Humphrey Fellows Profiles
Alicia Arteaga Salgado, Nicaragua
Dr. Alicia Arteaga is a seasoned community advocate with a background in implementing nonprofit projects, facilitating entrepreneurship among women, and promoting the wellbeing of Nicaraguan children. Alicia is committed to providing legal advice and handling her clients’ cases with a humane approach. Most recently, Alicia served as Professor and Academic Coordinator at Central America University where she oversaw a postgraduate program regarding Contract Law and maintained its high standards of academic rigor. Over the past seven years, she has also been a committed volunteer with World Vision Nicaragua, serving first on its Advisory Council’s Audit and Risk Committee and then its Governance Committee. She has been appointed to serve as the next president of the Advisory Council upon her return.
As a Humphrey Fellow and aspiring changemaker, Alicia’s professional goals include learning best practices for corporate compliance, governance and ethics, law for nonprofit organizations, and corruption risk and mitigation. Additionally, she is deeply committed to promoting critical thinking and a perspective of global citizenship among her university’s students. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to the reduction of migration and support the creation of new formalized businesses in Nicaragua.
- Doctorate Degree in Law and Globalization - Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico 2022
- Master’s Degree in Business Law - Central America University, Managua, Nicaragua 2019
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law - Central America University, Managua, Nicaragua 2014
Available to speak on topics including:
- Women’s Entrepreneurship Through Gender Lens and Socioeconomic Impact
- Governance For Nonprofit Organizations, An Endeavor Toward Visionary Leadership
- Connecting Social Corporate Responsibility and Creating Value For Communities
Contact Alicia via email or LinkedIn.
Amin Taumoefolau, Tonga
Amin Taumoefolau is a serial entrepreneur and project lead who leverages his expertise in digital media and marketing to bring about economic development in Tonga and the Pacific region. Amin is currently a Founding Partner and Managing Director of Kaila Media, a digital marketing agency in the Kingdom of Tonga. He is also involved in Discover Tonga, which develops digital infrastructure for local tourism, and Bid Pacific, an e-commerce platform integrating the informal sector for developing economies. A humanitarian at heart and long-time Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) volunteer, he has also served as Volunteer Coordinator, training and deploying volunteers during the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai (HTHH) volcanic eruption and tsunami recovery operation, as well as the COVID-19 outbreak in January 2022. In the aftermath of HTHH, as project lead, Amin successfully implemented the first Cash for Work project implemented by any Red Cross Society in the Pacific Region.
Amin’s professional goals include networking with a wide range of professionals and organizations, engaging with the theory and practice of economic development, and identifying the foundations used to support economic development in the U.S. His ultimate goal is to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tonga as well as foster economic partnerships for long-term cooperation.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Management - Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Auckland, New Zealand 2014
Available to speak on topics including:
- Entrepreneurship in the Pacific Context
- Cash Voucher Assistance: Cash For Work (C4W)
- Economic Develop Through a Pacific Island Lens
- The Pacific Region
Contact Amin via email or LinkedIn.
Anastasiya Khamiankova, Belarus
Anastasiya Khamiankova is an accomplished leader with nearly two decades of experience in developing effective startup ecosystems in Belarus. In 2013, Anastasiya co-founded Imaguru Startup HUB, one of the largest innovation centers in Eastern Europe. After seven years of building startup ventures, educating entrepreneurs, and developing corporate innovations, Imaguru was forced to shut down all operations in Minsk in 2020 and later on was labeled an “extremist” organization by the Belarusian regime. Relocating operations to both Lithuania and Poland, Anastasiya and her team have transformed Imaguru into a Pan-European HUB that focuses on both local and relocated communities. In exile, she has joined the Coordination Council of Democratic Belarus and is part of business interest groups that develop policies to support business today and build an agenda for the future.
Her professional goals include gaining best practices for building the knowledge economy and a startup nation in exile, particularly in technology and innovation, human capital development, and entrepreneurial creativity. Despite the challenges, Anastasiya is planning for the day when Belarus is open for business so that the model institutions she has preserved and strengthened can be implemented, building a bridge between Belarusian talent and the global market.
