Cecilia Michelle Argueta Melendez

Programs Manager

Michelle Argueta is a development economist who is passionate about global health, the development of individuals and communities, and contributing to social justice. Michelle is the Programs Manager at Global Health Action and is based in El Salvador. She has experience in public and global health, digital health, and data analysis for development research projects in the Global South. Michelle previously served as a GHA intern in the Programs Assistant role and Research Assistant for RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research. She is a graduate of the University of Mannheim (BSc) and the University of Goettingen (MSc), Germany.



Gwendolyne Ayiera

Freelance Data and Communication Specialist 

Gwendolyne Ayiera is a passionate youth leader and the founder of Fuma Africa, an organization advancing Child Education, Empowerment, and Innovation. She holds a degree in Clinical Medicine and Community Health, with a strong background in outreach, advocacy, and youth engagement. Gwendolyne champions children’s inclusivity, Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocacy, and evidence-based medical research. She has held leadership roles in national platforms such as the Clinical Medicine Students Association of Kenya, Usawa Health Foundation, and Kenya Ni Mimi. Her work is driven by a commitment to build inclusive, informed, and empowered communities across Kenya. Gwendolyne served as a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Intern at GHA in Summer 2025.


Charsey Cherry

Community Systems Strengthening Advisor

Dr. Charsey Cherry is a dedicated professional with extensive experience working in public health promotion, education, training, program development and evaluation. He has successfully managed complex research programs funded by the National Institutes for Health implemented domestically and internationally and is an author of over 70 peer-reviewed articles. With a passion for serving disadvantaged and marginalized communities and individuals, he has formed collaborations and partnerships to advance health promotion programs and public health practices. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has worked with county and state health departments, academic institutions, federal health agencies, community organizations, and in military settings. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University (BS), Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University (MPH), and Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina (DrPH).

Mirlaine Joannis

Haiti Healthy Mothers|Healthy Babies Lead

Mirlaine Joannis, the head nurse at the Olivier Health Center (the main referral center for the traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in Petit-Goâve commune). Mrs. Joannis is a native of Petit-Goâve and has been the head nurse at the Olivier Center since 1996. She is a tireless advocate of the importance of community health work and offers training and supervision to the cohort of 56 TBAs in the community since 2006. The Olivier Health Center is operated by the Methodist Church of Haiti, a long time Global Health Action partner.

Wendy Jolley-Kabi

President & CEO

Wendy Jolley-Kabi, GHA’s President and CEO, is an experienced leader of international health and development organizations. She has a proven track record engaging diverse stakeholders in responding to emerging challenges around the globe and is committed to supporting the transformational knowledge and creativity of local communities. Wendy graduated from Converse College with a double BA in Political Science and Religion and earned her MPA from Villanova University. She is also a graduate of the Montgomery College Nonprofit Leadership Institute and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho. Wendy’s passion for global health equity stems from a career across social justice, community development, and child protection work. She is dedicated to creating new ways of supporting and amplifying the voices of frontline global health practitioners, believing this is the key to transforming health for communities that are most often    ignored.

N’Faly Keita

Health Systems Strengthening Advisor

Dr. N’faly Keita is a primary care physician, global health professional and, a recently certified project management professional from Mali in West Africa who is passionate about promoting health equity as well as leadership development. Since 2015, he has been working to improve MCH outcomes in poorly-resourced communities in Mali by helping mothers and children under 5 years get access to quality and affordable healthcare services. Dr. Keita recently served as a GHA Intern in the Monitoring and Evaluation role with previous experience working with several US and UN organizations on Health Systems Strengthening projects such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, WHO, Maternity Care Coalition, among others. A Fulbright Scholar and Mandela Washington Civic Leadership Fellow, Dr. Keita is a graduate of Georgia State University’s School of Public Health (MPH), École Nationale de Médecine et de Pharmacie du Mali, Mali (MD) and additionally completed graduate certificates from Georgia State University (Maternal and Child Health) and McGill University’s Institute of Global Health, Canada (Health Systems Strengthening and Global Governance).

Bwalya Mubanga

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Advisor 

Bwalya Mubanga has extensive experience operating in various roles within USAID-funded projects, including Director of Monitoring and Evaluation/Government Liaison Officer for USAID/DATA Rising, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Advisor for USAID/AGIS, and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for USAID/Access for All. He contributed to successful proposals for projects such as USAID/Databanks, Lifeline International-Suicide Prevention, and National HIV/AIDS/STI Council. Additionally, he participated in regional meetings and data collection activities as part of the national team representing Zambia at Southern African Development Community (SADC). He has a Postgraduate qualification from Stellenbosch University with a minor in Monitoring and Evaluation and Research.

