Our Team

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.



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. Fueled by a passion for social justice, Wendy is committed to making our world a more equitable place for all.

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.

GHA 2024 Fall Interns 

Winnie Basilua, MD, MPH

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Intern

Dr. Winnie Basilua is a proficient public health specialist with a strong expertise in HIV/AIDS research, and program evaluation. She has earned a master’s in public health from Saint Louis University, USA and a Medical Doctor degree from the University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Dr. Basilua has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout her career, as evidenced by her tenure at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, where she oversaw research activities and ensured the provision of high-quality data and services. Her work has been instrumental in improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in underserved communities in DRC. Fluent in both French and English, Dr. Basilua brings a global perspective and a commitment to strengthening health systems in fragile settings.


Esther Uwensuyi-Edosomwan

Health Policy, Research, and Advocacy Intern

Esther Uwensuyi-Edosomwan is a dedicated Global Health student pursuing a master’s degree at Emory University. With a strong ability to adapt and work both independently and within teams, she is eagerly contributing her skills and gaining valuable experience at Global Health Action. Esther’s passion lies in addressing health disparities in low-resource communities through education, research, and collaborative interventions.



Mishaal Majeed, MBBCH, M.Sc.

Leadership & Organizational Development Intern

Mishaal Majeed is a dedicated professional with a robust passion for global health management, leadership, and advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCH) from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and furthered her expertise with a Master of Science (MSc) in International Health Management from Imperial College London. Mishaal’s diverse experiences span medicine, surgery, technology, data analysis, management, and communication, underscoring her commitment to advancing health systems and driving impactful solutions on a global scale.



Carillus Odhiambo

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Intern

Carillus Odhiambo is a Public Health professional passionate about research for public health, monitoring & evaluation, and community development work. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health with IT from Maseno University in Kenya. He believes in data-driven decision-making to enhance learning, accountability, and evidence-based management to empower communities.



Sefunmi Olateru-Olagbegi

Maternal, Newborn, Child Health Intern

Sefunmi Olateru-Olagbegi is a versatile creative professional and emerging leader in healthcare and public health. She merges her artistic talents with her dedication to health equity for mothers and children in underserved communities. With expertise spanning clinical care, research, and public health, Sefunmi exemplifies a holistic approach to advocacy. Known for her adaptability, emotional intelligence, and excellent interpersonal skills, she excels in leadership roles, driving meaningful, inclusive, and socially impactful change wherever she goes.



Mayaline Youssef 

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Intern 

Mayaline Youssef is a dedicated public health professional with a background in Molecular and Cell Biology. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at the University of Montreal, Mayaline has a strong passion for health equity, disease prevention, and community empowerment. Through her work, she aims to improve the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.