- Master’s Degree in European Political Studies - European Humanities University, Vilnius, Lithuania 2009
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems in Economics - Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Minsk, Belarus 2006
Available to speak on topics including:
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Culture; Startups and Venture Capital Ecosystem; Knowledge Economy
- Design Thinking & Digital Transformation of Organizations: Smes, Ngos, and Other Small Initiatives
- Leadership and Communication in Aa Crisis Environment
- Belarus: Elections 2020, War in Ukraine from the Perspective of Belarus, Democratic Forces, Independent Mass Media and Civil Society In Exile
Contact Anastasiya via email or LinkedIn.
Arooj Pirzadeh, Pakistan
Arooj Pirzadeh is an innovative leader with expertise in people-centric strategies and organizational growth. With nearly a decade of experience, Arooj is currently heading HR and Corporate Communications at Nishat Chunian Limited (NCL), one of Pakistan’s largest textile exporters. In this role, she spearheads talent acquisition, organization development, compensation and benefits, and training and development functions. Ongoing initiatives that she is proud of include increasing diversity from 11% to 21% and incorporating HR automation through devising an Applicant Tracking System. Arooj also volunteers at Nishat High School, mentoring disadvantaged students.
Arooj sees the Humphrey Fellowship as an opportunity to expand her skillset and sustain the positive trajectory in HR development at NCL. During her program, she aims to deepen her understanding of using data and metrics in human capital decisions, apply a diversity lens to evaluate and design inclusive HR policies, and gain insights into creating an employee-centric culture. Her ultimate goal is to establish a joint venture with a U.S. funding agency to create a training institute that will offer advancement opportunities through subsidized trainings and international certifications.
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration - National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Lahore, Punjab 2011
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration - Kinnaird College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab 2010
Available to speak on topics including:
- HR's Changing Landscape in Pakistan
- Transforming HR Into a Strategic Business Partner
- Exploring Gender Imbalance in HR
- Managerial Communication Strategies for Success
Contact Arooj via email or LinkedIn.
Francis Stephen Nyonzo, Tanzania
Francis Stephen Nyonzo is an economist, author, and researcher who is interested in regional integrations, development economics, economics of crimes, digital economy, and behavioral economics. Francis Nyonzo is the Head of Content Management at JamiiForums, a Tanzania-based non-government organization that promotes and advocates transparency, accountability, good governance, civil rights, democracy, social justice, and digital rights. He has also been involved in empowering women in business through education on financial literacy.
As a Humphrey Fellow, Nyonzo aims to deepen his understanding of data science, behavioral economics, development economics and international economics in the African context; develop the analytical tools and frameworks to conduct rigorous research and policy analysis; and engage in policy advocacy and outreach efforts to promote informed policy debates on regional integrations. His ultimate goal is to become a recognized expert in international trade and economic development and be instrumental in advancing Tanzania’s interests in regional integrations.
- Master’s Degree in Economics - The Open University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2021
- Bachelor’s Degree in Economics - University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania 2016
Available to speak on topics including:
- Digital Economy
- Financial Economy
- Media Economy
- Development Economics
Contact Francis via email or LinkedIn.
Gulnara Ismailova, Azerbaijan
Gulnara Ismailova is an experienced changemaker who is passionate about enhancing social values through entrepreneurship. She has eight years of experience as the Program Manager of Education HUB, an innovative platform that brings together people who innovate in Azerbaijan society through socially responsible and sustainable initiatives. In this role, she leads learning and development programs, ensuring program quality and expanding youth programs. She is especially proud to have played a role in securing the partnership of the European Venture Philanthropy Association in 2021, which has cemented social entrepreneurship in the government agenda.
Gulnara’s Humphrey Fellowship goals include connecting with local social entrepreneurs as they apply business acumen and philanthropic principles to address social, cultural, and environmental challenges; researching the legal framework for social entrepreneurship in the U.S.; and gaining insights into establishing an impact fund that could bring sustainable access to finance. Gulnara is also interested in designing an entrepreneurial curriculum that she can implement in higher education. Her ultimate goal is to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Azerbaijan that empowers civil society, rural communities, and especially women.
- Bachelor’s Degree in International Economic Relations - Western University, Baku, Azerbaijan 2005
- Bachelor/Master’s Degree in Political Science, Social and Politics Teaching - The Institute of Political Science and Management, Baku, Azerbaijan 1996
Available to speak on topics including:
- Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development: Azerbaijan Case
- Strengthening Entrepreneurship Among Internally Displaced Women in Azerbaijan
- Art as an Effective Tool for Community Development
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s and Men’s Lives in Azerbaijan
Contact Gulnara via email or LinkedIn.
