Local Engagement Coordinators
Local Engagement Coordinators (LECs) are alumnae of U.S. Department of State programs (i.e. TechWomen, Fulbright, IVLP, YLAI, and more) that are excited to mentor the next generation of global STEM leaders.
LECs assist U.S. Embassies with program outreach in their country during the recruitment period; assist families as they prepare their child for travel; translate pre-departure information as needed; coach TechGirls through the follow-on project phase; and so much more!
The 2026-2027 LECs are STEM and business leaders committed to youth development around the globe. They represent a variety of STEM fields.
South & Central Asia
Dana Kassymbayeva is a Flex'15 alumna from Kazakhstan. She is passionate in public speaking and event organization. She holds a Master degree in Public Policy and spent her final year in South Korea and Singapore. She is young and ambitious with strong abilities of communication and leadership. Dana is former Flex Alumni coordinator for North Kazakhstan and project manager at National Alumni Network. During her free time she enjoys dancing, creating social projects, and public pitching.
Kazakhstan
Ozodamo Faromuz is an emerging leader in Central Asia's startup ecosystem, passionate about one thing above all: unlocking human potential. With 8+ years of experience spanning HR, talent development, and startup acceleration, She has helped 2,200+ learners discover the power of technology — and launched Tajikistan's first pre-incubation bootcamp to give founders the runway they need to soar. Currently Ozodamo is part of UTOPIA venture studio - helping founders from all over the world to get to Series A.
Tajikistan
Nargiza Abdubalieva is a global talent acquisition expert and a passionate advocate for women in technology. With over 13 years of experience, she has worked at top American and European companies as well as dynamic, fast-paced startups, helping to shape diverse and high-performing teams. She is a TechWomen 2016 Fellow and previously served as a Twitter Developer Community Lead. She also had her internship at Twitter’s headquarters in San Francisco, gaining firsthand experience in the heart of the tech industry. As a TechGirls mentor in Kyrgyzstan, Nargiza is dedicated to empowering young women in STEM, sharing her expertise in career growth, leadership, and personal development. She believes that with the right guidance and determination, girls can break barriers and shape the future of technology.
Kyrgyzstan
Merjen Saparmyradova is a passionate advocate for women and girls in technology hailing from Turkmenistan. With a degree in software engineering and system administration from the International Turkmen-Turkish University, she is committed to empowering women in tech. As the founder and director of Sanly Bilim Individual Enterprise and the Sepgit platform, Merjen leads initiatives to bridge the gender gap in technology. As a TechWomen'19 fellow, she has coordinated transformative programs such as the Launch Life Coding Bootcamp project, TechYouth Bootcamp program, and DigiWomen Camp program. These initiatives aim to equip women and girls with essential coding skills and unlock employment opportunities in the tech industry. Merjen's dedication to empowering women in technology has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Alumni of the Year Award in the field of Women Empowerment, bestowed by the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat. Her tireless efforts continue to inspire positive change and foster a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Turkmenistan
Nida Shehzad Farooqui is a Computer Science graduate from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), working at the intersection of technology and social impact with 9+ years of experience designing sustainable, scalable systems that enable access and equity across the development sector. She is a TechWomen Fellow (2020-21) and recipient of the Diana Award (2019), the We Are Together Prize (2022), and the Good Deed of the Year Award (2022) for her contributions to technology-driven social change.
She was selected among 33 young leaders nationwide for the Prime Minister’s National Youth Council (2021), contributing to the Federal Youth Development Policy Framework, and is a founding member of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA), supporting regional youth economic policy. She is also affiliated with Future Team Pakistan, the International Federation of Business & Professional Women, and the Women in Tech Council at NIC Hyderabad.
A certified ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor, Nida specializes in internal audits, compliance systems, and digital transformation. She currently works as an independent consultant supporting nonprofits in building operationally efficient systems. She holds the Google Project Management Certification (2025), is a former Meta Certified Lead Trainer, and a graduate of the Google for Startups and Microsoft GTM Accelerators, with speaking engagements at global forums including UNDP, BCtA, SIDA, ADB, GDSC, and Davos Lab.
