Local Engagement Coordinators
Local Engagement Coordinators (LECs) are alumni of U.S. Department of State programs (i.e. TechWomen, Fulbright, IVLP, YLAI, and more) that are excited to support 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; mentor TechGirls through the follow-on project phase; and so much more!
If you're interested in learning more about the Local Engagement Coordinators, click their names below to read their bios!
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 a young and ambitious lady 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, a distinguished professional in Human Resources, holds a Bachelor's degree from KIMEP University and is an alumna of prestigious leadership programs such as the FLEX program. With over 5 years of experience in full HR cycle,Ozodamo currently focuses on designing and delivering workshops on soft skills development, catering to diverse stakeholders. Currently, she leads operations at the local NGO Ilmhona Skills Accelerator, as well as employs its graduates at different companies in Tajikistan. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ozodamo is passionate about sharing insights on social and psychological topics and actively mentors young girls, fostering their personal and professional growth.
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
Nadia Khan, a passionate advocate for women’s inclusion in decision-making, policy/leadership
roles, and STEM disciplines, hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - Pakistan. With a robust
background in advocacy, planning, and activism, she holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences,
specializing in Plant Breeding & Genetics.
As a researcher in Plant Breeding & Genetics, she has special interest in developing high-
yielding and climate-ready varieties to address food security challenges. Beyond her scientific
pursuits, she engages in Science Communication, working diligently to create spaces that
amplify the representation of women in STEM fields. Her commitment extends to contributing
to peace-building processes by elevating the ‘Science Capital’ among women. Notably, she is
also an IVLP (International Visitor Leadership Program) alumna, further enriching her global
perspective and collaborative network.
Currently serving as the Project Manager for the STEM Popularization Program at the
Directorate General of Science & Technology – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nadia remains a
dedicated advocate for women in STEM. Her current interests lie in the domains of Technology
Management and Science policy engagements.
Pakistan
Professional with over 12 years of experience in digitalization and product development within the tech industry. Sevara's passion lies in creating outstanding tech products that meet customer needs. She places great importance on customer feedback, recognizing its crucial role in product improvement. Constantly staying updated with new trends and features, she strives to enhance customer experience and deliver top-notch products to the market.
Furthermore, she is dedicated to advocating for the empowerment of women and girls in STEM fields.
Uzbekistan
Middle East & North Africa
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 served as the Local Engagement Coordinator (LEC) for TechGirls 2024, and this year is marking her second consecutive year in this role. 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 three 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 second consecutive year as well a review panelist for TechGirls. 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
With over twenty years dedicated to the field of educational technology, Tina stands as a committed leader driving innovation and, crucially, empowering women through the strategic use of technology. At Bethlehem University, her role as Co-Director of the Academic Innovation Hub allows her to implement her vision of equipping educators with cutting-edge tech skills to create dynamic, learner-focused classrooms. Understanding the power of voice and representation, Tina co-founded Womenity, the first all-female digital English magazine in Palestine. This initiative provides a crucial platform for women to express themselves freely, share their experiences, and challenge limiting narratives. Tina's dedication extends beyond academia; as a leading board member at ArabWIC and through her involvement in impactful programs like TechGirls and Technovation, she directly contributes to bridging the persistent gender gap in technology, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of female innovators and leaders in the field.
Palestinian Territories
Rim Ataallah is a TechWomen Fellow and a Software Engineer with eight years of experience in software testing. She specializes in test automation, ensuring high-quality software solutions. She is also an active trainer, conducting sessions in her domain to share knowledge and empower others in the tech industry.
Beyond her professional role, Rim is an entrepreneur, working on building her own startup while staying engaged in the broader tech community. She actively participates in events and workshops, always seeking opportunities to learn, network, and contribute to the field.
Passionate about innovation, continuous learning, and mentorship, she strives to make a meaningful impact in the tech world.
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 is a coordinator of American Corner Podgorica, Montenegro, joined in January 2009. She graduated from 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 expand skills in library management, American education, program management and development, media literacy as well as technology and social media. The most favorite aspect of her 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.
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, passionate about getting more Cameroonians girls to venture into STEM fields. She is currently the Sub-Director for Water Management for electricity generation purposes at Electricity Development Corporation, Yaounde-Cameroon. 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 and 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 (since 2015) where she mentors girls aged 8-18 , on using technology to solve community problems . She supports and mentors career women on how to achieve a work-life balance through her initiative ALL-IN-ONE, and is an advocate for women being guided to fulfill their optimum potential.
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 seasoned 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 nation in a distinguished professional exchange and mentorship initiative held in Silicon Valley, USA.
