Local Engagement Coordinators
Local Engagement Coordinators (LECs) are alumni of U.S. Department of State programs (i.e. TechWomen, Fulbright, IVLP, YALI, and more) that are excited to make a difference for girls in their country and 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
Jyldyz Kuvatova is serving as the Local Engagement Coordinator for Kyrgyzstan. Jyldyz is the 2006 Muskie Program alumna. She graduated from Missouri School of Journalism – Columbia with a master’s degree in strategic communication. She teaches at American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan and is passionate about women’s empowerment and political participation. Her track record includes leading the UN Women country program, the EU-funded investigative journalism project, and strategic communications management of UNDP country office. Jyldyz has been serving as a board member of a number of national NGOs, including Kloop Media Foundation, “Sezim” Crisis Center for Women, Development Policy Institute, and Food Security and Nutrition. She believes in education as a single most important factor in making the world a happy place for all.
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. She holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo. She is currently the Director of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Coordinator at the American University in Cairo. At this position, El-Mograby provides overall leadership in establishing a safe and inclusive campus. El-Mograby works closely with students, faculty and staff to coordinate the University's response to reports under applicable policies. She prepares tailored prevention initiatives and conducts campus-wide audience-centric training for the community, as well as supporting several University initiatives such as #AUCSpeakUp. Prior to joining the American University in Cairo, El-Mograby worked as a Business Process Management Consultant and Software Business Analyst. El-Mograby is excited to join TechGirls 2024 because she enjoys working with and mentoring women and girls, particularly in STEM.
Egypt
Ramia Al Bakain holds a PhD in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry from Sorbonne Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris - France. She is working as a Professor at the University of Jordan- Amman. Her research focuses in the impact of using analytical chemistry for developing new green methods in water- agriculture-food security, green technique for water and wastewater treatment, and sustainable application in saving natural resources.
Jordan
Mona Itani (PhD) is an assistant professor at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut since 2021. Prior to this role, she was appointed as the coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Initiative at the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture from 2018-2021 where she was driving the faculty’s mission to become a leading entrepreneurship and innovation school in Lebanon and the Middle East. She is a published author on entrepreneurship, women, ethics, and education. She founded Riyada for Social Innovation SAL in 2017 and in 2020, she co-founded Shabab Lab, the first social innovation e-learning platform in the region. She is a renowned public speaker, award-winner, and expert on entrepreneurship and social innovation in the Arab world.
Lebanon
Rihab Boutadghart is 25 years old, a TechGirlS 2015 alumna. She graduated from IAV Hassan II (The agronomic and veterinary Hassan II intitute). She is a veterinarian at a small animal vet practice where I get to practice medecine and surgery, with almost two years of professional experience. She loves learning new skills, diving into new experiences and giving back to her community through empowering and guiding young girls.
Morocco
Nadiah Sabaneh plays a key role in realizing Tech-led economic development; with a solid education and technical background along with diverse leadership experiences, occupying high-level positions at well-respected organizations, Sabaneh excels at building and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, cultivating innovation, managing change, developing businesses, and organizing national events and initiatives. Throughout her 14-year career, she held a variety of key positions at organizations in diverse sectors – from nonprofits like Relief International to academic institutions like Birzeit University, and governmental bodies like the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence – honing her Tech, Innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystem management skills, in addition to her passion about Economic Development via women empowerment mainstreaming. Nadiah’s keen management skills, thirst for constant learning and networking, and ability to offer creative solutions around issues she is most passionate about have also been commended in her role at Rawabi, managing its Tech Hub, into which she has channeled this proven energy and expertise. Sabaneh holds a M.Sc. in Wireless Communication Engineering, and is currently doing her Kellogg’s EMBA. She is passionate about women enabling and empowerment mainstreaming in STEAM as she is an alumna of Techwomen Program, and currently is starting a One-Stop-Shop for women entrepreneurs in MENA.
