Executive Board Candidates

My aim of joining the leadership of OWSD is to support its mission by: 

1. Supporting current capacity building initiatives that provides essential resources, training, mentorship and fellowships for women scientists to enhance their capacity and leadership skills.
2. Mobilise resources to enable more women access to advanced qualifications PhDs thus breaking cultural, social and economic barrier hindering women scientists progress.
3. Encourage the "strength in together mindset "by enabling the creation of a women-led research consortium that taps into the strength of individual researchers within institutions, nationally and internationally, thus building support and capacity, especially for the mid-career women susceptible to the "leaky pipeline phenomenon".
4. Continued advocacy for gender responsive policies at all levels thus fostering an inclusive approach to addressing global challenges for an equitable and better future for all.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/ye8f5nw6

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/eugenie-kayitesi

My vision is to bridge the gap between policy and practice for women scientists in Africa, transforming potential into real impact. I am motivated to serve because my career reflects OWSD's mission: promoting the participation of women in scientific and technological research and its application to development. I aim to leverage my 26 years in academia, moving from Lecturer II to Professor at the University of Calabar, to strengthen regional chapters, ensuring that OWSD resources translate into tangible support for research and career advancement across the continent.

Watch video: https://tinyurl.com/2s35n7kv 

Learn more: https://owsd.net/person/grace-e-iniama 

"My journey into computing started as the only female undergraduate among male computer science students. Not much has changed since. My goal is to make science and technology spaces more inclusive, ethical, and equitable. Today, I lead national and global initiatives that empower women and youth in STEM to succeed as innovators, mentors, and change agents.

I want to serve on the OWSD Executive Board to strengthen connections between research, mentorship, and leadership, ensuring that women scientists across Africa not only participate in science but also shape its future. Through my work at KamiLimu and the Mozilla Foundation, I have seen how community-focused upskilling and responsible innovation can transform both individuals and institutions. I am inspired by OWSD’s belief that scientific excellence and inclusion go hand in hand. I see this role as an opportunity to help extend that model through policy, capacity building, and cross-regional collaboration."

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/36dy7r67 

Learn more here: https://www.owsd.net/person/chao-mbogo

My aim of joining the leadership of OWSD is to support its mission by: 

1. Supporting current capacity building initiatives that provides essential resources, training, mentorship and fellowships for women scientists to enhance their capacity and leadership skills.
2. Mobilise resources to enable more women access to advanced qualifications PhDs thus breaking cultural, social and economic barrier hindering women scientists progress.
3. Encourage the "strength in together mindset "by enabling the creation of a women-led research consortium that taps into the strength of individual researchers within institutions, nationally and internationally, thus building support and capacity, especially for the mid-career women susceptible to the "leaky pipeline phenomenon".
4. Continued advocacy for gender responsive policies at all levels thus fostering an inclusive approach to addressing global challenges for an equitable and better future for all.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/ye8f5nw6

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/eugenie-kayitesi

I am motivated to serve as an OWSD Regional Member to empower women scientists across Africa and beyond, where possible, and to strengthen networks, and ensure diverse perspectives in governance.  

My vision is to:

• Enhance capacity-building, mentoring, and leadership opportunities for early-career women
• Promote gender equity, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion. 

These are areas in which I have garnered much experience over the years. 

With over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and leadership, including multi-country projects and international collaborations, I seek to contribute evidence-based insights, uphold OWSD’s values, and advance its mission of supporting women in science and fostering inclusive, impactful scientific communities.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/2u4yf8uz 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/evelyn-umemezia

I am motivated to serve as a Regional Member for Africa, to strengthen inclusive representation and amplify the voices of women scientists across the region. My vision is to build a vibrant, interconnected community that fosters collaboration, mentorship, and capacity-building to address pressing challenges such as climate change, digital inclusion, and sustainable development. I am deeply committed to OWSD’s values of integrity, diversity, and ethical leadership, and I believe that by bridging science, policy, and society, we can create tangible impact. Through this role, I aim to contribute to knowledge sharing, empower emerging leaders in STEM, and ensure that women scientists have equal access to opportunities, recognition, and resources that enable them to thrive and lead transformative change.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/ydmuvb5y

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/linda-dyorisse-nyamen-mbong

As a physicist and Executive Director of the Oyo Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, my vision is to advance women’s leadership in science and technology to drive Africa’s sustainable energy transition. I have seen firsthand how empowering women researchers creates inclusive solutions for our most pressing environmental challenges.

