walls and into the heart of community organization and economic empowerment. Currently, I serve as the Head of a Community Association of Savings, a role where I bridge the gap between financial stability and social well-being. In many communities, a single medical emergency can plunge a family into lifelong debt. By leading this association, I help members pool resources, access micro-loans, and build a collective safety net. My leadership focuses on transparency, financial literacy, and fostering a culture of mutual support. I believe that when people are financially empowered, they are better equipped to invest in their health, education, and long-term futures. While I am currently between formal nursing roles, I have viewed this period as an opportunity to intensify my grassroots work. Being "unemployed" in a traditional sense has not meant being inactive; rather, it has allowed me to dedicate my full energy to the people who need it most. My dual identity as a nurse and a community leader gives me a unique lens: I see the human being behind the patient and the systemic barriers behind the poverty. I am not just looking for a job; I am looking to build a legacy of resilience. I am applying for the Savvy Global Fellowship because I recognize that my passion requires a more robust toolkit of entrepreneurial and leadership skills to scale. I want to learn how to move from local impact to systemic change. I am eager to collaborate with a global cohort of changemakers, sharing the lessons I’ve learned from the front lines of community savings and clinical care while gaining the mentorship needed to professionalize my vision. My goal is to integrate my medical expertise with innovative social entrepreneurship. I envision creating a model where community savings groups are directly linked to health insurance schemes or mobile clinics, ensuring that no one has to choose between their life savings and their life. I am a firm believer that progress is not measured by the success of a few, but by the upliftment of the many. With the support of the Savvy Global Fellowship, I am ready to refine my leadership, expand my network, and turn my community-based initiatives into a sustainable movement for global good. I bring to this fellowship a tireless work ethic, a compassionate heart, and a proven track record of mobilizing people toward a common goal

CEO & Co-founder of Calyirex Technologies (India). Building Kautilya, an AI-powered operating system for public safety — live with Jaipur Police & 560+ officers in Mangaluru.

I’m Sampson Ogori, a curious learner and entrepreneur building an online library and growing my baking business, driven to create impact, share knowledge, and keep improving.

My name is Okera, and since I was fourteen, I have had a love for entrepreneurship. I began my journey selling candy in middle school to my classmates, and from there, my love of filling needs began. I transitioned to selling lashes — my efforts elevated to beauty, transforming women's confidence. I created my own graphics, did my own photo shoots, my own marketing, and content creation. It was a one-woman show — a young girl pursuing her passion, making it happen with whatever I had available to me. I did direct sales by walking into local beauty salons. I expanded my ventures into eyewear, bringing yet another dimension of style and confidence to my customers. I hosted pop-up shops, creating experiences that brought my brand to life and connected me directly with my community. By the age of nineteen, I had accomplished something truly remarkable — securing placement of my lashes inside an actual beauty salon, a milestone that proved my dedication and entrepreneurial spirit were undeniable.

I am Mokondo Grace from Limbe-Cameroon, a graduate in graphic design and secretariat duties, am a single mother of two kids both boys, I lost their father in the anglophone crises. I have been looking for sponsors in my graphic design business.

I am Mohamed Mohammed Babayaya, a MSc student from Economics department, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai. I have BSc in Economics as well, i m into Rice farming, Exposy Resin art and craft, Econometrician, researcher and data Analyst (beginar). Currently internship fellows of Nigeria jubilee fellowship program (NJFP).

Founder of KANAL TECH building Hausa-language AI to improve health access for low-literacy communities across Northern Nigeria.

Before founding the business, I spent the past ten years working as a professional project manager across education, technology, and cultural heritage.

I am a community-focused housing developer using my IT and problem-solving background to create affordable rental homes and stable living options in Atlanta.

Founder of Ivan Kamseb Premier Trading & Logistics. I’m scaling a 100% youth-owned 4x4 transport network across Namibia’s 14 regions to bridge the rural-industrial logistics gap."

Entrepreneur & Founder of Harmony of Beauty. Dedicated to empowering women through specialized wellness skills and vocational education. Creating impact in North Macedonia.