Previously CTO at Sehat Kahani, she led the development of multi-platform digital health systems. She now heads Digital Transformation & Organizational Development at Al Furqan Welfare Organization (AFWO) and co-founded Rehnumaa, a telementoring platform for women and youth. Through her work, collectively, to date she has trained and mentored over 3000+ women, entrepreneurs and young people - an impact grounded in the vision of a stronger, more equitable, and resilient Pakistan.
Pakistan
With over 14 years of experience in digitalization and product development across tech and fintech across diverse international markets. She is dedicated to creating innovative products that exceed customer expectations, values customer feedback as a key driver of improvement, and continuously stays ahead of emerging trends to deliver world-class digital solutions. Sevara received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UK universities and completed executive education at Stanford University. She is also a strong advocate for the empowerment of women and girls in STEM.
Uzbekistan
Middle East & North Africa
Khaoula Mouheb is an entrepreneur and computer engineer who graduated from the National Higher School of Computer Science (ESI) in Algiers. She is an alumni of the TechWomen program, where she mentored the Autodesk in the United States. She is currently the coordinator of DjazairIA, the first private incubator dedicated to artificial intelligence in Algeria, where she contributes to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the support of innovative projects. At the intersection of technology, creativity and entrepreneurship, Khaoula is particularly interested in the uses of AI, design and digital technologies in creative industries and projects with cultural impact. Houa pursued her studies in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. As a proud alumna of the TechGirls program in 2016, she has accumulated over 7 years of experience in social work and STEM mentorship.
In the fall of 2023, she had the honor of being selected as an emerging leader in the esteemed TechWomen program. This opportunity granted her access to invaluable connections with professional mentors at the LinkedIn office in Chicago, as well as participation in various impactful and culturally enriching workshops.
Moreover, she is deeply passionate about education and innovation. She is the founder of "Net3alem" (We Learn), an educational initiative aimed at fostering online teaching and learning in Algeria. Through Net3alem, she provides essential training for teachers and facilitate the creation of interactive courses, thereby contributing to the advancement of education in her community.
Algeria
Reem El-Mograby is a TechWomen '11 alumna with an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo. She is the Director of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Coordinator at the University, where she leads efforts to ensure a safe, inclusive campus. El-Mograby works with students, faculty, and staff to manage reports under relevant policies, create prevention initiatives, and deliver training across the University. She also supports initiatives like #AUCSpeakUp. El-Mograby also continues to serve as the Local Engagement Coordinator (LEC) for TechGirls. She is passionate about mentoring women and girls in STEM and looks forward to continuing her work with TechGirls. Additionally, she is a board member of Wasla Connect, an organization dedicated to connecting displaced Palestinians with mentorships and tech education, helping empower marginalized communities. Before joining the University, El-Mograby worked as a Business Process Management Consultant and Software Business Analyst.
Egypt
Al-Anood is a software development engineer at Expedia Group, where she supports the creation and validation of URLs to enhance SEO performance and improve page rankings. She is also an active member of Expedia’s social committee, organizing initiatives that foster community engagement and employee involvement.
An honor graduate in Computer Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Al-Anood is deeply committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the tech industry. As a 2023 TechWomen alumna and a mentor with Girls in Tech, she is passionate about guiding and supporting women in programming careers.
In addition to her professional and mentorship roles, she is the Local Engagement Coordinator for TechGirls 2025, where she helps inspire and support young women pursuing STEM. Outside of work, she enjoys ballet and boxing, balancing technical expertise with creative and athletic pursuits.
Jordan
Dynamic, optimistic, and motivated Physics graduate with a strong background in tutoring and education. Passionate about making science accessible and inspiring students to excel. I have been teaching scientific and mathematical subjects since 2019. I have taught Physics, AP Physics, Astronomy, Forensics, Math, and Science, across both Dubai and Lebanon.
As an alumna of Teach for Lebanon, part of the global Teach for All network, I am committed to educational equity, ensuring that every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to quality learning opportunities.
