Dr. Mariam Amadou Diallo is a Researcher and Macroeconomist dedicated to transforming agrifood systems to improve sustainable development and food security. Her work applies analytical modeling to understand how systems function and where they fall short. While numbers reveal inequalities, she believes they cannot resolve them on their own. This understanding motivated her to pursue the Fellowship, aiming to grow beyond analysis and deepen her ability to drive meaningful change. Through the experience, Mariam seeks to strengthen the bridge between evidence and action, shaping agrifood systems that are efficient, inclusive, and equitable for communities often left behind.

Ms. Khady Sene is an Agricultural Economist specializing in value chain development and passionate about technology-driven agricultural solutions. As CEO and Co-founder of Value Crops Africa & Trade, she manages seasonal rice production, commercial operations, and agribusiness training. In parallel, she works in the tech sector, building logistics and quality-monitoring tools for product transport. Khady notes that her work bridges farming and digital innovation, strengthening market links, boosting efficiency, and fostering inclusive growth.

Ms. Mame Sana Cheikhou Oumar Diop’s work focuses on strengthening rural communities’ resilience through nature-based solutions that integrate environmental restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods. As Country Director of Tree Aid, she leads initiatives that empower women and youth to regenerate forests, restore degraded landscapes, and build inclusive, nature-based value chains. Her work combines policy engagement, program implementation, and partnerships with government institutions, local organizations, and international partners to advance climate-resilient agri-food systems. With a strong background in environmental governance and restoration, Mame champions community-led natural resource management, ensuring local voices create sustainable futures while enhancing food security, biodiversity conservation, and rural incomes across the Sahel.

Ms. Aminata Beye is an Agroforestry Specialist and PhD candidate at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD/ISRA). Her research focuses on agrosylvopastoral systems in the Sahel, particularly the integration of woody plant species into pastoral production to enhance livestock nutrition, improve animal health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She also serves as Head of the Agrosylvopastoral Development Division at the Senegalese Agency for Reforestation and the Great Green Wall (ASERGMV), where she leads landscape restoration initiatives and promotes tree–livestock integration as part of national strategies addressing climate change, land degradation, and ecosystem restoration. Her expertise spans applied research, ecological field assessments, and policy engagement to promote climate‑resilient, gender-responsive, and sustainable food systems in Africa.

Ms. Gomis Marie Noel’s work focuses on developing nutrition-driven agrifood solutions that strengthen local food systems and improve access to healthy foods. As Co-Founder and Managing Director of Freslia, a Senegal-based agrifood enterprise, she leads the development of value-added products, including natural juices, dried fruits, fruit and vegetable powders, and granola, from locally sourced ingredients. Working at the intersection of nutrition, agribusiness innovation, and sustainable supply chains, Gomis partners closely with smallholder farmers, especially women, to promote sustainable practices, improve post-harvest handling, and integrate producers into nutritious value chains.

Ms. Deks Pouye Deguene holds a double master’s degree in Development and Practice from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in Sociology from Cheikh Anta Diop University. With over a decade of experience, she coordinates the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth Employment Initiative on behalf of the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). Her work integrates gender-responsive approaches into seed systems, youth employment, and agri-food innovation, strengthening women’s empowerment, climate resilience, and inclusive food systems transformation.

Ms. Ndeye Bouba Mbengue is a Senior Agricultural Researcher at the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA), where she leads the Horticulture Section at the Saint-Louis Research Center. With nearly two decades of experience, she is a recognized expert in plant breeding, crop improvement, and vegetable production. Since 2018, she has coordinated Senegal’s strategy for the Pan‑African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), overseeing the full bean value chain with a focus on biofortified varieties. Ndeye’s leadership blends scientific rigor, participatory breeding, and capacity building, placing rural women at the center of innovation.

Ms. Pauline Wambui Irungu specializes in inclusive finance, entrepreneurship, and data‑driven financial solutions, with a strong focus on improving access to finance for women, youth, and underserved groups across East Africa. In her current role as a Manager at MicroSave Consulting, she leads projects with banks, microfinance institutions, and SACCOs in Kenya and Uganda, developing capacity development, risk‑based pricing, credit‑scoring models, product refinement, and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) systems. Her work integrates customer insights, research, and stakeholder coordination to strengthen decision‑making and expand responsible financial services. Pauline also supports product innovation for nano‑entrepreneurs and vulnerable groups through partnerships with organizations such as Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Uganda, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Gates Foundation.

Ms. Pauline Atieno Owiti is a climate and agriculture professional working at the intersection of sustainable farming, food systems, and community resilience. She works closely with smallholder farmers to promote climate-smart agriculture, improve productivity, and strengthen sustainable land management practices. Her work supports farmers in adapting to changing climate conditions while enhancing livelihoods and food security. Pauline also serves as Organizing Secretary of the World Food Forum Kenya Chapter, supporting youth engagement in agriculture, food security, and climate action. Her interests include agroforestry, climate adaptation, and practical applications of carbon markets and how these approaches can work in practice for farmers.

Ms. Manei Naanyu is an agricultural scientist with hands-on experience in agroecology, advocacy, climate governance, and gender mainstreaming. As the Head of Programs at Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya, her work focuses on five key strategic areas: advocacy and policy influencing for agroecology, market development for smallholder farmers and pastoralists, climate action, capacity development, and the integration of gender and youth into agroecological systems. In particular, Manei’s work centers on building resilient, equitable food systems by amplifying marginalized voices, promoting sustainable farming practices, and ensuring that climate solutions are inclusive and locally grounded.