2024 GenNext Fellows Learn Critical Skills as New Global Humanitarian Leaders
Highlights
In 2024, PHI's Generation Next Humanitarian Fellowship welcomed their second cohort in Washington, DC. Participants began with an orientation of the program and during their fellowship they work closely with a global humanitarian host organization where they learn, grow and strengthen their skills as rising global humanitarian leaders.
13 GenNext Fellows in the 2024 cohort
-
Focus Areas
Capacity Building & Leadership, Global Health -
Issues
Workforce Development -
Expertise
Health Education & Promotion
PHI’s Generation Next Fellowship is increasing the diversity of professionals in the humanitarian sector by building a pathway for recent grads of Minority-Serving Institutions.
In June 2024, PHI’s Generation Next Humanitarian Fellowship welcomed their second cohort. The second cohort met at the USAID/BHA offices in Washington, DC where they participated in a two-week GenNext Program orientation and learned about the program structure, engaged in group bonding activities and networking with representatives from GenNext host organization partners and USAID leadership at group mixer events.
Abbie Ferguson, CARE
Abbie is a graduate of University of the District of Columbia and currently pursuing an MPA at George Washington Univ., specializing in Gender and Int’l Development. Originally from Jamaica, Abbie’s experience spans research, non-profit work, a Capitol Hill fellowship, and peacebuilding philanthropy. Abbie is also the president of a Toastmasters club, participates in the Minority Leadership Program at GW, and serves on the Board of Directors for Black Professionals in International Affairs and was selected to participate in the Leadership Greater Washington Rising Leaders Program in 2024.
Abena Asiamah, PHI's Center for Wellness & Nutrition
Abena is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Neuroscience. She has held numerous leadership positions, including College of Science Ambassador, Habitat for Humanity, Black Student Alliance, and Student Alumni Associates. Abena has always had a passion for volunteer and community service, which began in elementary school where she supported the deaf club. In her past employments, she has shadowed at an INOVA pediatric office, interned with Thrive Health Care, and this past year, completed a co-op with Johnson & Johnson. She is now eager to begin a new chapter at GenNext with the Center for Wellness and Nutrition.
Alyse Pennington, American Red Cross
Alyse, from Cincinnati, Ohio, recently graduated from Alabama A&M University with a BS in Business Administration and a concentration in International Affairs. She has a strong passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. During her time at A&M, Alyse was a Merit Scholar and served as a Residential Assistant in Residential Life and Housing. She was actively involved in several on-campus organizations, including the NAACP, the Gamma Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Finance Club.
David Vu, Engender Health
David is driven by his strong passion to be a positive and altruistic presence within communities and people’s lives. Some of his past experiences include serving as Russian House Director for the intercultural living-learning community of Mozaiko, lifestyles writer for the university newspaper, The Collegiate Times, and the resident GIS and Data Analyst intern for the community-based nonprofit organization, Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia.
Hamza Naseem, Blumont
Hamza graduated cum laude from George Mason University where he is currently pursuing his Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Global Health. Having completed his secondary schooling in Pakistan, Hamza witnessed firsthand the true depth of the global socioeconomic disparity crisis through culture shocks every time he traveled to and from the United States. This experience proved to be transformative for him, as he consequently developed a passion for global development and humanitarian assistance.
Heysha García Meléndez, Global Communities
Heysha is a graduate of Valdosta State University, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Organizational Leadership. Heysha hopes to use their experience and knowledge to create community and a sense of belonging for all in every aspect of their life. They are a former member of the STAR Program with PHI and are both honored and proud to have this opportunity with Generation Next.
Jordan Hicks, Action Against Hunger
With a drive to take a step into public health, Jordan is eager to immerse himself in impactful work alongside real-world professionals. His academic journey has given him valuable research skills, which he aims to improve through various projects alongside others. Jordan is driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of communities such as his own, and he looks forward to applying his knowledge and enthusiasm to help address health challenges occurring around the world.
Joseph Yamikani Tembo, Global Communities
Joseph, born in Lusaka, Zambia, is a graduate of Southern Adventist University, where he majored in business administration. Joseph has worked with different NGOs, including FHI360 in Zambia, ADRA International in Silver Spring, MD, and CNFA in Washington, DC. During his time with the various NGOs, he has begun to build his expertise in business development and proposal coordination and has developed an understanding of different donor requirements from USAID.
Jyotsna Rathinam, Save the Children
Jyotsna is a graduate of Virginia Tech where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with degrees in International Relations and Economics with minors in French and data science. She is passionate about international development work, especially from a feminist and decolonial lens. Some of her past experiences include serving as training chair for her Model United Nations team as well as co-founder and president of her school’s Amnesty International chapter which won student group of the year in 2023 for its work advocating for human rights around the globe.
Kamila Montesinos, Save the Children
Kamila, originally from Lima, Peru, was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL before pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Central Florida, with a minor in Global Peace and National Security. Throughout her academic career and thereafter, Kamila has dedicated her involvement to research, community projects, and volunteer work. These initiatives have addressed issues such as global advocacy, immigration, education and equity.
Kristen Alleyne, American Red Cross
As a John R. Lewis Public Health Scholar with the CDC, Kristen conducted research on neglected diseases of poverty, specifically Trichomoniasis vaginalis. This work emphasized the crucial role of nuanced data analysis in uncovering healthcare disparities in underserved communities. In the non- profit sector, she spearheaded opioid overdose response training initiatives at Catholic Charities and worked with youth in the juvenile justice system at Spirit Awakening Foundation.
Nama Taha, Engender Health
Nama was born in Indianapolis, Indiana by way of Sudan. She has interned with 6 New York Medical Schools to disseminate accurate knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic and its vaccinations and is a Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellow. Nama is passionate about helping the disadvantaged populations of the world and hopes to pursue a life-long career in the field of Humanitarian Advocacy. In the future, she hopes to pursue a Juris Doctor degree in International Law.
Nina Butera, Save the Children
Nina is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she majored in Health & Society with a minor in French studies, bringing a global perspective to her work. Originally from Kigali, Rwanda, Nina’s passion for understanding health equity and access to quality healthcare was cultivated through lab experiences focused on analyzing social determinants of health. Engaged in campus organizations, she dedicated herself to uplifting the voices of the African diaspora and advocating for marginalized communities.
As part of this immersive experience, 2024 fellows participated in Q&A sessions with three separate panels, featuring USAID/BHA representatives, global humanitarian host organization representatives and a panel featuring 2023 GenNext fellows. The panel discussions allowed fellows to garner key takeaways and personal perspectives about the program from key stakeholders and their peers. The 2024 fellows will continue their exciting work with GenNext and with their global humanitarian host organizations, where they will continue to learn, grow and strengthen their skills as rising global humanitarian leaders.
Work With Us
You change the world. We do the rest. Explore fiscal sponsorship at PHI.
Support Us
Together, we can accelerate our response to public health’s most critical issues.
Find Employment
Begin your career at the Public Health Institute.