Serving within OWSD would allow me to amplify this impact, strengthening mentorship networks, building capacity in renewable energy research, and inspiring the next generation of women scientists to innovate with purpose. My motivation aligns with OWSD’s mission to ensure that women in science, especially from the Global South, have the tools, confidence, and recognition to lead transformative change.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/53t7346x 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/maryse-dadina-nkoua-ngavouka

I want to serve on the OWSD Executive Board to help strengthen the organization’s role in advancing women scientists from the Global South through inclusive leadership, mentorship, and policy advocacy. My vision is of an OWSD that continues to bridge science and development by creating equitable spaces for women to lead, innovate, and collaborate across disciplines and regions. Having navigated the challenges of building a scientific career in Africa, I am deeply committed to ensuring that women scientists receive the institutional support and recognition they deserve. I envision expanding OWSD’s visibility through stronger regional networks, partnerships, and mentorship pipelines that nurture young scientists. By combining my governance expertise as a certified Professional Director with my scientific leadership in health research, I aim to contribute to a Board that not only drives scientific excellence but also champions equity, representation, and sustainability in global science. 

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/5byam62s 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/nontlantla-mdletshe

Exceptional female scientists are leaving careers due to lack of support that OWSD can provide. Francophone African women face significant barriers to funding and networks despite policy improvements. 

The vision includes:

•  Creating bilingual mentorship networks to bridge the Anglophone-Francophone divide.
• OWSD members' experiences should directly inform national and regional STEM policies.
• Regional Centres of Excellence will partner with institutions committed to gender-responsive practices.

These coordinated interventions will build sustainable career pipelines for African women in STEM. Through various activities and African policy work, I've developed the expertise to transform OWSD's platform into systemic change for African women scientists.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/m97eu8fv 

Watch video in FRENCH here: https://tinyurl.com/msx7w8zy 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/w-bernice-armelle-bancole 

I aspire to strengthen the role of OWSD as a catalyst for equity, excellence, and innovation in science across the Arab region. My motivation stems from more than a decade of work linking biomedical research, nutrition, and public health with advocacy for women scientists. I envision a regionally grounded, globally connected OWSD network that provides opportunities for young researchers to access mentorship, funding, and scientific exchange. As Vice President, I will champion policies that integrate gender perspectives into science and technology, foster cross-border collaborations, and ensure that research conducted in developing contexts contributes to global knowledge production and sustainable development.

Watch video: https://tinyurl.com/bdcb956

Learn more: https://www.owsd.net/person/haneen-dwaib

My dream is to see all women, especially women scientists, in all Arab countries their dreams come true, making their scientific achievements global and reaching the highest leadership positions in their countries and/or abroad. 

This can be achieving through the following: 

1. Identifying the problems and obstacles that cause delays and lack of required focus in their practical works.
2. Attempting to solve these problems and overcome the obstacles through cooperation by networks, and by establishing several new national chapters, and by promote inactive chapters.
3. Attempting to escalate these problems and obstacles to decision-makers.
4. Raising awareness, following by training, training, and training to reach the goals. In addition to I am the chair for OWSD – Egypt National Chapter and I have strong contact with some Arabic women who live in Egypt or in their home countries. I believe my vision to empower women in Science is the OWSD mission. 

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/bde9hste 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/mervat-foda

I want to serve in this role because I am deeply committed to advancing the participation, recognition, and leadership of women in science, particularly in the Global South. OWSD’s mission to empower women through networking, mentorship, and research opportunities resonates strongly with my own vision of creating equitable access to education and scientific resources. I believe that science thrives when diverse voices are included, and I aim to contribute my skills, experience, and passion to foster environments where women scientists can excel, collaborate, and lead. By supporting capacity building, advocating for gender equity, and encouraging the next generation of women in STEM, I see this role as a powerful avenue to align my vision with OWSD’s mission of transforming science into a tool for inclusive and sustainable development.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/2rcs49jn

Learn more here: https://www.owsd.net/person/ghada-nabil

My vision is to strengthen the participation, visibility, and impact of women in science across developing countries, bridging scientific expertise, mentorship, and leadership. I am motivated to serve as a Regional Member to support OWSD’s mission by fostering collaboration among National Chapters, promoting capacity-building initiatives, and championing diversity and inclusivity in STEM. With my experience in international research, academic supervision, and AI-driven scientific projects, I aim to contribute to effective governance, advocate for women scientists, and facilitate knowledge-sharing across regions, ensuring that OWSD continues to empower women scientists globally.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/3nxtkmmz 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/hanan-arahmane