Curious learner, creative thinker, and kind soul making each day count. Passionate about growth, connection, and leaving a positive mark.

iam a zambian citizen,a midwife by profession who is also an enterprenur.my hobbies are finding a business opportunity in everything i come across, meaning i engage my self in any business that i know can benefit me,my family and my community .i have been an enterprenur since i was in my secondary school,i uses to plait hair for Money to have mony for my school groceries,help my family with basic needs.with time i started getting inspired with by mum who was also an enterprenur till today.iam married with 3 children.

My name is Oluwaseun Olayemi Ogunmuko, I'm from Nigeria and i am a fashion designer, i sew and train people, my business name is Triple Os Apparels.

Magati Clinton, Lecturer & Founder of HomeSpin Laundry. I combine scholarly knowledge in Digital Communication and entrepreneurship to grow service-based startups in Kenya.

My journey with IIVS led me to a true **KP Astrology Training Institute**, where I gained clarity, confidence, and real practical astrology skills.

Our company was founded by Michael Bullock, a technology professional and U.S. Navy veteran whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, innovation, and excellence.

I am a founder at the ideation/early stage. My startup is in the E-commerce Retail sector, where I am focusing on creating a Platform that simplifies gift giving, creating opportunities for local merchants while bringing ease and convenience to everyday gift givers.

Full Stack Engineer building JustBukit, a platform enabling secure and transparent student housing transactions in Nigeria.

I am a non-binary mental health therapist and designer. I am the founder of Tucked by Scottie, a tucking brand that serves to create functional and sexy tucking wear.

My name is Zainab Dauda , a photographer and founder of Ooreofe Photography, using visual storytelling to create impact, preserve culture, and inspire the next generation.

I am aspiring entrepreneur from Nigeria with a strong passion for business and creating opportunities despite financial challenges. I am interested in the food export industry where I am to connect local Nigerian food producers with Africans living abroad who needs affordable and quality food products. I am hardworking, determined and willing to learn.

My name is Muhammad Saleem from Pakistan, I'm studying in bachelor of science in digital marketing in Islamia University of Bahawalpur

Founder of Overcome Independent Staffing LLC, providing workforce development, coaching, and business training to help individuals achieve economic stability and career growth.

I’m a committed child welfare leader as the director of Liberty children’s home and founder of Amani Liberty Initiative. I’m passionate about nurturing children and young adults and empowering communities

My name is Priscilla bassey Elijah I'm a 23 year old girl born on 25 Oct 2002 in Nigeria capital city Abuja into a family of 4, I attended kubwa iii model primary school kubwa where I obtained my first school leaving certificate and further into Government secondary school kubwa where I obtained my SSCE formally know as WAEC in year 2013 and 2019 respectively spent 4 years at home while taking UTME's exams to get admitted into tertiary institution, that process I join my mom in her trade in the market which helped me gain a practical knowledge on how to run a business, got admitted into the Lagos state university 2022 and started an online shoe business where I get to buy shoes from wholesalers and sale on retail currently I'll need help with funding in turning my shoe brand in where we not only sale shoes but also make them this is my dream.

Full-stack dev. building AI-driven web products,hackathon winner,also CS student and aspiring founder focused on technology,scale,and entrepreneurship.

Graduated 2023 in Accounting & Finance; 2 yrs at EY. Now leading Investments at ISN (Keiretsu). Passionate about founders, startups & mental health advocacy. daily work.!

I am a creative, growth-driven entrepreneur who values excellence, consistency, and smart decisions. I build with purpose, learn quickly, and strive to make meaningful impact in everything I do.

I am a passionate and hardworking entrepreneur focused on creating practical savings solutions that empower students to build discipline and financial growth.

Blessing Innocent is a creative entreprenuer and voice over artist passionate about story telling and impactful communication, she leads a voice over training platform that equips beginners with practical skills and the confidence to thrive in the industry, with a background in content creation and media presentation she uses her voice and platforms to educate inspire and engage diverse audiences. Blessing (Chinwe, as she is more popularly called) is deeply interested in using story telling as a tool for youth empowerment, creative education and social impact and is committed to building assessible learning oppurtunities for emerging talents.

