Growing up in the rural area of Rwanda's Southern Province, Christella Mukakalisa saw her mother practice subsistence agriculture. These early experiences fueled her ambition to pursue a career in agriculture so she could transform subsistence agriculture. After studying Agriculture at university, Christella now works as an advisor to a farmers' cooperative in Rwanda's Western Province. She is passionate about supporting women farmers – not only to increase their participation in leadership roles in farmers' cooperatives but also to build a more sustainable food system. As an AWARD Policy Fellow, Christella hopes to build her network and enhance her leadership skills.