I want to serve in this role to strengthen OWSD’s impact in the Arab region by ensuring that the achievements of women scientists are widely recognized and celebrated. My vision is to activate the existing network, create platforms for sharing success stories, and facilitate collaborations across countries to inspire and empower members. By connecting women scientists to opportunities, resources, and each other, we can amplify their influence in research, policy, and innovation. I am motivated to transform potential into tangible impact, making OWSD a vibrant and visible force in the region, fully aligned with its mission to support and advance women in science globally.

Watch video statement here: https://tinyurl.com/2rukp6ha 

Learn more here: https://www.owsd.net/person/lobna-said

My dream is to see all women, especially women scientists, in all Arab countries their dreams come true, making their scientific achievements global and reaching the highest leadership positions in their countries and/or abroad. 

This can be achieving through the following: 

1. Identifying the problems and obstacles that cause delays and lack of required focus in their practical works.
2. Attempting to solve these problems and overcome the obstacles through cooperation by networks, and by establishing several new national chapters, and by promote inactive chapters.
3. Attempting to escalate these problems and obstacles to decision-makers.
4. Raising awareness, following by training, training, and training to reach the goals. In addition to I am the chair for OWSD – Egypt National Chapter and I have strong contact with some Arabic women who live in Egypt or in their home countries. I believe my vision to empower women in Science is the OWSD mission. 

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/bde9hste 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/mervat-foda

My vision is to build a network among women scientists across the region, as well as from different national chapters, to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.

To leverage the expertise of women scientists to contribute to their countries' sustainable and economic development by driving solutions to local and global challenges.

To promote gender equity not only in science but also in building the resilience of the community.

To achieve this, I encourage the participation and leadership of women by empowering them through capacity-building training, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Motivation

A desire to increase women’s participation in community development programs, research, teaching, training, and leadership roles. I believe that including women in community development programs and scientific research will have a direct and highly effective impact on their families and communities.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/ymj67877 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/amy-thein 

My motivation to serve as OWSD Vice- President stems from a deep commitment to transforming scientific potential into leadership and impact. Having witnessed how empowering women scientists creates ripple effects of progress, I believe that strengthening regional collaboration and creating sustainable support systems are key to advancing women in science. My vision aligns perfectly with OWSD's mission: to build an inclusive global scientific community where women from developing countries are not only participants but leaders. I will work to ensure that scientific excellence thrives within a framework of global equity, creating pathways for women scientists to fully contribute to addressing our world's most pressing challenges.

Watch video here: https://www.ucas.ac.cn/video1/ 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/yanfen-wang 

My vision is to empower Afghan and regional women scientists to lead innovation in molecular biology, diagnostics, and public health. I aim to establish an OWSD Afghanistan National Chapter to connect women scientists inside the country and in the diaspora with OWSD’s global network, creating access to mentorship, collaboration, and recognition.

Having served as a Molecular Biology Specialist with WHO and PI with the Afghan Public Health Ministry, I have seen how capacity building and scientific solidarity can transform fragile systems. I want to bring this experience to OWSD; helping women scientists in conflict-affected and low-resource settings gain visibility, skills, and opportunities.

My motivation stems from a lifelong commitment to equity in science and from witnessing how a single empowered woman scientist can uplift entire communities, perfectly reflecting OWSD’s mission.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/363evaud

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/amna-mehmood

My vision is to build a network among women scientists across the region, as well as from different national chapters, to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.

To leverage the expertise of women scientists to contribute to their countries' sustainable and economic development by driving solutions to local and global challenges.

To promote gender equity not only in science but also in building the resilience of the community.

To achieve this, I encourage the participation and leadership of women by empowering them through capacity-building training, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Motivation

A desire to increase women’s participation in community development programs, research, teaching, training, and leadership roles. I believe that including women in community development programs and scientific research will have a direct and highly effective impact on their families and communities.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/ymj67877 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/amy-thein 

My vision is to strengthen the role of women scientists in advancing sustainable development through research, leadership, and collaboration. 

Having worked extensively in environmental science, biodiversity, and global networks, I have witnessed both the challenges and the transformative impact of women’s contributions in STEM. My motivation to serve in this role comes from a deep commitment to creating opportunities for women scientists—especially from developing regions—to access resources, mentorship, and recognition that enable them to lead impactful change. 