I am Sylvanius, an aspiring entrepreneur based in Cotonou, Benin. Determined to transform a high-impact idea into a sustainable business, I am driven by local innovation and value creation for my community. Curious, resilient, and ready to scale!

17-year-old entrepreneur from the UK building digital systems for local businesses. I help small companies get more customers using websites, automation and AI.

My background in family advocacy and community outreach laid the foundation for PA CHOP. I wanted to meet people where they are and ensure that help reached those who needed it most.

I am a black mother, student, wife, caregiver, entrepreneur and advocate.

I am an Agricultural Engineer and Consultant with more than half a decade of employment. I am determined and pationate in Agribusiness. My experience in Plantation Agriculture and Livestock is a great push and encouragement to me. I am never discouraged. I am a computer literate and bilingual.

I am curious explorer who appreciates precision and wit. I value clear, concise communication and enjoy testing the boundaries of logic and creative expression.

I'm working on generational wealth and health by establishing and building my legacy and brand on behalf of my six sons and daughter.

Interior designer and content creator building renter-friendly spaces and practical design solutions for people often overlooked by the home industry.

I am a Kenyan entrepreneur launching Denmar Foods, transforming HORECA supply chains via —premium sautéed onions—to cut waste and build a sustainable future for my community.

I am a very excited person always and in full energy mode most of the time also I love to talk with people with their stories and their lives what they are going through I just love talking to new and new people also in very much in a mindset to build something that can help different people's homes and help them and their families in a way to improve their living because of something I or my team built on our way to our dreams

Kidist Wendimu is an environmental engineer, lecturer and founder of ECOTERATILES ,a startup that transforms plastic waste into sustainable terrazzo tiles with experience in teaching, research and entrepreneurship. I am passionate about circular economy solutions and advancing environmentally responsible construction materials in Ethiopia

I am a driven entrepreneur based in Malawi with a strong focus on creating sustainable business solutions that address real community needs. I have experience in business, financial management, and developing practical ventures in sectors such as agriculture, food services, and commission-based businesses. Through my work, I have gained skills in operations, cost control, and the use of mobile and banking systems to improve business efficiency. I am committed to continuous learning and have actively engaged in market research and proposal development to strengthen my ability to implement impactful projects. My goal is to build scalable enterprises that create jobs, empower communities, and contribute to economic development in Malawi.

Mechanical Engineering student at FUTMINNA & founder of Urbanflow. Building a FastAPI/AWS-backed transport ecosystem to digitize motor parks and enhance commuter safety in Nigeria.

Creative entrepreneur from Uganda building Jagstic Studios to empower youth with digital media skills, storytelling, and income opportunities

Founder of Nurse Unlocked, helping nursing students transition into confident, practice-ready professionals through hands-on clinical training.

Ambitious young entrepreneur seeking funding to start a small business, create income, and support my community through growth, innovation, and opportunity.

Enterpreneur and education advocate empowering youth and women through digital skills, global education, tech-driven opportunities across underserved communities.

Ekara Inyang is a purpose-driven leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, passionate about my faith and women/girl child empowerment.

Aspiring AI developer who learns by building. Passionate about solving real problems, improving continuously, and contributing meaningfully to this program.

My name is Deborah but I go by my brand name IDAA. I'm a Fashion entrepreneur and founder of StyledbyIDAA, a ready-to-wear brand creating affordable, well-fitted clothing that empowers women to feel confident, comfortable, and stylish every day.

I am a Public Health specialist with over four years of experience at MAEDOTAID, a national NGO, where I advanced from Program Manager to Planning and Partnership Manager. I bring proven expertise in strategic planning, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), data analysis (SPSS/STATA), proposal development, and reporting on health and nutrition programs. My experience spans public health nutrition, maternal and child health, and broader public health projects. I have delivered high-quality support for NGOs, including baseline and endline surveys, research studies, training sessions, and evidence-based program recommendations. I hold a Master’s in General Public Health (MPH), a BSc in Public Health, and a BSc in Management, giving me a strong foundation in both health sciences and management. I pride myself on producing accurate, well-structured, and globally standard work while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.