Currently, I work as a Physics Analyst at SABIS Educational Services in Lebanon, where I contribute to curriculum development and innovative teaching strategies.
In addition to my work in education, I am a proud alumna of the U.S. Department of State programs, having participated in the TechGirls program (2015) and the TechWomen program (2024)—experiences that have enriched my perspective on STEM education and leadership.
My goal is to make a difference and to guide and support the ones crossing my path to achieve their goal.
Lebanon
Rihab Boutadghart is a driven and ambitious veterinarian with nearly four years of experience in small animal medicine and surgery. A graduate of IAV Hassan II (Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine Institute), she is passionate about delivering quality care to her patients while continuously expanding her expertise. Beyond her professional career, Rihab is deeply committed to social impact. She is a proud alumna of TechGirls 2015 and was part of Michelle Obama’s “Let Girls Learn” initiative back in 2016. Currently, she serves as the Moroccan LEC for the third consecutive year. Advocate for girls’ education and empowerment, she believes that giving back to the community is one of the highest forms of success. Outside of work and volunteering, Rihab balances discipline with a sense of adventure. She hits the gym and runs for fun, always chasing new personal bests (and occasionally running away from responsibilities).
Morocco
Tina Hazboun is a dedicated leader in educational technology with over 20 years of experience centered on empowering women through the strategic and creative use of technology. She works diligently to ensure women and girls are the architects of their digital future.
As the Co-Director of the Academic Innovation Hub at Bethlehem University, she equips educators with the cutting-edge tech skills needed to build dynamic, learner-focused classrooms. Her commitment to representation led her to co-found Womenity, Palestine’s first all-female digital English magazine, providing a critical platform for women to challenge restrictive narratives and express themselves freely.
Beyond academia, she is deeply invested in mentoring the next generation. She has been a proud part of the TechGirls journey since its 2012 launch, serving in various leadership roles through 2018 and returning for the 2026–2027 cycles. Through her work with ArabWIC and Technovation, she continues to bridge the gender gap in tech, inspiring young women to lead, innovate, and reclaim their voices in a rapidly evolving world.
Palestinian Territories
Ons Kharrat is a final-year Software Engineering student at the Mediterranean Institute of Technology (MedTech) – SMU in Tunisia, where she was awarded the Full Excellence Scholarship for outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.
Her work spans research and industry, with a focus on Natural Language Processing and Agentic AI in Software Engineering. She is the lead author of “HateTune: Tunisian Dialect Hate Speech Detection Dataset,” addressing hate speech in Derja, the Tunisian dialect written in Arabic script.
Ons currently works as a Software Engineer at Stackdrop, developing internal and automation tools that help global clients, including Springer Nature, Deloitte, and Saxo Bank, streamline operations and improve productivity.
She is a 2023 Young Leaders Fellowship Program (MCW Global) participant and a 2021–2022 Thomas Jefferson Scholar, through which she studied Computer and Information Technology at Missouri State University. A 2017 TechGirls alumna, she has remained actively involved in the program in various roles, including Digital Learning Advisor, officer of the TechGirls Alumnae Council in Tunisia, flight chaperone, and most recently, Local Engagement Coordinator.
Since 2015, Ons has mentored over 100 students in STEM. She is committed to expanding access to education, fostering innovation, and advancing impactful AI research.
Tunisia
Europe & Eurasia
Evangelia Athanasiou is a biomedical engineer, research commercialization expert, and entrepreneur passionate about bridging science, technology, and business to drive digital health innovation. She holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Cyprus and an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, specializing in signal processing and analysis. As Co-Founder of Elysia Solutions and SENSSOS, she leads business development, market strategy, and research commercialization, securing funding and strategic partnerships. Committed to STEM advocacy and mentorship, Evangelia actively supports entrepreneurial communities, fosters innovation, and empowers future leaders in technology and health.