Throughout this pretigious program, Darshni gained invaluable insights from renowned tech giants such as Google, Autodesk, Unity Technologies, Salesforce, and Apple, collaborating with industry-leading professionals in the heart of Silicon Valley. 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
Dr Temiloluwa Adeshina is a visionary tech leader and educator who co-founded
Readland Global, a Cisco-certified Academy that trains and empowers thousands of
girls, boys and women in underserved communities. She is also the President of
Flourish Africa Alumni, a pan-African NGO that promotes female empowerment and
leadership. She has authored the book 'African Girls Can Code', a STEM Book, and has
given away more than two thousand copies to girls in rural communities and Public
Schools in Nigeria. She organized the African Girls Power Tech Summit with the U.S.
Consular General as Keynote Speaker.
She has been honoured with numerous awards, such as the Globant Awards 2022, the
WEF Exceptional Leader of Excellence Award India, the Access Bank Women Pitch-a-
ton Nigeria, and the African Change Maker Award Zambia.
Nigeria
Thabo Joy Masiye is an accomplished economist, entrepreneur, and business mentor with over six years of experience in business development, project management, and Human-Centered Design. A 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, she has empowered women and youth through mentorship, leadership training, and enterprise development.
She co-founded EcoWomen International, supporting women entrepreneurs in the green economy, and serves as a National Business Consultant under UNDP, implementing the Supplier Development Program in Zambia.
Passionate about innovation, social impact, and sustainable development, Thabo has worked with the Graça Machel Trust and the U.S. Embassy in Zambia to drive economic empowerment and SME growth across Africa.
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
I have always been passionate about STEM. I am a chemical engineering graduate and have been professionally active in the education sector, both at the high school and university levels. I also enjoy being involved in the development of STEM projects and competitions. They make it easier to approach and apply theoretical concepts. In recent years, my greatest passion has been to reduce the existing educational gaps in STEM, both in terms of gender and access in rural areas of my country. Therefore, I have 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 34-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 holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and has a strong passion for education and STEM. Since a young age, her love for English led her to earn the ACCESS scholarship from the U.S. Embassy, which provided her with a strong foundation in the language. Later, she participated in the Youth Ambassadors Program, where a cultural exchange in the United States helped her develop leadership skills and a global perspective.
Her work focuses on bridging STEM education with access to opportunities. At WISE, Valeria has worked on initiatives that promote the participation of women in STEM fields and foster entrepreneurial opportunities. She is also the creator of Skills Up, a program that promotes English learning as a tool to enhance access to STEM education and global opportunities.
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
Kanika Montha, as an Advanced Analytics Lead, specializes in complex statistical research, analytical methodologies, and strategic data-driven decision-making. She's recognized for her contributions to Cambodia's digital economy research and the foundation of "Women Go Tech," a STEM initiative for Cambodian youth. Her accolades include a publication with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and an award from the Young Southeast Asia Leader Initiative. Additionally, she's enhanced her skills with a certification in Big Data Analytics and Business Intelligence from the University of Munich, evidencing her commitment to professional development in analytics and technology.
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
Samintang, a first-generation college student, is fervently dedicated to leading grassroots initiatives as a committed climate advocate and community organizer. For over four years, she has served as a young researcher at the Sustainable Development Goals Center for eastern Indonesia, where she has orchestrated more than 100 social action projects, directly impacting over 100,000 individuals, and supervising a team of over 200 young changemakers. Furthermore, she founded Climate Catalysts, a pro-climate non-governmental organization focused on empowering youth through impactful peer-to-peer programs. This initiative has successfully secured grants from Turning Green and the U.S. Department of State to advance its mission.
Her commendable contributions to social development, youth empowerment, and climate justice have been recognized with prestigious national and international awards and accolades. Notably, she achieved recognition by winning the 2023 Project Green Challenge Finale by Turning Green in California, surpassing 330,000 participants worldwide, and was selected as an awardee of the prestigious Study of the United States Institutes on Climate Change and the Environment Programme in 2023. As a public figure and multidisciplinary storyteller with over 10,000 engagements, she finds great satisfaction in inspiring audiences in national and international forums. Recently she delivered a speech addressing the industrialization paradigm and edible bioplastic innovation to Indonesia's President, Joko Widodo, during the Indonesia Development Forum 2022.
Her dedication to fostering sustainability and action for climate empowerment is underscored by her role as a junior research fellow for various international grants, including the Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research and the Groundwork Analysis Fellowship Programme by the Conservation Strategy Fund. Her profound passion lies in empowering communities through sustainability initiatives, covering areas such as socioeconomic development, ESG implementation for MSMEs, education policy, gender inclusivity in STEM, and youth engagement.
Indonesia
Jargal Rinchin is an engineer, educator, and innovator who loves working with coding and building creative solutions. She is passionate about empowering girls in STEM fields and also used her coding skills and data intelligence to build Bio diversity projects in Mongolia. Jargal is a Fulbrughter graduated from Michigan Technological University with Masters degree in Computer Science. She likes nature, outdoor activities, and swimming in her spare time, and she is an alumni cheerleader at MTU.
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 assistant 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.