This aligns with OWSD’s mission to empower women in science and technology, ensuring equity, visibility, and participation at the highest levels. I aim to contribute by bringing my international experience, leadership in scientific associations, and dedication to capacity building, so that more women can be catalysts for innovation, policy influence, and inclusive growth.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/2rt29kcn

Learn more here: https://www.owsd.net/person/bibha-kumari

While OWSD is striving for bringing in more women from developing countries in science, I have experienced the problems first hand, of trying to sustain myself, in the scientific world for the last 25 years. That’s the reason, why my research has been oriented towards bridging scientific innovation with policy, governance, and community impact strategies. Through engagements with both international (UNESCO and ASEAN-India) and National forums (Women in Science & Engineering, WiSE India , Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)), I have tried to contribute to dialogues that connect Environmental research with societal well-being and policy formulation. Mentoring women masters and doctoral scholars across interdisciplinary domains has further strengthened my resolve to build networks that promote women’s leadership in science and technology. And the only way to achieve this is ….By talking about it i.e. ‘Science Diplomacy’

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/cswd58tc 

Learn more here: https://www.owsd.net/person/deeksha-katyal

My vision is to amplify the voices of women in science from conflict-affected and politically constrained contexts, including countries like Iran and Afghanistan, where gender apartheid denies them education, work, and even the right to speak. Having experienced exile myself, I understand both the struggles of those who remain and the challenges faced by women who reach safer countries and must rebuild their scientific lives. I want to serve in this role to represent and connect these women, both in their home countries and in the diaspora, so that none are left unheard. By fostering solidarity, mentorship, and international collaboration, I aim to advance OWSD’s mission to empower women scientists in the Global South and ensure that freedom, safety, and inclusion are fundamental conditions for scientific progress.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/4d7uz2br 

Learn more: https://owsd.net/person/encieh-erfani

My vision is to strengthen the role of women in science across developing countries by creating supportive networks, building research capacity, and enhancing visibility of women scientists at regional and global levels. I am motivated to serve because I believe in OWSD’s mission of promoting excellence, equity, and collaboration in science. By combining academic leadership, mentorship, and policy engagement, I aim to empower women researchers to contribute to sustainable development and scientific innovation.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/yh5hbc82 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/nadia-ayub

My vision is to strengthen the Asia and Pacific network of women scientists by bridging science, innovation, and policy to drive inclusive and sustainable development. I believe OWSD can play a catalytic role in transforming scientific research into solutions that address regional challenges — from biodiversity loss to gender inequity in science leadership.

Having journeyed from an OWSD Fellow to a science entrepreneur and policy advisor, I have witnessed how empowering women scientists can transform entire communities. I want to serve in this role to amplify such impact — helping chapters connect, collaborate, and access opportunities beyond borders. My motivation is rooted in creating enabling ecosystems where women can thrive not only as researchers but also as innovators, mentors, and decision-makers. Aligned with OWSD’s mission, I aspire to help shape policies, partnerships, and mindsets that make science equitable, visible, and impactful across our region.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/mh9nrkck 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/prativa-pandey

Since the beginning of my scientific career in 2001, I have been working on water quality issues at the Environmental Research Laboratory of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology in various capacities. I have significantly contributed to the water quality and purification sector of Nepal. In the last five years, I have supervised more than thirty girl students of Ph.D., master’s and undergraduate levels and ten women research fellows at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). My mentorship has empowered many postgraduate students’ especially female researchers in Nepal. Currently, I am a chair of “The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)-Nepal Chapter”. Likewise, I am a founder member of Women Scientists Forum Nepal (WSFN-NAST) and also Life member of Women in Science and Technology (WIST), Nepal. Moreover, I delivered a number of invited talks on women in STEM in many national and international forums and also emphasizes the importance of OWSD.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/3yj3e5sz 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/tista-prasai-joshi

My mission in applying for the role of Vice President for the Americas at OWSD is to advance the leadership and visibility of women scientists in Latin America and the Caribbean. I aim to strengthen international scientific collaboration, foster capacity building, and ensure that science policies reflect the perspectives and priorities of the Global South. I am committed to promoting equity, science diplomacy, and innovation as key enablers of sustainable development, in full alignment with OWSD’s mission of empowering women in science. I also believe it is vital to embrace the balance between professional and personal life, recognizing women scientists not only as researchers and leaders but also as individuals who should be supported to thrive in all dimensions. Serving in this role would allow me to amplify voices, connect opportunities, and contribute to building more inclusive knowledge societies across the region.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/yk7x66fp 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/luisa-fernanda-echeverria-king