Cyprus
Amalia Konstantakopoulou is Co-founder of The Tipping Point, the largest mentoring organization in Greece for 60,000+ students and 2,000+ educators, even in the most underprivileged schools and learning communities in the country. The Tipping Point mission is to empower thousands of students, in areas beset with high unemployment, or isolated islands and villages, to connect with professional and academic role models out of an extended network, on a daily basis and through the use of technology, namely our web and mobile app. Through a live structured Digital Dialogue, students become more conscious about their life decisions and build their academic and career plans with the help of mentors, they would not be able to meet otherwise. She has studied Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is a postgraduate student of the National Technical University of Athens (MBA) and an alumna of the IVLP program of the U.S. State Department. She has worked in the fields of communication and marketing for companies and organizations such as UPS, Nestle, MTVGR, Swarovski, the Greek National Tourism Organization and ministries, as well as a Fashion Week communications consultant, having thus collaborated with both Greek and foreign designers during the Athens, Moscow & New York Fashion Weeks.
Greece
Erëza Gjikolli is a dynamic Product Manager at Valtech, where she leverages her expertise in digital solutions to drive innovation in financial technology. She previously worked at ProCredit Bank, focusing on financial products and digital banking solutions. She holds a Master’s degree in Accounting Analytics and a graduate certificate in Business Analytics from Bentley University. With a strong background in accounting analytics and business development, she has worked with USAID, UNICEF, IPKO Foundation, and TEB Kosovo, focusing on community-driven initiatives and youth empowerment. She is also the President of the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) Alumni Association, where she works to strengthen the network of Kosovo’s top scholars and professionals. Erëza is passionate about designing programs that drive financial inclusion, empower women entrepreneurs, and create meaningful opportunities for youth.
Kosovo
Milena Vucelic is a coordinator of American Corner Podgorica, Montenegro, who joined in January 2009. She graduated from the Faculty of Political Science, University of Montenegro and received her master’s degree in international relations. Working at the American Corner opened the opportunities to attend international trainings and conferences where she gained knowledge and expanded skills in library management, American education, program management and development, media literacy as well as technology and social media. Her favorite aspect of the job is working with youth, creating learning opportunities for them, helping them identify their goals, strengths, and needs, develop their talents and skills and seeing the impact and change programs have on the community. She was part of many STEM programs, aimed to introduce new tech gadgets, resources and present STEM to students as important, teachable, and fun. Always search for new inspiration and new collaborators for programs to benefit the community. Being a Local Engagement Coordinator (LEC) in the TechGirls program is an incredibly inspiring experience for her, as she gets to support and connect with young talented girls, helping them grow and thrive in STEM fields.
Montenegro
Merve Güngör is a founding member of SistersLab – Association of Women in Science and Technology, based in Turkey. Since 2020, she has played a key role in coordinating local and international projects, managing volunteer teams, and building partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders. In 2024, Merve completed the U.S. Department of State-funded Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program and spent three months at Atlanta GLOW, where she worked on women’s empowerment initiatives. Her international experiences across Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic through Erasmus+ and ESC programs have strengthened her global perspective. Merve continues to advocate for women’s leadership in science and technology through inclusive and community-driven projects.
Türkiye
Sub-Saharan Africa
Germaine Ashu Besong is a wife, mother and Electrical Engineer by profession. She has a
BSc in Electrical & Electronics Engineering and a M.Eng in Renewable Energy Technology.
She is currently the Sub-Director for Water Management for electricity generation
purposes at Electricity Development Corporation, Yaounde. She has close to 14 years
experience in the Cameroonian Energy Sector gathered from Thermal, Hydro and Solar
Projects. Besides her full time job, Germaine is C.E.O of SolarHub Africa (A solar waste
recycling Social Enterprise) and also the Founder of Smart Girls’ Squad (a Career
Orientation Platform for young girls, aiding them to make more informed career choices).
