Meet our speakers!
Helen Leale - Green
CEO - Our Moon Education
Sandra Chilengi-Sakala
Public Health Professional
Sandra Chilengi-Sakala
Bio:
I am a Public Health Professional who has worked in both the International NGOs and Government worlds and over the last 13 years, I have gained sound experience in research, project management; impact assessment; M&E, resource mobilization; research coordination; health research information management and knowledge management and knowledge translation which bridges the gap between scientific evidence and policy. I have been involved in various collaborative work supported by the World Bank, CDC, CDCF, EDCTP, CCGHR and other reputable entities locally and internationally.
In the last 5 years I have been involved in research and led up to 6 research studies in Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition (RMNCH&N) in 5 provinces in Zambia. And I led capacity building training and mentorships in various research areas including research and grants proposal writing, ethics, research designs, data management and analysis, report writing, as well as development of knowledge products such as policy briefs.
I possess a Master of Public Health degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies with Economics and currently a first year PhD student. I work as Deputy Director for Research Coordination, Capacity Building and Knowledge Translation at the National Health Research Authority of Zambia, a statutory body responsible for heath research oversight in the country.
Chanda Singoyi
Trustee and Public Policy Advocate with Expertise in Civil Engineering and Economics
Bio:
I studied at Pestalozzi in the UK over ten years ago where I met Helen. I am now a trustee for Our Moon.
I am in the process of completing a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree at the University of Oxford where I was an AfOx scholar. I also have a Master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Leeds as a BEIT scholar, and both a BA in Economics and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University. I have worked as a Civil Engineer in the US and the UK. I am passionate about education reform, and the reduction of poverty and unemployment through human capital and enterprise development. I will be working on a project for the World Bank over summer 24 before joining Bloomberg as an analyst. In the long term, I intend to work in the public sector, using my skills and technical expertise as a civil engineer and economist to help countries realize their objectives in improving public infrastructure to elevate residents' living standards.
Zoe Mebude-Steves
Bio:
I am an Associate at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where I am currently a GenAI Blackbelt and have gained experience in the consumer, TMT, healthcare, and banking sectors. With an academic foundation in International Relations with Quantitative Methods (First Class MA), I harness quantitative analysis to inform decision-making processes, complemented by a passion for the creative arts. This unique combination equips me with a distinct approach to strategic thinking, characterized by creativity and disciplined analysis.
Our Moon class of 2018
Naomi Bwalya
Bio:
I am an Epidemiology and Biostatistics student at the United States International University Africa (USIU-A). I am excited to be part of this year's conference and look forward to engaging with fellow attendees, sharing insights, and learning from the diverse experiences represented.
Our Moon class of 2020
Mapalo Kasapo
Bio:
I am rising sophomore at the University of Rochester studying Brain and Cognitive Sciences.
Our Moon class of 2022
Komani Sinyinza
Bio:
I am a dedicated Mechanical Engineering student at KNUST and the COO and co-founder of Hope for Refugees Foundation. I am committed to advancing social impact and sustainable development. I am passionate about promoting farming and sustainable practices, aiming to spark positive transformation and create a long-term impact.
Our Moon class of 2020
Catherine Nachalwe
Bio:
I am a Zambian in My second year at Duke University. I am hoping to double major in environmental science and policy and economics. During my free time, I sing, dance, braid my friends’ hair, and watch movies. I also enjoy playing volleyball, netball, and soccer. On campus, I am a part of the Duke Chorale Choir, an executive board member of Duke Africa Student Organization, and a member of the Bull City Scholars Tutors. Before attending Duke University, I participated in a gap year program with Our Moon Education where I explored my interest in environmental sciences and Climate change. During this time, I constantly reflected on the pressing environmental challenges in my community. Therefore, when I went to Duke University, I decided to use its ample resources to do a research project on environmental Justice this summer in Zambia.
Our Moon class of 2022
Frederic Mwansa
Georgetown University
Our Moon class of 2021
Pethias Mumbi
Ashesi University
Our Moon class of 2022
Racheal katandala
Bio:
I am a freshman at the United States International University- Africa pursuing a psychology degree. Currently, interning with EduSpots as a Well-being Intern and serving as a Pioneer Scholar Alumni Panelist. I am excited about this year’s conference and eager to engage with everyone.