Palestinian Territories
Faten is an IT teacher in the pioneer school of sfax and Techwomen alumna 2015. She is the official national mentor of the robotics Tunisian team that participates each year in the Olympic games. She is the founder of the FIRST SKILLS CLUB since 2011 which represents a non profit organization that provides an outstanding teaching program for youth from the age of 10 that motivates them to communicate ideas in English via Technology. She had her masters in Information Systems and New technologies and followed her researches on education techniques. She is a trainer of trainers and vex robotics Event partner.
Tunisia
Europe & Eurasia
Bruna Rizvanolli completed her master's studies in Computer Engineering in 2015 and currently serves as a developer at BKT - Banka Kombetare Tregtare. With eight years of experience in the Energy Sector in Albania as an automation Engineer in Transmission System Operator, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Bruna is dedicated to empowering youth in Albania through teaching and mentoring coding and mobile app development. She has volunteered for six years alongside her twin sister, guiding young Albanian girls in the Technovation challenge at American Corner Tirana. Additionally, she has supported Afghan children welcomed by Albania since the war began, as part of the Together for Inclusion program backed by the US Embassy Tirana, recognized as a leading initiative by the DOS. Bruna has recently embarked on a career as a lecturer assistant at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Information Technology.
Albania
Simge, an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry and entrepreneur scientist, is dedicated to inspiring the younger generation's enthusiasm for STEM subjects. As the Founder and Director of Science for Kids Cyprus, she ensures science activities are accessible to all, aiming to foster a love for learning among young students.
With a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Bath and postdoctoral studies in Italy, Simge's research interests extend beyond organic chemistry. She actively promotes Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles and aligns STEM education with sustainable development goals.
Recognized for her contributions, Simge was nominated for the "20 Global Women STEM Leaders" list in 2019 and participated in the IVLP Advancing Women in STEM Program. She has coordinated various science communication and STEAM for peace themed projects in Cyprus, reaching over 4000 students since 2020.
Simge's passion for teaching extends to all levels, from postgraduate to secondary education, as she continues to impart knowledge and inspire future scientists.
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
Flaka works as Alumni Coordinator at American Councils for International Education Kosova where she manages and organized various activates for alumni to participate. She is currently a student majoring in Applied Economics and Management at the University of Prishtina. Flaka has been an elite student for two years in a row at her University and has been awarded with a certificate of gratitude from the Dean. Prior to working at American Councils, she worked as a Data Analyst at UBO Consulting. In her free time Flaka enjoys going for walks, watching the sunset, and swimming.
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
Songül Düger is a teacher and researcher in educational sciences. Her enthusiasm for education has significantly grown through various study abroad experiences. Through dedicated work and perseverance, she has been awarded several scholarships, including the Youth For Understanding (YFU) in Germany, Youth Exchange and Study (YES) in the US, and Erasmus+ in Finland. As an active member of YES Türkiye, she looks forward to becoming a youth leader, educator, and researcher, seamlessly combining knowledge and experiences to effect positive change, particularly through promoting gender equality and empowering women in STEM fields.
Her academic background encompasses studies in curriculum design, development, models, and comparative perspectives of education in various countries, within the context of international relations and development. Engaging with people worldwide has heightened her
awareness of global issues, motivating her to take concrete actions. She is an advocate for women's empowerment, gender equality, and the accessibility of high-quality education globally. Beyond her academic pursuits, she finds joy in exploring topics such as psychology, cultural
anthropology, and language studies.
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
Helen Mburu, a Techwomen fellow2018,is the founder of My Energy Solutions; an organisationin the business ofproviding renewable energy solutions and consultancy services to rural and peri-urban households, children’s homes and schools. Ms Mburuholds an MBA in Global Business Sustainability from the Catholic University of Milan. She is also atrainer of Empowered Entrepreneurship; a curriculum that incorporates cognitive behavioural psychology into entrepreneurial trainings for lasting change.Helen is passionate about empowering the next generation of upcoming leaders and is looking forward to learning, growing and laughing with the amazing Techgirl cohort.