She equally serves as Technovation Cameroon Chapter Ambassador and Local
Engagement Coordinator for the Techgirls program in Cameroon. Germaine is an awardee
and fellow of several international programs. She is a Fellow of the TechWomen Program,
Fellow of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) RLC Program, Fellow of the
Australia Awards Program on Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Projects,
awardee of the TechCamp Nairobi Ecopreneurship & Sustainable Development Grant
amongst others. She is a Certified Public-Private Partnerships Professional (CP3P World
Bank) and an Energy Regulator Master with Florence School of Regulation, Italy.
Cameroon
An Entrepreneur with a Civil Engineering Background, worked with several humanitarian agencies including USAID South Sudan as a contractor, worked on several community development projects with a passion in gender equality, Education for all and Environmental sustainability. A STEM Career enthusiast and a speaker in women empowerment Global Conferences. With her Master’s in Project management she has been able to run her own construction company as Managing Director. Together with her Techwomen cohort they are an award winning team of a seed grant for vulnerable women empowerment from TechWomen impact competition where she acted as the operations and strategy manager. Her passion to see women find their place in society is her daily drive.
Rwanda
Dorcas Owinoh is a dynamic and visionary leader in Africa’s tech and social innovation space. As the Executive Director of Lakehub and the driving force behind Zone01 Kisumu, she has empowered thousands of young people with world-class digital skills, entrepreneurship training, and access to life-changing opportunities. A self-taught coder and social entrepreneur, Dorcas brings a rare blend of grassroots experience, strategic thinking, and global exposure. She has built strong partnerships with governments and international organizations and led inclusive programs that prioritize women and underserved communities. Her work has earned her recognition, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30. Dorcas is deeply passionate about shaping an inclusive digital future, advocating for place-based innovation, and equipping African youth to become drivers of economic growth and social change. She leads with purpose, empathy, and courage, committed to transforming lives through technology and community empowerment.
Kenya
Darshni Appalsamy, a Mechanical Engineer hailing from South Africa, boasts an impressive 7-year track record in the industry. Notably, she earned the esteemed title of TechWomen Fellow, proudly representing her country in a distinguished professional exchange and mentorship initiative held in Silicon Valley, USA. Darshni is also currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Engineering. Recognized for her innovative and disruptive thinking, she is fervently dedicated to engineering a better future.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Darshni is a staunch advocate for sustainability, channeling her passion into volunteering, facilitating and coordinating STEM development programs in South Africa. Her commitment extends to cultivating a society capable of sustaining itself, making her a dedicated force in the advancement of both technology and social progress.
South Africa
Damilola Anwo-Ade works at the intersection of people, systems, and technology, helping organizations use digital tools more effectively to improve how they operate, grow, and create impact. With over 15 years of experience in technology and program delivery, she supports organizations in designing practical solutions that strengthen operations and open up new opportunities.
She is the founder of Sprout Digital, a digital agency that helps organizations adopt technology and build systems that support sustainable growth in an evolving digital economy. Damilola is passionate about expanding access to technology and opportunity for young people. She founded the CodeIT program and leads initiatives such as the Virtual Job Bootcamp, helping youth develop practical digital skills and navigate pathways into the future of work.
A TechWomen Alumna (2017), she is committed to mentoring girls and young women to pursue STEM pathways and leadership.
Nigeria
Thabo Joy Masiye is an economist, entrepreneur, and Founder & MSME Growth and Digital
Innovation Strategist at MentorLink Access Center, supporting the growth of entrepreneurs
and emerging leaders across Africa. Her work spans enterprise development, mentorship, and
digital innovation through programmes with UNDP Zambia, the African Union Go-Gal
Innovation Programme, the Graça Machel Trust, and the U.S. Embassy.
She is a returning Local Engagement Coordinator (LEC) for the TechGirls Zambia program,
having served since 2025, where she mentors and supports young women in STEM to translate their skills into leadership and real-world impact. Thabo is a certified business mentor trained in Human-Centered Design at Dartmouth College under the Mandela Washington Fellowship and is passionate about building a strong, connected TechGirls alumni community in Zambia.
