Leadership
Njeri Anne Mwaniki
A molecular biologist/ Biochemist who grew up on a farm in rural Kenya. Having relocated to the US and attended University to study Biochemistry, she often found herself alone in many academic conferences. There were not many people “like her”.
Olusola Afolabi
Olusola Afolabi was born in Vienna, Austria. He travelled with his parents back to Nigeria in 1992. From 1992 to 1997, Olusola lived with his mother in Osun State, Nigeria. In 1994, when Olusola’s father return to Nigeria, he remember vividly a conversation he had with his father about, Olusola pleaded with his father at that time to find a way for him and his siblings to obtain a stable education.
Jessica Monserrate, PhD
Dr. Monserrate is a research scientist at BASF committed to devising innovative solutions to increase crop yields in an effort to feed our growing population. She received her doctoral degree from the University of California, Irvine and conducted her post-doctoral training at Duke University.
Advisory Board
Julie Borlaug
Julie is a great advocate to reduce world Hunger, following in the footsteps of her grandfather Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. Julie has a great passion for Africa, and offers a large network of partners and potential sponsors to advocate for food security and women empowerment. She is a great connector.
Kellye Eversole
Kellye is President of Eversole Associates, an agricultural science and technology-consulting firm (www.eversoleassociates.com). Kellye brings to Zaidi-STEM an exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise in fundraising, strategic partners identification and project Implementation.
Catherine Feuillet
Catherine has over twenty years’ experience in research innovation and extensive knowledge in genomics and biotechnology. Catherine was appointed to the board because of her passion to advocate for women, their career development as a sponsor and an active mentor to many in the AgBiotech industry.
Other Team Members
Robert Mayaka
Robert, a Kenyan development professional for 15 years, specializes in implementing programs, coordinating stakeholders, mobilizing communities, and training. With skills in budgeting, financial management, gender, and child protection, he’s committed to tackling socio-economic challenges and fostering global development, fueled by his passion for problem-solving.