My vision as a Regional Member of the Executive Committee is to strengthen OWSD’s presence and impact in my region by empowering women scientists through inclusive leadership, collaboration, and equity-driven opportunities. I am motivated by the urgency of ensuring that women in science are not only present but actively leading solutions to pressing regional and global challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and social inequities. My experience as Chair of the Brazilian Chapter and my involvement in national and international scientific organizations have shown me the power of collective action to amplify voices, foster solidarity, and create systemic change. In this role, I aim to connect women scientists in my region with global opportunities, expand networks of support, and promote collaborations that integrate science, policy, and community engagement. I am committed to advancing OWSD’s mission with integrity, passion, and a clear focus on building a more equitable society.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/yc8r5uc6 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/luisa-maria-diele-viegas

I seek this role to translate my proven experience in regional S&T governance (CYTED, 21 countries) and my scientific expertise in nanomaterials for ODSs (Clean Energy/Water) into tangible action.

My vision is to leverage the OWSD platform to establish high-impact regional mentorship networks, focusing on training women for institutional leadership roles and fostering robust South-South research collaboration. As a scientific director, technical manager, and formal mentor, I am driven to ensure that women in the developing world are empowered to lead the charge in creating sustainable futures for our communities.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/yc6xhj3s

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/maria-esther-quintana-caceda

As a woman in science in Bolivia and having been the founder and chair of OWSD Bolivia for four years, I have understood that OWSD's mission and vision go beyond networking or outreach activities. OWSD represents a change in Latin American society and culture, where science, knowledge, and sisterhood among women scientists are valued. It also encourages and empowers young people, boys, girls, and adolescents, to engage in science, creating the scientific ecosystem that many countries in the Global North have, helping their society value science as a priority for their countries. As women, we are always role models: as mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, but not always as leaders, innovators or changers; OWSD is committed to the kind of role model we want to project, and that projects the society we want to have.

Watch video: https://tinyurl.com/2vkawv74 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/natalia-montellano-duran

I seek to serve as OWSD Vice President to advance equity in science for women from developing countries. My vision centers on breaking barriers that limit scientific participation and impact. Having established the first Caribbean cancer cell lines and secured NIH funding as a Caribbean scientist, I understand both the challenges and possibilities.

My motivation stems from witnessing how representation matters - when students see achievable examples, they pursue excellence. Through my ACRJ Lab and mentorship of more than 8 graduate students, I've seen how targeted support transforms careers.

This aligns with OWSD's mission to strengthen women's participation in science. I bring proven leadership in building research infrastructure, securing international funding, and creating pathways for underrepresented scientists. My experience spans capacity building across primary-tertiary levels and demonstrates sustainable impact through institutional change and individual empowerment.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/4e867v59 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/simone-badal

My vision as a Regional Member of the Executive Committee is to strengthen OWSD’s presence and impact in my region by empowering women scientists through inclusive leadership, collaboration, and equity-driven opportunities. I am motivated by the urgency of ensuring that women in science are not only present but actively leading solutions to pressing regional and global challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and social inequities. My experience as Chair of the Brazilian Chapter and my involvement in national and international scientific organizations have shown me the power of collective action to amplify voices, foster solidarity, and create systemic change. In this role, I aim to connect women scientists in my region with global opportunities, expand networks of support, and promote collaborations that integrate science, policy, and community engagement. I am committed to advancing OWSD’s mission with integrity, passion, and a clear focus on building a more equitable society.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/yc8r5uc6 

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/luisa-maria-diele-viegas

I seek this role to translate my proven experience in regional S&T governance (CYTED, 21 countries) and my scientific expertise in nanomaterials for ODSs (Clean Energy/Water) into tangible action.

My vision is to leverage the OWSD platform to establish high-impact regional mentorship networks, focusing on training women for institutional leadership roles and fostering robust South-South research collaboration. As a scientific director, technical manager, and formal mentor, I am driven to ensure that women in the developing world are empowered to lead the charge in creating sustainable futures for our communities.

Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/yc6xhj3s

Learn more here: https://owsd.net/person/maria-esther-quintana-caceda