Zambia
Western Hemisphere
Rebecca Braga holds a degree in English Language and Literature from the Federal University of Pará. She works as an Pedagogical Consultant and a teacher in the Access Amazon and Access Pantanal programs, which are implemented by the + Unidos Group and funded by the United States Embassy in Brazil. Rebecca also serves as the coordinator for the alumni association of the United States Exchange Programs in Brazil (USBEA BR). She has actively participated in various programs and initiatives organized by the U.S. Department of State, including Access for Teachers and the Mentors & Alumni Program. Additionally, Rebecca has led projects focused on teacher training and English language education in Brazil. Notably, she was involved in the Creating Together - English Language Material Design, a collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and the Regional English Language Office in Brazil through the Virtual English Language Specialist or Fellow Program. Furthermore, she contributed to the We Are Made of Stories - Storytelling Workshops, a project selected by USBEA BR with a Mini-Grant for the implementation of storytelling initiatives, generously offered by the United States Embassy in Brazil.
Brazil
Daniela Ramírez Viales has always been passionate about STEM. She is a chemical engineering graduate and has been professionally active in the education sector, both at the high school and university levels. She also enjoys being involved in the development of STEM projects and competitions, as they make it easier to approach and apply theoretical concepts. In recent years, her greatest passion has been to reduce the existing educational gaps in STEM, both in terms of gender and access in rural areas of Costa Rica. Therefore, she has developed and implemented several initiatives and programs to promote the interest and education of girls, boys, and young people in these disciplines.
Costa Rica
Yamilka Collado, a 36-year-old Panamanian, is an accomplished Industrial Engineer with a Master of Science in Supply Chain Engineering. She is a proud alumna of the Young Leaders of the Americas program. Yamilka is the Founder and Director of Fundación Por Más Sonrisas (For More Smiles Foundation), an NGO dedicated to enhancing the social welfare of children in underserved communities. Through initiatives in food security, health, and education, Yamilka and her team work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of these children. Her passion for social impact is evident in her commitment to using her STEM background to develop sustainable solutions that address critical issues and improve the well-being of those in need.
Panama
Valeria Atoche is a Peruvian Industrial and Systems Engineer passionate about education, leadership, and creating opportunities for young people. Her journey began through scholarships and international exchange programs that transformed her life and showed her the power of access, mentorship, and global connections. Since then, she has dedicated herself to empowering others through community initiatives, youth leadership programs, and projects focused on women in STEM.
She has led educational and social impact initiatives that supported students in developing English, soft skills, and confidence to pursue their goals. She has also worked in international programs that connect participants from different countries through cultural exchange and learning experiences. Professionally, she is building her career in consulting and business transformation, where she enjoys using technology and problem-solving to create meaningful solutions.
As a TechGirls Local Engagement Coordinator, she is excited to inspire the next generation of girls in technology, support their growth, and create spaces where they feel empowered to dream bigger and lead with confidence.
Peru
Ginny Bijnaar is a geologist with over 14 years of experience in Suriname’s Mining and Geology sector. She holds an MSc in Mineral Resource Management (Geology) from Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS). Her early career focused on watershed analysis, field data collection, and geospatial data management in the mining industry.
In 2018, Ginny transitioned into academia as a lecturer and researcher at AdeKUS, where she focuses on spatial analysis and coastal geomorphology. Her work applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Python, and remote sensing to analyze sediment transport and coastal change.
Ginny continues to teach and mentor students, integrating modern geospatial techniques into research that advances the understanding of Suriname’s dynamic coastline.
Suriname
Sahori, an Ecuadorian Biomedical Engineer and AI enthusiast, is dedicated to transforming healthcare through technology. She has a Master's in AI for Health and is currently studying for her Ph.D. in Health Sciences and Engineering. Inspired by her mother's resilience, Sahori believes in overcoming mental barriers and is passionate about empowering young girls in STEM fields. As a TechGirls LEC 2024, Sahori is eager to inspire and support the next generation of female scientists and engineers, promoting female representation in science and technology.