Our Moon class of 2022
Tamali Chungu
Bio:
I am Tamali Chungu, a dedicated pharmacy student at United States International University (USIU). I am passionate about supporting women's health and well-being. My goal is to become a licensed pharmacist and make a positive impact in the healthcare industry. I am committed to my studies and determined to contribute meaningfully to the field of pharmacy.
Our Moon class of 2022
Selah Makinishi
Bio:
I am a dedicated biology student committed to unravelling the complexities of life through rigorous scientific research. By building a solid foundation in biological concepts, my ultimate goal is to make meaningful contributions to the field and society. Alongside my scientific pursuits, I embody the qualities of a self-motivated, organized, and responsible young leader.
Our Moon class of 2021
Joseph Izumbo
Paul Lukwesa
Bio:
I am an intellectually curious, explorer, and open-minded individual who loves new knowledge and is eager to learn. I take pleasure in challenging myself intellectually and physically; I believe this makes me strong as a person and boosts my confidence.
Our Moon class of 2023
Thando Lungu
Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Smith College'23
Our Moon class of 2017
Precious Nyirenda
Second year Our Moon Student
Our Moon class of 2023
Namwayi Mutambo
Bio:
I am Namwayi Mutambo an incoming freshman at the United States International University-Africa where I will pursue a degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. I am interested in research and technology and how they can be used to improve the health and agricultural sectors.
Our Moon class of 2023
John Mwila
Second year Our Moon Student
Our Moon class of 2023
Steven Simwanza
Tionge Kabwe
Bio:
I am a forward-thinking individual deeply passionate about advancing research and innovation within the health sector. Currently, on the path to studying Biological Sciences, I aim to contribute to transformative solutions that enhance healthcare. Beyond my professional pursuits, I am driven by a passion for fostering independence, particularly for women, rooted in my strong belief in the power of education. I am dedicated to crafting a future where innovation and education converge for meaningful impact.
Our Moon class of 2023
John Kapisha
Bio:
My name is John Kapisha, a proud Our Moon Education student, class of 2024-2025. At the moment, all my focus is on my 4000-word research essay, preparing for SATs, and improving my English skills. My main passions in academics are computer science and agricultural science, areas in which I am very interested and that constantly drive me to learn more. My interest is in researching and writing as they give me a chance to express the creativity and critical thinking skills I have been acquiring at Our Moon. Aiming to grow, I always strive hard to be the best version of myself by doing whatever it takes. My main goal is to utilize every skill and knowledge I acquire to make positive changes around the world. I aim to become both a better person and a more learned scholar by accepting all challenges presented before me with zeal and determination.
Our Moon class of 2024
Christine Chali
Christine Chali
Bio:
I am a first year student at Our Moon Education, passionate about development and economic policies in Zambia. I am dedicated to becoming a future change maker and policy influencer to drive and expand Zambia's economy into a prosperous high income nation.
Our Moon class of 2024
Janet Botha
I am Janet, a Rhodes Scholar and second-year PhD candidate in Engineering Science at Oxford University. My research focuses on assessing the impact of climate change on buildings prone to subsidence and heave damage, using numerical modelling tools to simulate interactions between climate, soil, and buildings. I am passionate about climate resilience and adaptation for infrastructure, aiming to raise awareness of climate change threats through my work.
I completed my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering at The University of Edinburgh as a MasterCard Foundation Scholar. During my time there, I worked as a research assistant on the RC3 project, evaluating the resilience of traditional buildings in Madagascar to cyclones exacerbated by climate change.
Additionally, I serve on the Young Members Panel at the Institution of Structural Engineers, representing the perspectives of young engineers in various task groups and contributing to the development of programs and initiatives. I am also a co-founder and co-host of SPAN, a podcast dedicated to sharing knowledge on structural engineering and discussing development opportunities for engineers.
Ceaser Kabila
Bio:
I am a second-year student at Ashoka University, majoring in Economics with minors in Computer Science and Math, and a concentration in Entrepreneurship. My academic interests lie in the intersection of economics and technology, particularly in how data analytics and machine learning can drive innovative business solutions.
I love exploring my interests and participating in various research projects and entrepreneurial initiatives. Currently, I am working on an expository paper on the Mean-Markowitz theorem and its application in portfolio optimization and machine learning.
I am thrilled to be a speaker at this year's conference and to contribute to the organizing team.
Our Moon class of 2022