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
Mutibo Chijikwa, an esteemed Agriculture Entomologist, is renowned for her dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and women's empowerment in STEM. She is the recipient of the prestigious AWARD fellowship for African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, reflecting her commitment to community development. Selected as a 2014 Mandela Washington Fellow and later appointed as Chairperson for the Zambian Women in Agricultural Research and Development (ZAWARD), Mutibo exemplifies leadership in fostering positive change.
With over a decade of experience, Mutibo has held pivotal roles in esteemed institutions. As a Senior Biosafety Officer at the National Biosafety Authority, she ensures adherence to biosafety standards in GMO research. Concurrently, as a part-time lecturer at Cavendish University of Zambia, Mutibo imparts knowledge on ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity conservation.
Previously, as an Integrated Pest Management Specialist at the Cotton Development Trust, Mutibo spearheaded initiatives to mitigate pest-related risks in cotton cultivation. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Zambia, focusing on combating the fall armyworm, Mutibo demonstrates unwavering dedication to agricultural research and innovation, while actively championing causes such as teenage pregnancy prevention and mentorship for aspiring female scientists.
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
Andrea Jara holds a BSc. in Biology from La Molina National Agrarian University, with experience in plant biotechnology. She worked as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) in Lima, Peru, and currently works as a Biology teacher in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In addition, she engages in impactful activities focused on raising awareness about food and agriculture as part of her role as a Thought for Food Ambassador for South America. Finally, as a science communicator, she promotes scientific literacy in girls and adolescents and provides mentoring in the MoreTechGirls program at UNICEF Peru.
Peru
Chiquita Resomardono, a renowned Surinamese expert in environmental health and safety
management (EHS), boasts two decades of experience in the field. She is currently a doctoral
candidate at Walden University in Minneapolis, focusing her research primarily on sustainability
performance. Mrs. Resomardono earned a Master of Science degree in EHS Management from
Rochester Institute of Technology NY and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental
Sciences from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.
Mrs. Resomardono currently holds the position of Chief of EHS, Quality & Sustainability Officer
at VSH United. In this role, she is tasked with strategically implementing sustainable management practices. Additionally, she has successfully executed numerous projects in partnership with (governmental) organizations, focusing on forestry management, climate change, energy and environmental management.
Chiquita has actively participated in multiple Science, Technology, Engineering, Art &
Mathematics – IT (STEAM-IT) team initiatives, overseeing the implementation of these projects
across four primary schools in the rural areas of Suriname in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Suriname and the Suriname American Alumni. Furthermore, Chiquita served as the Local Engagement Coordinator Suriname for the 2023 TechGirls Program, and she continues to fulfill this role for the second consecutive year in 2024.
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
Min-Chun (Anita) Hu has been the Local Engagement Coordinator in Taiwan for the TechGirls program since 2022. She received her Ph.D. degree in the Graduate Institute of Networking and Multimedia, National Taiwan University, in 2011. After graduation, she served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Research Center for Information Technology Innovation in Academia Sinica and as an assistant/associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Cheng Kung University. Currently, she holds a position as a professor in the Department of Computer Science at National Tsing Hua University. Anita has received several awards, including the Exploration Research Award of Pan Wen Yuan Foundation (2015), the Outstanding Young Researcher Award from the Computer Society of the Republic of China (2017), IEEE Tainan Section Best Young Professional Member Award (2018), Google Research exploreCSR Award (2021-2022), CES Innovation Awards (2023), and NSTC Ta-You Wu Memorial Award (2023). Her research interests encompass digital signal processing, multimedia content analysis, pattern recognition, computer vision, computer graphics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Participating in the TechGirls program gave her the opportunity to meet outstanding girls, and she hopes to help more girls explore STEM fields.
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.