Ecuador
East Asia & The Pacific
Rothsethamony Seng is a Cambodian social entrepreneur and digital education advocate working at the intersection of student housing, digital inclusion, and youth leadership. As Co‑Founder and CEO of Bamnang, an international student super app, she helps students access safe and affordable housing, mentorship, guidance on university majors, scholarships, and career opportunities across Southeast Asia and beyond.
She holds a second master’s degree in Education Policy and Analysis, with a concentration in Global, International, and Comparative Education, from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, while cross‑registering at MIT Sloan School of Management, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. She earned her first master’s degree in Political Science, specializing in International Relations and Comparative Politics with a graduate certificate in Southeast Asian Studies, from Northern Illinois University, and holds a specialized certificate in Entrepreneurship and Technology from Arizona State University. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs with an Economics minor at the American University of Phnom Penh, alongside a YSEALI Academic Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Across her work as an education content creator, motivational speaker, and founder, she is driven by a mission to transform lives through education and technology while bringing Cambodia’s voice to the global stage.
Cambodia
Eleni Tabua-Young graduated from Fiji National University with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with Honours (First Class) and was also awarded the ‘Engineers Fiji Prize’ for Female Topper in Bachelor of Engineering. She has worked for a Building Services Engineering Consultancy firm named ‘Irwin Alsop Pacific Pte Limited’ (IAP) for over 10 years and her current title at IAP is ‘Hydraulics & Wet Fire Protection Services Engineer/ Executive Officer to Directors’. She is a member and the current Vice-President Membership for Graduate Women (Fiji), a non-profit organisation of women graduates working to promote lifelong education, to improve the status of women and girls and to enable women to effect positive change for a peaceful world. In 2019, she represented the South Pacific region in the US International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP); ‘Hidden No More (HNM) Empowering Women Leaders in STEM’ which was inspired by the hit film Hidden Figures, she joined 50 other strong and courageous women working in the various STEM fields and travelled across 4 different states in the United State of America. This programme examines women's contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through research and development, education and teaching, leadership and public policy formation.
Fiji
Calista Eleanor Randu Samagat is a youth development enthusiast and proud alumna of the YES (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study) program, where her journey in international exchange and cross-cultural learning first began. Since then, she has stayed closely involved in youth programs, including the AFS Global STEM Innovators initiative and the YSEALI Matters Forum, supporting young leaders from diverse backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow together.
She is passionate about empowering young people—especially girls—to explore STEM, build confidence, and create meaningful change in their communities. As a Local Engagement Coordinator for the TechGirls Indonesia 2026 cohort, Calista is excited to support participants throughout their journey, creating a fun, supportive, and inspiring space where they can learn, lead, and make the most of this life-changing experience.
Indonesia
Jargal is an IT engineer and consultant in the information technology industry for multinational customers and corporations. She has a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology and Master of Computer science. She gained an appreciation for international education as a result of her study, volunteer, and job experiences overseas. She wants to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers, share her experiences with them, and inspire and assist young people. She likes nature, outdoor activities, and swimming in her spare time, and she is an alumni cheerleader.
Mongolia
Chia-Yu (Sally) Lin received the B.S. and M.S. degrees from National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Taiwan, R. O. C. in 2010 and 2012, respectively, all in computer science. She received a Ph.D. degree from the Institute of Communications Engineering, NCTU, in 2019. She is an associate professor at National Central University. She has cooperated with many manufacturing companies to increase production efficiency, improve defect detection accuracy, and save machine maintenance costs with AI techniques. Her research interests include AI for smart manufacturing, real-time AI model updating techniques, and recommendation systems.
Taiwan
Phuong participated in the 2015 YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program. Following three years of experience as a product manager, she has now transitioned into the role of Head of Product Marketing & Customer Care at a rising consumer electronics startup in Vietnam. With a background in the tech industry and a firm commitment to social impact, for more than six years, Phuong has spearheaded numerous youth empowerment projects, providing educational opportunities to thousands of underserved students in Central Vietnam. Outside of work and community engagements, Phuong is also an active member of the vibrant improvisation community in Ho Chi Minh City.