Hadjer Neggaz, Algeria
Hadjer Neggaz is a solution-oriented leader, communicator, and trainer whose passion is to empower the youth of Algeria. Throughout her career, she has focused on equipping Algerian youth with the skills necessary to contribute to national development. Hadjer Neggaz currently serves as Senior Employment Specialist of World Learning Algeria, an international NGO based in Algeria, where, over the last two years, she has trained more than 300 trainers in 21st century skills and coordinated with local partners in 40 provinces within Algeria. Her professional interests include climate change, sustainable development, capacities development, and entrepreneurship.
During her Humphrey Fellowship, Hadjer plans to develop a comprehensive action plan to support NGOs in the MENA region, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to foster sustainable economic growth. Ultimately, she aims to expand her influence within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing on economic development and youth empowerment.
- Master’s Degree in Architecture - Polytechnic School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Algiers, Algeria 2016
Available to speak on topics including:
- Youth Participation in The Workforce In Algeria
- From Education to Employment: Bridging the Skills Gap for Algerian Youth
- Amplifying Impact in Local Communities Through Professional Development
- Empowering Marginalized Youth Through Entrepreneurship
- Boosting Youth Employment and Economic Development Through Mediterranean Mobility
Contact Hadjer via email or LinkedIn.
Ju Yong Lee, South Korea
Ju Yong Lee is a legal expert and an experienced civil servant committed to working for the public good. Ju Yong Lee is a Deputy Director of the Fair Trade Commission, where he works to protect consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He has also been involved in the Consumer Policy Bureau protecting consumers from unfair contracts as well as the Subcontract Investigation Team investigating unfair behavior in subcontract trade. Previously, he served for four years as Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in communication safety.
Ju Yong sees the Humphrey Fellowship as an opportunity to evaluate Korean fair trade policy from a U.S. perspective and to advance his country’s competition policy. By meeting with experts from a variety of disciplines during his fellowship, Ju Yong aims to better understand the United States’ long history in competition law and identify superior areas that could be implemented in South Korea. His additional professional interests include learning how American competition policy is viewed by both the public and academia in America.
- Juris Doctor - University of Seoul, South Korea 2017
- Master’s Degree in Law - Kyonggi University, South Korea 2012
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law – Korea University, South Korea 2009
Available to speak on topics including:
- Economic Development History of Korea
- Subcontracting Law of Korea
- Consumer Protection of Korea
- Korean E-Government
Contact Ju Yong via email or LinkedIn.
Kryssya Michaelle Sermeno Camacho, El Salvador
Kryssya Michaelle Sermeno Camacho is a versatile and people-oriented professional who views regulatory policy as an instrument for economic development. Currently a government and regulatory expert for a CAF-funded project in economic growth and digital transformation, Michaelle is committed to improving the quality of regulations, digitalizing permits, and promoting investment and innovation. Michaelle has extensive experience in regulatory policy, government, international cooperation, and leading politically sensitive projects. Her previous positions include serving as Manager at the Regulatory Improvement Agency and Technical Coordinator for its Fomilenio II program; Peace and Political Dialogue project leader with the UNDP; Legal Director of the Agency for Public Information and Data Protection; Senior Tax Consultant with Ernst & Young; and Judicial Counsel for the Supreme Court of Justice. Michaelle also advocates for mental health awareness and is registering a trademark for her own entrepreneurial venture focused on well-being and mindfulness.
During her Humphrey Fellowship, Michaelle is interested in exploring the intersection of regulatory design and behavioral economics and identifying new approaches for regulating highly sophisticated areas such as technology, AI, metaverse, and blockchain. She aims to promote a regulatory environment that fosters development by advising policymakers, training public servants, and teaching low-income students.
- Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democracy with Specialty in Political Processes - Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, Mexico City, Mexico 2023
- Master’s Degree in International Affairs: International Economy & Development - Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 2012
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law - Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University, San Salvador, El Salvador 2006
Available to speak on topics including:
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Regulatory policy and better regulation
Simplification of processes and digital transformation for government
Political dialogue and consensus building for public policy
Leadership and resilience as important tools to coordinate teams
Current challenges for administrative law in the Americas
Contact Michaelle via email or LinkedIn.