I'm Segun Oyebade, founder of a fintech serving Nigeria’s unbanked and semi-banked communities, with professional experience in brand and communications.

My name is Tracy G. Crump, PhD, JD, LLM, and I serve as the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Education Officer on a full-time basis. In this role, I am responsible for the overall strategic direction of the organization, including program design, curriculum development, instructional leadership, institutional partnerships, and organizational oversight. My leadership is grounded in more than three decades of experience in education, training, and student success, as well as lived experience navigating higher education as a first-generation college student.

A mentor invested time and encouragement, developing her musicianship through marching band, band ensembles, orchestra, and school music programs. That decision changed my life.

Emerging leader committed to social impact, with experience in research and a strong drive to improve health and development outcomes. I am also someone that want to create sustainable solutions for underserved communities within my country.

Founder of Restorative Care, creating clean, holistic hair and skin solutions for women facing hair loss and chronic conditions.

I’m Phi Thach, a mother, cancer survivor, and author of Momma Has Cancer. My work helps children and families talk about illness, resilience, and hope through storytelling.

I'm Bidemi Awoliyi. A creative specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria. I provide a range of services from Product design, motion graphics, and content creation.

Raisa Siddiquee is a final-year undergraduate student with a strong interest in exploring social and human interactions through psychosocial and neuroeconomic perspectives. She aspires to contribute meaningfully to advancing cutting-edge projects while creating a positive and lasting impact within the community.

I am a driven student of commerce studying BBA International Business who is passionate about leadership and business. Curious, self-disciplined, and goal-oriented, I like taking the initiative, managing groups, and resolving practical issues

Hi, I’m Nouran. I’m currently a student, and my academic journey in engineering has taught me to think critically, solve problems, and approach challenges methodically. Alongside my studies, I’ve worked in customer service, technical support, and digital marketing, learning to adapt fast and connect with people. I love taking on challenges, leading projects, and creating opportunities where none exist. I care about growth, impact, and leaving things better than I found them. I don’t just wait for chances I make them happen.

Cybersecurity analyst specializing in API and Web3 security. I build forensic tools, explore AI-driven defense, and train young talents through Kaminova Global.

Social entrepreneur empowering smallholder farmers in Malawi to increase incomes through post-harvest financing, storage, and collective sales.

Founder of Imizi Wear brand, shaping timeless fashion brand with discipline and culture, building steadily for lasting impact.

I’m a young entrepreneur running a phone business in Nigeria, passionate about creating value, solving problems and growing my business

I am a professional in International Business from Universidad Santo Tomás, with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic development. I am passionate about supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs, and students—especially those with limited access to resources—by helping them strengthen their business ideas and improve their opportunities through knowledge and digital tools. My academic background has provided me with a global perspective on markets, strategy, and business development, which I aim to apply in creating impactful and scalable solutions. I am highly motivated to continuously learn, grow, and contribute to initiatives that generate positive social and economic impact. Through the Savvy Fellowship, I am seeking to deepen my knowledge in entrepreneurship, gain practical tools to build and scale ventures, and become part of a global community of impact-driven leaders committed to creating meaningful change.

My name is Lin Mukami and I am a final year student at Zetech university, I am an English literature student who is in their final semester, I will be complete studies my on August I am a young 21 year old who is passionate about women, children and volunteering I would like to I also like to assist women and their children to have safe spaces for themselves especially single mothers or children that are raised by one parent because I am a victim and I would like to be considered into the foundation in order to build a small business that I'm thinking about called convimums, it's about providing convenience to to mothers after they have given birth basically we are just delivering their essentials to them and giving them the opportunity to rest in not move around a lot after child birth.

I am a motivated and detail oriented professional with strong analytical and problem solving skills. I thrive in a dynamic environment where I can manage task efficiently, collaborate with teams, and adapt to new challenges. Iam committed to continuous learning and self development.

I have created Encouraging Our Community, INC for the purpose of providing resources to all ages, such as financial resources for students looking to go to college. My primary goal is help empower, encourage, and uplift my community.

Tech enthusiast, international relations student & writer. Driven to turn ideas into impact and leave a mark on the world.