Irene Nafula Wasike

Freelance Data Specialist  

Irene Nafula Wasike is a licensed Public Health Officer with experience in both Research and Monitoring & Evaluation. Her professional background spans engagements with various organizations where she supported field studies, community health initiatives, and evidence-based program development. Irene’s public health background encompasses a wide array of initiatives, including community health diagnosis, implementing school health programs, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) activities, environmental health initiatives, and performing public health inspections. She has effectively supported research projects by conducting literature reviews, executing data collection, performing transcription and delivering detailed reports. Irene is passionate about advocating for the needs of marginalized and underserved populations, championing community-informed and community-centered health interventions and believes in the power of evidence-based decision-making and policy advocacy to promote equity in global health. Her work is underpinned by a commitment to public health excellence. Irene previously served as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Intern at Global Health Action.

GHA 2025 Fall Interns 

Maryam Ibrahim Arike

Health Policy, Research, and Advocacy Intern

Maryam Ibrahim is a nurse and midwife with experience in community health education, digital health innovation, and health policy research. She specializes in designing and analyzing research projects, creating inclusive educational materials, and translating complex health information into practical guidance for diverse audiences. Maryam is passionate about advancing health equity and using evidence-based strategies to drive meaningful interventions in communities. She is motivated daily by her commitment to improving healthcare access and empowering others through knowledge. In her free time, Maryam enjoys reading, writing, and repurposing clothing.


Kondwani Monjeza

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Intern

Kondwani Monjeza is a Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant with the African Development Bank, where he supports multi-country programs focused on youth employment, skills development, education and health. He brings over six years of expertise in research and policy analysis, with a strong emphasis on human capital development, health, and digital finance. As the Managing Director of EPIK Research Consultancy and author of two books, he has earned international recognition for his work and publications in governance, banking, and finance. Kondwani holds two MBAs and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration.



Mwiza Muwowo

Health Policy, Research, and Advocacy Intern

Mwiza Muwowo is a medical doctor and global health advocate with a strong background in research, policy, and youth leadership. She has over seven years of experience working at the intersection of health systems strengthening, advocacy, and community engagement, with a particular focus on women, children, and adolescents. Mwiza has served in leadership and technical roles with organizations such as Copper Rose Zambia, the Pan African Organization for Health, Education and Research (POHER), and 1Day Africa, where she contributed to policy briefs, advocacy toolkits, and youth-led health research initiatives across multiple African countries. She has represented African youth voices at high-level global platforms including the United Nations and the African Union, bringing unique perspectives from the Global South into policy dialogues. Mwiza is proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and has a proven record of translating evidence into actionable advocacy. Passionate about equity and systemic change, Mwiza aspires to build a career that bridges clinical knowledge, policy expertise, and youth-driven innovation. 


Ahmad Sadiq

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Intern 

A Data Analyst with over six years of experience, Ahmad specializes in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), data management, and impact assessment. They have a proven ability to use data-driven insights to improve decision-making, program efficiency, and sustainable outcomes. Their technical skills include statistical analysis, data visualization, and the design of M&E frameworks using data analysis tools. They are experienced in managing reporting systems, conducting data quality checks, and training teams on M&E concepts. Their collaborative approach ensures accurate data is used to inform policy, optimize programs, and achieve measurable impact.



F.N.U. Sanskriti

Leadership and Organizational Development Intern

Sanskriti is a recent Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate from The University of Texas Health Center at Houston, where she specialized in epidemiology and earned a certification in health promotion planning and evaluation. She began her career with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India, where early clinical experiences sparked a deep interest in addressing health disparities and advancing community well-being. Her professional journey spans research, teaching assistant roles, policy analysis, and program evaluation, along with multiple volunteer works at school and nonprofit organizations. Originally from India and now based in the U.S., Sanskriti brings a multicultural lens to her work and a passion for global health. She is committed to improving health outcomes for underserved populations. She also values curiosity, kindness, and respectful communication in all her work and strives to bridge the gap between patient care and public health through thoughtful, equity-driven action.  

Shreya Singh

Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Intern

Shreya Singh is a final-year Master of Public Health (MPH) scholar at Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, with a foundation in Prosthetics and Orthotics from All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai. She has worked across neonatal care, early intervention, immunization, and health systems strengthening with leading organizations including Public Health Foundation of India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, and the West African Academy of Public Health. Known for her creativity, clarity, and commitment, Shreya is passionate about advancing RMNCH+A and envisions driving transformative public health programs and policies that uplift vulnerable communities globally. Shreya also values listening to the real needs of a society so that her work is grounded in community health priorities.

Abbey Slefinger

Digital Marketing Intern

Abbey holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Global Health at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (UK). Her academic and professional interests focus on the intersections of health systems, policy, and community resilience. Abbey is especially passionate about advancing health equity, strengthening preparedness for global health challenges, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable, inclusive solutions for diverse populations.