My name is Awa Mamadou Traorè. I was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and currently live in Fort Worth, Texas. My family is originally from Bamako, Mali. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a Master’s degree in Health Promotion Management. My passion for this field began during a service-learning trip to Kampala, Uganda, with a nonprofit organization called KIHEFO. There, I witnessed the challenges underserved communities face in accessing quality healthcare, as well as the importance of health equity, program planning, and community outreach. One unforgettable moment was watching mothers hear their babies’ heartbeats for the first time a powerful reminder of why this work matters. I aspire to launch community-based health programs in Mali focused on youth education. By collaborating with educators and healthcare professionals, I hope to deliver interactive, hands-on workshops that equip young people with the knowledge and tools to make informed health decisions. https://youtu.be/Ii4ABSduhFw

Atemkeng Tazi is a passionate advocate for mental health equity, blending her educational journey and personal experiences to uplift others. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services with a concentration in Healthcare from St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Atem is currently in medical school, having completed her basic sciences and preparing to take the NBME comprehensive exam soon. Her platform, “Compassionate Classrooms,” focuses on expanding mental health education in Africa and the diaspora and will launch at NEPAA International School, her family’s school in Cameroon. Atem also helps operate her family’s agency supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, a business that will celebrate 20 years of service next year. Having a brother with Spina Bifida, Atem has spent her entire life navigating the world of caregiving and advocacy, which feels like second nature to her. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Atem is excited to represent her country on the Miss Africa USA stage and show how Compassionate Classrooms can expand the educational experience in Cameroon and the diaspora. https://youtu.be/8CSiY93ujIU

Born and raised in New York City to Malian and Chadian immigrants, I carry a global perspective shaped by resilience, a deep love for culture, and purpose. A proud 2023 graduate of Boston College, where I earned a B.A. in Political Science and African Diaspora Studies, I am now an incoming first-year law student dedicated to using my legal education to build a more just and equitable society. My deepest passion is advocating for African women and girls, especially in my home region of the Sahel. I aspire to be a bridge between policy and people and between tradition and progress. At the intersection of advocacy, education, and legal reform lies a powerful future for the African continent championed by women and girls.