Community educator and project leader in Yaoundé, empowering youth through education, digital skills, and innovation to build sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities.

My name is Ebere Victory Ononuju. I am currently a writer and a call center representative. I am an aspiring business owner. I have a dream to own a shopping mall that meets the need of women.

I am the Co-founder and COO at Aura Derma Limited, where we create skincare for women of color. We are innovating around skincare to make it work for Africans without 10 step routines.

Entrepreneur building scalable, impact-driven solutions focused on efficiency, sustainability, and solving real-world problems in African cities.

I am an educator and program developer with experience in language instruction, curriculum design, and community education initiatives. I have taught Spanish and English to children and adults, delivering more than 200 lessons focused on practical communication and literacy development. I specialize in creating engaging educational programs, including reading curricula for young learners, language immersion activities, and interactive learning materials. My work combines education, design, and technology to develop creative resources that support early literacy and language acquisition. I have also collaborated with nonprofit organizations such as the Wiser Scholarship Fund, supporting educational opportunities and community projects. In addition to teaching, I am pursuing studies in web design and have experience in marketing, customer service, and digital content creation. My goal is to design innovative educational programs and resources that help students learn languages effectively while fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

A Black professional woman and career break survivor. Now rebuilding my career again while empowering women like me to close the confidence and skills gap on the way back in

I believe myself to be a curious , creative person with a growth mindset and a strong love for learning, always seeking out new experiences and fueled with a heart of kindness.

I'm Abdulsemiu Abubakar, a student of Al-hikmah University Ilorin Kwara State 500Level student of the department of Animal science

I am an entrepreneur with a background in customer ops and CV strategy. I am evolving my service business into a scalable marketplace for pre-vetted, high performing remote staff.

I am a author who sells publish books with major retailers like Amazon, Lulubook stores, apple and other multinational book retailers throughout the globe.

My name is Florence. I am passionate about entrepreneurship and I have been involved in online digital marketing for over 6years. I hope to grow and expand in my knowledge.

I am a marketing expert focused on growth, performance marketing, and digital strategy, helping brands scale through data-driven campaigns and creative execution.

I'm an AI and automation specialist with a deep experience in developping AI models and helping businesses integrate AI to save time and money.

Christine Taylor, a licensed, Certified Nurse Midwife whom is the owner of Birth by Grace Midwifery Services, LLC (BBG). BBG is a woman’s wellness and maternity business that specializes in prenatal, birth/delivery and postpartum care.

I am Kanishk Pareek, a student and builder driven by curiosity and consistency. I focus on solving real-world problems and am working on a B2B SaaS venture to simplify manual workflows through practical, scalable solutions.

Founder of Amenities Choice, LLC, Michael Johnson is building smart, self-service retail solutions that bring everyday essentials closer to where people live and work.

Curious, driven, and quietly ambitious. I enjoy learning, solving problems, and building things that matter, while growing into a more thoughtful version of myself every day.

Mustafa Ibrahim, i am a lawyer and have a six years of experience, have a master degree in law from Alexandria university, and i looking for forming a E-commerce business,

I am a Black woman founder of Military Alumni LLC, building technology, mentorship, and training solutions to help veterans transition into civilian life and opportunity.

Mimi ni mwanafunzi wa chuo kikuu, na napenda kujihushisha na shughuli mbalimbali za ujasiriamali, nina shauku ya kujifunza na kupata uzoefu toka kwenu. Ahsante!

TUM Management and Technology student building AI-driven products, with experience in startup operations and product strategy through UnternehmerTUM and early-stage ventures.

Motivated student passionate about entrepreneurship, self-development, and building impactful projects. Always learning and improving

I’m Darshae Underwood, founder of Caring Heart Home Healthcare, committed to delivering compassionate, client-centered care for seniors and adults with disabilities or illness.

Deji Jegede is a UK-based founder building MoneyHive, infrastructure for diaspora financial obligations, with ~250 early users and an MVP nearing launch.

Founder of Kwiyeh, a beauty-tech startup in Cameroon. As a social justice advocate i walk in my purpose serving as Executive Director of DG3, a local NGO empowering youth, women & minorities across Africa.