Mehran Khan, Pakistan
Mehran Khan is a civil servant with close to a decade of experience who believes strongly in documentation of the economy and financial inclusion. Mehran Khan is the Deputy Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Service, where he is responsible for tax collection, enforcement and administration of tax laws, and recovery of taxes due. In this role, he is involved in registering taxpayers through Point-of-Sale (POS) initiatives. By broadening and diversifying the tax base, Mehran is making a case for taxing new streams such as cryptocurrencies, ultimately leading to sustainable revenues. His efforts have played a role in incentivizing trade and investment, bringing about economic development.
Mehran’s Humphrey Fellowship goals include taking courses in economics, taxation of multinational trade, public policy, and management; sharpening his soft skills for community development; and engaging with U.S. counterparts at the Internal Revenue Service and local tax agencies. Ultimately, Mehran plans to leverage insights gained during his fellowship to design a comprehensive audit plan to detect tax evasion and fight tax crime, upgrade the POS system in Pakistan, and better position himself for future positions in senior management.
- Master’s Degree in Taxation Policy & Management - Keio University, Tokyo, Japan 2024
- Master’s Degree in Political Science - Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh 2018
- Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery - Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh 2013
- Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, English & Public Administration - Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh 2009
Available to speak on topics including:
- Taxation and Fiscal Policy Of Pakistan
- Civil Services & Bureaucracy as an Agent of Change: A South Asian Perspective
- The Paradigm of Economic Development Through Domestic Resource Mobilization (D.R.M)
- Informal Economy & Its Documentation
- Model Tax Administration - Cross-Country Comparisons
Contact Mehran via email or LinkedIn.
Samira Ousmane Mamoudou, Niger
Samira Ousmane Mamoudou is an award-winning social advocate and entrepreneur committed to the economic advancement of women and youth. Samira is the Executive Director of NigeriElles, an organization that promotes women's entrepreneurship, economic development, and leadership in Niger. She is responsible for creating, designing and implementing projects and programs for vocational training, job creation, financial education, digitalization, and sales and distribution of local women's products.
During the Humphrey Fellowship, Samira’s professional goals include sharpening her skills in social protection, especially financial inclusion for women and youth, learning from U.S. organizations best practices for developing her country’s social sector, and connecting with incubators and accelerators to envision how such programs could be replicated in Niger. She plans to leverage the knowledge and experience gained during her Humphrey Fellowship to create an economic empowerment system for women that offers flexible financing, provides professional training, and promotes market access for products. Additionally, Samira plans to be better equipped to lobby her government and international institutions to take meaningful action in favor of women in Niger.
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Management - Regent Business School, Durban, South Africa 2023
- Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management - Institute of Computer Sciences, Economics and Management, Niamey, Niger 2011
Available to speak on topics including:
- Women And Youth Entrepreneurship in Africa
- The Role of Cultural Exchange in Professional Growth
- Impacts of Religion on Women Economic Development
- Women Economic Development Through Agribusiness
- Digitalization and Financial Inclusion: Women Entrepreneurs in Africa
Contact Samira via email or LinkedIn.
Soethiri Thandar, Myanmar
Dr. Soethiri Thandar is an analytical leader dedicated to pioneering smart and green energy to foster growth and prosperity. With nearly 15 years at SolaRiseSys, a leading renewable energy company in Myanmar, Soethiri Thandar has served as Engineering Manager, Technical Director, Operations Director, and now Vice President of Business Operations. In her current role, she spearheads economic development initiatives in Myanmar’s energy sector. She is responsible for leading strategic planning, enhancing business efficiency, and overseeing the implementation of projects to achieve the company’s goals, driving sustainable development in Myanmar.
Her professional goals include researching the use of decentralized solar power solutions and their business-friendly environment in the U.S., exploring collaboration opportunities with stakeholders, and engaging with vocational education programs. Soethiri is also committed to learning about community betterment through responsible business practices, advancements in agricultural technology, and the digital economy. Ultimately, she aims to leverage the insights and skills gained from the Humphrey Fellowship to contribute significantly to Myanmar’s economic growth and sustainability.
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration - Swiss Business School, Zurich, Switzerland 2023
- Doctorate Degree in Engineering - Mandalay Technological University, Mandalay, Myanmar 2009
- Master’s Degree in Engineering - Yangon Technological University, Yangon, Myanmar 2007
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering - Mandalay Technological University, Mandalay, Myanmar 2005
Available to speak on topics including:
- Solar Energy Projects in Myanmar
- Clean Energy Initiatives in Myanmar
- Community Development Through Sustainable Practices
